Summer Trip, Part B.

I admit it. We left the island kind of reluctantly, sort of dragging our feet just a wee little bit. But once that ferry docked on the mainland, it was time to begin our road trip. The first day was just an appetizer of the driving to come. Less than an hour's drive to visit friends in Vancouver, with a fabulous outing that involved more swimming for the kids, yummy food and yet more ice cream. Then we hopped on the highway for a 2 hour drive to our first stop, a quick overnight in a hotel in Hope, BC.

It was one of those drag them out of the car, plunk them in bed and demand that they sleep, then throw them back in the car when they wake up, quick stop at a restaurant for some sustenance and back on the road kind of a visit. I think maybe the kids expected a bit more out of Hope. That's probably why the Hope to Rossland leg of our journey was the grumpiest day of our entire trip. Since our trip Kai has taken to saying "Mommy, why is this taking hours?" whenever something feels a few moments too long. I think we have our 2 day drive to thank for that one. The concept of "hours" is now a bit more meaningful.

We enjoyed our very brief visit to Rossland, although we didn't see any bears. It was great to reconnect with an old friend and see her girls who were mere babes last time we saw them. Teia discovered that she, Alison and Natasha are kindred spirits and there was much barking and ruffing going on. The next day's drive was just as long but the kids handled it better. I guess they were more refreshed by their Rossland visit and were very much looking forward to seeing everyone at Whitefish.

The kids had a very special week. Its hard to describe how amazing it is to watch them with their cousins, building those relationships that will last a lifetime. They don't get to see them very often but each time they carry that familiarity with them and the closeness grows. There is something really special about cousin time. And now there is a new cousin in the mix, baby Malcolm, who is quite possibly the sweetest and cutest little guy in diapers anywhere.

Doesn't Teia look like the proud Auntie Peach??

Malcolm must have had a bit of an influence on T b/c our doll-indifferent daughter has actually been playing babies a little since we got back. 

The kids did so many fun things and really enjoyed every moment of their time. Mike and Aynsley even adorned their beds with animal sleeping bags. They couldn't have had a better week from swimming in the lake and floating around in the blow up boat Mike bought for all the kids, to riding the gondola up the mountain and hiking around. Even the thunderstorm that blew in was an exciting highlight. Kai being the wit-ster that he is, renamed Whitefish "Thunderfish" after being caught in a thundery downpour. 

Many morning games of front yard hide and seek were played. 

The local deer were quite friendly and the kids loved their visits. 

I think Grandma enjoyed all the grandchildren love. 

There was lots to entertain the kids on the mountain, even without the snow. The alpine slide was a huge hit! I can remember riding the alpine slide on summer trips to the cottage with my cousins when I was a kid. So fun to see my kids having similar experiences. 

Grandma and all of us (except Mike, who was taking the pic and is credited with some of these shots).

And here is Kai enjoying another climby, bouncy place of kid fun. The only thing we didn't manage was the high ropes course. Next time!

And this doesn't look like any fun at all either does it? I am not sure how we got those kids on a plane and back to San Diego. 

It did help that they got to do this on the way back. Thanks Alaska!

Oh and the grown ups did get to have a bit of fun too ;-) It was so nice to not have any meetings or anywhere we needed to be for the second part of our trip so we could let go a little bit. 

Hopefully once we've worked through the process of this move, most of our vacations can be that way from here on in :-) :-) :-):-)