Most everyone knows I am planning on taking the kids on a trip this October to help us pass the one year mark as easy as possible. I know there are most definitely differing opinions, running from "Why are you wasting your money" to "It wont help make it any better for you all". And I have heard ALL of them! While I value every one's opinions, I don't really care, because in the end, I'm going to do what I'm going to do.
And I'm taking the kids out of school for two weeks in October and we're going to Florida. Yep, two weeks. I will be taking homework for them, as I think it will help mellow them out too when they're too full of energy. I'm sure the teachers will appreciate it too. Originally I had planned on only going for a week and a half, but figured if we're going to do the whole Florida thing, we'd do it right. I haven't booked anything yet, but will be doing so in the next couple weeks, as I am still doing research on everything. My plan is to leave sometime between the 30th of September (on a red-eye) and the 6th, and stay for two whole weeks. The only requirement I have is that we're there for sure before the 8th, because that is E's 8th birthday!! We'll be doing the Disney World Resort theme parks for about a week or so, and then we're headed to Universal Orlando for 4 days. AND...to make it educational, lol, I'll be taking the kids to NASA aka Kennedy Space Center for a day. I plan on skipping the beaches, because, I really don't care about that. I haven't worked out the entire details, but the bulk of our trip will be at Disney World (The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios).
I am super super excited to go to Universal Orlando because "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will be open, and me being a huge Harry Potter fan, that will be the ULTIMATE vacation (besides Europe of course!). Also, Harry Potter was Barry's favorite book series. He loved it so much, it was even mentioned in his Obit and at the funeral. I couldn't even tell you how often he read the books, more than I did for sure. He was an avid Harry Potter Fan. He and I were able to see the 6th movie together last summer! As the kids and I were touring the Harry Potter attractions on the Universal website (check out the link I posted above!), I did get a little teary eyed. It made me so sad that Barry wouldn't be able to be there with us, because he would have loved it. I know he'll be there with us still in spirit, but how I wish he could see it in the flesh with us at his side. So this is something else we're going to do for him, and I am so excited!
Some of the stores they have open in the Hogsmeade village include Olivanders (Yes, I will get a wand for the kids! LOL), Zonko's and also Honeydukes among others. There is even "Owl Post", which is a functioning post office, and mails items from there with a Hogsmeade postmark! Can you tell I am excited? I am just over the moon about going.
If anyone has any tips on Disney World for me, or how to travel across the country with 4 kids on a plane, please let me know :) I welcome any advice that will help make it easier for me! This is going to be a "once in a lifetime" thing, so I am going to make it the most memorable trip I possibly can.
I'm looking forward to sharing details with you all!!
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Monday, July 27, 2009
Vacation In Canada, Part Deux
When I last left off in my post about Our Vacation In Canada, we had spent the day at Fort Langley. The following day, Sunday, we went to the lake of my childhood. Anyone and everyone knows this lake in Chilliwack, it's Cultus Lake!!! We've gone there my whole life, and camped there more times than I can count. It was a real treat to go back there, because I hadn't been in 10 years. Too long.
Two of my Uncles have cabins at the lake, so we were able to swim at a private beach. That was wonderful, because it wasn't filled with throngs of people clamoring for dock time. All of us were free to jump off the dock as many times as we pleased. I did 3 times. I was really scared to wear a bathing suit actually, but I figured, my family already knows I'm overweight, why should I make myself miserable by not swimming? So I put on my halter tankini, pulled on pair of shorts with it, and enjoyed myself. And how happy I am about that! The water was just as I remembered. I really am so happy I did it. I managed to get sunburned, and terribly at that. I'm still peeling! Oh well, at least my farmer's tan is gone now. The kids had a blast in the water, they'd never been to Cultus before, so it was a new experience for them as well. They loved it. My husband hates the water, so he just sat on the shore and watched, and talked with my family. All of the family was there except for 6 of my cousins, and two aunts and one uncle. I was a little disappointed that not everyone could make it, but c'est la vie! Halfway through the afternoon, we were all treated to a fabulous bbq and potluck at my Aunt and Uncle's cottage. The food was superb!
This photo is of my brother, and below the splashes are my sister and my cousin. Not a very good photo, but I wanted to show how beautiful the lake is. It was created by a glacier, and is still glacier fed, or so I've been told. It is so deep, that the bottom is unknown. And apparently there are some pre-historic fish living in the depths.
