Mt. Cheam Is Conquered By The Crew

What a fine day we picked to plan an epic hike trip up to the peak of Mt. Cheam.  Something I have only done once and over twenty-five years ago.  Sheesh.  When I say twenty-five years ago, that makes me sound old.  I'm actually just aging out of my young adult years.  At least that's what I'm telling myself:)

Anyways, we loaded up three pickups with a couple dogs, a bunch of kids ranging from 2-10, some young ladies,  a couple moms and a dad.  Then it was off we went high up into the mountains.  The 4x4 trip itself was fantastic but slow going with all the washouts every minute or so.  But, we finally made it to the start of our 9.5 km round trip adventure.

It was a day of perfection.  The sky was clear.  The conversations were rich and inspiring.  The energy of all the kids was exciting.  All the things that make a challenging climb like this one doable.

I was amazed at how great all ten of our kids did on this trek.  They climbed to the peak of this amazing mountain with no complaint which truly made me so proud of this crew.  I do have to say that by the end of the trek, I sure was running out of steam.  Carrying Ava to the top of this mountain proved as challenging as I thought it would be.  But, we made it.  And I took some time to scan the valley below and meditated on how blessed I am to have a healthy family to do this with and a great network of friends who are up for adventuring with me.

Our journey down the mountain was lightning speed faster than our climb up.  By the bottom, Ava fell asleep in the carrier.  Totally crazy considering how much bouncing around we were doing.  

As we made it to the very bottom, we met up with a dude on a mountain bike.  Of course I was curious, so I stopped him to chat a little about what his plans were.  I could hardly believe my ears  when he told me he was biking up to the peak.  Not only that, but he had biked all the way up from Bridal Falls, through Ryder Lake.  Who does that???!!  I was wildly impressed.

Interestingly, at church Sunday, this guy asks me, "Hey".  "Were you just on Mt. Cheam the other day?"  I looked at him and it clicked.  He was that guy!  The funny thing is that he was also inspired by us, the crew who climbed Mt. Cheam with a "whole crew" of kids. 

Chilliwack's Little Secret On The Eastern Hillsides

Have you heard?  It's really not meant to be a secret, but I believe that not enough people are 'in the know'.

Phase 1 of The Community Forest Park Project is mostly complete!  You may be asking, what on earth is this 'project' about.  Well, it is an amazing partnership between the City of Chilliwack and the Chilliwack Park Society working to convert 100 acres of under-utilized City owned land into a multi use community park.  Multi-use means that bikers, hikers and trail runners will all find some enjoyment out here on the trails. 

There are many volunteers of all ages who have been part of this well organized Society who have dedicated their time to break ground and build trails on the well forested Eastern Hillside of Chilliwack.  With shovels, axes and a variety of other tools requiring lots of sweat and physical work the trail has slowly taken shape one foot at a time.  The Society welcomes anyone willing to spare some time.  And... is looking for donations of a variety of items as the trails continue to be built over the next few years.  So, if you are interested in being part of some amazing history here, become a member!

Today, a few of us took part in a little tour of what has been completed.  Some fortunate people even got to explore further up to Phase 2.  Now this Phase really has me excited.  It will be more challenging than Phase 1, which is suited to people of all ages to enjoy, and will one day include a viewpoint.  This trail is not officially opened yet.  But, look for the Society of Facebook to get updates.  And... come out to work on Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 on the next planned build day.  You will enjoy the work and meeting some amazing people:)

I'm Thankful For... Our Adoption Is Finalized!

A little over a year ago we finally got to meet our 'new' kids on a short little visit.  Jonah who was five, almost six and his little sister Ava, who was eighteen-months. We knew very little about them other than their names and a short description of them.  And we had only 1 not so good picture of them. So, it was mostly a lot of mystery and a whole lot of faith that this would be a match made in heaven.

Our family waited for over 2 1/2 years for the adoption to go from application, education, many a meeting, health exams and a whole lot of waiting.  But... we were patient, believing that when we got that call telling us we were matched, we would be ready.

