Summer Vacation

I have been trying to sit down and get things together to post about our fantastic summer vacation, but I have been so busy! So, I decided, I am going to start, and I might just have to add things later! But, eventually this post will be complete!

Our holidays began on Saturday July 21. Myself and the kids were at the airport early (thanks to their dad for actually getting up that early!). We were there early enough to grab some breakfast and have a look around the many things in the Westjet terminal!

We arrived just after 9 in Abbotsford, met with Grandma, and collected our stuff! And of course- right after taking our stuff back to my moms, we headed for the ocean for brunch!

Sunday the 22 was the Surrey Fushion Festival. It reminded me of the taste of calgary here, but way better. For the tickets you buy- you get actual portions of food! We tried so many things, and they were all so good! There was so much to do, music, culture, and even fun for the kids! After the festival, we took the kids to the park. While we were there, the firetruck pulled up and asked the kids if they wanted to check it out- they were able to go in the front and back of the firetruck! Talk about excitement!

Monday the 23rd we decided we were going to go shopping in the US. While we waited for my Aunt to be done work, we took the kids bowling for the first time ever! They were both so happy to be doing that, they had a great time, and showed it each time they bowled- or anyone else did! Bryce was so happy and excited his face was red from all the cheering! It turned out that my Aunt couldn't make it down to the US with us, so we headed there after and got some great deals on some clothes and back to school stuff!

Tuesday the 24th we went to a place called Mann Farms. Although it was an alright place, we have been to better just like it. Mom and I were a bit disappointed, but the kids had some fun- well Bryce for sure. Mainly because I don't think he remembers the other ones! He enjoyed being on the tractors the most!

On the 25th we headed out to Splashdown water park! We were there 2 years ago, and had a great time. Danika talked about it all the time, so we had to go again! And, again, a great time was had by all! Mom and I can't go and do the other slides- but can't wait until the kids are older and we can! The small slides with the kids are still a lot of fun!

On the 26th, we headed up to Harrison Hot Springs. We spent the day enjoying the wonderful lake, and the beautiful scenery! It was a wonderful, and relaxing day! We all had a great time!

On the 27th, we did something that we have done before- but when Danika was a very tiny baby- we went to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Well, if you have ever been to any zoo- well, any good zoo- don't waste your time or money. We had passes, thankfully. It is HORRIBLE! There is pretty much 1 of each animal. It is small- and for the money- so not worth it. We have passes to the Calgary Zoo- so I am sure our shock and disappointment was showing! The kids were even bored- I think we were there for about an hour! Okay- maybe 2! We did see the female lions chase the male- but that was the most exciting 30 seconds of the whole trip! After the zoo we headed to my mom's friend Beverly's house. Beverly's mom couldn't wait to see the kids! She taught them how to belly dance! It was so cute watching them!

On the 28th- we were able to do something that we had planned for last year. We were going to go on a paddlewheeler boat tour down the Frasier river. It was cancelled last year because we were the only ones who booked. They gave mom her money back and gave us passes! So, we got there early and were able to enjoy the pier area. It was very cool! The boat tour was amazing too. Lots of info, and great food! Everyone enjoyed that! When we were done, we went over to my Uncle Ken and his Fiance's new home in Abbotsford. We had a great visit, and the kids got to play in the big yard with the dogs, pick fresh carrots, and even play with their hamster!

On the 29th- we went to Steveston to their Market. We wandered around there and had some snacks, got some balloon animals and even more face painting! Then went to the Flying Beaver for an early dinner. The kids enjoyed watching the sea planes taking off and landing!

On the 30th we took the kids to see the new Ice Age movie. We did some shopping and then went over to the theatre and watched the show! It was actually very good. I saw the first one and didn't really like it, so haven't seen any others. But, that was pretty much all their was to see with the kids. And we weren't disappointed- it was even pretty funny! Before the show, the kids were able to play some air hockey too- they showed Grandma just how good they are!

On the 31st we went over to an old favourite- Bear Creek Park. They have a little train for the kids- which is great! (especially at holidays!). And a wonderful garden area- we went through but I am guessing we didn't cover half of it! Then we ended up at the park/spray park area! It was a beautiful day, and the kids had a blast! Danika even met a friend, Austin- who was 8! When I was talking to him, he wouldn't believe that Danika was only 5. She was doing so many things that she normally wouldn't do- just because he was doing them first! It was so funny to watch! On our way home, we stopped at another favourite- Art Knapps- it is a garden centre, but they have a train, playground, mini golf, and even ducks and chickens. The kids love watching the toy trains go all over the place!

With everything we had planned to do checked off our list, on the 1st, we went down to the Vancouver Aquarium. This is something we usually do when we go, and we usually enjoy it! We stopped at Prospect point and had some lunch and a quick look at the view. Then went over to the Aquarium. I would have to say the highlight of the aquarium was watching their 4D movie. The kids even enjoyed it. The worker that told us about it, asked us to sit on the end, just incase they got scared, they recommend it for kids over 5. I think mainly because it is in 3D and you get sprayed, poked and your chair moves! But, the kids loved it! They also enjoyed all of the touch pools!

Since it was our last night, we met up with everyone and went bowling again! This time the kids were a bit more interested in the ramp beside us, but they were also tired- and so was I- they beat me in the last game!

We were leaving on the 2nd, so in the morning we headed down to the beach again for some ice cream, then over to Cora's for some Brunch! Then, at the airport we said our tearful good-bye to Grandma, and thanked her for an amazing holiday!

When we arrived home, Brett was waiting for us. We were all happy to be home and back together! We immediately went to get our luggage- which came down quickly. Then headed over and got the car seats (took awhile to find Danika's- but thankfully they did because we were heading on our next adventure in the morning!). Then we went out for some chinese food, and home to get to bed!

Friday August 3- we loaded up the car and headed out on the 8 hour drive to Regina to meet up with friends of ours. We arrived in Regina at about 3, and all 3 families loaded the cars and went out to Curtis and Davina's parents "cabin" (okay- lake house). Within 40 minutes we were there, and it was raining! But, we made the most of it- getting things together, letting the kids play and then starting some supper, and a fire!

For the weekend, we were at the lake house! We all wish it was longer. We went swimming, played on the trampoline, cooked some great food, went boating, and tubing, enjoyed some adult time- complete with hilarious games nights and some drinks! We are definitely looking forward to doing that again!

Our summer vacation is over, and we will remember it always- it was a great time, with great people! Thanks to everyone who joined us or invited us to spend time with them!