Othello Tunnels: Almost....

On our way home from Manning park we decided to stop by the Othello Tunnels an easy 3.5 km trail near Hope, BC. 

check out Julia and I in the reflection of the sign! 

This is the second time we have tried to go through the Othello tunnels. The first time was when we were newly weds moving to Vancouver. Cam's parents were with us and they really wanted to take us to the tunnels. Unfortunately we could not find them! Thankfully, this weekened, we had googlee maps and found the tunnels. Unfortunately the tunnels were closed for the season and were not open. We did get to go up to the first tunnel and talk with some construction workers that were working on getting the tunnels ready for the filming of a popular movie called 'planet of the apes'!

I felt it was worthy of writing a post about because these tunnels are exciting for all ages. Remember to bring flashlights to enhance the experience!!!

Cam and Etta outside the first tunnel

Julia and I at the first tunnel

Family selfie near the first tunnel. 3rd times a charm and we will get to explore the tunnels!

Manning Park: 7 ways children make life more excited

This past weekend we went to Manning Park with the kids to celebrate our 5 years of marriage. We were so happy to soak up the outdoors especially since Cam has been busy finishing his PhD. The great thing about Manning park is there is little cell phone service and therefore we were able to totally focus on each other and the present. 

One of my favourite things about having kids is that you can do something so simple and have a great time. In the past I have written about some of the challenges when travelling and/or camping with kids. Throughout this post I am going to highlight 7 ways our children have made trips more exciting. 

1. Telling the kids we are going to the mountains:

We told Etta we were leaving for the mountains about 10 minutes before leaving. We did this on purpose because she gets SO EXCITED!!! Once we told her we were going to the mountains she started running around the house saying 'Yeah mountains' followed by asking if myself, Cam and Julia were going to come too. We proceeded by saying 'yes we are coming to the mountains too.' Since we were all going, she got even more excited and this excitement lasted the whole weekend. 

2. The Cabin
Etta loved the cabin. Really I loved it as well but her enthusiasm made the cabin that much more exciting. She loved it so much that I now want to live in a simple cabin in the woods. Everyday she was excited to come back to the cabin and hang out. She loved it so much that when we left we had to say bye cabin and blow kisses as we drove away. She still talks about the cabin.

Outside the cabin with Julia.

3. Snow suit, toque and mitts

I know not every kid likes their outdoor gear but Etta gets so excited when she gets to wear her mitts, snow pants and boots. It may not last forever but I'll take it!!!

 

4.  Hiking

Whenever we tell Etta we are going hiking she starts jumping and running around. Her enthusiasm about the outdoors is incredibly contagious. At Manning Park there are tons of hikes outside your doorstep and although we kept the hiking simple, her enthusiasm amplified the outdoor experience. Trying to see these natural experiences through the eyes of a child is incredible. Our daughter gets excited by things that we often don't even take notice of, like leaves, rocks, snow and water.

5. Throwing rocks
I think Etta could literally spend hours throwing rocks into water. Big rocks, little rocks and even sticks and leaves can provide hours of entertainment.

6. Playing in the snow
Yes as an adult I still like playing in the snow but rarely take the time to indulge. Being forced out in the snow to play with Etta is extremely rewarding. Etta got so excited making her first snowman. Julia had an amazing look of wonder as her hand touched snow for the first time.

Etta's first snowman where she was able to contribute.

Julia's first snow experience.

7. Mountains
Lastly, I know I mentioned mountains previously but that was more about telling our kids we were going to the mountains. We needed to highlight how excited the girls get when we are in the mountains. Etta loves seeing snow-capped mountains. She loves knowing she is hiking on a mountain. She loves the fresh air.

Being a parent has changed our getaways but it hasn't affected how much we enjoy them. During our trip we decided to keep it simple and Etta's enthusiam and Julia's smiles made the whole experience really fun.

Hiking with a toddler and a newborn!

First I have to say Happy 3 month birthday to my youngest Julia! Time is already flying by so fast and I could not imagine life without her.

To celebrate we decided to go on our first family hike since she was born. I have to be honest though... it is also a celebration of the fact that I think I am recovered enough from child bearing and child birth to do the hike that involves a lot of incline. 

