Birthday Blessings

Yesterday I had the blessing of celebrating my birthday at Malibu. If you got a chance to read my Facebook post you would know that a darling little girl made me a special sign that read "it's my birthday, please buy me a latte or ice cream." I was surprised by how many people told me to get a latte and put it on their tab. Or I could have got a Frankenstein (really large ice cream sundae) with all of the cash people gave to me. Wow!! The kitchen cook and intern, Sharon and Stephen, went all out and made me an ice cream cake with oreo crust and fruit topping. It was delicious! I felt blessed.

Matt arranged for our new friend Emily to hang-out and watch movies with Madeline. Another dear friend and Kenmore Air pilot, Karen took Ryder in his first seaplane so that we could go on a date. We went and grabbed coffee at Hamilton's (more coffee!) and sat on the inner dock to unwind. It's hand's down one of my favorite places to be. The water is so still in the inlet. After our downtime we hiked up to Kanata Lodge and played two rounds of chess. With each of us having a win under our belt we rescued our helpers and put the kiddos to bed.

The Princess (Malibu Yacht) has whisked the men's campers away and we have a quiet week ahead of us. Looking forward to planting our hanging tomato plants, herb garden, and raised beds just in time for the summer growing season.

Wishing my sister, Jillian, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Julie

She sells seashells...

Yesterday was Maddie's big day as an entrepreneur. She made good friends with two darling sisters from Vancouver, Jessica and Alicia. She calls them "her girls!" Together they spent the morning collecting shells on the beach and making beaded bracelets. The "girls" Aunt Jan encouraged the little ladies to sell the shells they collected to raise money for children in Ethiopia. They made over $30 to purchase clean water for two children! Matt's suggestion of selling Otter Pops on boat day is starting to win me over.

Baring it all

I was wondering when it was going to happen. Maddie taking all of her clothes off that is. Well it happened today. After breakfast the kids and I set out for our morning work. We were given the task of planting some impatients - appropriately titled I thought! I taught Maddie how to break up the roots and dig with a trowel. She learned that the flowers need water, sun, and love to grow; just like we need those things to grow too. Ryder thought he would help water the flowers and spilled the watering can all over himself. As I washed up and cleaned the spill Maddie found herself in the outside shower rinsing off by the volleyball court. Of course she drenched herself and because it's sunny and warm outside she took the liberty to take it all off - all off!! This wouldn't be a problem in the privacy of our home but there were 20+ staff members watching her do this. This all coming off the heels of our friend Terri talking to the ladies about modesty during our morning meeting as 250 men are scheduled to arrive this afternoon for the weekend. What a hoot!!

Our morning left Maddie tired and wanting to go to the library and get the "Chipmunk" movie. Since there is no library on this remote location I said "well maybe we can find the chipmunks." Praise God that we actually get a bizillion channels on satellite here and low and behold we found the chipmunks - old school style that I'm use too. Who knew?!

We are headed out to lunch and a nap before the first camp comes this afternoon. The sun is shining down making the water look like a sea of diamonds, the mountains are snow capped and clear, and the rapids are quiet. A few yachts have come through to visit Chatterbox Falls and Sea planes are flying overhead. It's a great day and were looking forward to playing in the water and collecting shells this afternoon.

Thinking of you...
The Cyr's

Canucks Lose

Wow! What a great time we are having so far at Malibu Club. All of us are learning a lot and developing patience with one another as we go.

Matt has been hard at work getting the property ready for Men's Camp which arrives tomorrow. He accompanies us to breakfast and lunch and spends the rest of the day running around and working with property staff and summer interns to get the job done. There is a lot to do and everyone works around the clock to get it done. What a great group of people we get to serve with!

Julie is learning how to be more spontaneous and flexible with Maddie's natural curiosity and Ryder's love of structure. The two children couldn't be more opposite, but somehow it works. Yesterday it took 40 minutes to get from the dining hall back to our house (a 5 minute trek) because Maddie wanted to walk on every rock individually. She currently likes to "lead the way" and stops to talk with every person she sees. Ryder is now crawling and moving around. He likes to eat the sand (a big no-no!) and gets really excited about being in the high chair to eat new big boy foods. It's hard to believe he is 9 months already.

