Canada Trip

Last month (August) we took a trip up to Canada, to Whistler and then to Victoria.  Jeff and I had been to Whistler once before about 7 years ago, before we had kids.  It was a fun place to visit then, and it was really fun to visit it again, now with kids.  Jeff's parents went with us too, and it was neat to share this experience with them as well.  One of the things I think is cool about Whistler, is all of the Olympic items that are left over from the 2010 Vancouver games.  And maybe it was even more interesting because the summer olympics were drawing to a close as were there.  But there is so much to do in Whistler.  We rode bikes, went on hikes, rode the gondola, went swimming, did some shopping and sightseeing.  Being there for only a few days, we felt like we could have spent more time there and still had a lot of fun.  Then it was on to Victoria for a few days.  That's always fun because we get to ride the ferry.  The boys loved the ferry and thought that was so neat.  In Victoria we are right there on the water.  There are boats to watch, seaplanes taking off, cruise ships docking.  There are playgrounds, biking paths, and the list goes on and on.  Overall, we had a great trip and I would love to go back someday.

Checking out the Peak to Peak Gondola

The Olympic Rings

On a Hike

The Ferry Crossing

Group In Front of the Empress

A Golf Lesson

Camping 2012

A few weekends ago we went camping with our friends Donald and Ruth and their 3 kids.  We went to a place called Florence, OR, along the coast.  It is a really pretty spot, with the campsite not being too dirty.  I guess the one thing we had to contend with this year was the mosquitoes, but other than that, things were really great.  The weather was warm, which is nice.  I can handle a lot of things while camping, but I really have a hard time if it's cold, especially at night.  The camping location also was next to a small lake.  Donald has a canoe that we were able to take out and enjoy.  We also were about a mile and a half walk from the beach.  On Saturday afternoon, we decided to walk there, thinking it would be fun to play on the beach.  However, it was very windy and rather chilly, so we didn't stay long and quickly returned back to our campsite. 

The food is always one of my favorite parts of camping.  Donald and Ruth bought a camping stove this year, which was fun to use.  We made cinnamon rolls one morning.  And of course there are smores and lots of yummy snacks to eat while camping too. 

This year was the first year for Simon to use a sleeping bag.  He did pretty well and stayed warm, which is good.  The second night he woke up crying, I think scared because he was unsure of his surroundings.  But once he figured out he was safe, he was okay. 

The kids had such a fun time playing.  They get along well, which is wonderful.  They love to run around the bushes, playing make believe games.  They also entertained themselves with bikes and bubbles. 

We've only managed to go camping once a summer the past few summers.  Perhaps we'll be able to do more as Jeff's schedule gets easier and the boys get older.  But for now, we can say we went, and we had a great time!

Eating Lunch

Baby Tyler

Canoe Rides

Daniel & Natalie

Bubbles!

Digging for lost treasure

Sam got buried

Simon is 2!

I can't believe my baby turns 2 today.  It has been difficult at times watching him grow, knowing he's my last baby to go through the various stages.  I vividly remember a time when he was about 7 months old.  I was giving him his bottle, right before bedtime.  He often would grasp onto my finger with his little fist when I was feeding him.  That night he seemed to hold on tight, like he would never let go.  His eyelids closed and he began to drift to sleep, but I just wanted to hold him forever.  Now, even a few months later, I know these precious moments won't last forever.  He is growing more independent every day.  And while I'm thankful he is a healthy boy, growing up as he should, there are times when I wish I could freeze time and hold on to him just as he is.  I love you Simon!  Happy Birthday!

Minutes Old

1 Day Old

1 Month Old

1 Year Old

2 Years Old

Swim Lessons

The last couple of weeks, the boys took swim lessons.  I was really proud of how they did and the progress they made.  Here's a few pics of our eventful week!

Simon, ready to jump in

Simon & I

Sam, getting his floating in

Sam enjoyed his goggles

Daniel got his float down

Daniel had fun!

Daniel-A Look Back

I almost forgot I wanted to do this.  I think I did this for Sam...but I wanted to take a look back at Daniel through the years.  I know he's only 6 (what will this page look like 10 years from now?), but I wanted to post some pics of him growing older.  My biggest is growing up!

1 Day Old

1 Year

2 Years

3 Years

4 Years

5 Years

6 Years

Daniel's Party

Last Sunday was supposed to dawn warm and sunny and be in the high 80's.  Instead we woke up to rain and drizzle.  I was very disappointed because we were planning a swim party for Daniel's birthday and this wasn't in my plans.  As the day went on, the rain let up and eventually the sun came out a little.  It never got as warm as predicted, but it was warm enough to swim.  And so I think everyone still had a fun time.  We swam and ate and opened presents and ran around the yard.  It was fun to celebrate with some of Daniel's new friends he has met over the past year and to celebrate with some older friends as well.  Here's to turning 6!

Ready for Action

Cake!

 

Some for Simon

Presents!

 

A Resolution Update

Well, July marks halfway through the year.  I thought I would check in with my New Year's Resolutions.  Here they are again:

1.  Run in at least 5 races this year
2.  Make a new recipe each week
3.  Update this blog more than once a month

Starting with #1: I have run in 4 races.  My plan is to run in the Pints to Pasta run in September.  But I am waiting for the okay to really be back running again full time.  I'm optimistic that this will happen, but I don't have full control over this one, so I will have to wait and see.

#2: This resolution has been the most difficult.  Over the past 3 months, I was trying a new recipe each week, then every other week, then one a month, and now it's been a while.  I will still try a new recipe when I can.  But this one has definitely been my weakest link.

And #3: I have updated my blog more than I thought I would.  I think it has been close to once a week, although I've missed some here and there, especially when I'm gone a lot.  I've tried not to let it overwhelm me, and sometimes I just say a few words or post a couple of pics.  It seems to help to just keep the momentum going a little.

I hope you are all have a great summer!

Race #4, 1 more to go!