Peyton and Cayden were very much a part of the process, waiting to hear whether we would be adopting a boy or a girl.  Maybe even two.  Cayden hoped for Chinese and twins.  I'm really not sure where either of those came about.  He also hoped for a boy his age.  Which most definitely wouldn't happen considering we were open to children aged six and under. Peyton, she of course had a preference of a sister, but not other particular requests.

Both Peyton and Cayden got almost exactly what they had hoped for.  Amazing how that worked out! That day we were introduced to two very happy and giggly children.  Ava was new to walking and not talking yet.  But she took and instant liking to Jeremy and I and toddled her way book in hand over to sit in my lap.  Jonah, was very open, until a little while into the visit where he clearly stated he liked us, but was not going home with us.

On the second visit, we ventured to a nearby school and again got to see true happiness and childlike behaviours in Ava and Jonah.  Again, there was no talk of coming home with us.  But, we were mom and dad by name to these two.

Then came the third visit.  And this time it was an outing for ice cream. Jonah was certainly warming up to Jeremy.  He insisted that Jeremy sit in the middle of Ava and Jonah in the backseat of our very small Jetta.  And, like a good dad, Jeremy did.  Well, this propelled Jeremy very far in Jonah's book of favourite people and there was not talk that he wouldn't come home with us, one day.

This whole visiting process was very trying.  We had to leave Peyton and Cayden at home for the first two full weeks.  So, it was like we were trying to parent two sets of kids and this wasn't too fun.  Finally Jonah got brought out for a sleepover at our house, and got to meet these two mystery kids.
They all did hit it off, but Jonah did not want Jeremy and I to go too far.

Fast forward past the visits.  It was move in time.  And, it went off without a hitch for everyone.  We all quickly got adjusted to each other and looking back this past year, it was most definitely a match made in heaven.  All our kids act like siblings.

They are mostly friends, and sometimes need their own space. Cayden and Jonah have all the same interests, even though they are four years apart.  They play Wii, watch the same shows, play sports, beyblades and whatever else the rage is at the time.

Peyton and Ava are simply the cutest together.  They play pretend where Peyton is always the mom. And sometimes Ava is the dog.  They giggle and jump on the trampoline together.  They argue, colour and sing together.  You name it, they are together most times.

So, a year later, we are Thankful for adoption.  And what it has brought to our family.  A lot of noise. arguing and tears.  But even more of   a lot of love, laughter and family fun.  We feel complete.  Just like the McEachern family was meant to look like.

Not Asking Enough Questions Results In A Crazy Adventure

I have become a lover of hiking. And a dreamer of spending more time in the mountains.  All the short and local ones have been conquered.  I've been waiting patiently for the opportunity to join on something new.  So, Sunday I was asked by a fellow hiker to join on a Tuesday afternoon hike.

Now, Roxanna is an avid hiker and a fantastic photographer.  We have done a past overnight hike and I really was looking forward to joining her on another great adventure.  But the truth is... I failed to research. And, I failed to plan.  The result... a truly great story of exhaustion, wetness, pride, very steep inclines and declines and all kinds of things I can laugh at myself about forever.

However, I did do a couple things right.  I told my husband I was going on an afternoon hike and where he should pick the kids up for work.  I also packed enough water and some snacks.

Where did I fail?  To ask the difficulty of the hike.  The length of the hike. And why spikes, headlamps and walking sticks were on the list of things I should bring along. When bringing a headlamp.  Ensure it actually has batteries!  When bringing dry clothes, put them in a sealed bag so that they stay dry.  And I failed to tell my husband that I wouldn't be home until at least 10:30pm.

Needless to say.  The hike was hours long.  A 27% incline.  Not much of a view due to the clouds and rain.  Exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. Memorable and  with excellent camaraderie and conversation.  Only 3 other times in my life have I ever felt so physically exhausted.  So the moment I got home, I stumbled into the hot tub with a splash and reflected on the past few hours with a silly grin on my face.

