Saturday 29 June 2013

And we're Off


And  we’re off!

Today is a bittersweet departure day for us.  On the sweet side, we are embarking on a month long family journey across North America.  Kim has been working back at our pharmacy in Alberta since April, so this is precious family time for him and the boys.  We have some great stops along the way planned, visiting family and friends, and some tourist traps along the way.

On the bitter side, I am leaving a friend who has started a most terrible journey.  My heart is breaking for Natelle and her family, as they make decisions regarding Paige’s treatment at the Children’s Hospital.   Children are indeed precious.  Paige is beyond precious. 

So while my boys have a tendency to be terrors, they are my joy.  This month is a chance to build some good ol road trip memories.  Hopefully Levi will be able to retain some of these memories.  And for Theo, well….there’s always pictures….and now a blog, too!

Oliver

I would be amiss is I didn’t mention how fortunate we are to live where we do.  There are more playgrounds and splash parks throughout the Okanagan than even my boys can get through in a summer.  We really like the tucked away parks.  They tend to be less busy, yet often have the most unique play structures.  One of our favorites is the Oliver Kinsmen Park.  It’s a combination of both splash park and playground. Some great things about this park:  It’s fully fenced!  No need to worry about children wandering into parking lots or rogue dogs.   There’s also picnic tables in the shade, so this was a natural choice for lunch.  Unfortunately, it rained.
But my terrors play in the water even in the rain!  In case you’re wondering where’s Theo…between doddling over his lunch and going to the bathroom…he lost out on camera time.  I promise, he did get some fun in.  Will make sure he gets in for the next post.


Customs went fine and we even learned something!  After discovering that Kim was a pharmacist, the border guard quizzed Kim on the legal limit of bringing Tylenol #1’s into the States.  (Kim was not correct!! J )  Apparently one can only bring in 50 per adult person.  Kind of ironic that we were asked this question, considering the amount that our pharmacy sells of these.  Who knew??



Grand Coulee Dam

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Our Itinerary..Open to Suggestions

So, we have the start of an intinerary.  Here's the list so far:

Sandpoint, Idaho
Reid Point, Montana
Rapid City, South Dakota
Omaha, Nebraska
Chicago, Illinois
Traverse City, Michigan
Cambridge, Ontario
Warkworth, Ontario
Quebec City, QC
Miramichi, NB
Ingonish, Cape Breton
Halifax, NS
Paradise, NFLD
St John, NB
Sherbrooke, QC
Ottawa, Ontario
Somewhere in Northern Ontario??
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Kenora, Ontario
Winnipeg, MB
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Ashmont, AB
Calgary, AB
HOME to KELOWNA

Any recommendations for nifty stuff to see in these places, or pit stops along the way?  Words of the wise???

Getting excited!  Especially since I will be visiting three brothers, 2 cousins, one uncle, and several friends along the way.  Time to crack open the wine and catch up on the times!

Tuesday 25 June 2013

A Trip Across Canada, You Say??

Well, our trip has now changed to be a trip across North America.  The recent flooding in Alberta and Saskatchewan has us rethinking our itinerary.

Kim is now flying back to Kelowna on Friday, June 29th, and we will embark on this journey as a cohesive family unit.  First stop is no longer Calgary.....

Sandpoint, Idaho, here we come!  We have fantastic friends there and it's about time we see them again!