In The Field: Orca's Island

            This time last week we were pawing through our camping gear and preparing for an island weekend- we were headed to Orca's Island in Washington State. This place has been on our Summer bucket list for the past two years- one of those places we keep meaning to visit and have yet to make time for. With some truly unseasonably warm and dry April weather we made a rather last minute decision to head out on an overnight adventure to the island.

           April on the West Coast is traditionally very wet, rainy and grey- this is not at all the case this year- I will admit I have been lulled into a false sense of Summertime! We all have faint tans starting to show- the sandals have been out for the past month or so and I can't remember the last time I dragged out the umbrella! That said I did manage to remember extra wool blankets- we are tenters after all!

         Orca's Island is situated just South of the 49th Parellel- making the boarder crossing our only real distance to cover. Hopping onto the Anacortes ferry which is only about a half hour from the actual boarder and setting sail towards the gorgeous San Juan Islands. As someone who is not Island bound the novelty of taking a ferry anywhere is still high on my list of favourite things to do- I love the disconnect a person gets as soon as the mainland fades away.

          While there are quite a few beautiful looking resorts and B& Bs to stay on we made our way to Moran State Park- which was quite unlike any state park we have camped in. Situated a little inland around two lakes the park is massive- I feel like we only experienced a very tiny slice of the beauty to be had. If you go be sure to reserve a spot- on this particular sunny weekend the park was packed and we were lucky to have found a spot close to the washrooms!

          These short little camping trips are really the best way to hit the reset button- we all unplugged completely- which for me these days is a pretty big deal. We took our books, our paints, the knitting, the coffee and of course there was the lake. The boy practiced his wood chopping skills and both Littles learned to light a campfire on their own.

         By the time Sunday afternoon rolled around the biggest complaint was that we had to head home. With weather like this it was hard to remember it's still April- we still have school and work! So we packed up and headed to the ferry- only to discover it was full. So we parked in the standby area and went in search of ice cream- obviously! If you go be sure to make ferry reservations!

        Friends it is Friday! Yahooo! It's crazy that I am saying this but as you read this we are headed East this weekend back to the Okanagan. I'm hoping for some time to sew, drink coffee with my Momma and visit with my sister- oh and I am sure there will be wine! Happy Friday Friends!

Victoria With Kids

          A few weeks ago we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to swap our city for another- we hopped on a ferry and headed to our Province's capital- Victoria. We have some dear friends who have recently moved there and so it was only natural that we pay a visit once they were nicely settled. The ferry ride alone is still such a novelty for us and this one was especially memorable as we saw several whales, sea lions and allegedly a baby dolphin- the weather was perfect and we could not have asked for a more relaxing crossing. The wonderful thing about being on the ferry is that once you are on board there is literally nothing to do for a solid hour and a half but to sit back and relax- a great way to start a weekend away.

           We realized that the Mr. and I have not actually been to Victoria since before we had the kids- up island yes but to Victoria no. We were so excited to see so many changes have taken place downtown- lots of new shops and restaurants to explore. First stop for us was the Moss Street Farmer's market for salmon burgers and cider! With our bellies full we checked into our hotel and met up with our friends again- we headed down to the water to take in the classic touristy sights- low and behold we ran into our next door neighbours- proof that this is indeed a small world!

        Looking at a city through fresh eye with kids in tow is so much different than visiting a place as a single couple. Gone are the days of luxuriously sleeping late in a hotel room- our Littles were up and at em bright and early- ready for breakfast and ready to explore. Hunting down an inexpensive but yummy breakfast was not too hard. We headed to QV Bakery and Cafe- breakfast comes in at $5.00 each with lots to chose from- in a converted gas station the restaurant was just the kind of funky ease we needed. Plus the coffees were massive!

          Sunday morning we followed our friends to Beacon Hill Park- I think that if you have kids this is a must visit spot- the playground is good- so very good! Lots of space to run around in- trees to hide in- just lots of space to play. We paid a visit to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo- admission is by donation- this is such a beautiful little farm. Full of peacocks- strutting their stuff around the grounds- up on buildings and in trees- their calls sounded prehistoric. The Littles all loved brushing the goats- who were super friendly!

           I think my favourite park of the day was when we followed a magical little trail- through the tall grass- a field full of wildflowers- up a hill to behold the most spectacular view of the ocean. We all leisurely wandered- letting the Littles set the pace- my girl of course stopping to pick as many wildflowers as she could possibly get away with. It was a moment of peace- nothing to do but just be in the moment- no where to go- just enjoying the sun on our shoulders and the company of good friends.

