Merry Christmas Derek

Derek got a cars book in his bag. They each got a Lands End bag embroidered with their names.








Derek showing his "regular" McQueen which came in his stocking.












Derek opening a tub of cars from Grandpa.












The summation of Derek's dinner ... a roll.

Merry Christmas Kate

We four opened presents after waking up (the last was up about 715). It was just us till after breakfast, then Grandpa Joe came over for a bit, went home for nap time, and came back for supper. It made a nice quiet - pj wearing - day.




Kate got a dolly set from Grandpa - a newborn baby, a stroller, rocker and feeding chair. She held her from the moment she opened it until supper!












After Kate got the dolly, Grandpa kept asking to hold the doll. Kate would only agree if she was there too - such a protective mommy!










My cute girl!











Kate cuddling with daddy after supper.

Merry Christmas Eve

We decided to spend this christmas, and probably our last, here in Norman Wells. As a general rule we hate travelling this time of year, and with all the crazy weather, we're so glad we did!

Kate December 23 hanging out in front of the tree and presents. She insisted on changing her shirt part way through the photo shoot!

Derek is showing his favourite decoration. It is a ceramic pick up truck with a christmas tree - Auntie Jen made it for him a few years ago.

Kate is grabbing at the stars on the tree.

Every Christmas Eve Santa delivers presents to any family who sign up for a visit. Kate has been talking about seeing Santa since her last Santa melt-down, at the Legion. When he arrived she tried desperately to get close to him, but her own fears kept her away. She managed to get this close, but was shaking the whole time.

Derek's turn.

Derek didn't like the flash from my camera!

The tree after "Santa's" midnight visit.

Kate

Make a Smilebox greeting

New pics of Thing 1 and Thing 2

We dressed up for the open house / grand opening of the Woodland Children's Centre aka Norman Wells Early Childhood Society aka "Derek's School".






We were playing with the camera and decided to take a few pics.




Derek wouldn't let go of the toy sander, hence the thing in his hand - which in some pictures I took, were in his mouth.



Kate's dress isn't shown to it's full beauty; Auntie bought it for her birthday for an Easter dress...it's too pretty for words!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Summer....Fall....Winter

When summer comes to Norman Wells, it comes with a vengeance, spring doenst really exist, winter is there, then the river breaks and the barges start. Well summer heads out the same way.

We came home on August 6 and there was a tree on my street with yellow leaves - I had hope that it was really just too much sun that had faded the colour. But it happened. There are yellow leaves all over the place now. My husband and I realized that summer was nearing its end and we still hadnt been up to Jackfish...for those who don't know the Wells by its names, Jackfish is a small lake up in the mountain beside Norman Wells, you drive up a small road to get there, there are camp sites and a path down to the lake.

We dressed warmly because the wind was howling in town and we had originally intended to go for a walk, but it was so windy we decided to go for a drive instead. We ended up turning up Jackfish road, and only saw one car en route, it's a small road and we pulled over to the side to pass this vehicle. We also saw a few snow flakes, which was shocking because today is the 30th of AUGUST.

We arrived at the campsite, got out and played with the swings and slide. Thing One was getting cold hands, so I went back over to the van and got his gloves. When I got there, I called my husband and gave him the bad news. I found a flat tire. So in the cold temperature, on the slant we were parked on, on the muddy ground from 3 weeks of rain...he had to change a tire. Luckily an ENR guy happened by with his family, helped get the tire changed and followed us back to town.

..what a day.

On the road - Day 15-19

We had a quiet night in Golden, stopped by Greyhound to pick up the items we forgot in Armstrong which Gma H & Papa D sent to us overnight. Then we went to Smitty's for bkfst... the slowest place I have ever eaten....ever. We were finally back on the road at 10:50 and headed east. We stopped at Field and played in the beautiful playground they have there.

We also stopped at the Spiral Tunnels, but sadly weren't there when a train was going through... Thing 1 would have loved that.

