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 :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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
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.
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!
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!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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 :)
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 :)
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