After  the few things I did right and the many things that I should have done better, I am truly pumped at accomplishing a very difficult hike on a very wet day and having to use my iphone light to get me down the mountain the last stretch of the way. (Remember, no batteries in headlamp:( ) My life just wouldn't be the same with some memories of these kinds of adventures. Thanks to Amanda and Roxanna @intherivervalley for taking me along for the ride and keeping me encouraged all the way up and down that mountain.

I've got to mention Roxanna's In Reach was an excellent companion and comfort and something I highly recommend other thrill seekers invest in.

Life's A Beach: At Least For Now

Some families dream of spending 2 whole weeks camping on a beach with sisters, brothers, parents, nieces, nephews and other random guests along the way.  Okay. This could just as easily be many peoples nightmare.

But, in our case, it's mostly all good.  Along the way some blowups may happen over crazy random things. And not always is the argument between kids.  Sometimes us six siblings have a meltdown moment too and request a much needed timeout.  I got myself into one little tiff this time!  We do have a week left.  But... all quickly gets forgotten and we move on.  And that is what I am proud about our crazy and loud family.

This year has been exceptional.  Definitely the signs of the eleven grandchildren all growing up.  A few less tantrums and tears to invade our quiet beach or water relaxation space.  It keeps us adults that much happier and much less annoyed.

This beach front camping in Osoyoos, BC is a long 33 plus year tradition for the Boesterd clan.  And it shows no sign of slowing down.  Evening bike rides, late night card games, boating, kayaking, swimming, snacking, book reading, bottle collecting, Home Hardware visits, and lounging in the lake take up most of our time each day.  And it almost never gets tiring.

We've raided the pool at the resort above to escape the high winds, uninvited.  Late at night after enjoying some late night drinks and lots of quiet my brother and I have had heartfelt conversations.  The ones that don't happen in every day life. Some quality time burning candles in ears. Very random, but yes, it did help the hard of hearing to hear a tad better:)  We've spent time at the bottle depot sorting out $250.00 worth of bottles, courtesy of all the kids entrepreneurship adventures.  After dark bike trips to the Windmill for curing ice cream cravings.  Another beer stop, my most satisfying drink of choice on a hot day on the lake:)  We have some duck whisperer activities happen and some of the best times for everyone is after a "Marcy Visit".  And a whole lot of wonderful Sangria making!

It's 9:30 in the morning here, and my girls are still sleeping!  I've had my morning coffee, responded to some important emails, read a few chapters in a good book and all in utter peace.  Yes, life's a beach.

Whipperwhirl Wanderers

It was a very rare Ava and I kind of morning.  After a somewhat sleepless night, I kinda wanted to just hang out for a quiet morning at home just chilaxing.  Also very rare and treasured.

But, I knew I would have all kinds of regrets wasting this amazing morning with just the two of us, so shook off the lazytude and loaded up the back-pack and off the two of us went in search of a mini adventure.  Going off a few Club Tread recommendations we made our way out  in search of the Whipperwhirl/Sandy Beach trail on the West side of Harrison Lake.

Thankfully the directions we followed were perfect.  The length of time it should have taken us was bang on.  The route markers were as described.  The Sandy Beach was found.  The River was were it should have been.  Whew!  At one point I did wonder what the heck I was thinking doing this unknown trail on such a deadline. But... we managed to get back to pickup the other's with five minutes to spare even after a little photo shoot on the beach where Ava showed me some of her precious little growing up attitude:)

Legion Of Boom- Aka "The Boom Team"

I arrived at the field, parked and watched.  Carefully considering whether I should get out and join the team in front of me on the sidelines.  Or, stay sitting anonymously in 'the safe zone' of my vehicle.  See, I was asked if I would be interested in joining this Co-ed soccer team.  Almost completely full of people I didn't know.  Playing Co-ed would be a first for me and I was feeling a little lacking in confidence, especially after watching some very good soccer being played.