We stopped and took a drive through Banff, then had lunch in Camrose. We arrived in Calgary about 3 pm and found Auntie S's house quite easily. We hung out there for a bit and went for a walk for an hour. Then we went back out to the car to head to the mall, but visited with Uncle J for a bit then to the mall.

Day 16 started early for daddy ... Thing 2 was up early. At a decent hour we all were up and dressed and drove to the Brentwood Park n Ride. We got on the LRT and went to the Heritage Stn, took the bus up to Heritage Park. We rode around there for a while, had lunch at the Wainwright Hotel, went on a carousel and had a train ride. Thing 2 didn't survive the train ride, she was asleep before the next station. We did a bit of shopping then took the bus back to the LRT station and back to Brentwood. We went up to the Northlands mall and wandered Walmart for a while.

We had a quiet evening in Auntie S's back yard.

Day 17 put us back on the road. We drove to Olds and wandered around there, had lunch, went to Timmy's and on to Sundre. We found Auntie S's other house easily too, it had been quite a few years since I'd been there, but whoo hoo me, my memory still works. We arrived just as the Mayfield's were finishing lunch and stayed till just before supper dessert. It was after dark and Thing 1 was asleep before we got back to Calgary.

Day 18 was zoo day! We took the LRT to the zoo...big mistake, they had the city centre line down for maintenance so we had to transfer at Summerside onto a bus (crowded!) to Centre street station, then onto the NE LRT and to the zoo...then the same return. We left the zoo just as the thunder started and hid in the shelter waiting for the train to avoid the rain. Thing 2 fell asleep on the bus. She awoke at Brentwood and we went to the mall for one final time in Calgary.

Day 19 is today. Finally we have internet access again! Today was packing day, we got everything into the car (eventually...yikes maybe too much mall) and headed north. We stopped in Red Deer for lunch then continued on to Lacombe...which we liked...Ponoka...not as much... Camrose..we liked - we went to Timmy's then to the park there. Then on to Edmonton. We are currently resting and refereeing in our hotel room in Edmonton.

Photos

Derek and Kate

Derek Kate and Zach in Winfield



Derek with Grandma Helen and Papa Dana












Joe in Revelstoke.











Kate and Derek at Roger's Pass.

On the Road - day 14

It's funny, how on days when I think I'll get up early, I sleep in instead....I was awoken this morning at 845...I never sleep till 845...which when you want to get on the road by 10 means you need to boogie.

Try telling that to my kids ... yeah right. Thing 2 was not interested in daddy dressing her, nor in getting dressed in general actually. Finally we are on the road...and actually at the hoped for time. Leaving Armstrong ...bye mommy :( ...leaving Enderby...where hubby realizes he forgot his other shoes in Armstrong...but on we go...leaving Grindrod...leaving Mara...leaving Sicamous. Trans Canada here we are...on to Revelstoke. We arrive, play in the park, wait for dad...phone mom to check on dad...and I'm told I forgot my bathroom bag in Armstrong...yikes...finally there's dad...whom I hit up to put my bag on the Greyhound for Golden tonight.

We had a nice lunch with Dad (aka Papa Dana) then continued en route for Golden. We stopped at Rogers Pass (rain of course) and arrived in Golden around 330 bc time...somehow we missed the sign to change our clocks so actually arrived about 4 30. We ...after a small detour... found our hotel and checked in. It's a nice enough sized room, with a small table for 2, 2 beds and a bathroom...and a bar fridge.

We went to the attached restaurant for supper with two friends from home. Pud and Chris left the Wells over 2 years ago and never got to meet Thing 2...Thing 1 was younger than Thing 2 is now last time we saw them. It was so nice to visit, I've missed seeing them, unfortunately 2 kids after travelling are not a whole lot of fun in a restaurant.

It is now 1025 Mountain time and Thing 1 is about to drive me crazy by not sleeping still. Well at least its a short drive to Calgary.

In Pictures

Katie and Grandma walking down the hill on Friday after supper.









