More Snow.

Ready for an afternoon walk.

The babies were sporting their new fleeces with matching leashes.  There was excitement.  Jia stayed behind but the rest of us met up with Shannon, Ken, Dagen and Silas and their two pups.  

Then it started snowing again.

So, we're inside witha movie.  The boys picked Scooby-Doo.  

Last night Shannon and I took 3 kids each to see Sonic 2. It was on my kids wish list so they were thrilled.  Kai was so delighted he had a huge story to tell Eric when we get back.  Perfect cold night thing to do!

It is seriously too cold here to be hanging out at a fire. We had fun anyways.  Lunatics trying to be tough Canadians. Haha.  I had a hard time warming up this evening so Eric turned our heat up.  Now we're all in a sauna and trying to cool down.

Snow Camping.

It's mostly rain now thankfully.  Bitter cold out there.  Eric is reminding me this is why one doesn't camp until end of May.  

The rain sounds amazing on the metal roof.  The moho stays warmer than any other unit we've had.  Unfortunately the forced air is using a ton of battery power.  It turns out we use a lot of water for Luk's flush. Pretty sure between power and water shortages we won't make the four nights.  

The Chihuahuas were beyond adorable showing us they can climb the ramp into bed.  The best part of the day.  

Camping!

We're here!  Groceries mostly put away.  Puppers all exploring.  Kids on screens.  Tea is made and in my Mickey cup and we have mini eggs.  It's all good so far.

Finn claimed the ⛺️ :) 

Isabel is happy to be camping again.  For now she's in her own bed but by morning she'll be in with Kai ;)

Children's Bookings

They just called to reschedule AGAIN.  Sheesh.  I used very serious whining with an authorative tone. I just started listing ALL the details that have to be changed and how many people are involved in getting us there for a couple days.  She left me on hold for a while and came back to let me know we could just leave the appointment alone.  

I'm absolutely certain that the booking staff don't realize we have an island in BC with people living on it.  I also think none of them have children and have no clue that plans are required to move them around.  Especially more difficult when special needs are involved.  Shouldn't they have some clue?!  Or training?  

I think the only reason they let us keep our date was because we have an appointment the day before the next procedure with dermatology.  Multiple appointments to switch.  

I also had to mention time line.  If things are closed Monday re: the long weekend they were only leaving me one business day to aquire a new tap form, move hotel rooms through Variety and try to get ferry reservations that was all just cutting it too close.  Plus moving other appointments around with the shuffle.  I'd like to do a session with booking staff to explain the family side of things.

I was feeling soooo organized.  Everything I can have ready ahead of time is done.  The calendar is crazy full.  There is a lot going on here for all of us.  We're ready to camp today.  First trip out for the season.  The moho is packed. We're taking all four dogs.  This will be first trip with Luk's new system.  Eric is picking the boys up at early dismissal then he and Isabel are heading off with the moho.  I'm picking up our pre-ordered groceries at 4 and following with kids and Chihuahuas.  Seriously was feeling calm and organized.  Now, my guts are a mess instantly, I feel flustered and a pit panicky. Like something is wrong.  I'm still in my mind making new lists to change dates all around even though I don't have too but she left me on hold too long in a panic.

When the kids were younger and there was crying and sibling fights and constant upsets I used to wonder all the time how they could all just bounce back so quickly.  I just don't bounce so quickly.  

Plus, super tired.  I couldn't sleep.  Excited about camping.  Eric and Finn decided I was most likely covid free and moved back into bed.  I knew check in started this morning for our Alaska cruise and I wanted an early embarkment.  So we could have lunch on the boat. I do know that's nuts but it is what it is.  I checked in at 5 am by computer monitor light and got first boarding.  Yay me.  Eric and pups slept through.

Love Children's but not so in love with the booking staff.

I need a nap already today.

General Happenings

Ya, this happens now.  Regularly.

Eric got to play with Lego.  Kai can't follow the directions.  It's way too intricate for him.  

Coco ate Sasha's work bed.  She got the entire top seam apart!  How can such a wee thing do this much damage?! Kind of impressive really.

Poor Poppy Puppers. Had her spay this week.  She's doing great.

Neice Avery was married last Friday.  They're wearing the bow off our gift ;)  Too cute. Can't wait to see the photos.

I've been battling Jia about shoes still.  She NEEDS sandals (or anything not giant chunky boot) for Las Vegas.  Nike Airs and she doesn't totally despise them, she also doesn't think she will need them. She's on about Doc Martin's now.  

Now, this is the most exciting thing ever.  Likely needs it's own post it's so exciting.  I bought tickets for Eric and I to see Elton John!!!!!! Life time dreams. Bucket list worthy. I plan to sing loudly through the whole show. Can't wait.  The catch being that the concert is on the same day Jia and I are supposed to fly to China but we're thinking that won't actually be allowed so this will be fabulous compensation.  If I do get to China Eric will have to take a friend.  Way, way too much fun. I must have caught Eric on a good day because he also agreed to go see Jann Arden! Life is just so much better with fun things to look forward to. Mental health survival.

Nicole just dropped a Hatsune Miku cosplay off for Jia.  It was Willow's. Jia is thrilled and wig shopping online already ;) 

Haha, he's working on winning over Jenny now.  

Serenade of the Sea

We're both soooo excited. An Alaska Cruise booked for our 30th Wedding Anniversary!!

No kids.  For real.  Ahhhh.  Lili and Fei will be home with the three kids.  We did camp 15 mins away for a couple nights last spring for our anniversary.  We really haven't taken a holiday just the two of us since Lili was a baby.  It didn't go great and we've just never gone alone since.

The debate was huge.  So many options.  So cheap for just two people!!  We could have gone anywhere.  Eric prefers not to fly.  I'm not delighted about days in a car so soon after our Disney road trip. We both agree we want to see/do something. So beaches were out.  We're not that interested in visiting cities.  So the decision made ticks a lot of boxes.  We've done this cruise a few times but this time we're on a different cruise line, we're seeing a new port (Sitka) and it's our first time cruising without kids.

If you want to join us that's fine but don't bring any kids!  Haha.  You just know I'll miss my kiddos like mad and will end up chatting with families and kids.  

Can't wait.  48 days.  

Puppy Baths

Proof that Sasha fluffball isn't fat.  Just all fur! We did haircuts, toe nails and baths for all three.  

Awe.  So cute.  Kai was thrilled to get to help.  He crooned to her the whole time about staying warm.  Eric and I did Coco and Finn too but they both require more hands and no photos were taken. They all smell so good and feel so soft right now.

Albi posted he was parked at Quamichan Park yesterday so I talked Eric into coming with me for gelato after dropping Walter and Esmei at the groomer.  We had no clue there was a regatta there. The placard scored us a parking spot.

So fun.

Everyone taking a break because it was too windy.

Found him.

I'm way away from the family because my mask was off to eat the gelato.  Haha.  Funny and not funny all at once.