Ereksons Visit Part 2

Whew...one day I'll get completely up-to-date with all of these posts!

AT THE CABIN

Hanging around the cabin was great! Roasting marshmallows, sitting on the beach, and just chattin' was so much fun! Ty was able to join us for a night, and then He and my dad plus most of the girls went Salmon fishing in Tofino. My mom, Annie, Bris, and I went to Butterfly world (sorry no pics) while they were away and had a great time!

The night of the fishing trip we had a fish fry! They also caught some crab...and yes, that is a crab leg hanging out of Bristol's mouth. She actually liked the meat, just had more fun with the leg. As for me...found out that I'm allergic. No fun!

Annie and Bristol had so much fun playing together! Annie drug Bris all around the hard wood floors on this blanket. She thought it was the best game!

The Erekson Clan Comes to Visit: Part 1

The Erekson crew flew up to Canada for a weeks visit! (Minus Kate, Grant, and Jeffie). We were so excited to have them. They rented a cabin right on the ocean about 45 minutes North of our apartment in Nanaimo. It was such a relaxing and fun week. Of course while we were there Katelyn called with the news that Ashley's mission call had come in the mail. Great timing! But she was so calm and happy with being in Canada anyway!

I took them to all of my favorite spots in and around Nanaimo. This is all of us at Piper's Lagoon. They loved it, and Bristol did too as usual. The girls were quite occupied with all of the star fish, and Ash was going to go swimming...but not so sure what the hundreds of little jelly fish would do to her. Hehe.

Empress Hotel

While my parents were here they stayed in the famous "Empress Hotel." I loved visiting! I think it's quite enchanting covered in the vines and overlooking the harbour. Bristol loved running down the halls...she is getting so fast!

Computer Problems

Apparently in talking to Ty (yes, I'm still in Boise for 1 more day) our computer has been violently attacked by a virus. In talking to a computer whiz (Ty's Brother) it is one that we have to get removed professionally. So...no more blogging for a while. I know how much you are all bummed ;) but trust me, I am way MORE bummed. I love updating the blog with our fun adventures. So, goodbye for now. Hope to see you all VERY soon! And try not to forget us!!!

The Butchart Gardens

While my parents were here, we drove to the Butchart Gardens! This "Garden" (which is actually comprised of a ton of different styles of gardens) was started by a woman whose husband operated a limestone quarry. While he dug out the limestone, she filled in the 'holes' with gardens. Their world travels allowed her to bring back many different types of plants and vegetation. Thus she has a Japanese garden, as well as plants known all around the world.We walked through the garden for quite a few hours. They guys LOVED it, but may have just preferred a more active activity. My mom and I could go back in a heart beat. We had a great time! (Sorry for all of the pictures. I even narrowed it down to just a few! It was just so beautiful there! Couldn't resist.)

Entrance into the "Sunken Garden." My favorite spot. Quite enchanting!

Grandpa and Bris riding the carousal.

I didn't see any signs, but I think it was an unwritten rule not to run on the grass. How could anyone tell that cute face no?

Grandpa and Dad watched Bris as Nana and I walked through the rose garden. And you guessed it, she ended up completely soaked!

My mom and I fell in love with these rose trees. So beautiful!

Japanese Gardens

A view of the ocean from the Gardens...and on our way to Gillatto ice cream!!! Loved it!

Taco Soup

I know it's summer. However, this taco soup has sure hit the spot yesterday and today! I love it! It's my mom's recipe, the easiest and the best EVER! Even good in the summer time with no AC in the house! Here is the recipe!

1 lb. lean ground beef browned
1 can corn
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato chunks
1 can red beans
1 can black beans
1 small can olives (drained)
1 yellow onion chopped
1 packet taco seasoning mix

Dump it all in one big pot and heat through! We serve ours with chips, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and sometimes torn up tortillas. This is so yummy and so easy! You should for sure try it! Let me know how ya like it!!!

Lindy Davis Ross

A few of you might remember a post a while ago about a friend who had passed away. Her name is Lindy Davis Ross. She was in my ward in High School, and her family owns 'Starlight Mountain Theatre' in Garden Valley, Id. I was in a couple of plays with her and her family and had a great time. Lindy really was a great young lady, wife and mother. I wanted to post this story because I think that a few of us moms might do as she did in her car while driving on a long road trip only her result was tragic.

Beban Pool

It's kinda wierd posting about events in Nanaimo when we live in Victoria, but catching up with all that has gone on is going to take a while!

