Home
This weekend our family went to my cousin's wedding in Kelowna. It was certainly a whirlwind trip! We left at the crack of dawn on Friday and returned late last night. We had intended to return in time for school and work this morning. In retrospect, if we had known a mudslide would close the TransCanada highway I think we may have stayed in Kelowna an extra day.
The wedding was very nice. It was good to visit with my extended family, if only for a day. The kids were awesome. Considering we kept them awake late, all shared a single hotel room, and spent most of the weekend driving, the kids were incredible. They had a terrific time cuttin' up the floor at the wedding dance. Too cute!
I'm ready to be done traveling, that's for sure. It feels like we've been gone every weekend lately. (Though we haven't, really.) I'm such a homebody, I'd choose to stay home all the time if we could. Ben and I definitely haven't been bitten by the travel bug like my sister and brother-in-law!
(As an aside ... my sister bought a new house last week and it's only three blocks away! We are very excited to welcome Lori and Matt to the neighbourhood!)
Ben has one trip coming up in October and then we are done! No more traveling for our family for a good, long time. I'm totally looking forward to nesting through the fall and winter. It's time to settle down.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Welcome to Canada!
Today's the day! I've been waiting four long years for this day to finally arrive. This evening we will meet my dear South African pen pal and her family for the very first time. I can hardly wait to go to the airport!
This week the children and I constructed a welcome banner for our South African friends. I wrote "Welcome to Canada" in large letters across the banner. The kids used crayons, markers and stickers to decorate the rest of the large roll of paper. Everything went smoothly until our five-year-old decided to add his own welcome message to the banner.
(Last weekend a mission's team from Tanzania spoke at our church. They talked about their experience working with African orphans and presented a slide show. One image must have stuck in the mind of our impressionable kindergartner...)
Our five-year-old, using primitive phonetic spelling and a big black crayon, added the following words to the banner:
FUNGUS INFECTION
Oh dear. Welcome to Canada. Don't mind the mushrooms...
Today's the day! I've been waiting four long years for this day to finally arrive. This evening we will meet my dear South African pen pal and her family for the very first time. I can hardly wait to go to the airport!
This week the children and I constructed a welcome banner for our South African friends. I wrote "Welcome to Canada" in large letters across the banner. The kids used crayons, markers and stickers to decorate the rest of the large roll of paper. Everything went smoothly until our five-year-old decided to add his own welcome message to the banner.
(Last weekend a mission's team from Tanzania spoke at our church. They talked about their experience working with African orphans and presented a slide show. One image must have stuck in the mind of our impressionable kindergartner...)
Our five-year-old, using primitive phonetic spelling and a big black crayon, added the following words to the banner:
FUNGUS INFECTION
Oh dear. Welcome to Canada. Don't mind the mushrooms...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
I Once Was Lost ...
Many people we know have visited Las Vegas in the past week or two. Perhaps our lovely weather has played a hand in their travels. (Pun absolutely intended.)
This morning our five-year-old son asked numerous questions about the aforementioned city.
"You know, Mommy," he said, "I don't think they should call it Las Vegas."
"Oh really?" I commented, "What do you think the city should be named?"
He thought for a moment and then replied, "I think they should call it Found Vegas!"
Many people we know have visited Las Vegas in the past week or two. Perhaps our lovely weather has played a hand in their travels. (Pun absolutely intended.)
This morning our five-year-old son asked numerous questions about the aforementioned city.
"You know, Mommy," he said, "I don't think they should call it Las Vegas."
"Oh really?" I commented, "What do you think the city should be named?"
He thought for a moment and then replied, "I think they should call it Found Vegas!"
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A Romantic Escape
What a wonderful weekend! Ben and I spent the last few days in the lovely town of Banff, nestled within the majestic Rocky Mountains. We planned a special getaway to celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary.
Our children spent the weekend with their grandparents. Ben and I stayed in a loft suite at a nice hotel. Our room had a small kitchen and a rustic wood-burning fireplace. A very romantic place, indeed. We stayed for two nights and slept in very, very late each morning.