            Of course after such a morning of activity- fresh air and sunshine our tummys needed attending. The best part about hanging with locals is they know all the great spots to eat. Just on the outskirts of Beacon Hill Park is a great little spot- the Beacon Drive In- yummy sandwiches, corn dogs and of course the best soft serve ice cream! 

         Of course even the most wonderful of weekends must come to an end- heading home is just as relaxing as heading out at the start of our weekend. Once again on the ferry there is nothing to do but sit and relax- Momma sits in the sunshine and knits- the Littles and Mr. head to the arcade- everyone is happy. This visit to Victoria was so very different than any other time we have been there- seeing a city through the fresh eyes of our Littles was so fun! There are- of course- so many more things to see and do in Victoria with kids- we have only scratched the surface- until next time these memories will tide us over!

    Friends it is Friday again today- and the long weekend here in B.C.- we will be hitting the hiking trains- celebrating friend's birthdays and hopefully enjoying some fine boxed wine! Happiness and Sunshine always- Happy Friday Friends!

Away We Go

           The long wait is over- our Summer travel season has officially started- last weekend we hit the road in our fully loaded van- headed to the Okanagan for an Easter visit with our family- mostly though it was a weekend for the Grandparents. The stretch of time between Christmas and Easter was so long- I know everyone felt the pull of family- missing each other- missing the connections we have- the need of parents to hug their children.

           And I have missed my mountains- my dear rolling hills with the lake nestled at the bottom of the valley- I have missed seeing the moon come up and traverse across the inky Okanagan skies. My heart will always be there- I never feel complete if I am away overly long. Even after thirteen years a person can be home sick

       The weekend was full of cousins and laughter- hot dogs on the campfire and all the fresh air one could possibly ask for.  Trees were climbed and the park across the street from Oma and Opa's visited a few times. We dug in the dirt- readying the planters for when we return- plans were made and lists mentally started. The Littles have some big plans for their Oma's garden- they have seeds already started in little pots on our window sill- we will bring our city plants all the way to the Okanagan and watch them grow all Summer long.

         Last weekend was just a taste of the Summer season to come- all the way home we chatted and planned out all the places we wish to explore this year. A lengthy list with lots of trips home to be balanced out by lots of camping on the Coast- so many places we have yet to go! My wanderlust is kicking in- I am wanting to just throw my gear in a backpack and go- head on out the door for whatever comes our way!

Dear Friends it is Friday- I have no idea where the days are flying away to- I am hoping to settle into a more regular blogging routine once again but for now please bear with me until I get things figured out! For now my weekend wish for you is a cold glass of wine fresh from the old cask and sunshine in your heart! Happy Friday Friends!

Endless Summer

         We are wrapping up our first week of vacation in the Okanagan- so far it's exactly what a vacation should be- lots of play time- loads of beach time! This week has been the kind of week I grew up having- when a kid headed outside at 7:30 in the morning and didn't come back in until after dark- roaming the yard and swimming in the cool waters of Okanagan Lake. Our city kids have already declared they don't want to go home! They are eating cherries from the trees and carrots from the garden- running barefoot and feral as children should in the summer.

        We celebrated Canada Day in great style with a day at the beach- surrounded by folks we have known forever- ladies who have known me since I was Miss Lo's age- kids I grew up with- now our own children are the ones hopping in and out of the lake- needing endless snacks and drinks while the Mums and Dads relax in lawn chairs- feet dangling in the water. The highlight of the day was an hour long parade- the Littles collected more candy than at Halloween! As evening fell we all retired "up the hill" to my parents house- kids ran wild- a small fire erupted on the BBQ- memories were made.

        The week has flown by so fast- it's difficult to reconcile all we have witnessed- including our sweet niece's wedding in her parent's back yard- such love and happiness. We have said "see yah later" to Peachland and are in the North of the Valley at Omi's house in Vernon- more swimming and lots of World Cup action! I think what makes this trip so different is the pace we are setting ourselves- no hurry to see everyone and do everything all at once. We still have a week left to go- more adventures- new beaches and of course more Farmer's Markets!

    Dear Friends it is Friday- the week- it turns out- goes just as fast when a person is vacationing than when they are at home facing the daily grind! With only nine more days to go we are going to keep it slow and savour as much of our time here as possible- this weekend I'm sure will hold more visits with friends- babies- puppies- all that good stuff! Happy Friday Friends!