Pretty much by 5PM or so, everyone was just pooped, and we decided it was time to head back to my mom's house. We stopped for ice cream on the way back, and it was fantastic! The dairy we stopped at makes their own, and it was very rich and creamy. So if you live in Yarrow, or know which place I'm talking about, go to them! I pigged out and had two scoops in a waffle cone...licorice (OMG fantastic!!) and Black Raspberry Cheesecake (mmmmmm). I have so many cute pictures of our youngest covered in dirt, eating her ice cream as it melts all over her. She was a mess that day.
Monday the 20th we headed to my hometown to have lunch with my Oma. She proceeded to make us the most yummiest potato salad ever as part of our lunch! My husband has now proclaimed hers as better than mine. We spent a couple hours with her at her home, and then went off to explore the town. It was nice to visit with her, we don't see her very often, and she'll be 82 this December. The kids love her, and I am glad they get to make memories with her. I never knew my great grandparents very much. And I've only met one, and she died a few years ago, so I am happy they get to do that with her. My brother was with us on Monday, so he and I visited our Opa's grave. You see, July 20th is his birthday. I just wanted to go say hi and happy birthday. I miss him a lot, he died 12 years ago.
The rest of the day we spent driving around my hometown, visited the grocery store for my friends who wanted Aero candy bars, and I played tour guide to my husband and kids. Nothing too exciting. It was our last day in Canada, so we tried to enjoy it as much as you can doing a lot of driving. I was happy though, I showed them all the places I used to live, where I went to school, where I worked etc etc. That night we spent a bit of time with my brother and sister, and then went back to my mom's.
Tuesday we left bright and early. And I mean early! The man and I were up at 5:30AM, and we were out the door at 7:30. We didn't hit any traffic, and were home by 10:40, so we made REALLY good time. This is the last official vacation photo I took, right before we crossed over the border.
Well, that was that. We had such a good time in B.C. I miss my family a lot, especially my brother and sister, since we rarely see each other. It will probably be a few months before I see my sister again, and who knows when I'll see my brother again. He lives on the other side of Canada, so he doesn't come home very often. All in all, it was a great vacation. I'm so glad we went!!
Two of my Uncles have cabins at the lake, so we were able to swim at a private beach. That was wonderful, because it wasn't filled with throngs of people clamoring for dock time. All of us were free to jump off the dock as many times as we pleased. I did 3 times. I was really scared to wear a bathing suit actually, but I figured, my family already knows I'm overweight, why should I make myself miserable by not swimming? So I put on my halter tankini, pulled on pair of shorts with it, and enjoyed myself. And how happy I am about that! The water was just as I remembered. I really am so happy I did it. I managed to get sunburned, and terribly at that. I'm still peeling! Oh well, at least my farmer's tan is gone now. The kids had a blast in the water, they'd never been to Cultus before, so it was a new experience for them as well. They loved it. My husband hates the water, so he just sat on the shore and watched, and talked with my family. All of the family was there except for 6 of my cousins, and two aunts and one uncle. I was a little disappointed that not everyone could make it, but c'est la vie! Halfway through the afternoon, we were all treated to a fabulous bbq and potluck at my Aunt and Uncle's cottage. The food was superb!
This photo is of my brother, and below the splashes are my sister and my cousin. Not a very good photo, but I wanted to show how beautiful the lake is. It was created by a glacier, and is still glacier fed, or so I've been told. It is so deep, that the bottom is unknown. And apparently there are some pre-historic fish living in the depths.
Pretty much by 5PM or so, everyone was just pooped, and we decided it was time to head back to my mom's house. We stopped for ice cream on the way back, and it was fantastic! The dairy we stopped at makes their own, and it was very rich and creamy. So if you live in Yarrow, or know which place I'm talking about, go to them! I pigged out and had two scoops in a waffle cone...licorice (OMG fantastic!!) and Black Raspberry Cheesecake (mmmmmm). I have so many cute pictures of our youngest covered in dirt, eating her ice cream as it melts all over her. She was a mess that day.
Monday the 20th we headed to my hometown to have lunch with my Oma. She proceeded to make us the most yummiest potato salad ever as part of our lunch! My husband has now proclaimed hers as better than mine. We spent a couple hours with her at her home, and then went off to explore the town. It was nice to visit with her, we don't see her very often, and she'll be 82 this December. The kids love her, and I am glad they get to make memories with her. I never knew my great grandparents very much. And I've only met one, and she died a few years ago, so I am happy they get to do that with her. My brother was with us on Monday, so he and I visited our Opa's grave. You see, July 20th is his birthday. I just wanted to go say hi and happy birthday. I miss him a lot, he died 12 years ago.
