Home Away From Home

Growing up out Beaver Creek in Port Alberni was a great time in my life.  I loved being out in the country.  I was born in Southern Alberta and I remember being young and living on a Farm.  The outdoors, the freedom to roam, the animals and everything.  It was great.  We moved to White Rock from there and lived in the city for a while.  I think we drove my Mother mental.  Since then I am sure my parents endeavored to live in the country so my Mom could stay sane.  I loved our house, but I had a Home away from Home.

Brad and Donna Reynolds home down the way was that home away form Home.  I think my mom started babysitting their kids after school and then when she went back to work I was 14 and I started babysitting for them.  I think that is how it started.  They were on my paper route as well so I was by there everyday.  I am sure I drove them crazy as well.

Travis Reynolds

I spent sooo much time there.  It was great.  I felt like family.  I babysat for them and came over nearly every day.  Riding horses with the Kids was the best time.  I actually really miss it.

This pond is Molcasters Pond.  It is out beyond the Old McLean's Mill.

This was our favorite spot to go on summer evenings for a quick ride.  It was about an hour from the house back through some good trails.

Molcaster's pond

Travis

Amanda with Holly(6 months)

I thought it was great when we moved back to the Island when Holly was a baby and things came full circle.  Amanda did some babysitting for us and even gave Holly her first horseback ride.  Those kids are all grown up now and having kids of their own.  We keep in touch on occasion, but I miss those days.  I am grateful to the Reynolds family for including me in their lives.  These are treasured memories.

I have to put out a shout to Mark their youngest.  Sorry Mark I didn't have a pick of you in my collection.