Preamble: We hiked earlier after we had Etta. The major difference this time is that I could not just worry about myself. I had to carry Julia up the mountain because Cam would be carrying Etta. Although Julia is not her 27 lb sister she is already about 15 lbs!!! 

Anyways we decide to tell Etta that we were going to the mountains for a hike about an hour before we had to leave. Big mistake... While I love that she was super pumped and running around the house screaming 'yay mountains', we then had to listen to her whine 'I want to go hike in the mountains' for the hour while we got ready to go. To top it off she saw the hiking carrier and she started screaming that she wanted to go in their NOW!!! Try teaching patience to a determined and independent toddler. Impossible.

Finally after getting organized, we drive the 45 minutes to Cabin lake which is on the way to Eagles bluff on Cypress mountain in North Vancouver. Julia slept the whole 45 minutes. Etta continually repeated that she wanted to get out of the car and go hiking ...... For the whole 45 minutes. Again try teaching a toddler patience. Impossible.

When we got to the mountain Julia woke up so I had to feed her. She was being fussy and I started to think that this hike was a bad idea. I was beginning to lose MY patience. Then we started to hike. That is when it became magical! Julia fell asleep and Etta loved the carrier again. She has been wanting to walk herself these days but since Julia was in a carrier she wanted to be in the carrier too. 

The hike was a gruelling uphill for about 45 minutes up. Etta and Cam talked about the mountains and the trees. It was like she was taking in the outdoors in a way she never had before. She was aware at how amazing it all was. 

I... Who was carrying Julia... Trudged up the hill slowly but surely. My motivation through the exhaustion? Both kids were having a great time. I was breathless but loving exercising and enjoying nature without any whining or crying. It was as if I had won the lottery. My face was beat red, my heart rate was 180 bpm and I was loving it!

Once at our destination we all had lunch, including Julia. Cam and Etta went for a swim in the ice cold water while I played with Julia in the shade.

 We hung around for about 45 minutes just enjoying and exploring the natural surroundings. It felt so great to be back in the mountains. 

When it was time to go we changed the girls diapers, packed up our things and made the trek down the mountain. Julia and Etta immediately fell asleep which was awesome. I was exhausted from exerting myself but new it was all downhill from there.

 Until... After 10 minutes of downhill there was a steep incline. We did not notice going downhill on the way up and I always notice a nice downhill after a long climb. We realized we went the wrong way and would have to climb back up to find the correct trail.

I was exhausted and started to complain.  I was getting stressed that our good luck with the kids on the trail would end. After mustering up some energy we turned around and trekked back uphill. After 20 minutes of uphill climbing we were back on track hiking down to the parking lot. 'Crisis' diverted and my legs were still functioning. 

Once at the parking lot Etta and Julia woke up. I decided to wait to feed Julia because Etta was happy. We immediately packed the girls in the car and drove home. 

About 20 minutes into the drive home Julia started to cry. We decided to divert off the Lions Gate bridge and head to Prospect Point in Stanley Park to feed Julia. We enjoyed an incredible view of Vancouver, grabbed some fries, birch beer and I fed Julia. After an hour enjoying Stanley Park, we drove the 25 minutes home in a cry free/whine free car. It truly turned out to be a successful day outdoors hiking in the mountains and enjoying Vancouver.

VW Camper Van

We took the plunge! We bought a VW camper van and have officially joined the Westy club. I could not be happier. 

My family had a camper van up until I was about 3 years old. I am the youngest and I have a brother 6 years older and a sister 4 years older.

My sister squeezing my face while my brother is chillin' in his camping chair.

 They used to sleep in the Pop top and I used to sleep in a hammock at the front of the van. I cannot remember the name but it was an air cooled orange VW camper with a pop top. Unfortunately my parents house had a fire a few years ago and finding a solid picture of the van is very difficult.

My sister Krista and I in the Camper van!

Etta and Cam in the pop top.



Julia in the campervan having a nap.

The adventures ended in that van when the door was so rusted that it fell off. I think my parents were fed up and sold the van for parts. Even though the van at times stretched their patience they were sad to see it go. They still talk about those glorious camping days in the dub. 

My dad, brother, sister and I after a hike in the rockies.

Anyways, since then I have always dreamed of owning my own westy with my family. With two kids and a husband that loves camping we thought it was prime time to join the westy family.

My sister and I hanging out on the camping chairs.