Beban Pool is seriously the coolest swimming pool for little kids that I have ever seen! (For an indoor pool anyway!) It is completely decked out in pirate attire with painted walls and everything. There is a lazy river, slides, toys, cannons, etc. We had a great time! Bristol loved floating around in her little fish. I need to figure out where to get one of these floaty toys! It worked out perfectly!

Farewell Nanaimo...

Yes, we are moving...AGAIN! As much as you all know that I loathe packing and moving, I deal with it because I have no choice. Tomorrow we load the car and move to....The Days Inn!!! Can't wait. NOT! We move into a hotel for 4 1/2 days before we move again to Victoria. Don't get me wrong, I'm actually being pretty upbeat about the whole thing. Moving into a hotel will provide me with:

• Free clean up/make the bed service
• A pool and hot tub
• A (hopefully) more comfortable bed

It's just another adventure! Plus, it is one step closer to moving to Victoria and I can't wait to get there. However, there are quite a few things I'll miss about Nanaimo!

1. The beaches! Qualicum, and Westwood Lake
2. Downtown Nanaimo Harbour
3. The Ice Cream downtown and in Coombs! (I'm drooling already).
4. Beban Pool (Posts of this place soon).
5. Watching deer outside of our back door
6. The beauty that this place offers!

Each city that we travel each summer holds a special place in my memory. But this Island is one of the most beautiful places that we have ever lived. It's breathtaking! I'm looking forward to our lives moving forward but will forever remember our short time in Nanaimo!

Westwood Lake

Westwood lake is my favorite "fresh water" beach. I love it here! There are no boats allowed on the lake (which I would normally object too), but I think that it keeps the crowds away! I know that most of my posts are about Bristol and I'm sorry...but this is truly hilarious! Bristol wasn't much of a fan of the sand in the beginning...but I got her used to it!

Step 1:

"Stay on the blanket and keep feet out of the sand! (While enjoying my PB&J)."

Step 2:

"Venture out on the sand barefoot. EW!"

Step 3:

"Sit on a towel in the sand by the other kids playing. Thanks mommy for not making me put my bum in the sand and getting my feet out of it."

Step 4:
"Hm. Not so bad on the hands...keep the legs up though! Don't like it on them!"





Step 5:
"Eat the sand! I think I've got this down."

TyRell Bungee Jumps!

Ty did it. He went bungee jumping! As an office, the whole team won a bit of money to do with what they pleased, and this is what they all chose! So a TON of them went. I just watched. Don't think that I could do it...maybe in high school, but not now. Anyway, It was quite the rush watching my hubby plunge off of a 150+ foot bridge. I probably screamed harder than he did! They went at this place called Wild Play about 20 minutes north of Nanaimo. They have zip lines, and tree courses as well. It would be a great place to visit if you were looking for something adventurous to do on Vancouver Island!

Ty on the way up to the bridge!

Ty and some other guys in the office watching the first jumper.

Getting ready! He had to stand on the edge of this platform, bend his knees, and fall forward.

Vancouver, B.C.

One Saturday we all got up early and caught the ferry to Vancouver. (Well, we missed the ferry by 2 minutes, and got on the next one an hour later.) The ferry ride was easy! We got some lunch and visited. It went by really fast. Upon our departure off of the ferry we caught a bus that took us to Downtown Vancouver. We talked to quite a few locals on the bus who told us right where to go...Robson Street. Great shopping!

Robson Street

Alex and I on Robson Street! Couldn't contain the excitement!
We probably only saw about 2/3 of the street. It was pretty long.

The fabulous "Cupcakes" store. Can you see why we were attracted? Unfortunately I wasn't hungry, so I didn't get one. But it smelled and looked delicious!

We came across this VW Bug covered in...everything. There was a waterfall on the front, Canada themed accessories, toys, etc. We were wondering who did this, and the man happened to be sitting right behind us! I told him he should charge people a small fee to take pictures and what not, but he actually said that it's his "gift to Canada." He explained that the Canadian government helped him get through school, so he did this as pay back. Whatever works for him! It was pretty cool, and actually drivable!

Stanley Park

Stanley Park was this HUGE park right on the ocean. It contained harbours, walking trails, little shops to buy ice cream, and even the Vancouver Aquarium.

Vancouver sky line.




Bristol of course got an ice cream. She made a complete mess!

We got a sneak peak at the Vancouver Aquarium. Baby Beluga! Bristol LOVED them. It would normally cost $25 dollars and take a full day to go to the aquarium, so we opted for a little taste instead!

Bristol on the ferry ride home. Her outfit was all covered in ice cream, so changing was completely necessary! She was quite the show! I was tired from the day, and pretty much just let her have her moment. I think she may grow to be quite the entertainer.