Finally Joe was at the beach on Okanagan Lake









Our time at the cottage......sans children!









At the cottage.












me.









We three at Kal Beach.








Kate at the beach.











Derek at the beach.

On the Road - day 13

Busy day. I love to visit while on holidays, mostly with family, and I normally have 6 weeks to see everyone and get really good visits in. But this trip gives me 8days in Armstrong...so its a bit of a mad rush to see everyone.

So this morning we took the kids to Memorial Park, and invited Gigi to join us. The kids played and ran in the pebbles on grass while hubby visited with Gigi. Then we drove Gigi home and headed for Vernon. Hubby had errands to run at the mall and the kidlets and I went to Gma May and Gpa Field's house for a visit and lunch. We stayed until 1245 to go meet daddy then returned to Armstrong for naps. I was awoken by Gma H to say call Auntie C. We then got Thing 2 up from her nap and back into the car to drive to Winfield to go to the park with Auntie and the kids, then we went to Timmy's for a drink then on to home.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to Auntie C, it's really hard to leave, but I love coming down to see them....sigh.

When we got back to Armstrong, Papa D started up the lawn mower "tractor" and took the kids for a ride down and back up the driveway! lots of fun.

On the Road - day 12

I awoke to the quiet this morning....why is it so quiet...right cause my children are absent...we left them with Gma H and Papa D...whoo hoo!

We decided to not bring groceries for the morning, but just to drive to Vernon and have breakfast. While there Gma H called to see what our plans were. We arranged to have her bring the kids to us with their beach attire. So off to Kal Beach we went. My plan was to watch daddy play with the kids on the shore while I lazed under a tree in my sundress...that didnt happen, I was in the h2o with Thing 2 for quite a while...which resulted in quite a burn...again...sigh.

We stayed there until about 130, had lunch and returned to Armstrong.

About 530 Gma H and I headed to Vernon to meet a friend of hers for supper at Wrap Zone then head for a movie. I've never been to a Wrap Zone before this, I assumed it was similar to Subway, but I was wrong...the music has a dance club feel, the colours scream coffee house, and most of the wraps have rice. I went with a nice safe Ace of Clubz and a coke. Then off to the movie we went. I will acknowledge that I have been to the theatre twice this trip and both times to see Mamma Mia! however, totally worth it. I have been singing Honey Honey since the last time.

When I got home daddy said the kidlets had been great, had a great bath, no troubles...darn kids, why not for me??

On the Road - day 11

Day 11....this is the day I have been waiting for. We have been planning this trip for a while, but this was the day I have been waiting for.

It starts off as any other day, we got up, had breakfast, went to church...a lovely start to a Sunday. It was the Feast of St James, so there was a luncheon after services. Very nice.

Then it happened, our children went down for quiet time...and we ran, we ran as fast as our Toyota Hybrid would take us...and if you know me, that's pretty darn fast.

We ran away to the cottage, we ran away without our children!!!

The Mayfield clan has had the cottage property since the 60s ? They built the cottage per se in 1975...which I know due to an unfortunate story involving me which led to my teenage uncle sitting on a bee...My hubby and I went out there for a mini honeymoon 5 years ago, and that was the last time he was there before this trip.

It is quiet, there is no cable, no phone, no internet...there are neighbours and running water ... or else I couldnt go. We went down to the lake, and Joe got to finally go the beach ...TG no more whining about the beach:)

And we never returned....well not today at least.

On the Road - day 10

Saturday is a nice relaxing day...isn't it?

We were up, however it turns out Thing 2 was up way way before us...like midnight, poor Papa D and Gma H.

We went for a later than expected breakfast at a local restaurant. Then Gma H took Thing 1 for a haircut (again), while I took Thing 2, daddy and Papa D to the Farmer's Market. It was nice walking around, I thought Thing 2 might fall asleep in the stroller though.

