Spring Break: Days 3 and 4

**Read Days 1 & 2 first  :) **

All right, so at 11:45pm on the 2nd night, Koen started puking.  All over the bedding.  No laundry.  It was brutal.  He stopped by 1am but Gary and I had to try to get the boys new bedding, clean up everything the best that we could, make sure Koen was okay etc.  Not fun. At all.  Koen did so well.  I was nervous because our next day was our whale watching trip and there was no way he would be able to go in it if he had the flu!!  However, by the morning, he seemed much better (although I was even MORE exhausted) and so we loaded everyone up with gravol 2 hours before we were going to go.  

Above, this nap made the #3 on my top three list of favourite things of our trip.  She napped.  For 1.5 hours.  Yes!!!  I even had to wake her up which is why I risked it taking a photo :)

We went on Jamie's Whaling Station Whale Watching Tour.  They had a special where the kids were free with each paying adult.  So, although expensive, it cost us `just' $200.00 for a 3 hour tour.   I know some people might be against whale watching but we grew up doing it in our own boat (a zodiac) and the boats need to stay 100 m away by law.   This made the top 3 of all of our lists :)  It was a GORGEOUS day.  Beautiful.  We saw Sea Lions, seals, grey whales (many, many, many!!!), and there was even one humpback whale but I didn't see that one.  

You can see in the above picture why we like to keep these two separated.  This was below the deck and I spent a lot of time there with Nya as she could crawl around and it was heated and there was a great view.

Below is just one shot of the grey whale but we saw a lot.  Koen loved all of the `smoke' (spouting).  It's zoomed in which is why it seems closer than 100m:)

We all felt great on the whale watching trip and although we probably won't do it again, I would recommend it AND this company.

The picture above was just taken at home but it is to remind the boys of their inside joke from their trip.  It's an egg.  The  last one was always the `Rock Egg' instead of the rotten egg.  They found an oval dark brown rock that looked like an egg.  If you were the last one to the van or up the stair or whatever else they came up with, you had to try to eat the rock egg and they found it hilarious.

That afternoon, we went to `Big Beach' to go geocaching.  The boys found the cache that we were unable to find 2 years ago.  This was on Gary's top 3 list.  I was unable to make it up the cliff with Nya in the Ergo so I missed out on Team Chapman's geocaching :(

Then, it was back to just hanging out at our place.  It is right on the water so you have great views of fishing boats going by which means a lot of seals too.  It's beautiful.   We made all of our own food and that went really well.  I packed more than enough, and ample fun snacks, so it was good.  Saves so much money :)

Then, on Tuesday morning, it was time to head home.  We checked out and then went to Wickaninnish Beach.  Kai had my iPhone for part of it:)  This was probably the only time Gary and I held hands the whole time. 

{Kai taking a picture of me!}

Due to the puking incident we had to do laundry and it's a good thing because the boys got soaked.  They could've played there for hours.  We got them changed as we were heading home to the ferry.

We stopped to do a hike that we've done before.  It's just 1km and it's called the `Shorepine trail'.  It's really cool as it goes through a bog.  

In Port Alberni, we stopped at the Quay for our lunch and then had donuts for dessert :)

Then it was off to the ferry and home.  Nya napped a total of 20 minutes.  Normal for her is 2-3 hours a day so I felt bad for her.

{We had one shot with the timer and this is what we got, not bad:)}

What a great trip. I love my family.  I love being outdoors with them.  They exhaust me like crazy.  Kai knows how to annoy us like crazy.  They can fight like crazy.  But the love is great.

And, there's nothing like coming home to your king size bed.  Love my bed.

Happy Spring Break!!

Love, Louise

Spring Break: Days 1 and 2

Every spring break, we head to Vancouver Island.  I grew up doing this (every spring break and summer and sometimes more) so I really love it.  We always go to Ucluelet, except for last year when we did Parksville which was not my favourite.  Anyway, it coincided with my oma's 90th birthday!  It is my mom's mom and whenever I'm with her, I feel most connected to my momma.  I hope I have my oma's genes!  Wouldn't mind seeing 90!  My oma travelled a lot with us and being that we had a very full camper, oma and I even slept in the truck together!  My sisters and dad were on the same ferry as us so that was fun :) My sister Jantina once joked that we made up half of her friends and it's kind of true.  Love hanging out with them. So easy.