I am so excited for more camping trips to come. I hope my girls continue to enjoy the experience of the outdoors each year whether in the van or a tent. Let the adventure continue!!!

Our family embarking on our own VW adventures.

Camping with a newborn and a toddler

Introduction:
Just 3 weeks after Julia was born the weather was fantastic. That meant that it was time to take her on her first camping trip. Since we took Etta (our toddler) camping when she was about 5 weeks old, I felt it was not a big deal taking our 3 week old. My motto is take the leap and get out there, enjoy the experience and it will always make the next time easier.We stayed at Paradise Valley Campsite in Squamish, BC. A few things I loved about this campsite was the dense forest surrounding each of the campsites, the flush toilets and the showers. We were also really excited because we had two other families that were going to be camping with us.  We really enjoyed having the kids all play together during the day and having the adult time at night!!

A few things I did not love were the unforeseen obstacles. Read on to hear about our adventures camping with our toddler and newborn.

Inside our tent. Lors of space and the kids each had their own beds!

Obstacle one: 

Our trip almost started out with a Bang.  Not a good bang. Thankfully while Cam was driving the car he noticed the chariot (stroller for the kids) was starting to come off the side of the car. In the nick of time he was able to pull over and adjust the  chariot making it nice and secure.  Obstacle one averted.

Our campsite. .. I left to go get groceries in Squamish while Cam looked after the girls and set up camp. I was pleasantly surprised he was able to set up it all up by the time I arrived.

Obstacle two:

Right after we put Etta to bed the first night a cop came up to our campsite to warn us that they are looking out for a fugitive that was camping at the same campsite!! He had been gone since the morning but there were dogs running around trying to find him and helicopters overhead. We also realized that the campers two sites down from us were NOT even campers. They were policemen staking out his campsite. In the end along with some other campers we figured we were probably in the safest place with all the cops. The guy was long gone and did not come back to the campground. 

Enjoying the campingexperience!

Etta was so excited to have her own sleeping bag. This Deuter sleeping bag grows with your child and can be expeanded as she gets bigger. The bonus  of having it a little smaller is that she does not loose heat in the sleeping bag because it is too big.

Julia testing out her camping bed. She slept well in it so it is fair to say she liked it as well!

Julia in her sleeping bag all bundled up for the cool nighttime air. She wor a long sleeved onesie, 2x sleepers, toque and this warm 'sleeping bag' to bed.

There was no fire ban wnen we went. We enjoyed fire that started with ease becasue the firewood was nice and dry. 

Taking down the tent. We always try to shake out the dirt. Etta decided to hang out in the tent while shaking it out.

Obstacle 3: 

Taking down camp this time was alot trickier than setting up the camp. Cam and I were exhausted because we stayed up too late the night before. Etta was a little bit cranky so we needed to keep her entertained while making sure Julia was also alright. Etta became really happy and quiet when she was playing in the front seat of the car with the other kids while we were packing the car. Now when everything seems to be too easy for comfort you know that something is wrong. Well we paid later... We paid 500$ for that time... A rock was put into our door and made it so that it could not be properly closed. We had to drive home from Squamish straight to Toyota with a door slightly open. Then we were without a car for 4 days and had to pay 500$ to get it fixed.

The gap caused by the rock in the door. 

In Conclusion: 

Even though we had some unforeseen adventures it was great to be back in the outdoors. I cannot wait for our next family adventure.

Off camping: ACE family needs a new name..

We are off camping with our toddler and 3 week old. Cam and I have been itching to get back camping ever snce last October. Work and pregnancy did not give me any energy to get out much in the wilderness the last 7 months. I miss it so much and want my kids to once again experience camping.

Now since I had my first camping trip at 3 weeks old I thought it would be fitting to take our second daughter at the age of 3 weeks. I'm hoping this weekend will give us inspiration for a new name for our family blog. Any ideas???

Packing for a toddler: All Inclusive Trip

I thought I would write a packing list for a toddler if you are leaving for a one week vacation to an all inclusive resort. This is similar to my packing list during other trips but with a 'sun and swim focus'.

Clothes:
- 4 onesies
- 3 sleepers (Keep warm if you have A/C on)
- 4 shorts
- 4 pants
- 7 t-shirts and/or dresses
- 3 long sleeve shirts (A/C rooms and plane ride)
- 1 sweater
- 1-2  U/V swimming suits
- 1-2 Swimming bottoms
- Swim gear (Optional): Puddle jumper, float device with canapy, water wings,
- 2-3 sun hats (to allow them to get wet)
- 1 pair of runners
- 1 pair of sandals (That can also go in water!)

