We are so fortunate to live surrounded by so much natural beauty. Thetis Lake is one such place just outside of Victoria. We made it to Thetis twice this summer, once for a hike and the second time for a paddle. The trails around upper and lower lakes are classified as moderate, and I was so proud of our youngest hiker who walked the entire trail without complaint.
Photography
Pickle Pub Crawl – Victoria
Last weekend, I got pickled. I spent Sunday with a group of moms on the Victoria Harbour Ferry Pickle Pub Crawl. Unfortunately, we picked the only rainy day in Victoria all summer, but we weren’t going to let a little rain stop us!
Third Times A Charm
After the first disastrous camping trip three years ago, I didn’t have it in me to try for a second time. When my husband decided to give it another go I wimped out and took our not quite 2-year-old home to sleep at night. Last year I used the “I have a brain tumour” excuse (which got me out of just about everything that I didn’t want to do) and we didn’t go. This year I took one for the family, pulled up my big girl panties and went camping.
A Few of my Favourite People
We see my sister and her kids once a year. Each time we see them we have a little photo shoot. It’s challenging to get a 1,2,3 and 7-year-old to look at the camera at the same time with their eyes open and smiles bright. Sometimes it works but most of the time no matter the timing, the treats, or the silly jokes it’s not always a success.
Butchart Gardens – Victoria
Last week, I was writing about being a tourist in my home town, so it’s only fitting that today I write about exploring Victoria. My first trip to the Butchart Gardens was a magical memorable day. My boyfriend had just moved to Victoria, BC and I visiting from Toronto. We were young, childless and carefree. We woke up on a Saturday morning and he told me that he had to run out for a bit. When he returned, without any words he tied a string to my finger. Just a plain beige string, nothing fancy. He held the other end in his hand. I looked at him with a puzzled expression not understanding what was about to happen. Next I felt a ring on my finger. My ring finger. Still no words from him. He never officially asked but that was the moment that we got engaged.
Living in the Age of Airplanes
Yesterday, I took my kids to see “Living in the Age of Airplanes” at the IMAX theater. The movie provided a history of travel and got me excited to see more of the world. I take airplane travel for granted as I have been flying my whole life.
Northwest Deuce Days
As a mom, I find myself spending my time doing things that I have no interest in. I don’t mean cooking dinner (which coincidentally I have no interest in) because that is a necessity, I mean things like spending a Sunday afternoon at the Northwest Deuce Days car show. Before kids I would never have dreamed of spending a hot sunny afternoon with thousands of car enthusiasts. But post kids I did, and will probably do it again.
Tourist in my Hometown – Welland
It has been years since I lived in my hometown of Welland, Ontario. In truth, the second I had the chance I moved away. I packed my bags and headed to school in Toronto. I have since settled in Victoria, BC but I still make a yearly trip to Welland to visit with family. Victoria’s main industry is tourism, as hundreds of cruise ships dock over the summer months and bring thousands of tourists to experience all that Victoria has to offer. I play tourist in Victoria all of the time, as there are so many excellent things to see and do.
Bursting Bubbles
The other day my son asked if we could paint. My answer to that question is usually an astounding YES. I wanted to switch it up a bit because I am running out of space for their master pieces. I usually let them paint on canvas but the downside is that the paintings aren’t easy to store or recycle. But the upside is that they take their time and are more dedicated than if I give them a piece of paper. These are a few of my favourites that I keep in my office.
Fireworks
Did you go out this year to watch Canada Day, or Independence Day fireworks? What city were you in? I am not sure but I don’t think that I have ever been to the Canada Day fireworks in Victoria, my excuse is young children. Almost the entire time we have lived in Victoria we either had a newborn or a toddler to take care of, and nightfall was way past their bedtime. Never mind the noise which is frightening to me as an adult. This year with a seven and not quite four-year-old we were able to enjoy the fireworks together as a family. Continue reading
Making A Life 