Ciscoe, our friendly feline, likes to think he is King of the house. He snuggles with us on the couch and especially favors sleeping on pillows. So far he has adjusted well to being a new member of our family. Thanks Nana for letting us keep him for the summer.

Last night we watched the Canucks loose - a disappointing blow to hockey fans up here. But the weather was incredible and we enjoyed time together as family going for a walk, playing on the playground, and watching Maddie ride "lightning" her new bicycle around the gym.

This morning the kids helped pick-up pinecones and pull weeds in the volleyball court - a task that earned Maddie an Otter Pop, a new favorite treat for her. We play on the beach, collect seashells, help where we can be of help, climb big rocks, and build sandcastles.

The water up here is smooth as glass and with sunny warm weather we are itching to get some early morning ski sessions in. Tonight we'll have fresh snapper that was caught yesterday. A little deck garden could be coming soon. Hoping to have pics soon.

The Cyr's

We made it!!

After a 4 am wake-up call, 8 hour car drive, 40 minute ferry boat, and 1 hr boat drive the Cyr family arrived at Malibu Club in beautiful British Columbia this evening. Phew!

In the last two weeks we have had the flu, colds, injury, last days of preschool, the Eugene marathon, packed up everything we own, said "goodbye" to Jackson our dog and friends and family and yet somehow our eyelids are still open. We aren't exactly sure how, but by the grace God gives us everyday to tackle life with zeal and verve.

Today marks the first day of our new adventure and we are so excited. Not only is it the first day of our time here at Malibu for summer 2010, but it was the first time it only took a minute and a half to cross the Canadian border - with a cat and a trailer attached we couldn't believe it! It was also a first day to try something new in the kitchen as our friend Sharon served us some dragon fruit - so tasty. Our kiddos were superstars through it all and we are so proud of them.

Much love to everyone following us in our adventure. We can't wait to share it with you!

XOXO,
The Cyr's

New Adventures

Mother's Day marks the beginning of a new adventure for our family. On Sunday we depart for a five month faith journey to support Matt as Guest Services Director at Young Life's premier resort camp located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

We look forward to a summer filled with early morning ski sessions, hikes up to Inspiration Point, and waking up every morning to wonderful waterfront views in our new home; TreeHouse. Follow us along in our new journey and check back regularly for posts, pictures, and updates. Pray for us as we navigate new waters with our children and represent Christ to both Student and Adult campers throughout the season.

We love our friends and family and thank you in advance for your support and encouragement!!!

Matt, Julie, Maddie, and Ryder Cyr

The Joy of Fall

Fall is our favorite season. Swirls of red, green, orange and yellow leaves dancing on Union St. Chai tea latte's from the Met and the use of pumpkin in every recipe from turkey chili to bundt cake to oatmeal can't be beat. We have been filled with Joy in our home these last two months, despite fighting off various forms of bugs and sickness. We hope you are enjoying the sights and smells this season offers. With that, an update from the family.

Madeline loves her preschool friends and teachers and looks forward to pointing out "my school" whenever we drive by. She has been successfully working on her potty training and loves wearing her princess panties. We might go through 5 pairs in a day, but only because she wants to wear a new princess at different times of day. It's as though princess beauty, belle, and ariel need equal wearing time!

Ryder is sleeping well and growing so fast. He loves to giggle and coo. He affectionately loves his mama and his mama loves her little angel. Already outgrowing his 3-6 month clothes Matt is hoping it will be a good predictor for a future in Gig Harbor Basketball.

Matt boldly tackled the Halloween pumpkin this year making Maddie a princess Jasmine masterpiece. With a little coaching and encouragement he created a beautiful pumpkin that we proudly displayed for many nights, candle and all.

Julie began training at the YMCA this month and loves being back at work in some capacity. She is starting up a mom's running group on the weekends in Tacoma to provide an opportunity for women to gather and participate in a social run with an opportunity to join up for coffee/brunch afterwards. And is happy to be experimenting with the wide variety of root vegetables that come in their CSA. Beet bundt cake anyone?!

Check back in soon. We love our family and friends and are Thankful for the many blessings in our lives. Our joy is made complete in the loving relationships we have.