On Friday night we went for a beautiful, moonlit sleigh ride. My hubby and I snuggled under a buffalo skin robe and enjoyed gourmet chocolates. The weather was perfect --- just below zero with light snow. After our ride we ate a delicious late supper at a local steak house.
On Saturday afternoon we toured around town and poked our noses through the local shops. I stocked up at the Rocky Mountain Soap Company, and Ben and I indulged in Bernard Callebaut chocolates. Late in the afternoon we visited the spa at the Upper Hot Springs. Ben and I each received a wonderfully relaxing massage. My massage therapist even used a special pillow for my baby belly. After our massages Ben took a dip in the hot springs while I wandered through the gift shop.
We returned home this afternoon rested, relaxed and ready to step back into a routine. The children had lots of fun at Grandpa and Grandmas'. This week our oldest son returns to school and the next few days are shaping up to be quite busy.
What a wonderful weekend! Ben and I spent the last few days in the lovely town of Banff, nestled within the majestic Rocky Mountains. We planned a special getaway to celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary.
Our children spent the weekend with their grandparents. Ben and I stayed in a loft suite at a nice hotel. Our room had a small kitchen and a rustic wood-burning fireplace. A very romantic place, indeed. We stayed for two nights and slept in very, very late each morning.
On Friday night we went for a beautiful, moonlit sleigh ride. My hubby and I snuggled under a buffalo skin robe and enjoyed gourmet chocolates. The weather was perfect --- just below zero with light snow. After our ride we ate a delicious late supper at a local steak house.
On Saturday afternoon we toured around town and poked our noses through the local shops. I stocked up at the Rocky Mountain Soap Company, and Ben and I indulged in Bernard Callebaut chocolates. Late in the afternoon we visited the spa at the Upper Hot Springs. Ben and I each received a wonderfully relaxing massage. My massage therapist even used a special pillow for my baby belly. After our massages Ben took a dip in the hot springs while I wandered through the gift shop.
We returned home this afternoon rested, relaxed and ready to step back into a routine. The children had lots of fun at Grandpa and Grandmas'. This week our oldest son returns to school and the next few days are shaping up to be quite busy.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Captain Hook Drives a Jeep
"You know, honey, I'm desperate to pee. Think we could pull in for a pit stop?"
Thud. Crunch.
"Uh oh."
....................
This weekend we drove out to Saskatchewan to spend Thanksgiving with my family. The trip takes about seven hours by car. Unfortunately, our return voyage took slightly longer than we had intended. In Medicine Hat our van was graciously rear-ended by Captain Hook.
....................
Ben flipped on the hazard lights. I checked to see if the kids were okay. We both got out to survey the damages.
"Well @#$%," swore Captain Hook, "I just don't know what happened."
The front fender of his new Jeep Liberty rested snugly against our van's back bumper.
I rubbed my eyes. "Why don't we all pull over into that hotel parking lot over there," I suggested.
We returned to our respective vehicles. Ben put the van into drive. He stepped on the gas. The wheels spun and our van didn't budge.
"Umm. I think we are stuck." It was a statement of the obvious.
As luck would have it, the Jeep boasted two nasty tow hooks. One of the hooks had pierced the metal bumper of our van. We were stuck fast. Like a fish on a line. No amount of pulling could separate our vehicles.
"You know, I think we had better call the police," I said.
Captain Hook's wife pulled out her cell phone. A few minutes later our kids were enthralled by blue and red flashing lights. Two friendly officers surveyed the scene.
We filled out paperwork.
The kids munched pretzels and played with stuffed animals.
"Looks like you are really stuck," one of the officers observed. He shuffled his boot through the gravel.
I smiled politely. "Aren't you supposed to help us get un-stuck?!" I asked internally.
I cleared my throat. "Do you think we should call a tow truck?" I suggested, "Maybe he could get us apart."
The officer pulled out his radio. A few minutes later the tow truck arrived. The kids gleefully took in the show.
"Gee," commented the tow truck driver, "Looks like you are really stuck."
I silently groaned, "Yes. But it's your job to get us un-stuck."
I really needed to pee.