{To anyone who cares, this was taken on our 5d mark iii and the ISO is 2000!!!!  So little noise for 2000!!! There was no natural light in there as it was in a church basement}.

We ended up being there, in Port Alberni, for about 4 hours so it did make the day very long by the time we finally got to Ucluelet.  However, it was great to hang out with my mom's side as the family as we don't see them very often.

As a quick side note, we are trying to get more convenient items for travelling. Small, light, efficient.  The Phil  & Ted's travel crib worked awesomely (one complaint; you can't use a sheet on the bottom as there's nothing to wrap it around) and this is a chair seat that I bought second hand just before our trip too.  It worked so well and just rolled up to the size of a pair of socks.  So great!

We stayed at the Water's Edge Resort.  We stayed there two years ago and loved it.  It is perfect for our family in regards to size and budget. Nice and big with a full kitchen and great location and pretty new.  I wish we could do two bedrooms but that gets a little out of our budget.  So, Gary, Nya and I slept in the bedroom and the boys slept on the pull out bed in the main room.  The first night was ridiculous as Nya did not get a good nap in so she was out of sorts. I think I fed her every 2-3 hours.  Then, we were all up at 6am for the day.  Being that there was a recent time change, it really did feel like 5am. Oh well, we thought this would be our one sunny day so we went off to do our favourite hike, `The Wild Pacific Trail' at 7:30am.   I just mean it's our favourite because it's good for kids and it's beautiful.  We walked to the lighthouse. 

It's a 5.5km loop but we just did 1 km to the lighthouse and then back again. 

Beautiful shots of the sun rise there...

Being that it is the Whale Festival there, there were TONS of activities.  They've really stepped it up this year!  This is one that we went to after our hike.  We went to Terrace Beach as the aquarium staff were doing a dredge and they shared a lot of cool information.  The kids got to see some pretty cool fish, prawns and crabs.  

Poor Miss Nya had to be in the Ergo most of the time when we were out.  It was just too cold and she would've been covered in wet cold sand from head to toe in seconds.  She did really well in there and I LOVE my Ergo.  Love it.  I can breastfeed her in it,  carry her in it for hours, she can go to sleep in it.  Love it. 

Then we drove to Tofino (it's about a 20 minute drive from Ucluelet) to try to find the Tacofino truck.  Fortunately, Nya fell asleep on the way so she did get a small nap in.  We found the truck.  This made the top three of our favourite things from the trip.  In case you didn't know, Gary and I love food.  We have never eaten from a food truck as we never get down to Vancouver and taking the kids all the way there to eat at a food truck seems a little exhausting.  Anyway, loved it. 

Gary and Kai ordered.  They got fish tacos and tuna tacos.

We went and ate them at Long Beach.  It was waaaaay too windy and cold for the kids so that was too bad but fortunately the food was terrific.

Then we rested up at our place.  The only book Koen will read; his Cars Encyclopedia.

Nya loved being able to finally move around.  She was such a good sport the whole time.  It was the lack of sleep during the day, and getting up a lot at night, which really did a number on me.  Soooooooooo tired.  I feel bad for her though.  She's like her momma, she sleeps best in her own bed.

So, that concludes days 1 and 2 of our trip!!!    I think next time we will go for at least one more day.  We had such fabulous weather and didn't even go to the aquarium which was on our list of things to do, it was just too nice out!  

One thing I will say...I love my kids and would rather travel with them than without them, but wow, they are tiring.  I brought a magazine along and I got as far as taking it out of the suitcase.  Didn't even get to open it.    One day...maybe in 3 years? It's having a baby along that really makes it tough.  Especially when she doesn't sleep through the night.  I've actually started praying about it.  I need more sleep.  My family needs me to have more sleep.  So, we are hoping that Miss Nya sleeps better soon.  Oh well, I don't to stop doing what we love to do just because I'm not sleeping enough.  I'm so glad we went and am looking forward to next year :)  More to come...