The rest of the day we spent driving around my hometown, visited the grocery store for my friends who wanted Aero candy bars, and I played tour guide to my husband and kids. Nothing too exciting. It was our last day in Canada, so we tried to enjoy it as much as you can doing a lot of driving. I was happy though, I showed them all the places I used to live, where I went to school, where I worked etc etc. That night we spent a bit of time with my brother and sister, and then went back to my mom's.
Tuesday we left bright and early. And I mean early! The man and I were up at 5:30AM, and we were out the door at 7:30. We didn't hit any traffic, and were home by 10:40, so we made REALLY good time. This is the last official vacation photo I took, right before we crossed over the border.
Well, that was that. We had such a good time in B.C. I miss my family a lot, especially my brother and sister, since we rarely see each other. It will probably be a few months before I see my sister again, and who knows when I'll see my brother again. He lives on the other side of Canada, so he doesn't come home very often. All in all, it was a great vacation. I'm so glad we went!!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Our Vacation In Canada
Earlier this week we came back from almost a week in B.C., Canada, visiting family. We had such a good time! We were sad to leave, but life had to get back to normal. And I almost strangled my mom a few times, so perhaps it was time anyway, for us to leave. haha We left on July 16th, and came back home on the 21st.
Thursday the 16th, we just relaxed at my mom's house and visited with her, my step-dad, and my sister. My sister Maegen is a hair stylist, so she spent the evening giving us free hair cuts! It was really nice to just sit out on the deck, enjoy the weather, and sip a glass of wine. My mom made me a Black Forest Cake for my birthday, everyone and sang Happy Birthday.
Friday, we spent the day in Vancouver with my sister as our tour guide. What an EXHAUSTING day! We walked, and walked, and walked, and walked some more. Went on the Sky Train, rode the bus, walked and walked some more. We enjoyed Coal Harbor, Canada Place, walked the Sea wall, saw a Sea Plane take off, and smelled the salt water. We also visited my sister's Salon where I picked up some awesome hair products (at cost! yaay!), and then went for a relaxing lunch at White Spot, where we enjoyed some local Hefeweizen. After lunch, we ventured over to Stanley Park for awhile, and then it was time to go home to my Mom's. The evening was spent relaxing, because we were so pooped from our day. My sister wasn't able to stay, so we brought her back to her place.
Saturday was one of the best days. We planned to go to Fort Langley for the day, and then my husband and I went to see Harry Potter 6 (read the book instead, the movie was not so good). I woke up around 7:30 or so on Saturday morning, and my mom said she had to run a quick errand. I said ok, and went downstairs to get the kids' breakfast together. Mom came back about a half hour later and told us she had to go over some x-rays at the clinic. I thought nothing of it, but maybe 10 minutes later, the front door opened. I remember thinking to myself, "Oh, Walter is back" (my step dad).
Imagine my surprise when it isn't Walter, but my BROTHER, whom we haven't seen since Dec 2007!!! What a wonderful surprise!!! I had been bugging and bugging him to come home for a visit because we wanted to see him, but he kept on telling us he couldn't make it. Oh I was so happy to see him!! I just gave him the biggest hug ever. Mom had actually gone to the sky train station to pick him up, and was "lying" to us, haha. He flies back to Ontario today, so we got a good few days with him before he left.
We did land up spending the afternoon in Fort Langley, which was incredibly awesome. Fort Langley is the oldest Fort in B.C, and was started by the Hudson's Bay Company. It's very historical, and they had a lot of demonstrations. The oldest building in BC is inside the Fort, and is the only original building left from the Fort. One of the highlights of the day was learning about the "Voyageurs", and being taught the actual meaning and history to the song "Alouette". It was nice for me, because I was taught that in elementary school. The song was used as a cadence (helped them keep the beat) for the Voyageurs as they rowed, and portaged across Canada. We also learned all about the day when B.C. was born. What a treat that was. I highly recommend going to Fort Langley if you haven't already, and live in the area. We had a lot of fun there. We even got to see a working Blacksmith! Everything was very entertaining, and the kids had a blast with their uncle too.
This post is getting to be longer than I intended, so I will continue in a couple days. Here are a few pictures of Fort Langley for your enjoyment:
We were standing in the room depicted in the picture. This shows how B.C. was born, and became part of Canada.
And this is the oldest building in BC, and the only building left standing from Fort Langley all those years ago.
