oliver

Spending time at my Grandma's house was always a summer highlight growing-up.  On hot days, we lived in the pool and our blond hair would turn green from the chlorine.  We would sneak into the garden for fresh raspberries, strawberries and sweet peas - Mmmm.  My Grandma also has a ginormous jar of Smarties that she still fills for us, every time we visit.  They never stand a chance.  It is so special to be there with Jake.  

This visit was filled with swimming, sunning, gardening, berry picking and wine tasting.  Jake especially loved the "gardening" he did.  He was covered in dirt and so happy about it.   

a swim

We went swimming the other day but the clear highlight for Jake wasn't the pool, but instead, a pool noodle.  Running around with this pool noodle couldn't have been funner.  He 

didn't even want to go into the water without it.   

 

an anniversary

I feel so happy to have married my best friend and look forward to this forth year of marriage.  Participating in a happy

marriage it the very best thing.  Ever. 

Hester Creek

Hester Creek Winery is always lovely.  I had been saving this Trebbiano for a couple years now and figured it must be enjoyed.  The Trebbiano vines were brought over from Italy long ago and are the oldest on the estate. 

"The nose has apple, citrus, and passion fruit, with mineral and grapefruit notes on the palate. Enjoy our Trebbiano with Asian food such as Pad Thai, spicy barbequed chicken, or an arrabiata pasta".

When we were tasting it at the vineyard they also suggested pairing it with curry dishes or sushi, so that is exactly what we did, and were not disappointed.  

sand, shells and sea walls...

and water too.  Lots of water.  That was how the majority of our days in Vancouver were spent.  Beautiful sunny days with a nice breeze coming off the ocean.  So perfect.

Jake did a lot of digging and throwing sand.  Huge highlight. 

Thanks Kait for taking some family pictures.  The beaches of Stanley Park was a perfect location.  In fact, we spent-up all of our time at the beach and didn't have any left over to walk the sea wall or explore the forest paths.

Exploring the beach with Aunty.

More Kitsilano beach, splashing in the sea and watching the ships sail into the English Bay.

Granville Island waterpark!  We had lots of fun while Billy and Tim took a tour of the Granville Island Brewery.  One of their summer specialties was Ginger Beer. 

 
We even suck in a few dates, which couldn't have been nicer.  Kait and Tim were the perfect hosts and it all went by unbelievably quick.  This entire summer has felt that way.

more maps

How lovely is this map of the United States from These Are Things!? Very clean and modern.  Fitting for a very belated happy fourth of July. 

 

 I am just swimming in photos here and trying to sort through some pictures from our most recent trips.  Hopefully I will get myself organized and post some travel pictures shortly.  Until then, enjoy this pretty little map.

patio dinner

We are back from our mini Vancouver vacation, fully settled-in and enjoying our home as much as we possibly can before it is time to pack-up for France.  One of the things that is making me happiest these days is barbecuing and eating dinner out on the patio.  Two things greatly missed while we are in Europe.  We put up the umbrella, drag the highchair out and just enjoy the evening heat.  If you peek over the south end of our balcony you can even see a tiny sliver of lake.  It's perfect.