While there has been a considerable delay since our summer holidays, I so valued having record of this trip that I've decided to keep a regular blog as a record of what's happening in our life.
Very informal. Likely quite brief most of the time ... but a record nonetheless.
So if you're following this --please check out the new blog: http://djklaassen.blogspot.com/
Best,
D
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Too Much Fun!!
That's what we're having. Too much!!
No time for blogging!!! (plus we're in nowhere Sask with little Internet access!!)
Highlights so far:
- Maki riding the wooden rocking horse that I had when I was a kid (and Grandpa Simmons had when he was a kid) -- yes we have pictures!
- Mak giggling while the puppies lick him
- Mak draggin my Mom's cat around by her tail ... I don't know why she let him, but she did. It was FUNNY.
- Visiting with the Kantors at the Blue Park (Gillian you'll send us those pictures yes??)
- Lots of family time visiting and laughing!
So -- in case anyone is following this ... hang tight! We'll put up some pictures and details at some point.
For now -- YAY for vacations!!!
No time for blogging!!! (plus we're in nowhere Sask with little Internet access!!)
Highlights so far:
- Maki riding the wooden rocking horse that I had when I was a kid (and Grandpa Simmons had when he was a kid) -- yes we have pictures!
- Mak giggling while the puppies lick him
- Mak draggin my Mom's cat around by her tail ... I don't know why she let him, but she did. It was FUNNY.
- Visiting with the Kantors at the Blue Park (Gillian you'll send us those pictures yes??)
- Lots of family time visiting and laughing!
So -- in case anyone is following this ... hang tight! We'll put up some pictures and details at some point.
For now -- YAY for vacations!!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Think Happy Thoughts
It almost seems like our time at home is the 'vacation' this summer - traveling has become the norm!
Tomorrow we head to the airport - Mak's first trip on an airplane! If it doesn't go well, no worries -- we're only going to Regina. The descend begins only moments after we get in the air. :)
We're mostly organized ... downsized from the last trip, but still traveling with what seems like WAY too much stuff. Aahhh the comforts of home.
We're excited to spend some time with my family, and have lots of activities planned for the trip. You'll have to check in from time to time to see what!!
second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning ....
Tomorrow we head to the airport - Mak's first trip on an airplane! If it doesn't go well, no worries -- we're only going to Regina. The descend begins only moments after we get in the air. :)
We're mostly organized ... downsized from the last trip, but still traveling with what seems like WAY too much stuff. Aahhh the comforts of home.
We're excited to spend some time with my family, and have lots of activities planned for the trip. You'll have to check in from time to time to see what!!
second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning ....
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Laundry Time
Three weeks on the road - time flew by! All the packing/unpacking is a blur. Mostly successful though ... the only casualties were a small travel bottle of Maki's body wash, and a mini-diaper bag I usually carry in my purse (along with a diaper, a small pack of baby wipes, and some hand sanitizer).
Our top seven highlights of the trip (in no particular order):
Our top seven highlights of the trip (in no particular order):
- The Othello Tunnels in Hope (full blog)
- Hanging with Auntie Rach in Vancouver (full blog)
- Touring with the kids on Gabriola (full blog)
- Swimming with the Hermanson kids in Vernon (full blog)
- Camping with the Larsons
- Justin's course at Inside Passage -- particularly making Flipper Floppers (handmade wooden door catches for cabinets) and learning how to anneal, harden and temper high carbon steel to make Carving Knives
- Justin almost dying (for real) while crabbing (full blog)
Maklin managed to Not start crawling (as I strongly requested of him) while we were away. That made things easier!! He was an amazing little traveler. Good thing ... we're home for two weeks (sort of ... this includes a short road trip to Calgary), and then we're jumping on a plane and going to Saskatchewan for 10 days.
Time for laundry, various appointments, and time with the chiropractor before heading out again.
Thanks for joining us on our journey!
More vacationing to come ...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Keener Wiener
An uneventful travel day ... other than construction. Always construction. We made it to Nordegg by early afternoon, and stopped for lunch at the Nordegg Motel. Not too bad actually! There was a cowboy in there having lunch that reminded us of the Brew Bear. :) Maklin continued his new trend of pounding lunch. We have to weigh this kid when we get home ... he has definitely been growing.