Just thought this was funny. We were in the building shown above, and they had a bunch of furs, goods, etc, depicting the Fur Trade of Canada. I know it's a Beaver, but I can't help but say "how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood", every time I see it, haha.
Thursday the 16th, we just relaxed at my mom's house and visited with her, my step-dad, and my sister. My sister Maegen is a hair stylist, so she spent the evening giving us free hair cuts! It was really nice to just sit out on the deck, enjoy the weather, and sip a glass of wine. My mom made me a Black Forest Cake for my birthday, everyone and sang Happy Birthday.
Friday, we spent the day in Vancouver with my sister as our tour guide. What an EXHAUSTING day! We walked, and walked, and walked, and walked some more. Went on the Sky Train, rode the bus, walked and walked some more. We enjoyed Coal Harbor, Canada Place, walked the Sea wall, saw a Sea Plane take off, and smelled the salt water. We also visited my sister's Salon where I picked up some awesome hair products (at cost! yaay!), and then went for a relaxing lunch at White Spot, where we enjoyed some local Hefeweizen. After lunch, we ventured over to Stanley Park for awhile, and then it was time to go home to my Mom's. The evening was spent relaxing, because we were so pooped from our day. My sister wasn't able to stay, so we brought her back to her place.
Saturday was one of the best days. We planned to go to Fort Langley for the day, and then my husband and I went to see Harry Potter 6 (read the book instead, the movie was not so good). I woke up around 7:30 or so on Saturday morning, and my mom said she had to run a quick errand. I said ok, and went downstairs to get the kids' breakfast together. Mom came back about a half hour later and told us she had to go over some x-rays at the clinic. I thought nothing of it, but maybe 10 minutes later, the front door opened. I remember thinking to myself, "Oh, Walter is back" (my step dad).
Imagine my surprise when it isn't Walter, but my BROTHER, whom we haven't seen since Dec 2007!!! What a wonderful surprise!!! I had been bugging and bugging him to come home for a visit because we wanted to see him, but he kept on telling us he couldn't make it. Oh I was so happy to see him!! I just gave him the biggest hug ever. Mom had actually gone to the sky train station to pick him up, and was "lying" to us, haha. He flies back to Ontario today, so we got a good few days with him before he left.
We did land up spending the afternoon in Fort Langley, which was incredibly awesome. Fort Langley is the oldest Fort in B.C, and was started by the Hudson's Bay Company. It's very historical, and they had a lot of demonstrations. The oldest building in BC is inside the Fort, and is the only original building left from the Fort. One of the highlights of the day was learning about the "Voyageurs", and being taught the actual meaning and history to the song "Alouette". It was nice for me, because I was taught that in elementary school. The song was used as a cadence (helped them keep the beat) for the Voyageurs as they rowed, and portaged across Canada. We also learned all about the day when B.C. was born. What a treat that was. I highly recommend going to Fort Langley if you haven't already, and live in the area. We had a lot of fun there. We even got to see a working Blacksmith! Everything was very entertaining, and the kids had a blast with their uncle too.
This post is getting to be longer than I intended, so I will continue in a couple days. Here are a few pictures of Fort Langley for your enjoyment:
We were standing in the room depicted in the picture. This shows how B.C. was born, and became part of Canada.
And this is the oldest building in BC, and the only building left standing from Fort Langley all those years ago.
Just thought this was funny. We were in the building shown above, and they had a bunch of furs, goods, etc, depicting the Fur Trade of Canada. I know it's a Beaver, but I can't help but say "how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood", every time I see it, haha.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Happy Birthday To Me, I'm Going On Vacation
29 Years ago I was born. And now while you're reading this, I'll probably be cursing myself for even entertaining the thought of driving 4+ hours to my mother's house, in another country, with 4 kids and my husband. (This blog post was scheduled to be posted Thursday, but was written Tuesday night).
We left at 10 Am this morning, and will be stopping for lunch sometime around noon or 1PM. Then it's back on the road, up to the land of the cold and ice, that is known as Canada. And no, it doesn't really get cold as soon as you cross the border, nor do we drive dog sleds, and we sure as heck don't live in Igloos ;o) The weather is identical to that of Washington state. I think we'll be getting to my mom's around 3 or so, maybe a tad later. Depends on how long it takes the kids to eat lunch, and how many potty breaks we need. And then of course, there is the border. Yep, we've all got our passports. Me with my Canadian one, and my kids and the man with their American ones.
I already celebrated my birthday with my husband and the kids on Tuesday night, so tonight I will celebrate with my mom, sister and step dad. Mom is baking me a Black Forest cake, yummy!