Sleeping:
- 1 sleeping blanket
- 2 light blankets (Aden + Anais) Light for naps in the stroller and covering the stroller from sun.
(Make sure that if it's hot to not completely cover to let the air flow.)
- Travel Bed (Optional) : (We brought out tent bed that is only 5 lbs. All Inclusives do not guarantee a crib for your toddler and since ours was so light we decided to bring it along).
- Any necessities for bedtime routine. I included: books and stuffed animals, in toy section of this post)

Changing/Bath:
- 30 diapers (60 if you are worried about diarhea)
- 2 packages of wipes
- Bum Cream (We like healing balm by honest company but your basic zinc and vaseline if you like)
- Changing mat
- Hand Sanitizer
- Baby Soap
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Baby Wash cloths (Optional)

Medication:
- 2x Advil and/or Tylenol
- Benydryl (You never know about allergic reactions)
- Hydralight (not a medication but a hydration drink in case of diarhea)
- Sunscreen (A whole bottle so you do not run out)
- Thermometer
- Polysporin
- Nose Sucker (great for runny noses!)
- Nail clippers

Food:
I am not usually a fan of Etta eating tons of packaged food however we did not know how the buffet would nourish her and decided to bring quite a bit of stuff along.This helped alot as the first 4 days she basically ate only bread, fresh fruit juices and cantaloupe. By the end she started eating other foods.
- 2 packages of granola bars
 (These were great for pre-breakfast. Our daughter likes to eat right away when she wakes up. This made it so we did not have to rush out of the room to the buffet.)
- 7 Smoothie packs
- 5 packaged dinners
- Fishies or crackers (a pack)
- Toddler Cookies (a pack)
- Package (For carry-on on the flight home)
       - 3 packaged dinners
       - 1-2 smoothie packs
       - fishies (handful)
       - 4 cookies
       - 4 crackers
   
Toys: (Some of these items will go into carry-on)
- 3-4 books
- 2 stuffed animals (We packed Morgan her baby doll and Husk her Husky Dog)
- Stacking cups (Great for both the beach, plane and hotel room)
- 2 packs with a pack of stickers and paper or reusable stickers
- 2 packs with 3 crayons and paper

Carry on Bags, stroller (Optional)and Carrier (Optional):
This is how we packed our carry on bags. It worked very well for us. We did not bring a carrier but some people love this option especially for maneuvering an airport. Some of the stuff was listed above and we chose to put it into our carry on instead. Also I organize certain items in packages within the bags so that I can easily pull out what I need.

-Chicco Liteway Stroller (Checked at the gate)
                 (Borrowed the stroller from a friend. Completely reclines so our daughter could sleep                           while we were our and about)

Bag number 1: (Backpack)
- Husk her husky dog
- 2 books
- stacking cups
- Small bag with a zipper
- 3 small bunnies, a small rooster and a small bird inside the small bag with a zipper
- Fun Packs: (Homemade)
     - 1 pack with a pack of stickers and paper
     - 1 pack with 3 crayons and paper
     - box with foam shapes in it.
Included in Bag number 1 for mom and dad:
- A book for Mom (I actually did get to read during her nap!!!)
- A book for Dad
- Headphones

Bag number 2: (Rolling Carry on) 
Package with
      - 7 diapers
      - package of wipes
      - Bum Cream
      - change of clothes (T-shirt, pants, socks)
      - Dirty clothes bag (For dirty clothes and/or diapers)
Package with
      - Advil
      - medications for mom and dad
Package with (food for lunch, dinner and snacks for family)
      This package is healthier on the trip down then the trip back home unless you are able to hit up a          grocery store in Mexico while at your all inclusive.
       Some food examples:
      - Fruit: Berries, Bananas, Apples
      - Cheese slices
      - Sandwhiches
      - Granola bars
      - packaged dinners
      - smoothie packs
      - fishies (Bag)
      - Cookies (Treats)
Package with
      - 6 napkins
      - 1 spoon
      - 1-2 containers for food

   
Any other suggestions? Add them in the comments below!