We returned Papa D to the house and headed for Vernon, met up with Gma H and Thing 1 and watched her buy him a combine harvester...yeah Wheezy :)

We continued en route to Kelowna...so much for 10 am en route, it was about 1130... ah well, at least Thing 2 was sleeping. We met up with Auntie C sans family to get my glasses fixed then walked to Orchard Park. I have permanently swollen fingers so my rings need an adjustment, so we stopped to get that done, and wandered the mall. We drove to Westbank and picked up Mickey D's to eat at the house...darn restaurant screwed up our order for the 3rd time this trip. Uncle G went to do some work and was gone for a while, Daddy was busy watching a sleeping Thing 1 while I visited with Auntie C and Thing 2 played with Z...which was nice to watch.

After Uncle G returned he took Daddy down to the pub with his friend and we picked him up about 730 en route to Armstrong. We arrived back in Armstrong about 915, so it was a short good night with Gma H and Papa D before bed.

Tomorrow is another day.

On the Road - day 9

Friday started off as a usual day. We had kids up early, fed and dressed in order to be off and on our way to Vernon for my 930 hair appointment. I know all the Norman Wells ladies are jealous, I got to go see an actual hair dresser! However, due to the lack of anyone to maintain it, I went with just a trim. My husband and children went to the barber across the street, so Thing 1 could stop being a mop top and look like a nice little boy. Apparently he did great until he sat in the chair, then the toy flew and the attitude appeared.

We decided to stay and have lunch in the mall so we wandered and wandered until lunch then headed for Armstrong. Thing 2 fell asleep en route, but was awoken by Thing 1 while daddy surveyed the bakery. I tried to put Thing 2 down for a nap again, and daddy took Thing 1 to the park. However, I was the only one who slept.

For supper we went to the chinese food restaurant we always go to and ate with Gigi, Gma May and Gpa Field. It was nice except Papa D was expiring after a very long very hot week of work, so he went home early. When I returned for my boys, I stood and talked to Gpa Field for a while and found out that Thing 1 remembered losing a ball in Gpa Field's yard back in September.

It was a quiet night except for the fact that Thing 1 and Thing 2 were very tired by bedtime. Good night all.

Day 7 and 8 in pictures

Kate and Derek out for a walk at Killiney. Day 7.

Uncle Brian playing airplane with the kids. Uncle Brian did a great job playing with the boys, it was hilarious watching him chase Derek around!
Papa Dana. day 8.
Uncle Greg, Zach, Derek.
The boys playing Train.
Grandma Helen and Ian.
Lauren with me....my only niece!

On the Road - day 8

Our days in the Okanagan continue. Our beautiful sunshine returned.

Today was my day. One thing I love to do when I'm out is get photos done. I had to do some fast talking but I managed to convince 5 adults to bring 6 children to Walmart to get photos done. And they did great! The first photo we took was my package. We took a few more of the 6 plus the 2 babies plus my 2 monkeys....unfortunately we have to wait until mid-August for our pictures to be returned.

Once we were done at Walmart we drove to Davidson's Orchard. What a great spot. I took the kids last year with Gma May and Gpa Field and had a great time, last time we spent most of our time in the petting area, this time I didnt make it to the petting area, we played in the playground, went into the shop and went for a tractor ride (I was an apple riding in an apple cart). Thing 1 had a fabulous time (so did 2 but 1 loves tractors!).

We drove around with just Thing 2, Gma took Thing 1 in the car with her. When we arrived back at the house Aunties and Uncles and Cousins were all there before us. We had a short visit then Gigi and G-Auntie and G-Uncle arrived too. We had 11 adults and 6 kids for supper (and boy were they tasty lol) Uncle G bbqd chicken and smokies, plus salads, veggies and buns made a great and easy dinner. We ate early so the entourage could head out before too late. I hadn't seen G-Auntie and G-Uncle in ages so it was nice to see them.

It was such a hot day I feel like I'm melting and might just go to bed when Thing 1 and Thing 2 do.