We'll be on vacation till Tuesday sometime. I don't think I'll be blogging at all during that time, but I will try to check in once or twice from my husband's lap top. I'm really looking forward to this trip because we have so much fun stuff planned.
Look for The Big Project reveal after we get back. We need to discuss it with the family first, but I will post it on the blog soon.
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
My Husband Is Home
I just wanted to do a quick post letting everyone know I will be gone for awhile. My husband will be home for two weeks, and for a week during that, we're going on vacation. We're just visiting my mom, but I am not sure if Internet access will be readily available. My mom does have Internet, but you know how it is on vacation. I'll be quite busy, so I am not sure if I'll be able to blog.
I'll do one or two more posts before we leave on Thursday, and then I'll be MIA till next week Tuesday or Wednesday.
I hope everyone has a great week!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Going On Vacation
We're very excited about our trip to BC in 5 weeks. The kids are just dying to go, and I can't wait to see my family. I was hoping to see some friends while we're there, but I'm not sure if it's going to work out. We have so much planned with the family that I'm not sure how we're going to work it out (Sorry Mama Bear, we'll try work it out, but I'm not sure yet). We'll be leaving here on the 16th, and returning on the 21st. The dog is being kenneled, and I have a friend coming to check on the cats each day.
Our plans for Vancouver are:
Thursday: leave home around 10/10:30 and get to my mom's mid afternoon (this include lunch stops, and a stop at the Seattle Outlet malls to get me a Coach Purse for my birthday)
Friday: We'll be up early early, and are taking the Sky Train into Vancouver. My sister will be our own personal tour guide. We'll go out for lunch, and head back to Mom's for dinner. My sister is planning on coloring my hair Friday night, which I am looking forward to!! I haven't colored my hair since October 1999! She might cut it too if we have time, but I'm not sure I can wait that long. My hair desperately needs a cut.
Saturday: Have a relaxing morning at Mom's house, and then off to my hometown for some sight-seeing fun. We have a bit of shopping to do, and I want to show my hubby and the kids all of my old stomping grounds. I expect that to take quite awhile, there is a lot to see! We're also going to visit my Oma and spend a bit of time with her. I also plan to go visit my Opa's grave. My hubby doesn't understand why I want to, but I would like to see it again. We won't have much time in town on Saturday, because we have to head back to my Mom's early for our date. The man and I are going out for a nice dinner, and we're also going to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. That is what I am excited for! We rarely get to go out because we have no sitters close by, so it will be nice to spend some time together.
Sunday: We're having a family bbq at my Aunt & Uncle's place on the lake. That will be an all day thing.
Monday: We're going to see Fort Langley, and do our shopping if we didn't get a chance to on Saturday. We have to go to bed early Monday night because we're leaving EARLY to get back on home on Tuesday. We have to pick up the dog at the kennel by noon, and the kennel is a half hour from our house.
Tuesday: On our way home!
Our plans for Vancouver are:
Thursday: leave home around 10/10:30 and get to my mom's mid afternoon (this include lunch stops, and a stop at the Seattle Outlet malls to get me a Coach Purse for my birthday)
Friday: We'll be up early early, and are taking the Sky Train into Vancouver. My sister will be our own personal tour guide. We'll go out for lunch, and head back to Mom's for dinner. My sister is planning on coloring my hair Friday night, which I am looking forward to!! I haven't colored my hair since October 1999! She might cut it too if we have time, but I'm not sure I can wait that long. My hair desperately needs a cut.
Saturday: Have a relaxing morning at Mom's house, and then off to my hometown for some sight-seeing fun. We have a bit of shopping to do, and I want to show my hubby and the kids all of my old stomping grounds. I expect that to take quite awhile, there is a lot to see! We're also going to visit my Oma and spend a bit of time with her. I also plan to go visit my Opa's grave. My hubby doesn't understand why I want to, but I would like to see it again. We won't have much time in town on Saturday, because we have to head back to my Mom's early for our date. The man and I are going out for a nice dinner, and we're also going to see Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. That is what I am excited for! We rarely get to go out because we have no sitters close by, so it will be nice to spend some time together.
Sunday: We're having a family bbq at my Aunt & Uncle's place on the lake. That will be an all day thing.
Monday: We're going to see Fort Langley, and do our shopping if we didn't get a chance to on Saturday. We have to go to bed early Monday night because we're leaving EARLY to get back on home on Tuesday. We have to pick up the dog at the kennel by noon, and the kennel is a half hour from our house.
Tuesday: On our way home!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