Away We Go

          This morning I am waking up once again in my old bed room in my parent's basement- it is so familiar- something I have done for almost twenty five years in this house. We are in the Okanagan for our annual family vacation - this trip is special in that we are here for over two weeks- and the Mr. is with us! As a family this is our first long Summer vacation together and we are loving every moment of it thus far.

       I have a hefty bucket list of fun things to tackle these next couple of weeks- most definitely lots of time spent at the lake in the sunshine- but also some quiet alone time laying in the shade and dreaming- lots of space for dreaming- and planning- imagining. Quiet time with space is something as a Mother and individual- need and crave- something that living in our small space I rarely get. I do my best planning out of projects when I have moments of quiet- otherwise these ideas just float about in the back of my mind- often getting crowed out by everyday things.

     So I am taking advantage of all this time we have- time as a family and time to myself. Looking forward to seeing so many dear old friends and of course seeing the cousins more than we possibly can imagine! When all is said and done these connections to our loved ones and to the land we love is really all we have- it's all that is really important- and these next two weeks are a bit like winning the lottery for me. And although love alone may not pay the bills it surely pays something even greater and for that I am ever so grateful!

Away We Go

           This past weekend found our little family on the road again- heading out of town early Friday morning we quickly left the city behind- coming to the place where spaces grow larger in between. Finding that space and breathing room is something we all cherish- our neighbourhood is so full- packed with life- which we love- most of the time. We always arrive at a tipping point where we need to seek out that space- to carve out a little quiet- to touch the earth and gather it's magic.

        Plenty of these spaces in between exist- a person just needs to know where to look- for myself I find these pockets of quiet in the early morning garden- listening to the buzz of the earth- watching the sun slant through the young garlic plants. I find these spaces down at the lake- where my childhood lurks behind every Willow Tree- where I can see the roll of the mountains behind closed eyes- I know them just that well.

        I hope for my city kids that giving them this time will keep them grounded- keep them in touch with the sacred bond of nature- help them to grow into protectors of the earth. I can see as they grow they need this time more and more- time to stretch their limbs and run unsupervised- time to poke at dead fish with a stick- time to make mud and throw rocks- all seemingly unsupervised- with out adults breathing down their necks. I hope to give our city kids a little bit of what I had as a kid when life was so easy and children could be fierce! Going  home gives us all something that our souls need- something to fill us up till the next time!

Away We Go

          It's that time of year again- the time when our wee little family hit the road and become weekend Gypsies living out of our van- most importantly getting out of the city and into some quiet. This past weekend we snuck into the Okanagan late at night to surprise both of our Mom's for Mother's Day- and it was perfect- neither suspected a thing and both were sufficiently surprised. Mother's Day was spent in a blur of family, laughter and food- we ate a lot of food and it was delightful.

          My own Mother's Day wish was fairly simple- I believe we should celebrate every day not just once a year the marvel of family and Motherhood- I celebrate being a Mother to these two imperfect perfect beings daily. But I did have a wish- my wish was to stop at our favourite swimming spot in Oyama and just relax. So on our way back to the Coast we did just that- we grabbed some snacks and pulled into the best swimming spot tucked in between two lakes on a spit of land. Recently the highway was diverted up and over the mountain- away from Oyama- so there is very little traffic here- just quiet, calm waters flanked by rolling orchards- verdant green hills- blazing blue sky.

    Of course it is still a bit early to go swimming- only the very brave jump in such cold waters at this time of year- but that didn't stop us from dipping our toes in and chatting about the hot days spent at the lake to come. Summer is right around the corner- only six weeks of school left and I will admit to be just as giddy as my Boy- he loves school but is excited to have the summer off. The winds are warming up and whisper the promise of long sun burnt days- to me childhood and summer are magical.

     My Mother's Day weekend was perfect- seeing our own Moms was really special and I am so happy we were able to pull the whole thing off- I am a terrible fibber and had to tell several whoppers!  Our weekend was so simple and easy- sitting on the shore of our little lake watching my children play was exactly what I needed. A little peace to restore my soul for the long week ahead!

How We Weekend

        As many folks on the West coast can attest to this weekend was Biblical in terms of precipitation- it rained- it poured- epic movie style rain most of the weekend and when it wasn't raining it was nasty and grey. It would have been a good weekend to snuggle indoors with many mugs full of hot coffee- instead our family decided to venture across the border on a mini get away to Seattle. With loads of different attractions to check out a little road trip turned out to be just the ticket!