Finally, I got up some of my usual courage and casually walked over to stand beside those standing on the sidelines and quietly said hello.  The only two people I knew on the team were playing, so felt just a little out of place.   Awhile later Ravi came over and says, 'So, you playing with us?'  I could only nod and say yes.  So, the teams jersey and socks were thrown over to me and on the field I went to try to prove that I could fit in with the team.

I passed the test and officially became a member of the Legion of Boom team.  Or as my kids call it, "The Boom Team."   Most of my soccer play has been in the 'Over 30's Women's League and wow, what a difference.  The pace of the game, the passing, heading and everything else was so much more than I was used to.  And it was fantastic!  Certainly what I was looking for.

It took awhile for me to get to know this team.  And what a great mix of people.  Everyone was serious about playing great soccer and at the same time respectful of each other and encouraging.   We had a fantastic season, finishing in 3rd overall in our division.  Of course with the quality of players on The Boom Team, this shouldn't have been any surprise.

Our team had not just one great goalie, but two!  Jeremy and Dave M. both respectably made numbers of great saves, keeping us in every game.  With Chantelle's fantastic ability to bicycle kick the ball multiple times and getting it into the open almost every time.  Casey's coaching(yelling:) from the back line. Corey's amazing speed, ball control and his ability to get to the ball no matter where he was on the field.  My fellow defence ladies, Ashley, Nicole and Dee who all played so well protecting our goalies as we could.

Paula who made so many great crosses through the season and who brought her awesome parents to many a game to keep a watchful eye on the many kids.  Ravi and Dave who not only did a great job of managing the  team but played each position they needed to and with such grace:) Ryan could run for miles and who was such a solid but quiet presence.

The Witt sisters.  As many called them.  Jess and Jen.  Excellent players with many a goal and such great control of the play.  After a full season of trying to remember who was who, I finally came to the realization that I should just give up, like many others had and just call "Witt" and one of them would respond.  Lol.  And then there was sweet Alana.  Ever smiling and making many a great play from the front line.

Tournament weekend finally came!  And we were ready and excited to finish the season strong.  But wow! Was it ever a hot one.  Playing 4 games through that heat was challenging for sure.  Many great memories were made, great soccer played and lots of hard work.

One of my favourite memories was when Dave was running back to beat the ball that was going over his head.  Arms were flailing to give him some momentum, and he touched the ball 'accidentally'.  Resulting in yet another yellow card and awarding him a place on the sideline for the balance of game.  I still wonder if he was terribly unhappy about the call.  He did after all get an early start on the cold beers.

Even with Dave on the sideline, we did manage to win the game 3-2.  A fantastic shot from outside the box and just under the top of the goal by Witt.  And both Ravi and Casey took the ball all the way from mid-field and got shots off near the goal line earning them a goal.

In the 3rd game, not our finest start, I managed to cause one of the opposing players biggest guys to the  drop solidly to the ground.  This earned him a whole lot of laughter by his team mates.  While I walked away innocently and without a card.  We didn't win this one in the end. But we certainly turned the game around in the second half, finishing with a 3-1 loss.  Ryan earned himself a well deserved goal is this one after putting on so many miles throughout the tourney.

Dave M. and Jeremy had some kind of agreement that Jeremy would play goal for the final games of the tourney.  But Dave was on the hook to score a goal.  And that he did and in fine form in the final game.  He managed to score the games only goal giving us our third win and Jeremy played for the shut-out.

Thanks to the Legion of Boom for allowing me and my family to be part of the team.  And to Dave and Ravi who did a great job of building an engaged team and keeping us so well organized.  I owe my husband alot of gratitude for not giving me to hard of a time for being away at soccer for two to three nights a week.  To my kids who loved to come to each of my games and Peyton who always said, "good job mom."  Often they had no idea even the colour of the team we played against because they really just came to play and that was just fine by me. And last but certainly not least, thanks to Paula's mom and dad who came out to many a game to watch as well as keep an eye on all the kids while we focused on the game.