Somehow February ran away on me and now it's over! Yikes! Anyway I actually have something kind of exciting to write about (for once) because we actually had a little vacation in Radium BC.
Our super amazing friends the Campbells invited us to go away with them for 5 days to a condo (owned by their friend) in Radium, during U of C's reading week. We of course jumped at the chance to get out of town and have a much needed break from our day to day life.
It's amazing how a little change of scenery can make such a big difference in your perspective and how you feel. We brought our kids with us so it wasn't a complete break but it was still so nice to be away from home and all the responsibilities and chores that go with it.
We packed up and left on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a lovely 2.5 hour ride through the mountains in which Cohen slept, Marshal screamed his head off and I felt horribly car sick, However upon arriving at the gorgeous 3200 square foot condo, all the pains from the journey to get there seemed to slip away.
I'm not even kidding when I say I felt like I was walking into another world. A world of space, beauty and pure enjoyment. Most of you know that I live in a very tiny house with the most ridiculous kitchen and the smallest bathroom in the world. This condo was the epitome of luxury in comparison and it truly made the vacation for me.
It was so lovely to be able to walk around the open concept living, dining and kitchen area and not feel crowded, to sit and look out at the spectacular view of the mountains while having breakfast, do a 1000 piece puzzle on the kitchen island/breakfast bar and still have tons of room to prepare meals. It was wonderful to let the kids run around and not feel that they were constantly right at my feet, to use a different bathroom twice a day just because there were three options. It was lovely to wake up and look around a huge bedroom without feeling like my little ceiling could cave in on me. And oh how glorious was that bathroom! I can't even begin to explain how much I enjoyed having a double sink, not having to share or wait my turn to use the sink was simply amazing! After that week I have to say it will be a must for me in my future home, sorry Dan!
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| Our sweet room. |
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The amazing sink.
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Now a bit about what we did.
As we arrived later on Saturday we had a simple night, made dinner, unpacked, put the kids to bed, then stayed up visiting. Sunday we headed to church which was a super tiny ward that usually has about 10 members but had about 60 as it was the family day weekend. We left after sacrament meeting as the boys were giving trouble and there wasn't a real nursery. Sunday afternoon was spent with some outdoor adventures for the boys and relaxing and dinner making for the gals.
On Monday we decided to go check out the tourist info center. After spending some time there we went for a little walk and sled ride. The boys had fun, Marshal had a few melt downs because he wanted to sit in the joey seat on Rachel's Valco, which Thomas was sitting in. When we finally made it to the little hill, Thomas and Cohen enjoyed some sledding while Marshal decided to spend his time sitting in the now available joey seat! Kids are so funny.
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| On our way to the sled hill. |
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| The boys enjoying a ride together as we arrive at the hill. |
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| Getting ready to send Cohen down the hill. |
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| He wasn't too happy when he got to the bottom, but I'm pretty sure it was because the ride was over, because every time he went down he was happy, and then started crying when he got to the bottom. |
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| Dan and Cohen going down the hill. |
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| Marshal enjoying his moment in the Valco. |
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| My cute boys. |
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| Thomas being cute and modelling his sled. |
That pretty much sums up Mon-day, but Monday evening Dan and I went out for dinner.
We didn't leave until about 7:45, after getting the kids to bed and by the time we drive into Invermere it was 8. Sadly everything closes early in a small town, and that includes all restaurants including A&W! As we were about to head back we saw the Blackforset Restaurant - Steak and Schnitzel house open just across the street. So we figured we go there. Walking into the restaurant was like walking into a funny little old German town. There was accordian music playing, waitresses dressed in traditional German outfits, and a wide array of old world art all over the walls. The place was one of a kind, and I basically couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous and hilarious it was. Neither Dan nor I had eaten German food before and let me tell you we were totally disappointed with what we ordered. I don't know if that's how all German food tastes but I couldn't even stomach mine. Dan ate his but said he just didn't enjoy the taste. All in all the night gave us a good laugh and a great story if nothing else!
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| Looks classy doesn't it? |
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| Our friends Hansel and Gretel. |
Tuesday the guys went skiing while Rachel and I stayed at the house with the kids. We were pretty lazy but after spending most of the day at home we took the boys for a walk. Tuesday evening was low key, we made dinner put the kids to bed and then just hung out. Oh yes I also hit 18 weeks!
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| Marshal checking out the view in the back. |
Wednesday we decided to make the most of our last day. We got ready early and headed to the Hot Springs only to discover they didn't open until noon. So we decided to head into Inveremere to check out the town and grab some lunch. We had a short walk through town, enjoyed some yummy treats at a local bakery and noted that a lot of business were still closed! So crazy how different things were there, it was quaint and sweet but definitely a very small town!
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| Under the metal moose in Invermere. |
After our "lunch" at the bakery Rachel and I decided to go check out a Massage/Chiro Clinic we saw on the way into town, while the guys took the boys to skate. Luckily the massage therapist was able to get me in for a massage right away, and Rachel booked one for the following morning. It was wonderful, it really had been far too long since I had last had a massage. So I definitely enjoyed this part of my vacation.
I was picked up when the boys were finished skating and Dan took me for a quick drive to show me where they had skated. We drove out onto the frozen lake....yes that's right I said drove out onto the lake! I can't lie I was slightly terrified, but I guess it's kind of cool that I can say I've driven on a lake before. I wish I had been brave enough to get out and take a picture, but I basically made Dan turn right around and drive off that lake right away!!!
We went to the hot springs after the boys napped, and that was also a highlight of the trip. The hot springs in Radium are a slightly lower temperature so safe for pregnant women, yay! I was happy to enjoy the warm relaxing water and the kids really had a blast too. Marshal called it the mountain pool and had no desire to leave!
After spending most of the early evening there we went "home" for dinner and enjoying our last night in heaven!
Thursday was basically a pack and clean morning and then a drive back to Calgary in which thankfully both of the boys finally fell asleep!
A few of the puzzles we did on our vacay.
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| I did this one on my own! |
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| A group effort, Dan even participated by putting in the last piece! |
The boys just being so happy and cute!
All in all it was a wonderful getaway and a much needed break! We are so thankful to our friends for bringing us along on this awesome little adventure!
Jordan
