Snow Tubing Or Shooting: New Years Dilemna

Ever play the card game UNO with 2 people?  And then play the reverse-a-turn card?  You think your going one direction.  At least that was the plan.  Only to find yourself quickly going in the opposite direction.

The events of today were much like that.  For weeks I had a plan to start a yearly tradition of New Years day snow tubing as a family.  Fun and a perfect way to spend a holiday building fantastic memories to cherish forever.  And of course it is the time of year one wishes to be in the white stuff.

Previous to today, I did consider Cypress Mountain over Manning Park.  But the snow reports were not very good.  According to a few 'reliable' sources,  Manning had 'tonnes' of snow!  And so I was pretty confident that the best choice would be to go to Manning Park Resort for a fantastic snowy experience. .

So, I packed all the gear.  And all the snacks.  And then all the kids.  Stopped for a coffee of course and off we were heading up to what was going to be a snow white destination. Last stop was to be at the snow tubing centre of  Manning Park.

We hit Hope, BC.  My first coffee was gone.  For some crazy reason I craved my second.  And I lack self-control!  So against my families wishes, I stopped.  I was the driver after all:)  As I sat in the line up, I started to rethink the whole 'tonnes of snow' report I had and decided to pull over and check the Manning Website before travelling any further.

This is what it said.  "Sliding only due to lack of snow" !!! Wait a minute.  I was going to drive all the way up to Manning.  Pay to slide and have to walk back up the hill each time? No way.  So this is what my kids heard next.

"So everyone.  We have two choices.  Drive to Manning.  Slide down the 'one' path that was open and walk back up all day.  Or.  Go to the river, build a really big fire,  ride ATV's and shoot guns".

The kids response.  "Shoot guns"!  And, so that's what we did.

Just Beachin' It

 After 4 days without Cayden, it was time to pick him up from Camp Charis.  Yes, I could have handled a few more days quite happily with him at camp, no matter how much we love having him around:)  It was just a break for all, him included.  And he was sure to tell me that after his very first argument, only 15 minutes after picking him up.  "I wish I could stay another four days!" Oh, the love of family.

After settling the first argument, we all settles in to listen to all the stories of the week.  The biggest  being, of over ninety kids, he was the champion of 'Capture The Flag'.  I was quite a proud mamma. I have a winner!  Tales of cabin mates, slip and slide, camp counsellors and the candy store brought me back to memories of my days at camp.

One of Cayden's favorite activities was breakfast.  What a boy.  He was seriously moaning as he shared this fantastic menu!  And one of the most hilarious comments was the fact that he now combs his hair every day.  Yes, every two hours even, he told me.  All because his older friend Josh is nearing his teenage years, and combs his hair frequently. LOL! 

With the amazing weather we have been having, it was a great day to plan a day at Harrison Beach.  Such a great plan.  So much fun and a great way to stay cool.  Good thing Cindy was much for prepared than I was, or the kids would have simply been kicking sand and swimming:)  

The kids were fantastic.  Swimming, giggling, dunking and eating were the activities of the day.  The best part was when the boys dumped Fabby, who was out posing for pictures on the tube.  I could only laugh, encourage and snap more pictures.

Hours later, with all the energy sapped from everyone, it was finally time to say goodbye.  Till next time.  Hopefully very soon. 

Hockey Night In Chilliwack

 What a night it was for Cayden.  His first official hockey game of the season and the excitement of it has been building all season.  It was also the first game my dad, brother Cody, Hailey and Anna have seen of his, so the pressure was certainly on to perform.

Only a few shifts in and Cayden scores his first goal of the season.  I cheered and he cheered.  Wow, was I ever proud of him then.   The game shifted in favour of the other team quickly and by the end of the second period the other team was up 4-1.

Only minutes into the final period of the game, Cayden scores his second goal!  The first time he has ever scored more than one goal in a single game.  Again, I cheer and he cheers.  And then we were joined by our family, with Cody being the loudest.  Now I was even that much prouder.

The Panthers continues to score.  Then, they tie the game up.  Another rush down the ice for Cayden and he scores yet again!  His first ever Hat Trick!  What an accomplishment for our boy.  We were all so happy for him and couldn't believe that the Panthers went up on the Coyotes.  

The game was over and Cayden could hardly contain his excitement at his three goals.  He wasn't only proud of his first Hat Trick, but also for how loud he cheered.  What a game. I am so looking forward to the next game to cheer him on again.

Anxiously waiting to get on the ice. 

Took time to pose prior to the game with one of his fans, little sister Peyton.

Proudly supported by Opa, Anna, Peyton, Anna, Cody, Hailey, Jeremy and Nanna

A Day At The Zoo

For years the kids have asked for a trip to the Zoo, but there is always 'somewhere' else to be or 'something' else to do.  I am so thankful to Anna for suggesting that this fine October day would be a great day to go to the Zoo.

The morning started with some cloudy skies, but rain seemed unlikely.  And in fact, the rain did stay away and the clouds disappeared as well.  Nothing but sunny skies and nearly 20 degree temperatures.  Now that's a fine day to be outside wandering for hours oohing and ahhing at all those magnificent creatures God created.

One of our favorite things we saw were the chickens.  Of all things, the chickens.  Now, they were not 'ordinary' chickens.  They were fancy and fun to watch.  Some looked like punk rockers and some looked fit for the palace.   Next came the giraffe.  We got to see her at snack time, mowing down a full tree.   The zebras and lions of course were also amazing, as were so many other great animals.

One of the funniest things to see wasn't the animals, but Peyton, pushing a 'tired' Cayden:)  What a great little sister.  We all had such a great day together building memories of time together in the great outdoors.  

PS: We didn't crop Jeremy out:)  He was missing the action in BC but enjoying the wedding action of Kevin in Ontario.

Osoyoos 2013

Back from another annual two week vacation in Osoyoos, BC.  Spending time with family, playing board games, at the park, on the beach in the sand or in the water.  Some time was even spent lounging in a chair reading a good book. (Could have used more time for this:)

We did discover a new favorite spot in the campground.  A new place to swing in the trees.  The spot was next to the water with a nice stretch of grass to lounge on while watching the kids giggle, climb and swing.

As usual, another highlight was water sports.  Some enjoyed the tube while it was being dragged behind the boat.  Some simply enjoyed it as it floated along the water's edge.

Amazingly enough, all twenty of us got along for the most part.  We still talk to each other:)  Looking forward to many more family camping trips to Osoyoos.