Ready for school

Since all our little trips have ended, Melissa has developed a serious case of summer boredom... even though I take her out of the house each morning. She is in serious need of school to start up again, and is really looking forward to it... especially seeing all her friends again. This afternoon as I was picking plums in our backyard, she was taking pictures with my camera... and here is a shot that captures it perfectly!

A pic she took of some flowers...

Birchwood Dairy

It had been 3 years since we had been to Birchwood Dairy. Last time Melissa was just over a year old.

This time Melissa was interested in riding the stationary tractors...

And feeding the very hungry goat, lovingly named "Billy"...

Melissa & Nayimah farming together...

Best part was their tasty ice-cream! Melissa tried their M&M one...

So yummy!

Kamloops

Last weekend Melissa & I joined Ken in Kamloops as he was there for training for his work. Turned out the weather wasn't the typical Kamloops style, it was rather overcast & wet for them. Nevertheless it was fun exploring a new city.

Here we are at the CPRail yard just as a train was coming in...

One afternoon we decided to go to the Albert McGowan Waterpark. But as we arrived there, a cloud opened up and there was a massive downpour. So we took a drive around town (shopped at Urban Barn) and came back 1/2 an hour later and the cloud had passed. Funny how quick the rain comes and goes there. (Nothing like here in the valley.) Melissa had this waterpark all to herself...

For dinner that night we went to Ken's Uncle Bill & Aunt Linda's. Cousin Laura plays the drums, and Melissa got to try them out... which was a hit!

And she played their keyboard...

Cousin Laura gave us a little demonstration...

Later that night back at our hotel, Melissa snuggled up with her new unicorn stuffy she got from Laura...

The following evening after another day of exploring Kamloops, we joined Uncle Bill & Aunt Linda at their favorite Greek restaurant 'Mino's' which was excellent! After dinner we took their two dogs to the dog park for a little play-time. Here we are following them, and their dog Misty is very eagerly hanging out the window...

Misty excitedly greets her little dog friend, Carlos...

Carlos posing for the camera...

Melissa & Misty had a great connection, as they had bonded the night before...

Misty's birth brother was at the park too, he was more into getting petted than running & playing with the other dogs...

Aunt Linda & Uncle Bill with their two dogs (Misty & Lotto)...

Melissa was very keen on walking Misty on a leash...

A perfect sized dog for a little girl :)

All in all it was a fun little get-away. We were pleasantly surprised with Kamloops, and hope to return again one day :)

Harrison Hot Springs

On the last day of the August long weekend, we went to Harrison Hot Springs with the McMillan family. Nothing like hanging out at the beach in the summer!

Melissa & Kiera playing in the water...

Riley, getting down and dirty!

The girls taking turns pushing each other around in the water...

Agrifair 2009

This year the three of us spent a hot day exploring the Abbotsford Agrifair. 

Melissa's favorite animals were the little chickies, which she sat beside for a long time wiggling her finger "like a worm" for them to peck at. While she was occupied there I witnessed a chick hatching (which was no quick process).

We ventured through all the barns & Melissa petted a few furry friends...

We spotted a stylin' cow...

And chatted with the horses...

There was much anticipation for the rides this year. We thought this was the year that Melissa would go on her first fair ride. But it turns out she may need another year to muster up the courage. 

Eating some sugary fair food... 

We tried our hat at crime management...

then posed like criminals behind the backseat bars...

Melissa had a flower & ladybug balloon made by Mr. Flowers...

A little country girl at heart, Melissa loved practicing milking a cow...

Trip to Victoria

Boarding the ferry for Victoria!

Melissa posing in front of our beautiful Parliament Building... 

(or beautiful castle for those more into princesses)

Exploring...

Our first night's dinner was at The Spaghetti Factory, which had no a/c... brutally hot!

After dinner we returned to our hotel to cool in the pool... 

(which became a nightly event) 


The following day we ventured to Beacon Hill Park for a picnic. As we were sitting eating, this peacock came over to check out what we had to offer...

One things I loved about Victoria, was the flowers which were everywhere! This was one of the many garden displays in this park... 

Melissa enjoyed the playground...

Just down the street from our hotel was where the horse carriage tours were located...

We ventured out to enjoy the very vibrant night-life on our second night... (Melissa dressed herself, and I couldn't sway her)

The Parliament Building at night... 

Along the harbor there were various entertainers. This gentleman played several instruments simultaneously and sang...

Melissa dropping coins in his guitar case...

A pic of the harbor at night...

My favorite were these acts which were scheduled every night. They were basically stand-up comedians with a circus act...

Melissa enjoying the show. At times she was quite concerned about their safety when they were juggling fire or large knives high up on a unicycle! 

Another pic of the harbor at night...

Taking in the sights at night...