Bristol in the Mirror

I think that I posted this video on my blog a while ago. But I came across it again on the computer and couldn't resist posting it again! Watch it here. She was so amused with her reflection in the mirror!

The Stevens visit Canada

Dave and Teresa made a long drive to visit Ty, Bris and I while in Victoria. Unfortunately it was record breaking heat on the island...and we didn't have air conditioning! But we still had a great time.

We did a lot of blackberry picking and made some great blackberry jam. So good!

While Ty and Dave did some fishing, us girls headed to Butchart Gardens. We didn't last too long before having to get a cold treat. Bris loved the ice cream, but it didn't stay icy for too long! She was such a mess! Well worth it though!

Isn't that a sweet delivery of a kid's meal? We thought so! Complete with a "Gold Coin" and everything!

Their trip went by fast, but it was fun to have them! I was still pretty sick with the pregnancy and could hardly stay awake if I wasn't walking around, so it was nice to have energetic grandparents around to entertain Bristol!

Goodbye to Victoria

Somewhat sadly, yet very excitingly we are leaving Victoria tonight. I think most of all I will miss the girls that I have gotten to hang out with the most. It is beautiful here on Vancouver Island, and I will always treasure the memories made here, but there is nothing like home.

And yes. I. Should. Be. Packing.

However, I have been packing all morning, I have a headache, and I am already exhausted! So I think that I deserve a small break. Bristol has been a HUGE help with the packing. She just has her own way of doing it. First, she completely takes out what I put in the suitcase (all neatly folded), waves it around in the air, tries to put it on, and then puts it back! I just have to laugh because at least she isn't hanging onto my legs as usual.

Tonight we drive to Sydney and board the ferry that will take us to Tsawwassen, pronounced tawasen. We have to be there around 8 PM, and the ferry leaves at 9. We will arive on the mainland at 10:30 where we have booked a hotel room for the night. I'm sure I'm going to be completely exhausted, Bris too. Then we get up bright and early tomorrow morning and drive 10 hrs. 39 minutes (thanks mapquest) to Boise. My dad and Ashley come in from Alaska tomorrow night in time to see us. Then come Friday morning another 4 1/2 hours to Logan where we will move into our new place! It is rather exciting, but as much as I hate packing up a place, I don't like moving things from a storage unit to a house much better. Oh well! I'm just very greatful that we have a place to live!

Until we have internet...farewell, and bring on "the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!" I have missed you U.S. of A.!

Canada Day & Gettin to Victoria

July 2, 2010: Happy Canada Day!

Yes, we were living in a hotel. Yes, it was raining. But we still had a fun time! In downtown Nanaimo we watched the flag parade and bought some treats! Don't ask me the history behind Canada Day, because I have no idea. But it was a great excuse to get out and have a good time. (Especially knowing that the 4th of July would be spent moving and not quite celebrating.)

Little did we know...

4th of July, 2010: Happy 4th USA!

Ugh...we had no idea what that day would bring. We LOADED up the subaru so much that my feet had to ride on the dashboard. The drive was 1hr 30 minutes, so I was dying! We were excited to know that we were going ot be living in a house in Victoria. So cool! A yard for Bris to play in and everything. However, when we got there I wouldn't even get out of the car. The place was a nasty disaster with overflowing toilettes and carpets that had never met a vaccuum. (I did eventually brave it). Alright I thought, I can hire a cleaning crew to just come sweep this place clean. Thought #2, I'm not living here. There was a guy living on the main floor and we would live upstairs. No separate entrances, no door to lock at the top of the stairs so this guy couldn't get into my living space. Can you believe it? Some random guy would be living downstairs. Well, that place didn't work out. Nobody blamed us either. So we waited a little bit and then thankfully moved into a place. (I still feel guilty Walburgers.) The highlight of the day was eating at Red Robin! Good ol' American food. That was our 4th of July celebration! we missed being at home celebrating with families. Hope you all had a great time!

Victoria: Welcome to Victoria! It is beautiful here! The week we moved had to have been record breaking temperatures. We have no AC, and it was hot outside which only meant eating cold treats and playing in the water. We are pretty good at that!

Disclaimer: I know...I'm way behind on posting...sorry so late! I'm getting there!

Englishman River Falls and the BEAR!

On our way to Englishman River Falls we saw a bear! People have told us that they have lived their whole lives on the island and never seen a bear. We did! We stopped and watched it for a few minutes before reaching the falls.

Englishman River Falls is really beautiful! The falls is HUGE, and the scenery is breathtaking. You walk over a bridge that takes you right over top of the bottom of the falls. It was really neat!

Ereksons Visit Part 4

Qualicum Beach

This was the BEST I had ever been to Qualicum beach. The tide was extremely low and we all found tons of treasures. We spent a ton of time here just browsing the beach. My sisters probably kept about 100 full sand dollars (don't worry, just the dead ones), and played a bit in the water. My mom loved hunting down geo-ducks. Have you ever watched living sand dollars move accross the sand? It is so amazing! And when you hold a live one it almost feels like it's stinging you they are so prickly! Pretty cool!

I loved this shot: A drumstick in one hand and a sand dollar in the other.

Erekson Clan Visits: Part 3

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove is a grove of trees right off of the highway. They are ancient and huge trees! I hadn't been there previously, so I was excited to show my family! We packed a picnic lunch and waded through a stream to find a quiet place to have a picnic! We had a great time!

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!

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!