Loon Lake

Two weeks ago today, Kevin and Bradyn headed up to Loon Lake with Grandma and Grandpa for a 10-day vacation. Although I didn't join them, I had big plans for my own 10-day vacation ... a 3-day business trip to Edmonton, 4 days of 'normal' living alone and then a solo shopping trip down to the Seattle Premium Outlets (I still get giddy when I think about it). Despite the sporadic cell phone service, Kevin was able to send me pictures and messages via Blackberry Messenger (BBM) to keep me updated on their fun and activities. Grandma also created a journal for Bradyn so that she (and I) would be able to remember everything (thank you Jane!). Here are some of the highlights.

On Thursday they headed out fishing and caught 4 fish. Apparently Bradyn was devasted that they had to let 2 go because they were too small, but it looks like she got over it pretty quickly.

While Bradyn's sunglasses were misplaced, she donned a pair of Daddy's old glasses that had been left at the lake - cool kid, or what?

No trip to Loon Lake would be complete without lots of painting. In fact, that is always the first thing mentioned by Bradyn when she talks about Loon Lake. Bradyn and Grandma painted rocks and some old ceiling tiles - can't wait until Grandma & Grandpa come down next so I can see some of the masterpieces.

You may not know this, but Kevin has a real way with animals and insects - they're never afraid of him. Apparently this trait is genetic and has been passed down to Bradyn because she is now our official 'Butterfly Whisperer'.

Up for trying a new form of entertainment, Bradyn helped set up the croquet set on Saturday. While I haven't heard any details of the games, I sure hope it went as well as her mini golfing in Osoyoos!

Bradyn's new friend Bailey was very eager to play 'fetch' and they kept each other entertained for quite some time. Apparently Bradyn would also set the stick on Bailey's nose and once she said "OK", Bailey would jump up and catch the stick. I wish I'd seen this!

On Sunday, Kevin and Bradyn took a hike up the mountain on the property across the road from the cottage. I've done this hike - it is not easy in some spots and you do get very high if you climb long enough. Here is Miss B on top of the world, and very proud of herself.

Of course me being the mom I am, upon receiving this photo, I couldn't help but point out to Kevin that Bradyn's crocs really weren't appropriate foot gear for the rugged hiking terrain. (Not surprised by my comments, Kevin let me know that he was also wearing crocs.)

Unfortunately, at one point Bradyn realized just how high they had climbed and got scared.

Once they were back on level ground, Bradyn decided to use the binoculars and check out the scenery from the dock.

On Monday, Bradyn and Kevin ventured up the hill again. Kevin sent me this picture and wrote "Dressed properly and not scared this time". I responded to Kevin's BBM, asking him to tell Bradyn that I was very proud of her. Her response? "I'm very happy that she's proud of me, but I kind of wish I wasn't this high."

Acting all cool and unafraid.

Grandma and Grandpa bought Bradyn her own pool to keep cool in. She even had goggles and flippers!

Other than painting, I'm pretty sure one of Bradyn's favourite things to do at the cottage is ride around on Grandpa's tractor.

Driving the boat is probably a close third.

Bradyn loves her books so she was thrilled when the local Bookmobile came by on Wednesday.

Cruising with Grandma. (Not sure if this was before or after her tantrum that resulted in her Dora fishing rod being accidentally thrown into the lake. Another lesson learned.)

On Friday the 26th, Bradyn and Daddy headed back home on the Greyhound bus, which they caught in Cache Creek. I admit that while I enjoyed having 10 days to myself (the first time since Bradyn was born), there were times when it was lonely and I really missed them. The house was occasionally eerily quiet and it was strange not having anything to pick up and put away. :-)

The night before they came home, I had talked to Bradyn and she broke my heart telling me how much she missed me and wanted to see me. As I anxiously awaited Bradyn and Kevin's arrival Friday night at the Coquitlam Greyhound station, getting BBM messages from Kevin letting me know how close they were, I realized that as crazy as we make each other sometimes, I sure do love them. I guess what they say is true.... absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Osoyoos 2011

Last Saturday, Kevin, Bradyn & I set out on our second annual trek to Osoyoos. Since we'd had such a good time last year, Bradyn & I were able to convince Kevin to use more of his airmiles this year so we could have 5 nights instead of 3. We were fortunate enough to be upgraded to a kitchenette suite this year. While I admit I wasn't too thrilled about the marina view (I'd been spoiled with the lake view last year), it turned out to be great for access to the beach and the parking garage.

Bradyn thought she looked pretty good wearing Daddy's beloved Seattle Seahawks hat.

Chilling at bedtime, watching a move on Daddy's iPod. (I'm still hoping one year we'll be able to afford the suite with separate bedrooms because Bradyn was up pretty late each night, even if it was just laying in bed staring across the room at us reading our books.)

This year we decided to branch out beyond just hanging out on the beach and checked out 'Rattlesnake Canyon' - a local amusement park.

Bradyn was very excited to test her skills at mini-golf. (Is it just me or does she look all grown up in this picture?)

Look at that form....

I think we were all in shock when Miss B got a hole in one on Hole #8!

Next on the list was the bumper boats. Sadly, Kevin & Bradyn had the only boat on the water when it was their turn so they didn't have anyone else to shoot water at, but there were still a lot of squeals and giggles and they definitely had fun.

Later that afternoon, Bradyn & I created a castle on the beach. Here we are, just getting started. Once we were done, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her add stones to serve as king, queen, prince and princess, and then flat stones to be their beds.

Bradyn's new friend Samantha let B take a ride on her lizard raft - these two were very cute together.

Beach Babe.

On our way home on Thursday, we stopped off at the site of the Hope rock slide. I was trying to be artistic here...

Again, I can't help but look at Bradyn and think just how much she has grown. She's definitely not a baby any more.

I wonder if 2012 will make the Osoyoos trifecta..