Canada Day

We didn't have any plans when we got out of bed on Canada day. Greg had to work the 12-8 shift so I wasn't sure what we would have time to fit in. We decided that we would all go to Osoyoos and try to catch the parade at 11 and then drop Greg off at work. Well...who knew that there would be 35000 other people going to Osoyoos that day! I let Layla and Greg out of the car while I sat in traffic for ages barely moving and finally finding a parking spot blocks away. By the time Baron and I caught up to Greg and Layla the parade was just ending and it was 1150 so we hustled back to the van and got Greg to work. I'm glad at least Layla got to see the whole thing. She loved it.

As we drove past the packed beaches on our way out of town Layla got really excited and insisted we come back and go to the beach as well. I told her we could go to the beach but not in Osoyoos, perhaps Oliver or Penticton. I had had enough of the traffic. We continued home where the plan was to nap Baron and then head to the beach. Meanwhile Layla played in the backyard. She got to talking to the neighbours and they invited us over for a swim in their pool. We had never been so she was super excited. She thinks their 14 year old daughter is a good friend of hers. When Baron woke up we trotted across our lawn to theirs with floaties in hand. We spent the next 3 hours with them in their pool having the most fun I've had in ages. Layla told them she could swim so they treated her like she could swim and apparently...she can swim! She had her "floatation " swimsuit on but I was impressed she could propel herself from end to end of the pool. She was jumping off the diving board, doing tricks, getting flipped off the air mattress, etc. The neighbour's have a daughter, Malory who will be 14 next week and a son, Keegan who is 16 and a competitive swimmer as well as lifeguard at the Oliver pool. I spent my time with Baron and the lady of the house, Diane and her husband Lindsey, Keegan and Malory played with Layla. She would have stayed there forever. It was too bad Greg couldn't join us but I'm sure we'll be back again.

At 8 we picked Greg up from work and took the dog for his second walk of the day down Rd 22. Then we dropped Chester off and headed back to Osoyoos for the fireworks. Baron fell asleep in the car but Layla was jacked. We decided instead of watching from the beach with the crowds we went up to Spirit Ridge where we were able to park the car and let Baron sleep while we watched from up the mountain. It was beautiful how the fireworks lit up the lake. The lake was littered with the lights of hundreds of boats. My photos didn't really work out so you'll have to make your own mental image.

It was the best Canada day I can remember, and I think Layla would agree.

Off Roadin' with Layla & Baron

As you may have noticed we go for a lot of walks. We try to mix it up for Layla so she doesn't get bored. Sometimes she brings her bike, sometimes she roller skates, but today she drove.

We packed up her jeep and brought it to the path at the end of our street. With Baron by her side she led the way in her pink Barbie jeep.

She did a great job controlling her jeep. She even mastered manning the radio while driving without driving off the road.

We stopped about along the way for a quick dip in the river. There is a make shift pool that Layla enjoys playing in.

Then we were back on the path headed for home. Her and Baron both really seemed to enjoy the change of pace. Baron didn't even try to wriggle his way out of his seat belt which I had thought he probably might. I imagine she will be begging for this opportunity again all summer long.

Baron Joins the Party

When I take my kids to the beach it is sometimes difficult to manage a baby on the shore and a 4 year old in the water. I had taken Baron out in the water in my arms but he seems set on me flashing everyone else there by consistently trying to pull my swimsuit top off. I had seen pictures of my niece, Eloise, floating around in her pool in some sort of baby floatie and decided I need one.

It didn`t take long to find one. Actually I found it at the convenient store down the street. Yesterday afternoon we headed over to Tuc Ul Nuit Lake in Oliver to try it out for the first time. Greg thought that since it was only 26˚ C that it was too cold for Baron to go in the water. He played on the sand for awhile and then I sat him in the water on the shore to see how he reacted. He loved it.

Meanwhile Layla made a friend and was looking for tadpoles, practicing her swimming, and having a good time.

So then I figured he was used to the water, which in the summer is about 23˚ C. We put him in the floatie and he spent the rest of the afternoon floating around the lake with a big grin on his face. Our beach days when Greg is at work just got a LOT easier, and more enjoyable. What a wonderful invention.

Layla's Preschool Graduation

Yesterday was Layla's graduation from the Inkameep Preschool (Nk'mip). She was so excited she could hardly stand it! She had the day off school so I took her to Penticton and let her pick out a new dress to wear. She saw a lady stocking shelves at Walmart and ran up to her and told her she was looking for a new dress for graduation. Layla told her just what she was looking for and even though she was not a salesperson she kindly took some time to show Layla all of the dressy clothes they had in stock.

When Greg got home from work he surprised her with flowers and a card. She loved them. What a lucky girl to have a Dad that cares enough to make her feel so special on her "big day".

After supper we headed over to her school for the graduation ceremonies. It was difficult to hold back the tears when she walked out in her little cap and gown but thankfully I was able to hold it together.

Her class stood and sang a number of songs including Slippery Fish, I'm Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee, 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed, the Inkameep Preschool Song, and a song about graduating preschool and heading to kindergarten. They also recited a poem about how they had grown over the past year. They did a fabulous job.

When that was done they received their diplomas and a scrapbook of photos and crafts they had done in class.

This was followed by cupcakes they had baked at school the day prior, cake and tea.

Layla with Teacher Shannon and Teacher Kathy.

Oliver Spray Park

For the last couple of days we have had beautiful weather in the mornings and then the threat of thunder showers in the afternoons. On Saturday we had planned to go to the beach but by the time Greg got home from work, we battled a brown recluse, and drove to OK falls the 32 degrees had turned to a chilly wind, and dark skies. Since we were already there we played at the park at the beach and then headed back home. The forecast was the same for Sunday so I didn't want to disappoint Layla by waiting for Greg to get home and miss the great weather. I packed up the kids but didn't say where we were going, this way I could back out if it was too crowded or the weather changed. We drove past the Oliver spray park and there were only a few families there so I pulled in.

Layla was so excited. We hadn't been there yet this year since they turned the water on. After reading my sister, Sara's blog about their spray park adventures in the city I was reminded why I enjoy living in a smaller community. Layla quickly found a friend who had attended her preschool last year and they played together. They were joined by another boy from the preschool about an hour later. We spent about an hour and a half there until Baron decided it was time to go.

Layla was showing off for her friend by doing tricks on the bars. Here she is swinging from one arm. Despite the other boys being a year older, Layla was the strongest and fastest of the bunch but she'll always play it cool, like she's not trying. I know otherwise. Once in awhile you'll see her get excited but she tries not to show it. I overheard some other parents remark on her physical abilities. In fact, I was told by some parents on their way out what a little athlete she looks like, and someone else told me she looks like a little gymnast. She would have been very happy to hear this as she loves her gymnastics class and works very hard at it. She gets that from her dad who also was very competitive and hard working at a young age.

We had a great time. I was so happy she found some friends to play with so I could spend my time pushing Baron on the swings or sitting in the shade.