We took an amazing trip to Victoria, Canada to spend time with Mark's big sister Carole and her family. All four of Carole's little brothers, their families and Grandma and Grandpa Hamblin made the journey to the island. This was a huge deal to have all of us together to celebrate Carole's 50th birthday. She is the most kind, generous and loving person that I know. Her family was so kind to us and helped me watch after the kids. It took 16 hours to drive to Port Angeles, Washington where we took the ferry to Victoria. Grandpa generously gifted us with three nights in a beach house with our own private beach.
Kaylin stretched to her limits in the car sitting in the traffic between Seattle and Tacoma where we stayed the second night. Our kids became expert at staying in motels. They all slept great!!!
We unexpectedly ran into my sister-in-law's mom and sister on the dock. We sailed on the same ferry. It was too much fun to run into family in another country. We love these ladies!
Waiting to drive our van into the belly of the ferry.
My big kids sailing the open waters with their special Grandpa
I was most excited for Claire to have this vacation. She is such a special girl. She had the best time and will remember this trip.
We enjoyed watching Kaylin try to walk while the boat was going through rough waters. She did surprisingly well for a gal that has only been walking for a few months. We had several people watching her and laughing.
After 20 hours in the car and on the ferry we made it to the beach! Claire doesn't mind the cold and loved playing in the water. She quickly made friends with the other girls on the beach and could have been content to spend her whole vacation here. I love how she has lovingly placed ducky in her shirt. I held onto him so he wouldn't get lost at sea.
Kaylin didn't like the waves coming up to her feet but was happy to dig in the sand and rocks. She loves being outdoors.
Sean spent hours playing in the sand. He gets chilly easily and didn't go into the water much but was very happy on the beach.
Luke was less than thrilled with the beach. Mark carried him in his arms into the water. I noticed that Luke did walk on the sand the last evening we were there but this was the extent of his beach experience.
Carole and her Dad. I love that Carole had every member of her family together to celebrate how wonderful she is.
Kaylin rested on the steps more than once. She is too funny.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Carole work Royal Roads University. It happens to be where the original 3 X Men movies were filmed. It is a gorgeous castle with beautiful surrounding gardens. We spent two hours exploring. Mark and I are huge X Men fans and were pretty excited! How fun to see where Carole works.
Mark wore his X Men t-shirt for the occasion.
I thought this picture might mean something to these two boys someday when the are old enough to watch the movies. I love Jesse in the background watching Kaylin for us while we enjoyed the castle.
Seriously so cool!
Mark and his big sister
That night Carole and her husband Jas treated us to dinner at a Greek restaurant. We were privileged to meet Jas' sisters, their families and his mother as well as Carole's mom's family. How awesome for Carole to have everyone gathered for her birthday.
One of our favorite parts of the evening was discovering that Kaylin LOVES greek food. She cleaned both of our plates and ate flavors and ingredients that most kids are not used to. We have always said that Kaylin is a good eater but this was hilarious. Jas made us a yummy Indian dish the evening we left Victoria. Again, Kaylin ate everything on the plate. What a crazy baby!
Saturday morning Kaylin didn't wake us up at 6am so we got to sleep in a bit and meet everyone down town to do some exploring and shopping.
Sean picked out two double decker buses for his souvenirs and was excited to have his picture taken with the real thing.
We made it all the way down to the parliament building where my family crashed. Fortunately Mark walked back to the parking garage to get the van and picked us up.
One of the funniest parts of the trip was when we drove off the ferry to Victoria. We were a block away from the dock waiting at a stop light in front of the parliament building when we witnessed a young man steal a back pack from an older man. Several people including us watched in horror unsure of what to do. I yelled at Mark to lock our doors so I was really helpful. Eventually a few men stepped in and retrieved the back pack. The young man ran off and that was our first experience in Canada.
Our beautiful niece Jocelyn helping us round up Kaylin while waiting for Daddy to come pick us up.
Kaylin decided that she no longer needs a high chair. She now eats all of her meals at the table. Here she is enjoying pizza with Grandpa.
Beautiful Claire in the ocean.
Sean in his element
Lukey made it to the beach
We bought the girls chinese dresses in China Town.
Sleeping her way through a 3 hour block of church in Victoria.
3 beautiful Chinese princesses
Saying goodbye to Victoria. Unfortunately this ride was cold and windy. The kids were tired and hungry. Other passengers were staring and changing seats. It was a bit of a marathon but we had fun being together for the last stretch of the trip.
The drive home was smooth and we were so happy to make it home. I still feel like I am recovery from such an ambitious trip. Thanks to everyone for making this such a special experience for our family. May I never put my kids in the car again!