After lunch, we popped over to the Larsons - getting to their place in time to quickly get our stuff inside before the rain/hail hit. We were envisioning our time together hanging out in the cold basement at that point, but thankfully the weather was short lived. The sun came out and we were able to go for a walk. Maklin and Julia rode together in the double chariot - we thought it was cute; they didn't.
After a BBQ supper, we managed to get all the kids to bed and spent the evening visiting around the campfire ... TimBits, tea, and marshmallows (made with Brad's Keener Wiener Rotisserie). Jen and I played Scrabble by campfire light, and we rocked out to the cardio playlist on Brad's Blackberry (featuring such classics as: Ice Ice Baby, Eye of the Tiger, Bad, Final Countdown - awesome!). Justin and Brad even danced a little in between the serious business of tending the fire ... white boys really can't dance!
Despite a few people making trips to the outhouse in the middle of the night (squeaky door) and some baby conversations from one playpen to the other, the kids slept quite well. Maklin was bundled up in a fleecy sleeper ... he stayed nice and warm. Most especially so, because he slept directly on his face:
After a BBQ supper, we managed to get all the kids to bed and spent the evening visiting around the campfire ... TimBits, tea, and marshmallows (made with Brad's Keener Wiener Rotisserie). Jen and I played Scrabble by campfire light, and we rocked out to the cardio playlist on Brad's Blackberry (featuring such classics as: Ice Ice Baby, Eye of the Tiger, Bad, Final Countdown - awesome!). Justin and Brad even danced a little in between the serious business of tending the fire ... white boys really can't dance!
Despite a few people making trips to the outhouse in the middle of the night (squeaky door) and some baby conversations from one playpen to the other, the kids slept quite well. Maklin was bundled up in a fleecy sleeper ... he stayed nice and warm. Most especially so, because he slept directly on his face:
We may have actually had a better night's sleep on the air mattress in our sleeping bags than we did at some of our other accommodations. Jen made us blueberry pancakes for breakfast (yum!) and then we went for a stroll along the base of the Coliseum Mountain Trail to pick some wild strawberries:
Sleeping Accommodations: 3.5 poops on the potty (pretty solid for basement camping)
Shower: we were basement camping ... of course no shower! we stink like campfire.
View/Surroundings: 4.5 poops on the potty
Breakfast: 5 poops on the potty
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wussing Out ...
I resume blogging while we sit, unmoving, on the highway ... more construction.
Yesterday, we detoured from our plan considerably. As we said, we intended to get out of Halcyon as efficiently as possible (and we did) ... things went downhill from there though.
After the 3 hour ferry wait, we doubted we'd make it to Golden in time for Justin to bike. That was indeed the case. On top of it, we were both feeling 'janked' - a Robyn-ism for your back being all messed up. Too much car time along with a crappy sleep in Halcyon. Anyway ... we were both tired and feeling out of sorts, and decided that we weren't up for camping in a teepee (especially with the forecast calling for rain). We bailed on our reserved teepee, and went through to Golden and stayed in a hotel. We had a most enjoyable sleep in our King size bed after each having long hot baths. The bathroom in our room was big enough that we easily could have set the playpen up in there ... but that would have been weird.
We also had no extra curricular activities (cuz we were both bagged) ... the plan was a few bike runs in Golden, and then either a little hike or a tour of the Wolf Discovery Centre ... instead we hung out in our hotel room (Justin even wanted to order room service).
BTW - we're still not moving. And Maklin is not happy about that. He's sleepy and doesn't want to be strapped into his car seat if we're not moving (fair enough).
While J&I were both having an off day, Maklin was very nearly perfect. He ate well, slept well, and every second he was awake he was happy, happy, happy. Lots of giggling and full out laughing. Lots of motorboating. Lots of smiling and excitedly waving his arms. Warmed our hearts it did!
We are so impressed with how well he's done on this trip (other than the backseat screaming we're experiencing right now ... but he's winding down ... we're finally moving!). He's been a trooper. And teething to boot: you can see both of his top front teeth just under the gums now - the left one will pop through anytime.
Weak sauce not staying in the teepee, but the night of relaxation is what we needed.
The last part of this trip has been moving every day. We probably wouldn't put driving every day into the itinerary if we were to plan this again. The driving itself isn't so bad, but packing/unpacking Maki's stuff every day gets tiresome. So much so that a major highlight of the day for Justin was using the luggage rack at the hotel. We could haul everything in and out in one trip. S-weet!
