West Coast Trip

Rowan and I joined the Finlayson and Keon clans to invade the home of Dave and Ed out on the coast. Considering we had 6 adults and 5 kids, I think we all did considerably well. It was fun watching the kids experience it all and even the big people managed to have a few laughs along the way. I've tried to post the highlights, but I will admit, the 40 minute slideshow that Cath has put together does it much more justice! Oh well, here is my low-tech version of events...

Memories made at Pirates Cove!

We spent hours with the kids at "Pirates Cove", a calm little beach around the point from the house. The kids had a blast throwing stones in the water, hunting for sand crabs, looking for starfish, and yes, searching for treasure left by the Pirates (aka Brad!).

Looking for big shells

Playing with 'crabby', her 1/2 hour pet

Checking out starfish, up close and personal

And yes, enjoying the spoils of the treasure hunt...licorice for all!

Property Pics

Just a few pics of the pool, house and us enjoying it.

The Butchart Gardens

Lena, Cath and I took the kids to the gardens and spent a morning. Even early in the season it is pretty stunning. This is a shot of the Sunken Garden.

First time riding a carousel...she absolutely loved it and was adamant that she needed to ride the whale!

Tip-toeing (sort of) through the tulips.

Feels like a bit of a lost world....very peaceful...

Random Moments

Happy kids at the dinner table...

Movie time in the theatre....well, after dancing to some Diva's of Las Vegas videos!!

Looking for good stuff down at the beach....typical Colin!!

Some birthday celebrations for me!

A Trip Across the Bay

Don't you love this pic!! For a change of scenery, Dave and Ed took us for a ride in the zodiak boat to check out the other side of the bay. This is Rowan, all geared up and ready to go!

Seals along the way...

Taking a stroll on the other side...

An outing to the new Ocean Discovery Centre in Sydney...

Yet another licorice break...and so marked the end of our trip to the coast.

1st Group BBQ of the Season

A couple of weeks ago we had a really nice Saturday, so Rowan and I had the gang over for some backyard play, some premium moose steaks and red wine with good friends. Nice to have everyone at the table....

1st Crocus of the season!

Just so you can see Rowan examining the first bloom to come in our flower bed this spring!

Gymnastics!

Well we've started gymnastics....Rowan still hates the warm up portion and refuses to take part and often yells at the other kids to "stop!" Oh well. It's hit and miss with her participation in all the activites, but in her defense, the class is an hour long and right before lunch time. That being said, she really does like Coach Carmen and responds very well to her, and of course, is all about the stamps they get at the end of class!

Coach Carmen...

Stamps at the end!