         Our first stop- after the outlet mall of course- was the Museum of Flight- which thanks to our Vernon Science Centre passes we got in for free! Many local passes- such as the Vancouver Science World season's pass will grant you free admittance to other science centres and museums- it's always good to check the terms of your pass before you step up to the counter to pay.

    The Museum of flight was fascinating- aside from the immense scale of the entire building and the actual planes hanging from the ceiling - we found the exhibits very well curated and user friendly. I was particularly impressed with their attention to highlighting women in flight- with an entire exhibit devoted to Amelia Earhart as well as other female fliers that were ground breaking in aviation before her. Over in the WWII exhibition a large part of the display was dedicated to the WASPs as well as women in flight from other countries during the war. To me the best part of the entire day was when I was trying to explain to my daughter that these ladies were groundbreaking in what they did- I know that these ladies were just the beginning of breaking the gender barrier- I was explaining to Miss Lo that she could do anything she set her mind to. She turned to me and said "well of course I can Momma"- to her it never even occurred that women are anything but equal to men.

         We stayed over at a charming vintage hotel only a few blocks from Pike Place Market-  I say charming as in it was slightly quirky- I may have accidentally locked Miss Lo in the bathroom- we sorted it out before anyone became too panicked. With in walking distance of anything we could possibly want to see we spent a great deal of Sunday morning exploring the market and surrounding area before hopping back in the car and heading out to our next destination- The Pacific Science Centre.

        Again thanks to our season's passes from the Vernon Science Centre our entrance to the Pacific Science Centre was free- you do have to pay additional for any of the special exhibitions but the general areas are open. This science centre is quite cool with working dinosaur robots- as well as the actual bones- working tidal pools and a wonderful exhibition on how the body works- food turning to energy. The kids had a great time interacting with all the kinetic sculptures- making machines move with their bodies and lighting up lights with man made energy- it was all pretty cool!

           Sometimes all a person really needs to change their perspective is a change of setting- a mini weekend away was just what our family needed. Sitting here on Monday morning- again it is kinda raining out- I am feeling ready to tackle the week. I am inspired by things I have seen this past weekend- colours and moods- I am excited to get back in the studio- jump back into work. I think first another cup of hot coffee is called for and a bit of snuggling with my babes- then work!

Travel Bug: AKA It's Almost Camping Season

           I have the travel itch and it's bad- right now I want to be anywhere but in Vancouver- I'm feeling a bit trapped. Not trapped by my family or life but trapped by the normalcy of it all- right now there is nothing new and exciting happening- this is a very common feeling for me to get at this time of the year! The picture above is one of my favourites- it was taken on the ferry home from Pender Island last summer- the breeze was warm and we had all had an excellent weekend camping- it's amazing what a weekend in the woods will do for the soul.

      It is soon time to start planning and reserving campsites again for the coming season- this is possibly one of my favourite things to do- making firm plans to travel months in advance. I'm excited for this year as the kids are just a little bit bigger than they were this year which means they can hike longer, learn new skills, stay up later and most importantly everyone is now tall enough to go on the whale watching zodiac!

      After our California adventure a few months ago I think we are considering heading South again for a short camping trip- our friends have told us such good things about  camping in the Red Woods of Northern California- which is an exciting trip to think about. Also there are many State parks in Oregon that we are wishing to check out. So this year we will be traveling a little further afield- most likely sticking close to the coast- but seeking out new places we haven't explored as a family yet.

        The truth of the matter is that I really can't wait for warmer weather- I can't wait to be sitting around a campfire again toasting smores and drinking a cold beer- my face hot and my back chilly. I can't wait to wake up to rain falling on the tarp- that gentle pitter patter that makes you have to pee and at the same time cozy further down into the sleeping bag. I can't wait to wander down a path my feet have never traveled- eager to see whats around the corner. I can hardly wait to be outside for a full three days and come home sunburned, windswept and utterly content.

"Adventure is out there"

When In Berkley

         On our final day of vacation we were all feeling quite tiered and really just wanted to be back home- so we sought out familiar places. The Littles were feeling a bit wild and needed to burn off some steam and so the Mr. found a park full of other kids for them to rip around in- just what the Dr. ordered! Cesar Chavez Park was just the perfect place to have one last look at San Francisco- all be it through the famous fog.