We're on our way to Nordegg - looking forward to spending an evening with the Larsons! Can hardly believe that we'll be heading home tomorrow. Bittersweet.
Sleeping Accommodations: 5 poops on the potty
Shower: 4.25 poops on the potty
View/Surroundings: It's Golden: the view is amazing ... but we didn't leave our hotel room.
Breakfast: N/A
Yesterday, we detoured from our plan considerably. As we said, we intended to get out of Halcyon as efficiently as possible (and we did) ... things went downhill from there though.
After the 3 hour ferry wait, we doubted we'd make it to Golden in time for Justin to bike. That was indeed the case. On top of it, we were both feeling 'janked' - a Robyn-ism for your back being all messed up. Too much car time along with a crappy sleep in Halcyon. Anyway ... we were both tired and feeling out of sorts, and decided that we weren't up for camping in a teepee (especially with the forecast calling for rain). We bailed on our reserved teepee, and went through to Golden and stayed in a hotel. We had a most enjoyable sleep in our King size bed after each having long hot baths. The bathroom in our room was big enough that we easily could have set the playpen up in there ... but that would have been weird.
We also had no extra curricular activities (cuz we were both bagged) ... the plan was a few bike runs in Golden, and then either a little hike or a tour of the Wolf Discovery Centre ... instead we hung out in our hotel room (Justin even wanted to order room service).
BTW - we're still not moving. And Maklin is not happy about that. He's sleepy and doesn't want to be strapped into his car seat if we're not moving (fair enough).
While J&I were both having an off day, Maklin was very nearly perfect. He ate well, slept well, and every second he was awake he was happy, happy, happy. Lots of giggling and full out laughing. Lots of motorboating. Lots of smiling and excitedly waving his arms. Warmed our hearts it did!
We are so impressed with how well he's done on this trip (other than the backseat screaming we're experiencing right now ... but he's winding down ... we're finally moving!). He's been a trooper. And teething to boot: you can see both of his top front teeth just under the gums now - the left one will pop through anytime.
Weak sauce not staying in the teepee, but the night of relaxation is what we needed.
The last part of this trip has been moving every day. We probably wouldn't put driving every day into the itinerary if we were to plan this again. The driving itself isn't so bad, but packing/unpacking Maki's stuff every day gets tiresome. So much so that a major highlight of the day for Justin was using the luggage rack at the hotel. We could haul everything in and out in one trip. S-weet!
We're on our way to Nordegg - looking forward to spending an evening with the Larsons! Can hardly believe that we'll be heading home tomorrow. Bittersweet.
Sleeping Accommodations: 5 poops on the potty
Shower: 4.25 poops on the potty
View/Surroundings: It's Golden: the view is amazing ... but we didn't leave our hotel room.
Breakfast: N/A
Monday, July 19, 2010
Here's Caitlyn being a Sand Monster, as promised:
OK, so straight up – we have no pics of our stop in Halcyon. We have no wish to preserve the memory. Not quite true ... there was no room for Mak to wiggle in the room, so we made him a fort on the bed:
The drive to the hot springs was nice. A tiny windy back highway with pretty views. At least that’s what Justin said … I mostly kept my head down. Turns out tiny windy back highway roads have a similar impact on me as ferries.
We crossed the Needles Ferry and stopped for lunch in Fauquier. We saw a great variance in people today … starting in Fauquier, henceforth known to Justin and I as ‘Hillbilly Deluxe’. Our next stop was Halcyon. Some background: Halcyon Hot Springs Spa & Resort is the one night of our trip where we splurged. We basically paid double for this night than other nights. My inner rage was no longer kept in by the fact that for this price it was actually one of our less enjoyable accommodations. Brutal. Justin couldn’t wait to get me out of there … he could barely live with me! But seriously, the guy at the check-in desk was THE most pretentious, fake individual I’ve ever met. Our cabin was teeny and clean, but very bare bones. The bed was not at all comfortable … I won’t go on with all the details.
It was most certainly a good thing that they made us book a reservation for supper though – what with us being one of three tables of people in there. (note sarcasm here)
We did enjoy a dip in the hot springs … although as a young family with a baby, we did stand out. The vibe of the place is … well … geriatric.