"I suppose I could hook up your van and pull you apart," the driver suggested.
Not a great plan. The frame of our van could be torn to pieces.
"Look," said Captain Hook, "I've called my buddy. He's going to bring me some tools, and I'll try to unbolt the hook from the frame of my Jeep."
A much better plan.
After a few more minutes, Buddy arrived. Captain Hook lay on the ground under our van's rear bumper. Mild grunting and cussing drifted up from under the vehicle.
The tow truck driver fidgeted. He fetched tools.
The police officers filled out their paperwork. Slooooowly.
I gave up, abandoned the scene, and dashed to the hotel washroom.
Finally, after nearly an hour of effort, the stubborn bolts came loose. The hook pulled free. The kids cheered from their car seats and I breathed a long sigh of relief.
We shook hands with Captain Hook and his wife. "Happy Thanksgiving!" I wryly declared.
The police officer pulled us aside. "By law, you must now replace all three of your children's car seats. I would suggest you do that today. You will need to destroy the old seats. Your insurance will cover the cost." We blanched at the prospect.
"Well. Umm, good thing the accident happened across the street from the mall." I smiled weakly.
....................
We finally arrived home three hours later than planned, well past the kids' bed time. Our van now sports a stylish new dent, a puncture wound, and a "damaged vehicle" sticker courtesy of the Medicine Hat Police Service.
I spent most of this morning dealing with the insurance company. I also received a friendly phone call from Captain Hook.
My week has suddenly become a lot more complicated.
However, I am thankful. Thankful no one was hurt in the accident. Thankful the damage appears to be superficial. Thankful the weather was pleasant yesterday. Thankful our kids were extraordinarily good. Thankful the mall was open so we could buy new car seats.
We just didn't expect to meet a pirate on our way home from Thanksgiving dinner.
Yarr!
"You know, honey, I'm desperate to pee. Think we could pull in for a pit stop?"
Thud. Crunch.
"Uh oh."
....................
This weekend we drove out to Saskatchewan to spend Thanksgiving with my family. The trip takes about seven hours by car. Unfortunately, our return voyage took slightly longer than we had intended. In Medicine Hat our van was graciously rear-ended by Captain Hook.
....................
Ben flipped on the hazard lights. I checked to see if the kids were okay. We both got out to survey the damages.
"Well @#$%," swore Captain Hook, "I just don't know what happened."
The front fender of his new Jeep Liberty rested snugly against our van's back bumper.
I rubbed my eyes. "Why don't we all pull over into that hotel parking lot over there," I suggested.
We returned to our respective vehicles. Ben put the van into drive. He stepped on the gas. The wheels spun and our van didn't budge.
"Umm. I think we are stuck." It was a statement of the obvious.
As luck would have it, the Jeep boasted two nasty tow hooks. One of the hooks had pierced the metal bumper of our van. We were stuck fast. Like a fish on a line. No amount of pulling could separate our vehicles.
"You know, I think we had better call the police," I said.
Captain Hook's wife pulled out her cell phone. A few minutes later our kids were enthralled by blue and red flashing lights. Two friendly officers surveyed the scene.
We filled out paperwork.
The kids munched pretzels and played with stuffed animals.
"Looks like you are really stuck," one of the officers observed. He shuffled his boot through the gravel.
I smiled politely. "Aren't you supposed to help us get un-stuck?!" I asked internally.
I cleared my throat. "Do you think we should call a tow truck?" I suggested, "Maybe he could get us apart."
The officer pulled out his radio. A few minutes later the tow truck arrived. The kids gleefully took in the show.
"Gee," commented the tow truck driver, "Looks like you are really stuck."
I silently groaned, "Yes. But it's your job to get us un-stuck."
I really needed to pee.
"I suppose I could hook up your van and pull you apart," the driver suggested.
Not a great plan. The frame of our van could be torn to pieces.
"Look," said Captain Hook, "I've called my buddy. He's going to bring me some tools, and I'll try to unbolt the hook from the frame of my Jeep."
A much better plan.
After a few more minutes, Buddy arrived. Captain Hook lay on the ground under our van's rear bumper. Mild grunting and cussing drifted up from under the vehicle.
