BC Trip - Last Leg

Our ferry ride back wasn't quite as enjoyable weather wise. We still spent some time on the deck, making the girls laugh as we ran out into the wind and then back to shelter again.

Daddy & Catherine braving the wind

Mommy & Sonya looking wind blown

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A typical look into the insides of the mini-van. It may appear tidy at first glance, but we brought MUCHO STUFF. Next time we make the trip, we should be down by one playpen and one set of diapers.

One of Mommy's places to sit

Daddy's assigned seat

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Needing to burn some of Catherine's energy, we took walks around Hanny & Arnt's place. There were some lovely paths and beautiful gardens to explore. Although we'd never move, BC has some powerful draws. What can I say besides we love our greenery. Though Robyn can't claim watering the plants at home, she sure likes looking at them.

Sonya loving the Bjorn - as always

Strolling along

A flower from Hanny

Not sure, trying a replant?

Having a swinging good time - sorry, had to be said

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Another nice visit with Marijke

Marijke & Sonya

More Marijke & Sonya

Marijke & Glen on Hanny & Arnt's deck

A horticulturist in the making? Probably not, she's a picker

A sweet smile before.....

Catherine took a much needed nap - she hasn't fallen asleep on anyone for quite awhile. Mommy savoured it

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Hanny & Sonya

Veronica (Glen's cousin just back from Norway) & Sonya. We appreciate the effort everyone made to visit despite the huge time difference and long flight

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We also had a nice visit with Steve, an old university friend of Glen's parents. We had a nice lunch at Red Robins (choice made for kid screaming purposes). We then drove to a lovely park called Burnaby Mountain Park (I think).

Steve & Glen

Catherine loved this sign. We had to pull her away or we'd still be standing there

You won't see any greenery like this in Calgary. :(

On to the next distraction

Round & Round

An attempt to get Catherine to smell some lovely roses

Steve, Glen & Sonya

Happy group

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Last day, and one last cuddle with Hanny - Thanks again for letting us stay with you!

Tigh-Na-Mara - Late Days

Mid-trip, Glen's aunt Veronica drove down to visit from Campbell River to meet little Sonya. She arrived while the girls were having their nap, so we talked outside on the patio and perused through the lovely gifts she'd brought down for the girls.

Once the girls were awake, we drove into town and had a really nice sushi dinner (surprise, surprise) at a Restaurant called Sam's Sushi (the same place we ate last year on a similar visit). After a lovely meal, we drove back to our cottage to talk a little more. The visit ended too soon for our taste, but we do appreciate the four hours in total she drove to visit with our family.

Sonya & Veronica meeting for the first time

Veronica & Catherine - who is modeling the lovely sweater from her Great Aunt

Glen & Veronica

Mommy & Sonya

Catherine & Daddy

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That evening, after Veronica left for home, we walked down to the beach. Our cottage was not even a minute walk from this path. This place is wonderful, no matter what the weather. I'm sure we will return, if not next year, then the following.

Catherine & Daddy

Next step - log rolling!

Daddy & Catherine

Lovely view - looking right

Blocking the view

Looking left

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Long ago, in the before time, (and when Robyn's grandparents still lived in Parksville, only a five minute drive from the Tigh-Na-Mara) her family used to visit the area nearly every year. During one of those trips, we spent time at Parksville Beach. It had, and still has, a lovely beach and a massive playground for young kids. Since the sun didn't cooperate much, we spent a few evenings at this park.

Daddy & Sonya

Catherine telling us that the beach just doesn't compete with the playground - See ya!

Sonya enjoying the grass

Sonya crawling all over mommy

Daddy letting Catherine try the zip line

Climbing up

Hold on tight

"This is fun," she said.

Tigh-Na-Mara - Early Days

The last few years, our family has stayed at a lovely spot just out of Parksville on Vancouver Island called the Tigh-Na-mara Resort and Spa. For about 5 days, we enjoy walking/chasing the girls along the beach, swimming in the pool and spending time in a fully equipped cottage. This year, the weather wasn't quite on our side. We had one really nice day where the girls sat, ran, splashed and laughed along a shallow stretch of beach. Though it didn't rain much, most days were slightly overcast and cold. The sun might pop her head out to say "Hi" for an hour or so, but not long enough to change the girls and get down to the beach. Last year the weather was slightly more cooperative. We still filled our days with fun and excitement. Little rest for mom and dad but it was worth the effort.

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We caught the noon ferry from Tsawwassen, ate a delicious though slightly overpriced lunch, and spent the remainder of our two hours running around the deck.

Catherine feeding daddy some fries with ketchup (none on her fries though....yucky!)

Sonya taking a happy stroll. Love the expression

Catherine learning about safety protocol

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The following pictures are from the only day we were able to put on bathing suits and truly enjoy the ocean. All others involved long pants and sweaters. This beach is fabulous for youngsters. Once the tide goes out, it leaves kilometers wide stretch of small pools and soft sand. Perfect for little feet wanting to run and fingers yearning to explore and touch.

Sonya testing her surroundings

WOOOOOPPPPPEEEEE!

What is this strange substance? Do I like it?

You bet I do!

Splish Splash. Another fun thing!

Catherine taking daddy through the millionth run through a tide pool

Playing together, kind of. Catherine also learning about sushi basics.

Ewwwww.... daddy what's d'at?

You know Sonya, there is some fun to this splashing thing

Sonya making a run for it. Hard to escape though

Daddy pausing for a cuddle session with Sonya

Catherine loving life. No pause possible here

Mommy with her girls. (Catherine wouldn't stand still)

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After a nap, we ventured back down to the beach but remained on the shoreline because the tide had come in. Neither girl was brave enough to do any actual swimming in the ocean. The warm sand sure was fun though.

Daddy making the sand castle

Catherine telling him to do it again

Sonya taking a break from digging

Ahhhh..... sitting time

A better picture with mommy & her girls

Catherine burying herself

Daddy & Sonya