Jason’s parents flew out of Kelowna’s Airport to somewhere hot during Spring Break, leaving their vehicle at our house. I took the advantage of having extra wheels and drove off with the kids to visit my family, leaving Jason (with wheels) to work in a silent house.
We were gone 9 days; Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. The kids were excellent going there. Gabrielle threw up just outside of Chilliwack. Not one of our kids has gotten sick during any of our trips. She was a trooper, waiting for me to be able to pull over and clean her up. Neither she or the other kids freaked out. Joshua was a big help during the drive, being my extra eyes, ears and hands. On the drive home, Gabrielle had a fit for a whole hour. It wasn’t even about anything I could pull over and remedy. Again, the other 3 were great through all the commotion. Weather wise, we hit everything but sleet going, and had clear roads and skies coming home. It was really beautiful.
I appreciated not having to cram everything I wanted to do and see into 3 days like usual. Everyday, we or I did 1 thing. Only 2 items were not crossed off my wish list. Here’s the list:
- Ice Skating with Joshua and Graeme
- An Adult evening with my little sis (read, go where kids aren’t allowed!)
- A Mocha with art from Caffe Artigiano, downtown (West Kelowna has one, but memories are held downtown)
- Sushi (Go to Toshi off Main Street!!!)
- See all my family (a few were out of town, oh well)
- Walk around Steveston (funny story about that one)
- Eat a Chicken Burger from Red Onion
- Take kids to a park
- Send Joshua to a movie with Grandparents (nothing apropriate was playing)
- Take kids to an Indoor play gym (IKEA is FREE!)
- Relax
Saturday: I had this great idea to take the kids to an indoor play yard. Climbers, ball pits and slides; like I played in when I was little. My Mom suggested IKEA. They play and we walk around in peace! Much to our surprise, the ball pit had been removed 5 years ago. Oops. The kids had fun anyhow. We had the full IKEA experience: a cheap Hot Dog & Pop, the Play Area, and a Yogurt Cone to finish it off.
Sunday night: Liz and I went to a Lounge and had “Adunt Time”. Ahhh.
Monday: My brother Graeme and I took Joshua skating. Graeme and I skated, while Joshua lay face down on the bleachers. Oh well.
Monday night: I went for dessert with my Parents. It’s great having siblings who still live at home – built-in babysitters.
Tuesday: I got to see my Great Aunt for the first time in almost 18 years. She was just as I remember her. She was so sweet, having all of my bunch, my Mom and Sister Liz over for lunch, and then spoiling each kid with an outfit and candy. That same day, we drove to see my Aunt and Uncle, and cousin Leanne. The kids were exhausted by the end of all that.
Wednesday: We took the kids to a park round the corner from my Parent’s. turns out, it was super windy, and super cold. My cousin Jasalyn and her husband Jason met us there. As the adults stood around like popsicles and the kids played, dressed for winter, it was decided we’d go to a warm place – Starbucks! Peeling off our layers as we sipped hot drinks and sat in the sun, we had a wonderful visit.
Wednesday night: Liz, her friend Prob, my Brother Neil and I went for authentic Sushi at ‘Toshi’, off Main Street. You write your own name on the list and prepare for a possible 1 hour wait. There’s only 20 seats. Wow! I’ve never had sushi like it. The Tuna melted like butter in my mouth. The fish came from Japan, and the owner/ operators loved what they did. You could tell.
Thursday: I got to see my Sister Krissa. Her baby bump is emerging.
Friday: Mom and I took the kids to Steveston. As we were entering a coffee shop, a woman approached us about Gabrielle. She asked how long we’d be in the village and if I’d be alright with Gabrielle modeling for a toy store’s flyer photo. Gabrielle was great, obviously more interested in the toys than in “posing” for the photographer. 20 minutes later, she was done and got $10 for it. Then we went to the park.
Friday night: Krissa bleached and coloured my hair. I haven’t done that for 10 years. It was tedious, but fun. Thanks Krissa!
Saturday: We packed up and left for home at 1pm. The kids were quite ready to be going home and seeing Daddy. Joshua wouldn’t speak to Jason on the phone all week until
Overall, it was a stellar trip!