The tow truck driver fidgeted. He fetched tools.
The police officers filled out their paperwork. Slooooowly.
I gave up, abandoned the scene, and dashed to the hotel washroom.
Finally, after nearly an hour of effort, the stubborn bolts came loose. The hook pulled free. The kids cheered from their car seats and I breathed a long sigh of relief.
We shook hands with Captain Hook and his wife. "Happy Thanksgiving!" I wryly declared.
The police officer pulled us aside. "By law, you must now replace all three of your children's car seats. I would suggest you do that today. You will need to destroy the old seats. Your insurance will cover the cost." We blanched at the prospect.
"Well. Umm, good thing the accident happened across the street from the mall." I smiled weakly.
....................
We finally arrived home three hours later than planned, well past the kids' bed time. Our van now sports a stylish new dent, a puncture wound, and a "damaged vehicle" sticker courtesy of the Medicine Hat Police Service.
I spent most of this morning dealing with the insurance company. I also received a friendly phone call from Captain Hook.
My week has suddenly become a lot more complicated.
However, I am thankful. Thankful no one was hurt in the accident. Thankful the damage appears to be superficial. Thankful the weather was pleasant yesterday. Thankful our kids were extraordinarily good. Thankful the mall was open so we could buy new car seats.
We just didn't expect to meet a pirate on our way home from Thanksgiving dinner.
Yarr!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Digital Nasal Evacuation
Special thanks to the intrepid travelers, my sister Lori and her husband Matt, for the following article.
.............................
Article from The Eye Magazine (A serious local magazine):
"Driving in Uganda can definitely be described as a hazardous sport and a source of stress for many visitors. This can be made a little easier for The Eye readers by being aware of the local laws.
As in many countries, Uganda has attempted to reduce road deaths by passing laws that make the wearing of seat belts compulsory and banning the use of mobile phones while driving. Following the success of these two laws, some pressure groups are considering putting a motion before parliament making it illegal to pick your nose while driving.
The motion is due to be debated immediately after Easter. A representative from Mpicki district who spoke to The Eye said, "Definitely this law needs to be passed. The Movement Government is determined to reduce road deaths from all causes and any activity that interferes with concentration is a cause of accidents. We are a caring government and also courageous. We will face this problem head on".
A senior official in the ministry of health, Mr. Francis Onasalwa said, "Digital nasal evacuation, to give it its proper medical term, is an important part of respiratory hygiene. However it can be dangerous while driving, especially if trying to change gear at the same time. If the urge is overwhelming we would advise drivers to pull over or get a passenger to help".
The Eye interviewed some well known Kampala drivers for their opinions. A famous musician Miss Julia "fingers" Downing said, "I can play keyboard and turn the pages at the same time, so why shouldn't I drive and pick my nose at the same time?" Dr. Pick Stockley also was unhappy with the new legislation: "I am too busy all day to pick my own nose, and it is hard to find good staff these days and my wife won't let me pick my nose when I get home. That 40 minutes in the car at the Jinja road roundabout every evening is one of the few pleasures left at my age, and now even that is going to have to go. I am disgusted". "
Matt and I had a real good laugh when we read this one.
Special thanks to the intrepid travelers, my sister Lori and her husband Matt, for the following article.
.............................
Article from The Eye Magazine (A serious local magazine):
"Driving in Uganda can definitely be described as a hazardous sport and a source of stress for many visitors. This can be made a little easier for The Eye readers by being aware of the local laws.
As in many countries, Uganda has attempted to reduce road deaths by passing laws that make the wearing of seat belts compulsory and banning the use of mobile phones while driving. Following the success of these two laws, some pressure groups are considering putting a motion before parliament making it illegal to pick your nose while driving.
The motion is due to be debated immediately after Easter. A representative from Mpicki district who spoke to The Eye said, "Definitely this law needs to be passed. The Movement Government is determined to reduce road deaths from all causes and any activity that interferes with concentration is a cause of accidents. We are a caring government and also courageous. We will face this problem head on".
