31 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Amusement Park Day



Another important tick! Spent the day at the amusement park — this year with rain warnings that didn't stop us one bit. Zero line ups meant the kids could go on ride 9 times in row if they wanted. And they did! Large umbrellas, rain ponchos, fun company, serendipitous breaks in the rain during meal times and a sense of adventure helped make this a fantastic, memorable day.

Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

30 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Write Letters to Family!




Nice way to keep the practice of writing up during the summer as well as spread a little love. I found the above truly adorable letter kit in Portland which, as I'd hoped, helped Spud get excited about this task.


Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

29 August 2013

DIY Freezies!

This has been on my wishlist for some time. I've always been a fan of freezies but thought it would be SO much better if I could decide what went into them. When I found these online you can bet I did a little jig.

Pour juice in each one, using a funnel. Place them upright in the freezer.



Once frozen, enjoy.


Rinse. And repeat.

28 August 2013

Makes Me Happy: New Portable Grill Test



Loving our new little portable grill — perfect for short hike-in camping trips (especially when the fire bans are in full force!) and for picnics on the beach and at the park. Buying it at the end of the season was accidental genius also, as we saved 50%! Happy.


Welcome to Makes Me Happy Wednesdays. Why not celebrate hump day with a little happiness? A photo. A Caption. A smile. What made you smile recently?

27 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Go Geocaching!




We got another tick! Hubs found a clue to a geocache in one of our neighbourhood parks, it's called Urban Waterfall.


Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

26 August 2013

Zoku Love

Pretty smitten with our new purchase! Here are a few of our first creations ...







25 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Take Puppy on a Hike!




A dear friend, who recently moved to a nearby island, saw our summer passport list and invited us over for a little puppy hike. And we learned a few things. First, puppy might need to wear pants on future hikes because she has a tendency to pick up twigs and leaves with her fur. Every few steps she would stop. Dead in her tracks. It took us awhile to figure out that each time she had amassed a bundle of forest debris between her hind legs. That can't be comfortable! It was indeed tedious to have to bend over and clear it out every few steps. Hence my idea of puppy hiking pants. We are also going to try trimming her in her little nether region.

The other thing we learned is that burrs can be quite evil. The ones that got stuck in her leg fur were fairly easy to get out but the poor thing had gathered half a dozen or so just under her chin. They were so badly embedded that the fur had completely wrapped itself around most of them. A few snips with scissors was required. Not sure if we should get her a matching balaclava for her hiking pants or what?!

Overall though, had a gorgeous hike, tuckered out the pup, and the kid, and us! It was a lovely day with gorgeous weather and lovely company. Exactly what summer days are made of.


Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

21 August 2013

Makes Me Happy: Piano Practice, Outside!



All kinds of happy here. Four pianos, around the city, each waiting to have its keys tickled, thanks to Keys To The Streets. Spud has already played 3 of them.

I lost the video I took of this particular day but Spud played Linus and Lucy, James Bond and my favourite, Hallelujah. Well, instead, here are Spud and Hubs playing Hallelujah as a duet a few weeks ago ... only it was inside.


Welcome to Makes Me Happy Wednesdays. Why not celebrate hump day with a little happiness? A photo. A Caption. A smile. What made you smile recently?

18 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Tie Your Own Shoes!



The kid's got a new pair of shoes. And there is no velcro to be seen. It's time, finally, to step up, take the plunge, and learn how to tie your own shoes, kid. I'm re-introducing the idea this time, with a couple of videos I found on the topic.

First, a sweet and simple animation ...


And a Sesame Street skit!


Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

17 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Watch the Sunset



Tick. Times 2!

Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

16 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Hike With Friends

TRAIN WRECK TRAIL   |   WHISTLER, BC






And a couple of Instagram videos ...


Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

14 August 2013

Makes Me Happy: Evening Frozen Treats


Spontaneous evening frozen cherry yogurt treat while people watching on a picnic blanket with my guys. Just trying to get the most out of summer here. Before you know it ... Autumn will be upon us!

Welcome to Makes Me Happy Wednesdays. Why not celebrate hump day with a little happiness? A photo. A Caption. A smile.

13 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Poolside Afternoon

Keeping it cool with new pool toys, sun-warmed water, and cozy towels to dry off with. Happy.





Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

12 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Piggy Back Ride




Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!

09 August 2013

Summer Fun Passport: Oregon Road Trip with Friends!







Here's our full Summer Fun Passport List for 2013 and our passport we made to keep track of everything we accomplish this summer!