          No family vacation for us is complete with out a trip to an over the top donut shop- we found King Pin Donuts just off campus near the University of California. These were some pretty amazing donuts- I had some sort of buttermilk- maple- praline concoction that was seriously out of this world! We just hung out at the pic nic tables snacking away on our treats and people watching- interesting that even during winter break the university area was still busy.

       We made one final stop which was the Mr.s choice- to the campus of Pixar- even though we couldn't get in and the campus is heavily secured it was really cool to walk around the parameter and take it all in. Yes there is a giant Pixar lamp just at the entrance- as well as giant Sea Gulls from Finding Nemo perched atop the buildings. It was really cool to know that some of our favourite family movies are being made with in these very walls.

      Even now almost a week and a half after arriving home I still can't believe we went- our big adventure seems so far away- the warm California weather a dream! Looking back at our pictures and remembering the excitement that went along with those moments is what will keep us going through these dark, rainy days of January- that and starting to plan our next family adventure!

Confessions of A Recent Disney Convert

      I will admit that when my husband came to me with the idea of taking our kids to Disneyland for Christmas it was with the utmost reluctance that I agreed to go along on the trip- my idea of a vacation does not include being surrounded by throngs of children with little to no booze available. This is what I imagined Disneyland to be like- the PNE but bigger, dirtier and more expensive. To say I had a bad attitude would be an understatement- but because couples make compromises I went along with his plan and even tried to get excited about it. I was excited to be spending time in California but I would rather spend our precious time at the beach rather than paying some multi billion dollar corporation to have mindless fun- cause I like to ruin things like that.

      I will be the first to admit that I was wrong- it literally took me two seconds inside the gates at the Magic Kingdom to convert to the Disney- side. I started smiling and didn't stop for the next three days-ps. reality doesn't exist at Disney. Walking in the shadow of the iconic Princess castle I couldn't help but think of my sister and how I wished she was walking beside me. I was reminded of how badly we wanted to go to Disneyland as kids- how we had a penny jar that we referred to as the Disney fund. In a rush of emotion I was 8 years old again playing along side my kids- yeah it was like one giant sappy commercial.

       Disneyland during the Holidays is extra magical- the decorations were amazing and the costumes were wonderful- even the castle was draped in lights and they made it snow after the fire works! The thing that I loved best was how happy every single person was- there was no room for "cool" since everyone was waking around in sneakers with big huge smiles on their faces. 

        This isn't a post about things to do and see in Disneyland- although I do highly recommend Cars Land- it was pretty darn cool- we went at least five times- it's most pretty at night- just like the movie. Also dinner at Flo's Diner is pretty darn good- possibly the best roast beef and mashed potatoes I have ever had! It's not about all the fun and cool stuff you can do like collecting all the buttons (for free) in Cars Land- going around and answering trivia questions- watching your shy child overcome their reluctance because they really want that next button.

          What this post is about is how I went to Disneyland with a slightly bad attitude and came out happier, lighter and more excited about life- I can't wait to go back! This was possibly the best Christmas gift our family could ever have received- three days of just the four of us- playing and having fun. There is so much to see and do that our kids just kept going- walking for the most part with out complaint- sure they got tiered and we would stop for an ice cream sandwich in the shape of Mickey Mouse- then they would get up and walk to the next adventure.

        I think the best part for me was on Christmas day- Miss Lo and I stood for almost an hour in the blazing California sun- waiting in line to see Tinkerbell- when we arrived at Pixie Hallow Miss Lo was totally on board and into meeting Tink- however after about 15 minutes interest had waned. Still we waited- I was determined even if she had forgotten- it was hot- she cried- I wanted to cry- she was bored- I was bored. Finally it was our turn to meet Tinkerbell and as we stepped into the cool shade of Tink's glen in Pixie Hallow Miss Lo got a gleam in her eye. She was still shy as she approached Tinkerbell but she went on her own- I stepped back and just watched- it was magical- it was a perfect moment for Miss Lo- her little world was complete right then.

           So in conclusion I will confess that I was wrong in my crabby opinion about Disneyland- sometimes it's Ok to let go and not worry about corporations and recycling- sometimes it's a good thing for my children to see me having fun. We had a super time and all of us can't wait to go back- next time definitely with my sister because I want to ride the tea cups with her! I think I benefited from having a little Pixie dust sprinkled over my life- I think in the right context Princesses are all right- I think it's safe for Lola to embrace her inner sparkly Princess with out becoming consumed by it. I also think there are many more rides for me still to go on and for sure next time we visit Disneyland I will go on Splash Mountain!