The Fun-iversary: Vannie's Maiden Voyage

Heading out the door after being up way too late, only 3 hours later than I had pictured on my imaginary itinerary, we were on our way to the Shuswap to meet up with my family for some camping.  Our '73 VW camper van has been getting a 'makeover' for the past 14 months and we finished her up only hours before departure.

Pit stop for supper and a play in Revelstoke... all smiles!

More playing (note Vannie in the background)

We arrived, had a great first night sleep and woke up to a trampoline MONSTER.  He actual jumps around and around saying "I like to jump, I like to jump).  And boy did he!

Baby S getting her camp on.

Baby fixing Uncle Dave's bandana.

Sweetest little boy on the block.

Sam also loves ice cream... LOVES IT!  Super cute little ice cream store in Sorrento just a short walk from the campsite.

Connolleys and their ice cream.

Poppin' bubbles!

Another bubble popper!

Shootin' bubbles from the train.

A train load of cousins

More special cousin time... we did some stickers and colouring

We took a walk down to the beach (probably a 5 minute walk) and Sam fell asleep in the baby carrier.  So, here he slept on the beach while we did some relaxing.  Beach was a small let down for him so it worked out great to leave once he woke up!

My love.

A common question of the week "Where Maegan go?"  She is a wonderful big cousin and we miss her already!

Men at work!  Focus - bubble making!

Peek

Anyone who knows my family, knows we are always up to something a little out of the norm... well, this trip was no different.  We had a large Minute to Win It game.  This is the cheering section.

The "Candelier" made by Maeg

All Shaun's bean counting came in handy for this game... he even managed to beat me!

My mom doing a cup shuffling task... very focussed!

Trev on my game called "Get Forked" with Blair as the referee.  Game:  from at least a meter (supposed to be 4m) role a quarter to stick in the prongs of an upside down fork.  It's HARD!

I can't remember the name of this but it was ridiculous and hilarious! 

Our turn to boat!  Hoooray!

Two happy little lake boys

A family ride on the tube.  Lots of fun.  Very slow... slow enough to put a baby to sleep.  For real.  Sam was so happy on the tube he had a quick nap.  If it wasn't a sunny day and he had his hat we could have cruised the lake for an hour!

I love the Shuswap!

Wearing Daddy's hat while he was out on the tube.

Yes... PJs and ice cream treats.  Gotta LOVE camping!

We left the campsite after 5 really great days.  It's a wonderful campsite especially if you have children.  Easy to get to and soooo much to do there.  Loved it!  Nothing like time with family to remember why they are so special to you.

Next stop: Coldstream and the Shupe household.  This is the only shot I got with Sam and both boys.  We had a great little play on their beach.  Sam loved this lake!

Playing in the hole Clint dug.

My boys swimming!

Sam woke up a little sick so we decided to cut the Shupe visit short and start heading towards home.  We stopped at this tourist attraction in Armstrong... let me tell you, it was worth it!

Put your quarter in to get some corn (aka goat treats!)

Put them in the cup...

those goats use their feet to pull the cup up and eat the corn.  I'm not lying... it is hilarious and over the top!  Stop there if you ever get the chance!

D Dairy Dutchmen pitstop for ice cream and to meet some cows.

Roger's Pass gift shop...

This little ground squirrel thing crept awful close to me and Sam.  I'm obviously more afraid of it than Sam is!

Just good times.

Which animal is more scary!?!?!?

We found a nice little campsite in Golden and spent some time by the river watching trains.

Sam was such a good little boy the whole trip.  Couldn't have asked for more from him.

Last night away from home we let Sam try out roasting marshmallows... fun, sticky, fun!

My boys and a photo opp in Field.  When Shaun was stripping the van out this winter he found a pamphlet from Yoho National Park 1973 (which is also Vannie's birth year).  Almost 40 years later we aren't far from what was probably her first adventure!

A little dirty, a little stinky, a little tired but very grateful for our amazingly successful adventure.  Oh Vannie, the places we will go.