Almost there...

Koen has been thinking about the Easter story a lot over the past 2 days.
1.  Koen (looking out of the window before stepping outside): We have to look out for Judas!
2.  Koen (praying): Dear God, please help mommy's mom to come alive again.  Amen.  (very sweet!)

{Nya looks very similar to me at this age in this picture.  However, I often find her looking like Kai.  We will see!  Regardless, she is so happy and cute.}

Nya has a top tooth coming through.  So far, we have not noticed much of a change in her but if it's anything like round one of teething, this could be a terrible spring break! Well, at least we know what to do now.  Natural homeopathic type stuff in the day and advil at night!  She is adorable.  She is a handful.  As long as she is moving she is happy.  Go, go, gooooooo!!  She's cruising furniture right now but not walking on her own yet.

Kai is lovely.  I look at him and can't believe how huge he is.  Heavy. Solid.  Mature.  Where's my cute little toddler?  I think he will be a wonderful husband one day.  I know, weird thought, but I really do!  Here is an excerpt from one page of his skate shaped journal entry on skating lessons with his class:

When I read `I was joyful that my mom and my sister and my brother Koen came', it made me smile and tear up a bit.  I never know how much to be there for field trips as it's often hard dragging along his siblings and I don't want to smother him but apparently for now, he likes it!  So, I will continue when I can.  I also love how he spelled `used to' as `yousto'.  Makes sense!

The countdown to spring break is on!!!  We are going to the island to celebrate my oma's 90th birthday (my mom's mom) and then continuing on to Ucluelet/Tofino.  We stay in Ucluelet becuase it's about 1/4 the price for a nice suite for our whole family.  We can make our own meals then too.   We don't usually do any excursions but this time we are going to the aquarium there AND going on a whale and sea lion watching tour.  Growing up, we had our own boat and did that every spring break (and fishing every summer in Bamfield) so I have great memories of it.  Hopefully the kids love it!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and hopefully the sun comes out!!
Love,
Louise

Cuteness Overload

Just went looking for a bathing suit for Nya.  Dudes, size 12-18 month girl bathing suits are way too cute!!  I probably should get her a full UV protected suit but the two pieces are sooooooooooooooo adorable!.  That is all.

{And because he is cute too.  Koen is OBSESSED with his letter poems.  Today they did `T' so he had to lay all of the other ones out, in order, right when he got home.} 

The Weekend

Oh man, all iPhone photos again.  Boo.  Oh well, Spring Break is soon enough and we'll have our cameras out hopefully!  The countdown is on and we are looking forward to some family time.  Well, to be honest, I wouldn't mind a few hours AWAY from my family but as long as we are doing something fun it'll be good:)  On Sunday I went out of the house for an hour and the best part was sitting in the van in the mall parking lot, eating a Purdy's ice cream bar.  So ridiculous but I sooooooo needed a break from `momming'.  

So, spent some lame money on our van this weekend.  I think that is the one place I get bitter about putting money into.  Vehicles.  They are just so expensive, especially since gas is CRAZY expensive.   Had to replace the battery (good job, Gary) and the rim on one of the tires.  We have a lot of construction going on which may have led Gary to drive over a curb in the dark.  Anyway, all fixed up.

I love that Nya just eats what we do.  She's still our smallest eater but she will try most things.  She is a lot more like Koen than Kai at this age.  Louder, more monkeyish and into everything, great pincer grasp, worse sleeper etc.

The boys put the trampoline together this weekend.  This will probably be the last year that Kai will want to use it as it's not super huge.

The boys love it and I love that they have another way to get out all of their physical energy instead of just playing hockey in the basement or wrestling around Nya.

Below the boys are watching Adam Loewen playing in the Team Canada vs Team USA game.  I taught him Biology 12 years back so it's pretty cool to see how well he is doing.  Anyway, this is the conversation:

Me: Kai, I taught Adam years ago.

Kai (eyes wide): YOU taught him how to play?!!!!