Goodnight all :)

On the Road - day 7 - the Okanagan

From the depths of my sleep I heard what I thought were tiny feet coming down the stairs to the main floor, I had visions of Thing 1 being lost and sad and looking for mom, so I awoke, and went up to the main floor...imagine my surprise when all there was to be found was Grandpa watching a Wesley Snipes movie at 6:30 am....but now I'm up.

Everyone else joined us about 7:30 and we fed and dressed the kids, packed the car and headed for the beach...I have been having visions of lazing on the beach in the sand while my children play so nicely with their cousins...well hello reality. It was raining. We had 5 adults and 6 kids in a 2 bedroom 600 square foot cottage. We stayed there about an hour then braved the clouds to take 5 kids for a walk to the end of the block then played in the driveway. Auntie had brought paper airplanes to make (biplanes) and it was a big hit. Uncle and Daddy stayed at the cottage and bbqd hot dogs, we had lunch (including a huge platter of fruit) then said our goodbyes. We hadn't even gotten to Westside Road when Thing 2 passed out in her chair.

Thing 1 however never fell asleep, which would later prove to be a problem.

We all returned to G&G's house and mom ran away to see the dentist. I love my time at the dentist, nice clean teeth, no cavities and nobody asking me for anything but to open my mouth wider:)

After the dentist I went to the dollar store then drove around with the family for a bit. We returned to the house a bit after 5 and Gpa was cooking up spaghetti for supper. Gma returned with Gigi and I was able to see her pictures of Saskatchewan and the clan there.

Daddy put Thing 1 and Thing 2 to bed while I ran Gigi back to her place and I again left Daddy when Gma and I went to Vernon to pick up the hard working boy.

After all that driving, and then staying up watching "Angel Eyes" it was quite a late night for mummy.

On the Road - day 6

And here it was. Tuesday morning. July 22. 8 years ago I wore a pretty red dress. I had my hair done up nice. I wore my still favorite shoes (if only I still owned them). All for my sister's wedding.

Today however, we checked out of our hotel (yikes 4 nights in a hotel is pricey). Then on the road...and down 3 blocks...whoo hoo! Breakfast at Mcdonalds. Then back on the road...to Agassiz (sp???) for gas - which for anyone keeping track is only our second fill this trip! Finally we're making time, and we did - gotta love the Coq, I was easily going 130 most of the way. Then a turn into Merritt for a drink and onto the connector.

We arrived into Westbank about 1130 (left hotel about 730) and arrived at my sister's house before she did. I finally found the key and let myself in to a very happy dog, she was so excited to see Auntie that she was bounding almost in full circles. I put the very happy but very large dog into her kennel before letting my dog fearing children into the house. We phoned mom to say we arrived safely and waited for my sister. ...who I was so thrilled to hug when she arrived 20 minutes after us.

Her kiddies (including my one and only niece) were sleeping in the truck so I went and helped bring them in. My 3 year old nephew whom I havent seen in 10 months said when asked if I could help him out of his seatbelt "sure", he showed me which buttons to push and let me carry him out, gave me a hug and told me all about his Diego shoes.

Once inside the house...where he was thrilled to see Thing 1...I stole my 10 month old niece... who mearly whimpered. I walked away from mummy and hugged her tight (but not too tight:). It was nice until mummy offered me something to drink and she saw mummy and auntie was not good enough any longer!

We had a nice visit over lunch, though the boys were too busy playing to eat. Then about 2 we headed back on the road. Thing 1 and 2 were sound asleep by Kelowna and Thing 1 didnt wake up until Vernon downtown, Thing 2 at the fruit stand when we stopped for daddy's cherries!

We arrived to Grandma and Grandpa's house and had a nice visit, the kids were a bit quiet around them at first, but had smiles. Then we had homemade pizza for supper and things were great by then. After playing outside with the excavator, dump truck, pond, wading pool and hose it was time for bath, movie and bed.

They were both so exhausted they passed out no trouble.

