What A Vacation

As many of you know, Bradyn and I just got back from a two-week vacation in Ontario. For the first time, I had most of our days planned before we even got on the plane, so we wouldn't be laying around for 10 days, then trying to jam everything in to the last three. Well, I guess I learned my lesson - you can't plan a trip to Onterrible. The day after we got there, Dad had a major gall bladder attack, ended up in hospital with pancreatitis on day three, and had surgery to remove his gall bladder on day six. Although spending time in the hospital was not what I'd planned, I sure am glad I was there when it happened. I'm also thinking now that maybe 'Somebody' thought my plans were too ambitious, so I had to be slowed down.

Despite the little hiccup, we had a great two weeks and I have 541 pictures to sort through so I can share our adventures with you. In the meantime, here are two videos, which I'm hoping will buy me a few more weeks until my next posting.

Dressing up and Sleeping Beauty are the Hands-Down favourites of both Bradyn and Kiera right now...

Saying good-bye to Kiera and Robee the night before we came home. Over the last few days, Bradyn has told me many, MANY times how much she misses Kiera & Robee, Nana & Poppa, and Aunt Sherri & Uncle Jason. She gets this pouty look on her face and as cute as it is, it breaks my heart. Start saving your pennies you Ontario 6 - it's your turn to get on the plane!

Disney 'Street-Walker'

Last Saturday, we headed out to UBC to visit the Museum of Anthropology - the first official use of our Tourism Challenge annual pass card.

Bradyn is going through a dress phase right now, so I was thrilled when I was able to convince her that skirts are just as nice as dresses. (I bought her 4 cute skirts a few months ago at a swap meet, but they've been hanging in the closet because she won't wear them - they're not dresses.) The Disney princess shirt matched the pink and white belt, so we were good to go. Then Bradyn decided she wanted to wear her princess jewellery (what's the harm?) and that she wanted her ponytail braided (no biggie). We finally got her into the car, and off we went. Kevin commented on the outfit, but I honestly didn't pay much attention to the overall look. Once we got out of the car and were walking to the museum, I suddenly realized what he meant.... Bradyn's seemingly sweet Disney princess ensemble, really did make her look a bit trampy. I know, I know ... it's a terrible thing to say about our darling 3 year old, but come on... Look at her!


Stopping to pick a flower for Mommy.

Thank you, Bradybug.

Imitating the masks...

This is my absolute favourite. "Now take my picture doing this face!"

Not a bit afraid of the bear.

OK, I realize this is probably one of those 'you had to be there' stories, but here goes. When we left the museum to look at the outdoor exhibits, Miss B wanted to stop for a snack. Apparently Mommy has turned into a bit of a paparazzi, because Bradyn asked me to stop taking her picture. Of course I didn't listen, and she got mad. Mad enough to get up, walk away, and sit elsewhere. When I followed her, she slid along the step, dragging her bum, to get away from me. Eventually she got trapped against the end of the steps and couldn't go any further. I captured it all with my continuous shooting mode, and it's just like I got a video of it. Too bad I didn't have the sound.

"No more pictures"

"Leave me alone"

"You're not my friend anymore"

Quietly accepting that I wouldn't go away, but not acknowledging that I'm there.

This is the ultimate photo of Bradyn when she eats. Once she has put the food into her mouth, she wipes her fingers. Doesn't matter what she wipes them on, but she does it. At least she remembered not to wipe them on her clothes this time.

Taking some time to smell the roses.

At Spanish Banks, watching Daddy open a mussel for the crab to eat, so he'd come out of his hiding spot.

Another beautiful day on the West Coast.