Below you can see that nothing stands in Nya's way.  She'll crawl over anything/anyone.

Below is the brochure for a campaign that the school is doing right now.  They are building a new primary campus which will be attached to the middle school.   Our Kai Bear is the boy in the photo.

Kai did tell the photographer that his mom could have done it too (I have done photos for their campaigns in the past).

Gary and I taught a photography class on Saturday night.  It's always a bit hectic as I had to be out of the house by 6:30pm.  That meant getting Koen and Nya down and running out the door.  They had moved the room we were in so I was a little scattered but by 7pm we were good to go!  We raised $750.00.  We had hoped for a bit more but three people had to cancel last minute.  Oh well, every bit counts and we were able to donate it all yesterday.  Big thanks to my sister Maria for babysitting.  

This morning was one of the best feelings.  While Nya napped, I went downstairs and rode our (super crappy) bike for half an hour while watching tv.  Felt soooooo good!!  Usually I can never exercise in the day because I'm working but I am completely caught up photography wise.  I am LOVING my self imposed restrictions.  One session/week and none on holidays.  I worked hard so I could have this week off to get caught up on house stuff, taxes (tried to be `cool' online but ended up doing the old paper version, I LOVE getting out my calculator and all that jazz) , trip prep etc.

In other news, my thyroid levels are currently in the NORMAL RANGE!!!   This is very exciting.  Last time it took 1.5 years to stabilize and be off meds etc.  This time, just 5 months.  I'm hoping to stay in the right range.  My body is still weak and tired but now I can start exercising more.  I do have to get this sinus infection dealt with still...it's been going on for far too long.

Also, we went to another church on Sunday to check it out and see if it's a fit for us.  This might not sound like a big deal but to me it is!  I went to the same church for 26 years and then went to Gary's (our) church for the next 8 years.  They have started a church plant (new church in a community closer to ours) so we checked it out.  This is a big decision to be made as we love our current church/friends/community etc.  Such a great building, great kids program, small group etc. However, our current church is very large.  There's something nice about being in a smaller church where you get to know everyone a lot better.  More of a family feel.  Also, because it's closer it is easier to invite people to.   Change can be good.  We will see what we do.

Anyway, better get going on to life around here.  Tonight for dinner I am making sweet and sour pork (YUM!!!) and then once the kids are in bed, my friends are coming over for the Bachelor finale!  Looking forward to just hanging out with a glass of wine:)

Louise

Our Trip Update and Other Stuff!

Eek!! I booked our last flight today.  Do you know how many different flights we have?  We have 7 flights (or just 5 if you don't include stopovers).  Ya.  I have not taken the best deal on each flight as I would rather have the most direct routes and/or leaving at good times.  Except for our first 16 hour flight  (one stopover) when we leave at 2:40am:)  That is the only part of our trip that I am nervous about...just getting through the airports okay and Nya on the plane.  

I have hotels/guest houses booked for the Thailand portion.  Haven't started thinking about WHAT things were are doing yet but I'm assuming a trek and the elephant conservation and YUMMY food every day.  The Philippines portion I'm not so worried about as our friends live there so they are the experts!  

I bought a travel crib for Nya!!  It's a Phil & Ted's that I bought second hand for half the price of a regular one. I bought it at Once Upon A Child.  I had checked craigslist but they went so quickly.  It was still $100.00 but I figure we will get a few years worth of use out of it AND I can sell it for close to that when we do decide to sell AND I know other people would like to borrow it.   I have sold her jumperoo and other baby items so I have a `fund' that I can use:)  

The reason I like it is that it is so light (just 7lbs!) and it has a mesh cover to keep out bugs. After dragging around a huge playpen throughout Mexico, this will be much better!  We plan on using it next summer when we go camping in Oregon.  

We will be `practicing' with it over Spring Break.  Eek!  Spring Break is almost here.  Love it.  Love having something to look forward to.  It involves two small trips and painting our bedroom:)

Another step done: everyone has their updated passports!  Now we just all need to get our Hep A vaccinations and I'm going to make sure Koen and Nya have their up to date immunizations before we go as well.     