A senior official in the ministry of health, Mr. Francis Onasalwa said, "Digital nasal evacuation, to give it its proper medical term, is an important part of respiratory hygiene. However it can be dangerous while driving, especially if trying to change gear at the same time. If the urge is overwhelming we would advise drivers to pull over or get a passenger to help".
The Eye interviewed some well known Kampala drivers for their opinions. A famous musician Miss Julia "fingers" Downing said, "I can play keyboard and turn the pages at the same time, so why shouldn't I drive and pick my nose at the same time?" Dr. Pick Stockley also was unhappy with the new legislation: "I am too busy all day to pick my own nose, and it is hard to find good staff these days and my wife won't let me pick my nose when I get home. That 40 minutes in the car at the Jinja road roundabout every evening is one of the few pleasures left at my age, and now even that is going to have to go. I am disgusted". "
Matt and I had a real good laugh when we read this one.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Adventure in Africa
This week my sister and her husband left for Uganda. Lori and Matt will be away for the next four months teaching school in a small village called Lukojjo. Here is a snippet of the first impressions of their new home away from home:
We have a room attached to the girl's dormitory with a separate smaller room for the bucket shower. Rain water is collected in three big tanks at the school and we fill up two big jerry cans for washing every morning (it has been raining about half of the time). There is also a pit latrine just outside the room with several creepy crawlies to keep you company while you're squatting. I know it sounds basic, but we are actually really impressed with our accommodation as we were expecting far, far worse. I actually feel really guilty considering that the boy's dormitory is about the same size as our room and it will shelter 30+ kids (bunk beds stacked side by side) ...
...We will be teaching primary 5 and primary 6 English and science every morning (4 hours) and then also a one-hour physical education class every day. This is something brand new to the school (Matt's idea I'm sure you gathered) but they seemed really open to the idea. This will be quite challenging considering there are no balls, no sports equipment of any sort, no running shoes, no nice big flat field. But we'll manage I'm sure. As a muzungu girl, I'm also expected to hang out with the younger children, sing songs, teach them games, play with them, etc. which I'm looking forward to. We will also be participating in community outreach visits a couple times per week - not quite sure what this will entail, but probably some sort of HIV/AIDS awareness talk.
The culture shock hasn't really hit us yet. I'm not sure if it will. Being that we've been to Africa before, we weren't nearly as stunned by the poverty and filth as we were in Ghana. In fact, it was strangely comforting to be back in these conditions. Once you look beyond the garbage and poverty, you realize that the landscape is simply stunning. I guess the rains haven't stopped since May so it's very, very green and lush.
Our family will certainly miss Uncle Matt and Auntie Lori this fall. We're praying God will keep them healthy and safe.
This week my sister and her husband left for Uganda. Lori and Matt will be away for the next four months teaching school in a small village called Lukojjo. Here is a snippet of the first impressions of their new home away from home:
We have a room attached to the girl's dormitory with a separate smaller room for the bucket shower. Rain water is collected in three big tanks at the school and we fill up two big jerry cans for washing every morning (it has been raining about half of the time). There is also a pit latrine just outside the room with several creepy crawlies to keep you company while you're squatting. I know it sounds basic, but we are actually really impressed with our accommodation as we were expecting far, far worse. I actually feel really guilty considering that the boy's dormitory is about the same size as our room and it will shelter 30+ kids (bunk beds stacked side by side) ...
...We will be teaching primary 5 and primary 6 English and science every morning (4 hours) and then also a one-hour physical education class every day. This is something brand new to the school (Matt's idea I'm sure you gathered) but they seemed really open to the idea. This will be quite challenging considering there are no balls, no sports equipment of any sort, no running shoes, no nice big flat field. But we'll manage I'm sure. As a muzungu girl, I'm also expected to hang out with the younger children, sing songs, teach them games, play with them, etc. which I'm looking forward to. We will also be participating in community outreach visits a couple times per week - not quite sure what this will entail, but probably some sort of HIV/AIDS awareness talk.
