Wow - looking back I realize I have barely kept up. But that's OK since this is a blog about travel. So we're headed out on holiday again, active toddler in tow. This year's choice was...
Hawaii -Oahu - Kailua. Renting a suite for the duration of our stay. Hoping to spend some time building sandcastles, snorkelling, looking for honu and maybe diving or surfing if health will permit. sinus cold and achilles problem.
After a taste of the Carribean, we just felt that Hawaii offers a similar experience with a bit less hassle. And we hit a great seat sale. MidDecember for travel at end of January. Was a bit of a trick lining up accommodation, but it looks like it has all worked out. We'll know soon!
OK, I know it is trite to comment on how busy one is and how quickly time passes, however, that is exactly what seems to have happened.
A quick recap:
Research project completed between January and May.
A busy summer at work celebrating our centennial and implementing some new activities.
Hubby called to work for two weeks in June, mostly working until midJanuary. Good for the pocktebook, tough on both of us: him because he misses us, me busy keeping track of baby, dog, work and trying to squeeze in some personal time to work on projects like this.
Grandma and Grandpa visit to take in the Waterton Wildflower Festival, check out our digs and help family celebrates toddler's 2nd birthday.
Staycations in summer - too tired and too busy to adventure. One backyard camping failed attempt but lots of time on walking paths and in backyard pool. Summer swimming lessons for a week. Big hit! We have a fish on our hands.
Grandma's significant birthday in August.
Family trip to visit young cousins, aunt, uncle and Grandma/Grandpa in fall. Trip to the zoo great fun. Mom and Dad enjoyed our only movie theatre movie of the year, Midnight in Paris, and a couple of concerts thanks to having babysitters on hand.
Graduation celebration up the road in November, complete with grandparents, some serious holiday shopping and of course, the big ceremony. I have 2 high school diplomas, an undergraduate degree and a college diploma and the graduate degree ceremony is the only I went to. So glad I was able to mark the occasion with hubby, toddler and Grandma and Grandpa.
Christmas at home. Much excitement with a 2.5 year old. She "got" it. Big hits were the CP Holiday Train (look for it in your community next year - a great local foodbank fundraiser), Santa, the lights and of course, the idea of presents.
Toddler loves: dancing, music, jumping, swimming, ice skating, snow angels, dolls, stories. At the sponge stage.
January has flown by too though it's been great having us both home. Playing catch up. And when I say flown by, I can also take about the relentless winds and warm temps we have experienced this winter. Nowhere near as much snow (boo since we relish in winter and miss our ski adventures) and just grey and brown. The wind is doing its best to blow the roof off the house but so far so good.
And resolve to post more frequently on this blog in longer form than Facebook or Twitter permit (and where too much online time is spent).
Here's to vacations, near and far! Those moments when we allow time to slow down & savor the sights and sounds of new adventures.
