Camping

Alette's favorite lunch spot, where she could watch (and feed) chipmunks.


A well needed nap!


Camping with kids = lots of dirt and grime.
What a fun four days in the Poconos! Andy was able to join us the first night which meant I did not have to set up. It was a little squishy in our tiny tent! It seemed a little unfair that the smallest family member took up the most room, it'll be so much easier when Abria doesn't need the pack&play. The weather was great, we spent lots of time at the playground, going for walks, at the beach and exploring the campsite. At one point we came back from the playground and gave the girls a snack, only to discover Abria had a woodchip tucked away in her cheek. The girl will try to eat anything.

East Coast Party

Abria showed equal enthusiasm at her second first birthday party. She tried to eat the candle, smashed at the decorations, and got even quicker at eating cake. Once the cake festivities were over, she was pretty happy to spend her time playing with the grandmoms so Alette willingly took over present opening for her little sister.

West Coast Party

Every 1 year old deserves as many parties as possible! Abria's first first birthday party was in Abbotsford, a great family barbeque planned by my mom. Mom's a great planner and we had food, food, and more food...then there was cake, cupcakes, cookies, and lollipops. Abria behaved just as she should-she tried to grab the lit candle, smashed her hands into the icing, and ate cake with abandon. Alette showed just a little more restraint. All in all, it was a great time.

More Holiday Fun

Our time in BC has been filled with playgrounds, waterparks, and swimming pools. However, the day at the lake was definitely a highlight. Alette played constantly in the water, befriending many of the other little kids throughout the day. Abria happily splashed around, crawled in the sand and even took a short nap.

Happy Canada Day!

Alette and Abria don't get to show off their Canadian side too often, so we went way, way overboard for the July 1st parade. Abria happily sat in her stroller, clapping and giggling at everything. Alette was sleep deprived, cranky, and whiney. To try and keep the peace I let her eat all the candy she caught and play in the dirt. Both girls have had long naps each afternoon as they try to adjust to the time difference and the busy schedule. The first day here they both woke up at 3am, ready to start their day. Today it was 5:30 which sadly seemed a little more sane.
Alette is enchanted by the mountains, the spray park, and grandma's yard. She loves smarties, her new stuffed moose, and her red balloons. She's asking a million questions about everything(pretty normal for her!) and I've had a hard time explaining why grandpa can eat ice-cream before dinner but she cannot. I told her it's because he is old...but that doesn't really cut it for her-as she said in response 'but I am older everyday too'.

Our Longest Day Ever....

We woke up in NJ and went to bed in BC. In between we spent way too much time on a plane and in the car (the question 'are we there yet?' got pretty old). But all is well that ends well...and the day ended well with a family gathering in the park.