I however didnt stay to see that, I stole Grandpa's new truck and went for a drive. It's been a while since I drove a stick shift and did not too bad if I do say so myself!

Good night from Armstrong!!!
which as usual smells like manure downtown lol

On the Road - day 5

Monday was once again a beautiful sunny day. My sister in law's husband had to work, but she, along with the kids and my mother in law, met us at IHOP for breakfast. Seating for 7 is a bit of a wait. We had a nice breakfast, with the exception of the two oldest boys making mean faces at each other.

We drove to my sister in law's after breakfast and started doing some laundry. We had a nice visit in her dogless back yard before decided to go to the water park. I returned to the hotel for the bathing suits and back to the house to change the kids. 40 minutes later we arrived at the waterpark. Ironically, my kids don't really like the water. Thing 1 was convinced by dad to try it, but Thing 2 stayed in the playground instead. I enjoyed laying on the blanket on the grass...however the sun enjoyed my chest too much and now it is a lovely shade of pink.

Joe decided to buy himself a shirt (with his own silly quote) and had to go pick it up, so we decided to head for the mall around 1 to pick it up and have lunch. My sister in law and nephews joined us after checking on sleeping Nana. We rented a double mall stroller in the shape of a school bus and Joe had to wait for his shirt which wasn't done on time. We had a nice lunch then I took Thing 2 back to the hotel for her nap while Thing 1 and daddy hung around the mall then walked to Auntie's house.

Thing 2 slept late (430) then we went up to Auntie's house for a beautiful bbq steak dinner. Uncle Jeppy joined us and for the second time Thing 2 went right up for a hug!

We said our goodbyes, I yanked Uncle Jeppy in for a hug...yeah right you're getting away with a handshake...plech. Then back to the hotel to pack the car up for an early departure.

Thing 1 fell asleep on the drive to the hotel, but woke up once in the hotel, which meant a LATE night.

On the Road - day 4

Sunday morning was nice and quiet, we had a quiet breakfast in our room, then we drove over to his mom's apartment and I stayed to visit for a bit before leaving the entourage to head to St Matthew's Anglican Church. I went their once before - back in about 1991. It was nice to be in an Anglican communion again, but don't get me started on the sermon!

I returned to the apartment to pick everyone up and we drove over to his sister's house. She had been busy since the end of Mamma Mia. She had strawberries, pineapple and watermelon all cut up...she had made hashbrowns and bacon and sausages. She had the mix ready for waffles and had eggs on the go. It was a delicious buffet!

After lunch I took the kids back to the hotel for a nap, while they all went to the mall. After nap for thing 2 but not thing 1 we went to Walmart for a bit. Dad got a ride back from his brother in law and followed us into the parking lot. We wandered there and then decided that we were too full from brunch to go out for supper, we called and cancelled - which worked out for them too - and after I went swimming in the hotel pool - mostly alone, but part way through a man and his son came in - the man looked remarkably like Hugh Grant.

After swimming, we went to A&W for a light supper then Joe napped while the kids and I went to the playground again. Thing 1 was desperately sad that we didn't feed the ducks!

On the Road - day 3

Saturday arose to sunshine. My early rising husband had coffee at A&W then called his sister regarding breakfast...she had suggested we all eat together, but our kids are on NWT time still and were ready for breakfast at 7, her family was still in bed. We decided to go to Walmart and have McDonalds. We also decided to leave the car and walk...one thing I've noticed about the south is you drive your car somewhere and then walk there...I'm more used to Norman Wells where I walk to get places.

We had breakfast then told the kids we were going to walk around the store, but weren't buying anything...such liars we are...$50 later we left Walmart. We went back to the hotel and lazed around watching tv and playing. I dozed in front of the tv, then off we went to Auntie's house. We were there maybe 15 minutes and back in the car heading for Zellers. Which ironically means drive back to Sumas Way and turn south rather than north...Zellers is maybe 10 minutes from our hotel...I did contemplate driving for the border instead :)

We were at Zellers so Nana could buy the kids new shoes...for one of 2 reasons a) she buys the cousins things regularly and wanted to buy my kids something not from a catalogue or b) she thought they didn't have any shoes...which reason it is depends whom you ask.