We had an exceptionally efficient morning – packed, fed (well … Mak was fed, we had granola bars in the car), and at the Shelter Bay Ferry by 9:30am. We couldn’t wait to get away from Halcyon … the day seemed to have more and more potential as we drove away. That is, until we actually got to the ferry line-up. Where we sat for 3 hours. Yes … 3 hours. Justin and Mak went for a walk, and I read my book, inching the car forward every once in a while. Ferry line-ups here are not the norm – this weekend was the Nakusp Music Festival (which by all accounts was a big success) – we were just caught in the traffic.
It seems that Justin may not be meant to do any biking on this trip. He was originally going to bike Silver Star with Scotty when we were in Vernon, but we didn’t make it in time. Today we were planning on meeting Scot & Gail again in Golden so that Justin could do a few runs with Scott there … but the ferry put us way behind schedule. We are trying to make time on the #1, however as I sign off … construction flags ahead.
KLAASSENS – Hot Springs Scout Mission Update:
- Nakusp: cute, friendly town. Quaint pool. Great view.
- Halcyon: uppity, pretentious resort. Spa pool. Great view.
- Canyon: right off the #1, and the sign infers that it is not uppity … otherwise we know nothing.
Sleeping Accommodations: 2 poopy diapers
Shower: 2 poops on the potty
View/Surroundings: 4 oops on the potty
Breakfast: N/A (as it turns out, we didn’t really have breakfast at all this day …)
Value for Money: 3 poopy diapers
OK, so straight up – we have no pics of our stop in Halcyon. We have no wish to preserve the memory. Not quite true ... there was no room for Mak to wiggle in the room, so we made him a fort on the bed:
The drive to the hot springs was nice. A tiny windy back highway with pretty views. At least that’s what Justin said … I mostly kept my head down. Turns out tiny windy back highway roads have a similar impact on me as ferries.
We crossed the Needles Ferry and stopped for lunch in Fauquier. We saw a great variance in people today … starting in Fauquier, henceforth known to Justin and I as ‘Hillbilly Deluxe’. Our next stop was Halcyon. Some background: Halcyon Hot Springs Spa & Resort is the one night of our trip where we splurged. We basically paid double for this night than other nights. My inner rage was no longer kept in by the fact that for this price it was actually one of our less enjoyable accommodations. Brutal. Justin couldn’t wait to get me out of there … he could barely live with me! But seriously, the guy at the check-in desk was THE most pretentious, fake individual I’ve ever met. Our cabin was teeny and clean, but very bare bones. The bed was not at all comfortable … I won’t go on with all the details.
It was most certainly a good thing that they made us book a reservation for supper though – what with us being one of three tables of people in there. (note sarcasm here)
We did enjoy a dip in the hot springs … although as a young family with a baby, we did stand out. The vibe of the place is … well … geriatric.
We had an exceptionally efficient morning – packed, fed (well … Mak was fed, we had granola bars in the car), and at the Shelter Bay Ferry by 9:30am. We couldn’t wait to get away from Halcyon … the day seemed to have more and more potential as we drove away. That is, until we actually got to the ferry line-up. Where we sat for 3 hours. Yes … 3 hours. Justin and Mak went for a walk, and I read my book, inching the car forward every once in a while. Ferry line-ups here are not the norm – this weekend was the Nakusp Music Festival (which by all accounts was a big success) – we were just caught in the traffic.
It seems that Justin may not be meant to do any biking on this trip. He was originally going to bike Silver Star with Scotty when we were in Vernon, but we didn’t make it in time. Today we were planning on meeting Scot & Gail again in Golden so that Justin could do a few runs with Scott there … but the ferry put us way behind schedule. We are trying to make time on the #1, however as I sign off … construction flags ahead.
KLAASSENS – Hot Springs Scout Mission Update:
- Nakusp: cute, friendly town. Quaint pool. Great view.
- Halcyon: uppity, pretentious resort. Spa pool. Great view.
- Canyon: right off the #1, and the sign infers that it is not uppity … otherwise we know nothing.
Sleeping Accommodations: 2 poopy diapers
Shower: 2 poops on the potty
View/Surroundings: 4 oops on the potty
Breakfast: N/A (as it turns out, we didn’t really have breakfast at all this day …)
Value for Money: 3 poopy diapers
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