The culture shock hasn't really hit us yet. I'm not sure if it will. Being that we've been to Africa before, we weren't nearly as stunned by the poverty and filth as we were in Ghana. In fact, it was strangely comforting to be back in these conditions. Once you look beyond the garbage and poverty, you realize that the landscape is simply stunning. I guess the rains haven't stopped since May so it's very, very green and lush.
Our family will certainly miss Uncle Matt and Auntie Lori this fall. We're praying God will keep them healthy and safe.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Home
We returned home from our trip to Radium this afternoon. What a nice getaway! Our family enjoyed a lovely, relaxing weekend. Ben played a bit of golf, I took a long nap, and the children swam all weekend long.
The next couple of weeks will be comfortably routine. My big boy starts junior kindergarten soon, so I plan to savour these last few days with my son at home. He is growing too quickly! I sometimes wish my children could stay small forever.
Tonight I am looking forward to a long sleep in my own warm, familiar bed (with only my husband to share it).
We returned home from our trip to Radium this afternoon. What a nice getaway! Our family enjoyed a lovely, relaxing weekend. Ben played a bit of golf, I took a long nap, and the children swam all weekend long.
The next couple of weeks will be comfortably routine. My big boy starts junior kindergarten soon, so I plan to savour these last few days with my son at home. He is growing too quickly! I sometimes wish my children could stay small forever.
Tonight I am looking forward to a long sleep in my own warm, familiar bed (with only my husband to share it).
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Home Again!
We returned home last night from our trip to Saskatchewan. It sure felt nice to sleep in our own beds. Today I have been chewing my way through a mountain of laundry. The boys have been playing Lego for hours, and my Sweetie Pie is catching up on her beauty sleep. It is good to be home.
Some highlights of our family vacation ...
We returned home last night from our trip to Saskatchewan. It sure felt nice to sleep in our own beds. Today I have been chewing my way through a mountain of laundry. The boys have been playing Lego for hours, and my Sweetie Pie is catching up on her beauty sleep. It is good to be home.
Some highlights of our family vacation ...
- The dinosaur museum (aka: The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller). I have seldom seen my boys more excited than they were when we stepped into the first museum gallery. That place is cool. (Even from an adult perspective.)
- Catching frogs. (Just my Benjie and me.) We tramped through the bushes like two kids, barely able to see our own feet in the fading sunlight. I spotted a big leopard frog hopping along the lake shore and caught it with my bare hands.
- The puppet show. I brought a few craft supplies to the lake. My young cousin made several popsicle stick puppets and she created an entire show for them. We draped an old table cloth across a bench and performed the show for the family.
- Making smores. For two days our little family stayed in a cozy cabin near the lake. One night Ben lit a fire and we made smores with the boys. You'd thing they'd died and gone to heaven! Two sticky boys, dirty from head-to-toe.
- Praying to Jesus. Our freshly-bathed four-year-old son snuggled with Daddy on the tiny love seat in our cozy cabin at the lake. He asked a million questions about God and Jesus. Then, of his own volition, our son invited Jesus to come and "live in his heart forever and ever". And the angels sang :-).
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Gone Fishin'
We've had a busy couple of days down here at the ranch. It's well past midnight and I'm still slogging away at the last few tasks on my list. We leave for our six-day trip to Saskatchewan bright and early tomorrow morning. My husband is planning to take him computer along, so I'm hoping to keep in touch :-).
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Quotable
I am still digging my way through a mountain of laundry and household tasks. I think I need a vacation to recover from my vacation! Here's to hoping I will find more time to spend online tomorrow...
Tonight I'll share a quick anecdote from our holiday.
Our four-year-old son's derma did not fare well on our trip to Mexico. He suffered through a nasty sunburn and several scraped knees. His skin is now in a lovely scaly stage and we've affectionately nicknamed him "lizard boy".
The other day my preschooler examined the half-healed scrape on his knee for several minutes. He poked at it with his finger and then made the following (somewhat disturbing) observation:
"Hey Mommy! My scab looks just like a piece of bacon!"
I am still digging my way through a mountain of laundry and household tasks. I think I need a vacation to recover from my vacation! Here's to hoping I will find more time to spend online tomorrow...
Tonight I'll share a quick anecdote from our holiday.
