Island Holiday!!

We just got back from a great week on Vancouver Island visiting family and friends.  We were pretty much non-stop action and enjoyed each moment. Here's a few highlights...

Megan got a Disney Princess Merida from 'Brave' and seems to be all consumed with it lately. Her Auntie Heather and two cousins (Colin & Wesley) added to her enthralment when they made her a bow and arrows.  She even napped with it the first day...very cute!

 If you look at Matthew in the background, he too had a Disney character favourite - Buzz Lightyear - and he's activating the arm laser beam to give Princess Megan a zap zap zap!

 But Princess Megan was quick to return fire...LOL!  All the cousins had an amazing time together.  The older cousins were excellent with the younger ones and we all avoided any significant meltdowns!

 Here's Nana and Baba with all their grandchildren!

 There was always lots to eat and some amazing weather to enjoy eating outside!

 Tons of time for games too!

 And we had an invite to go pick some berries!  We managed to talk Megan out of her princess dress too!

 Everyone had to help pick...or they couldn't help eat!

 And Megan and mommy were both really happy with the fruits of their labour!

 The rewards!!

 More family sit down and eating!

 And tons of smiles...

 Tons of hanging out....

 And tons of being silly and acting like a kid again!

 And who can forget the beaches!  We saw a few during our week away - each one with new rocks, starfish, sand dollars, crabs, eagles and much more to explore!

 Some hikes to make the kids tired!

 And some water sports to make the adults tired!!

 Everyone loved our day @ the lake too! Whether we were playing games...

 Or just relaxing with a Strongbow!

Holidays are an adventure with kids and it's fun to see the world through their eyes and enjoy things again.

Thanks for a great time away!!

More Stampede Parties!

OK - 3 blogs later, we are now caught-up!  Today (Saturday) was Scott's work Stampede Party for the kids. Our summer weather is now here and it was beautiful to take in all the activities!

 Miniature horses...but real size fear, as you can see from Megan's grip on the carriage!  Once they started moving, she loved them. We actually went back for another ride before we left!

 And this pose is familiar...make-up chair.  But no face painting this time!

 Arm Tattoo!  Dolphin...

 Actually DOUBLE DOLPHIN.  Their names are Angel (from our trip to Mexico!) and Blu! I'm sure you can figure out which one is which....LOL.

 And we must have spent two hours in bouncy castles...

 There were lots to choose from!

But because we didn't do the face painting line-up today, we compromised and got a butterfly balloon hat instead.

 Megan wasn't sure of it at first...or maybe its because the clown was so close to her (and she gets the phobia like her mommy!)

 Anyway - we quickly made our way back to the games. Firing the NERF gun is always fun!

Megan typically refers to milk by the colour of the carton - 2% purple and mom's Skim milk is Blue.  So this experience was worth capturing on camera!

Day with the Dinos!

 Last weekend we went to Drumheller, AB to see the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Megan calls T-Rex "Chomper" and was thrilled to make the 1.5hr drive.  Even more excited when we passed Auntie Roxie, Uncle Adam and cousins on the road...great minds think alike!

 Tons of 'hands-on' stuff to play with!

 And, of course...some very cool exhibits!

 There were little 'chompers' outside waiting for us. These gophers were very tame...while you fed them.

But as Japanese tourist #3 is about to find out...do not feed the animals! And if you do...do not touch the animals that are eating. You'll have to Google the aftermath...tons of Youtube videos for those of you wanting to see the carnage....LOL!

And last but not least.  The WORLD's largest dinosaur! Great visit.

Keys to Success...Kid Party Version!

Sorry we haven't blogged in a long time. Many excuses - but you didn't visit our site for excuses - so let's get on with it!  Cousin Sierra turned 3 a few weeks ago and Megan got the party invite.  Needless to say she was excited to go and insisted on picking out her own outfit for the party.  Farm = Boots. Party = Dress. Girl = Pink. Life and math are so simple when you're 3.

 So...keys to a successful kids party.  Here ya go...balloons!

 Food.  If it's healthy, even better!

 Animals/Petting Zoo!  If you own a mini-van and ever think it's dirty and needs a good clean...just come back to this blog and reference this vehicle...OMG!

 Soft animals to touch!

 More food. And a seat next to the birthday girl (VIP or what!!)

 Presents!

 A box to play with!

 More food.  Yes, there were several red heads @ this party.  All the parents were amazed since you hear red heads are this extinct bread...NOT.

And finally, the key to a successful kid party. Random hugs with your cousin and BFF!