These frogs sit on our stove.  They are the frogs my dad bought my mom when he proposed to her.  I should probably ask him the full story but I like looking at them when I'm baking in the kitchen.  Baking is when I feel closest to my mom.  Especially today as I made boterkoek using her boterkoek pans.  

If you are interested in EC, it's pretty amazing.  Nya has been using the toilet for about 6 weeks now. I haven't changed a dirty diaper in 2 weeks. She only uses 2 diapers in 24 hours.  One at night and one in the day.  Isn't that amazing?  I only put her on the toilet 3 times a day for about 1 minute each time.  The only time it worked just 50% of the time was when she was teething.  Her digestive system was off and she was miserable.  My friend joked that I am one of `those' moms and it's true.  I seriously just like it for the minimal environmental impact.  We do have cloth diapers too but they don't fit well under her leggings so we don't use them all the time.  If you've never tried it, I might sound crazy, but it is really easy.  Easier than changing diapers!

Kai has participated in Friday Night Basketball for the last 6 months or so.   It has been good but I don't love having it on Friday nights.  It makes our nights rushed and we basically have dinner together and then off Gary and Kai go.  It is a great program though and Kai has learned a lot.  He is a hard worker.  We will not be registering him in it for the next season.  Instead, we are looking into ball hockey as that is his one major passion and has been for about a year now. 

Gary and I are teaching a photography class this weekend.  We have 17 people signed up which means we will be able to donate $850.00 to the school.  Likely we will chip in the last $150 ourselves as I want to be able to give $1000.00.  It is being matched until March 12th, so really, it's like giving $2000:)

All  right, better get lunch on the table here!

Love, Louise

What Would You Do With A $150.00 Date?

Pretty last minute, Gary and I were given a pair of Canucks tickets for last nights game!   Such a nice gift!  I considered letting Kai go but it would've just been too late for him and I know he would've been a mess for the rest of the week.  So, Gary and I decided to have a nice date!

**The next two paragraphs are just boring processing of what NOT to do**

Very exciting, but first I just need to vent/process a poor decision that we made.  I wish I had more time to make a better decision.  Gary's parents were able to come watch the boys and they are super easy to put to bed.  Nya, on the other hand, needs to feed around 6 pm and then go to sleep.  It is the one time I def. feed her to sleep.  So, being that I assumed it would take longer to get down to the game, we were going to leave around 5:30pm so we decided to take her with us.  I assumed that she would nap on the way. I assumed she would feed in the van before we went to the game.  I hoped she would fall asleep in the Ergo.  Wow. So wrong.  Looking back, we should've stayed home until 6 pm, put her to bed, and then left.  It only took us one hour to get from our front door to our seats.

She loved the loud noise, the music (she clapped), the loud guy behind us etc.  However, there was also a point in which she spit up on the guys jacket in front of us.  I was mortified.  M.O.R.T.I.F.I.E.D. Thankfully his wife was super okay with it and thought Nya was adorable.  There was the whole walking around trying to find a quiet place to breastfeed.  I ended up breastfeeding her in the Ergo while standing in the bathroom stall for 10 minutes.  After the first period, she was not happy.  So, not a very great date with Nya along.  I have learned a lot.  It has also freaked me out about the 16 hour flight to SE Asia!!  I need to find which drugs will make her sleep!!  The better option would've been to arrive 5 minutes late to the game.  OR, I really need to put in the work to get her to take a bottle every day.  Regardless, I'm so thankful for the tickets.  It was the second hockey game I've ever been to and it was fun to go and do something different.

*********

One of my thoughts as I looked around was `Oh my goodness, each person has paid $70 to who knows what for a ticket.   So my question for you is the following:

'If you were given $150.00 for a date, and had to spend it all,  what would you do?' 

Go.  Everyone has to answer.  Just kidding :)  But I'm curious!!!

Mama!

Today she started saying `mama'!  Twenty seconds in, she says it.  Twenty one seconds in, I look like I'm going to cry.  Apparently I kiss her a lot.

Three Kids Are Expensive

It took me having three kids but now I spend money I wouldn't have before.  On coffee and wine.