RCMP Sunset Retreat Ceremony

I finally took the kids to the RCMP Sunset Retreat Ceremony. RCMP stands for Royal Canadian Mounted Police, commonly known as "Mounties" and internally as "The Force." The RCMP are unique in the world, for they serve nationally, provincially, municipally, and even internationally. But no matter where they end up, they all train at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, in Regina, Saskatchewan.


The Safety Bear was popular with the kids!



Will with his RCMP hat




Marching band





Visiting pipe band




RCMP cadets




Cadets marching in front of the RCMP chapel, the oldest remaining building in Regina.




Cadets wheeling away the cannon



This is why they're called Mounties!





A more modern way for officers to get around




Flag lowering ceremony




At the RCMP Heritage Centre

Eric's first book has been published!

Eric's doctoral dissertation has been published as a book! It's called
Theophany and Chaoskampf: The Interpretation of Theophanic Imagery in the Baal Epic, Isaiah, and the Twelve and is part of the Ugaritic Series at Gorgias Press.

Camping in South Dakota with Grandpa Rich!

We drove to South Dakota to meet my Dad, and spend a fun week at Spokane Creek Campground. We had a lot of fun enjoying campground life, playing in the creek, swimming in the pool, and going for an ice cream cone at the camp store. We also explored the many attractions in the Black Hills!


Dad and Eric playing tetherball on the playground at Spokane Creek.




Kate on the swing




Will at the playground




The nearby town of Keystone




Kate and Eric on the 1880 train, an old train which runs from Keystone to Hill City



Will on the train



By the engine




Kate in the creek at the campground



Will on the rocks by the creek



We saw a herd of buffalo at the nearby Custer State Park--they came right up next to the car!




Dad and kids by the campfire



We took the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore




At Mount Rushmore!



A bit closer, taken on the Presidential Walk, a hike that takes visitors closer to Mount Rushmore, and features exhibits along the way.



The entrance to Wind Cave--we went on a cave tour, but fortunately, there is an easier way to get in! We learned that bats don't like Wind Cave, due to the windy entrance and the temperature, which is not low enough for hibernation.

For the Young Mother: Ministry, Guilt, and Seasons of Life

Here's a very encouraging article written by my mother-in-law, Jani Ortlund. I found it to be a great reminder!