Our four-year-old son's derma did not fare well on our trip to Mexico. He suffered through a nasty sunburn and several scraped knees. His skin is now in a lovely scaly stage and we've affectionately nicknamed him "lizard boy".
The other day my preschooler examined the half-healed scrape on his knee for several minutes. He poked at it with his finger and then made the following (somewhat disturbing) observation:
"Hey Mommy! My scab looks just like a piece of bacon!"
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Mexico Here We Come!
Only seven hours until we leave for the airport! Our entire family is very excited. I'm not sure how I'll fall asleep tonight, even with the knowledge that 4am will come painfully early tomorrow morning!
The boys finally zonked out a few minutes ago. (They were very cute about it. Our two-year-old kept chattering on about "riding in a rocket" tomorrow. I think he meant the airplane.)
All our bags are finally packed and piled beside the front door. I think we did okay for a family with three preschoolers. We're bringing four suitcases, four carry-ons, two umbrella strollers and a playpen. (Now I just need to grow a few more arms to carry it all. And maybe some herculean muscles...)
I've been surfing our resort's website. Oh my, I can't imagine how wonderful it will be. They even have a family day trip where the kids can visit dolphins. I wonder if we might be able to pull that one off? We're going to have so much fun!
We hadn't intended to bring our computers, but finally decided that Ben will bring his notebook. He's not allowed to do any work, though! I am hoping to update my blog once or twice in the next week. Maybe I'll even be able to post some pictures of our holiday!
See you soon!
Only seven hours until we leave for the airport! Our entire family is very excited. I'm not sure how I'll fall asleep tonight, even with the knowledge that 4am will come painfully early tomorrow morning!
The boys finally zonked out a few minutes ago. (They were very cute about it. Our two-year-old kept chattering on about "riding in a rocket" tomorrow. I think he meant the airplane.)
All our bags are finally packed and piled beside the front door. I think we did okay for a family with three preschoolers. We're bringing four suitcases, four carry-ons, two umbrella strollers and a playpen. (Now I just need to grow a few more arms to carry it all. And maybe some herculean muscles...)
I've been surfing our resort's website. Oh my, I can't imagine how wonderful it will be. They even have a family day trip where the kids can visit dolphins. I wonder if we might be able to pull that one off? We're going to have so much fun!
We hadn't intended to bring our computers, but finally decided that Ben will bring his notebook. He's not allowed to do any work, though! I am hoping to update my blog once or twice in the next week. Maybe I'll even be able to post some pictures of our holiday!
See you soon!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Oh the Drama
Only 25(ish) days until we depart for warmer climes. Our vacation to Mexico is quickly approaching. This morning our entire family had an appointment at the International Travel Clinic for ... (cue the ominous music) ... shots.
Our four-year-old son had been dreading this morning's appointment, but he knew that in order to go on the trip he needed to have a shot. This morning in the van we finally discovered why our son was so terrified.
Our little boy thought he was going to the clinic to be shot. With a gun. A great, big needle gun, apparently.
Oh, my.
The long and the short of the story is this: Our son did receive his needle. He screamed something fierce in the clinic room, but survived to tell the tale.
Mexico, here we come!
Only 25(ish) days until we depart for warmer climes. Our vacation to Mexico is quickly approaching. This morning our entire family had an appointment at the International Travel Clinic for ... (cue the ominous music) ... shots.
Our four-year-old son had been dreading this morning's appointment, but he knew that in order to go on the trip he needed to have a shot. This morning in the van we finally discovered why our son was so terrified.
Our little boy thought he was going to the clinic to be shot. With a gun. A great, big needle gun, apparently.
Oh, my.
The long and the short of the story is this: Our son did receive his needle. He screamed something fierce in the clinic room, but survived to tell the tale.
Mexico, here we come!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sorry
I apologise for the comments I made yesterday regarding Black's Photography. I was beyond frustrated, but my words were too harsh.
This evening we returned to Black's to have our boys' passport photos retaken. The store took new photographs and also refunded our money. Essentially, we received the boys' passport photos for free. That's good customer service.