Thing 1 got Cars shoes an outfit and a toy. Thing 2 got 2 pairs of shoes and 2 outfits. We took the kids home for naps after, only Thing 2 slept. We went back to Auntie's house a bit later and had pizza for supper with them...Auntie's downstairs relations have a dog ... a very cute sweet, excitable dog...Thing 2 decided to scream everytime said dog came within breathing range.

Uncle came by the hotel after our return and kiddies were very excited. Uncle used to live near us and we saw him infrequently, but they remember that and were very happy to see him...big hugs and smiles. Daddy and Uncle went for coffee until 9 when Daddy had to return cause I went to the movie with Auntie. We went and saw Mamma Mia! Very funny, entertaining!

We went to the late show, so it was after midnight when I returned to the hotel, but as all you mom's know that doesn't matter to Thing 1 and Thing 2...he decided to get up before 7!

On the Road - day 2

Friday morning I woke up in the beautiful quiet mountain town of Valemount. I felt very much at home...then I realized I could hear a train...wait, Norman Wells doesnt have train tracks...then I could hear a transport truck...wait I can hear transport trucks in Norman Wells, but not that many of them...right....I'M ON HOLIDAYS!!!!!

We had breakfast in the cabin, then packed up our stuff and stopped at A&W for the worst coffee I have ever paid money for. We continued on our way...stopping to double check we didn't forget the computer. We stopped only a few times, until Clearwater, then stopped for gas...we only had used 3/4 of a tank by then, and it only cost $65 to fill it.

We continued on to Kamloops and had Wendy's for lunch...well 3 of 4 did, Kate fell asleep on the outskirts of Kamloops...right about the time I stomped on the breaks since I was going 20 k over the speed limit and I saw an RCMP vehicle laying in wait, luckily he was generous and ignored me. When we got to Wendy's Joe stayed in the car and ate while Derek spent more time commenting on vehicles driving the #1 than he did eating.

We got back in the car and headed off for the Coquihalla. Other than a minor accident with the window we headed for Merritt with no major issues. We stopped in Merritt to strech our legs and look for a belt. We spent $15 in Extra Foods - no belt and $50 in Marks Work Wearhouse but at least this time got a belt ...lol

We had a minor detour to Princeton looking for a bathroom and arrived in Abbotsford about 4. However, Abbotsford proved tricky. We found Sumas Way no trouble, we could see the hotel no trouble...however, getting in the parking lot didnt work. Instead we were in the A&W parking lot...turn around, back north onto Sumas Way, thinking I'll do a square up South Fraser Way and around again, but no, South Fraser Way ends up in the same parking lot, just by the grocery store. After 5 lights we finally get around the corner heading south on Sumas Way and into the hotel after another detour...

We have stayed at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel before. The first weekend I met Joe in Abbotsford and met his family we stayed there. The second time was the night we got engaged ...New Years Eve 2001. This is the first time with the kids. We have a lovely 2 bed room. It is bigger than the one in Edmonton, but doenst have a balcony.

Joe called Jen right after we arrived, but I needed a rest before manouvering to find Jen's house. We arrived at Jen's about 530 and had a bbq supper. Derek was playing with the cousins right away, Kate took a bit to warm up. Max had a soccer game so Jen and Ben and Nana went with us to Mill Lake Park where we went to the playground then walked to the lake. Other than the crazies it was a nice time.

Then back to the hotel and an attempt at sleep.

Tomorrow is another day :)

Days 1-3 in photos

Derek and Kate at Ramada hotel first night







Shannon before leaving home

Derek at BC border

Joe Shannon and Kate at rest stop
Joe at Valemount cabin

Derek playing at park in Abbotsford