Back in the Hood

  It feels like ages since Markus, Isaac, and I have had a weekend together in our house. First of all, we were living with my parents for a month while Markus renovated our bathroom. He worked so hard and did such an amazing job. After that, we were on vacation on Hornby Island, so this weekend was the first weekend we really had in our house without any plans. Don't you love weekends that have no plans? I relish them. It's so easy to over plan your life which I actually find a bit stressful. It's nice to allow for spontaneity and just going with the flow (somewhat against my personality). I also love that it gives you time to just enjoy your neighbourhood. Yesterday, we had one of those days. In the morning, we hit up the farmers' market and playground at Trout Lake. We bought some lovely local veggies and fruit. It was great seeing Markus's Pemberton neighbour, Anna Helmer, who runs Helmer's Organic Farm with her parents. We love their potatoes! Next we were off to the playground so Isaac could have a bit of a run around. I love the new playground design that seems to be in fashion now with the sand area. Usually there's some sort of water feature which is an Isaac magnet. True to his character, that's were we spent most of our time. After that, we were off to the off leash dog area for Gibson to have his run around while Isaac had a bit of a snack. So, all in all, everyone was happy.

Hornby Island Getaway

We just got back from a lovely week on Hornby Island with the Tschopp family. Hornby Island takes a bit of a journey to get to with three ferries, but once you are there, it's absolutely worth it. The beaches are amazing and the views stunning. Markus has lots of great childhood memories from yearly family vacations to the island. I'm so happy that we've started this tradition again with his family. This was our third year there and a special one because it was Isaac's first time. I feel like it is a real rarity to get a stretch of sunny, hot weather when you vacation on the coast, but this year we really lucked out. Everyday was spent at the beach. The water was so warm that it felt like a bath sometimes. We all came home each day covered in sand, exhausted, but very happy. You really couldn't ask for more in a vacation. Isaac had a great time playing with his older cousin, Roslyn. They both had fun playing chase and making farting noises on the leather couch. A friendship made in heaven.

The view from our place.

Helliwell Park. I can't get enough of this view. The contrast between the yellow grass and the blue water is stunning.

Hiking at Helliwell.

Beach baby. Enjoying the sun, sand, and water at Tribune Bay.

Smiles all around. :)

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Fortunately, there was no actual screaming involved in the eating of this yummy ice cream cone.

Love that Isaac and I both share a love of the water.

A sand stone footprint.

Dinner! Markus, his brother, and dad went fishing one day and although no fish were caught, they came home with some tasty prawns.

Stories with Grandma.

Thanks for a great vacation, John and Sharon. Till next time Hornby Island.

Like a Moth to a Flame

  It has become apparent that my son has an addiction and that addiction would be water. Whether it’s from the tap, creek, dog bowl, or puddle, he doesn’t discriminate, he loves it all. It’s a bit like a moth to a flame. It’s like he has a special water radar. No matter where we are, he is able to zero in on the nearest body of water, even if it’s a small spill on the floor, and make a bee-line straight for it. Once there, he may decide to stomp his feet in it, splash it with his hands, or get down on his hands and knees, butt in the air, and drink from it. I try to prevent him from drinking out of puddles and the dog bowl, but sometimes it is impossible. From his older cousin, he learned to put his face entirely in the water while playing with the water table. This has now progressed to making bubbles in the bath. I can’t help but be proud of that knowing that he’s already passed a skill in swimming lessons. I also have an affinity for water and love that Isaac shares this with me, but sometimes, I just want to get through the day without 3-4 changes of water logged clothes. I now know what it feels like when moms say, “My life has become laundry”. Yup, been there done that.

At John Lawson Park in West Vancouver. Best water park ever.

Look at that smile. Sitting in muddy water and never happier.

Ahhhh