Just to clarify: This was the fourth time we tried to have our boys' passport photos done, but only the second time we visited Black's. Our first attempt was at Sears. (The camera broke.) We also went to Walmart. (They ran out of paper.)
I suppose one good thing has come of all this --- our boys have the "passport photo routine" down cold. No smiling. Close your mouth. Look straight ahead. Don't blink! Tonight we captured perfect pictures of each boy on the very first try.
I apologise for the comments I made yesterday regarding Black's Photography. I was beyond frustrated, but my words were too harsh.
This evening we returned to Black's to have our boys' passport photos retaken. The store took new photographs and also refunded our money. Essentially, we received the boys' passport photos for free. That's good customer service.
Just to clarify: This was the fourth time we tried to have our boys' passport photos done, but only the second time we visited Black's. Our first attempt was at Sears. (The camera broke.) We also went to Walmart. (They ran out of paper.)
I suppose one good thing has come of all this --- our boys have the "passport photo routine" down cold. No smiling. Close your mouth. Look straight ahead. Don't blink! Tonight we captured perfect pictures of each boy on the very first try.
Monday, February 12, 2007
What's Not to Love About Canadian Bureaucracy?
I am absolutely fed up.
For the past two weeks we've been valiantly trying to get our passport applications processed. (Mexico here we come! Only 66 more days to go, but you know, who's really counting? It's a balmy -20C outside today.) Last month it became mandatory for all Canadians to have a passports to travel to the U.S. As a result, every man and his dog suddenly need a passport and the bureaucratic backlog is astronomical.
Luckily, we happen to have a Canada Passports office just five minutes away from our house. You'd think that convenience would make it easier for us to get our applications in. But you'd think wrong!
Aaarg!
Our family needs to submit five applications, along with professional photos of every family member (even the baby). All of the paperwork and photos must be notarized by a guarantor. Pretty simple, right? You'd think so...
We've had photos taken three times so far. And guess what? After my husband stood in line outside the passport office for an hour early this morning (it's a balmy -20C, remember) he was informed that our sons' photos were not quite right. Apparently the contrast is too dark. (Thank you, Black's Photography. Your photos were also the most expensive.)
So it is to be another trip to the photographer's for us. Then a third visit with our guarantor so he can sign yet another piece of paperwork. Will it never end?
I suppose I should be thankful that three out of our five applications are being processed. The passport officer also assured my husband our documents would arrive within one month (not the two months the media is reporting). I guess it's also good that Ben received a "golden ticket" that allows him to bypass the horrendous line next time he goes to the passport office. (Grumble, grumble.)
What a headache. I am so looking forward to having our boys' photos taken a fourth time.
I am absolutely fed up.
For the past two weeks we've been valiantly trying to get our passport applications processed. (Mexico here we come! Only 66 more days to go, but you know, who's really counting? It's a balmy -20C outside today.) Last month it became mandatory for all Canadians to have a passports to travel to the U.S. As a result, every man and his dog suddenly need a passport and the bureaucratic backlog is astronomical.
Luckily, we happen to have a Canada Passports office just five minutes away from our house. You'd think that convenience would make it easier for us to get our applications in. But you'd think wrong!
Aaarg!
Our family needs to submit five applications, along with professional photos of every family member (even the baby). All of the paperwork and photos must be notarized by a guarantor. Pretty simple, right? You'd think so...
We've had photos taken three times so far. And guess what? After my husband stood in line outside the passport office for an hour early this morning (it's a balmy -20C, remember) he was informed that our sons' photos were not quite right. Apparently the contrast is too dark. (Thank you, Black's Photography. Your photos were also the most expensive.)
So it is to be another trip to the photographer's for us. Then a third visit with our guarantor so he can sign yet another piece of paperwork. Will it never end?
I suppose I should be thankful that three out of our five applications are being processed. The passport officer also assured my husband our documents would arrive within one month (not the two months the media is reporting). I guess it's also good that Ben received a "golden ticket" that allows him to bypass the horrendous line next time he goes to the passport office. (Grumble, grumble.)
What a headache. I am so looking forward to having our boys' photos taken a fourth time.
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