Backtracking

Well hello there Internet peeps! It's been awhile, I know. I've been busy, ok? So... 

We went on a grand West Coast holiday. We really had a great time. I traveled with the kiddies to Calgary, which really wasn't bad at all. Isabella is old enough to dole ot drinks, pick up lost toys, etc. So in other words she is a huge help, my co-pilot. We made it to Calgary in 11 hours, not too shabby all things considered. We had a great time there visiting Auntie Leah. We shopped, we dined, we parked (er, we took the kids to the park lots...), we laughed, it was great times.

Chris met up with us on the motorcycle the next weekend. We hung out for a day, then took off by OURSELVES to the Rockies. There is no better way, none, than traveling through the mountains on the back of a bike. We skipped the main highway for the old back-roads from Banff up to Lake Louise, and it was heavenly. Winding roads, beautiful scenery. Awesome. We spent the night in Banff and had some good food, good drinks, good times. 

Then, we were off to Vancouver. We took it easy, and had lots of rest stops. It was HOT, and Chris was in Heaven on the bike. We stopped In Salmon Arm for a swim at the lake, and some dinner, and then off to Kamloops for the night. The next morning we took off to Vancouver and arrived in time for lunch. We made it! 

We had such a great time this year in Vancouver. The kids are at such a great age. No naps or bottles to worry about, and Jackson was old enough to really enjoy doing some things, instead of being left at home with Nana, or sleeping through. They loved going to Playland this year! We did so much... Took the new Canada Line a few times, went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Londsdale Quay on the sea-bus, shopped, ate, played at the park, Steveston, we bought a really cool kite, visited some with the relations, not to mention all the fun Chris and I had having the bike there! We went downtown a few times, walked and walked and walked. We went to White Rock for the very first time (I feel like Nana was holding out on us, it was amazing there!!!), Chris and I took a walking tour of downtown Vancouver and learned some history, went for dinner alone several times. We had such a good time. Thank you Nana.

Then, we were off to the Okanagon to see Mimi, and the progress on the new house they are building just outside of Penticton. Wow. Cannot wait to go back and stay there!! We got a couple visits in with some of Chris's family as well, swam in the pool, had some great dinners, a weenie roast, the beach (oh... the beach..). We stayed with Mimi in a one bedroom apartment for 2 nights, and managed to make it work, haha. Still can't believe that. We had such a great time. 

I am sure I am forgetting something about this trip. It really was the best trip West we've had so far. Even the drive home (which is usually long boring and depressing) was fun. Lots of singing, and laughing with the kids. We stopped in to see Papa in Grande Cache for a night, and then we came home. 

I've said it so many times, and really still mean it. It's always nice to get home, no matter where home is. We got in, unpacked, and then headed over to our neighbors for a few drinks and a fire. It was nice. That being said...

Home. To me, home is where my family is. As long as I have my husband, my children, and of course the dog, I am happy. Truly. But.. something really stuck with us this trip West. Driving through the Okanagan, Chris on his bike in the heat, the lakes, the mountains, the beauty. Although we were happy to get "home" to our house, and our things, it was different this time.

We are starting to see all the things we are missing out on. All the things the children are missing out on. After being happy to get home to our house, and our handful of friends, it was slightly... depressing. We want to be closer to our family. We want our children to experience more beauty, warmer weather, more opportunity. We've always talked about "when we retire", where we want to be. 

If you think this is a cliffhanger, then you'd be right. Stay tuned for my next update... Whahahaha. 

Comments

[Nana]

Reading this blog brings back so many memories of your visit. It seems now like such a long time ago. So much has happened since the summer. I will agree - it was much easier now that Jackson is a little boy and not a baby anymore. I know you all had a wonderful time but so did Nana. I had an awesome time with all of you. Sorry for taking you so long to show you one of my favorite places - White Rock! I do get there quite often - even this time of year when its not raining I enjoy walking the pier etc. Oh and the restaurants! I hope to see you all soon. Love and hugs to all of you. Nana

[Gramma]

Finally. Glad to see you on again. Great pics. Anxiously waiting for more. My grand children are growing so fast. Isabella is such a great help to you. Sydney is growing so fast & Jackson is such a big boy now. Love you all and miss you all so much.