We're home!

We've returned from our 2 week family vacation in Victoria. I considered it to be my last little hoorah, my last little bit of rest and relaxation before returning to work in 9 days (OMG!). Why am I returning to work early? Because I ever so kindly gave Ed one month of parental leave. Wasn't that nice of me to give him one month of 'summer vacation' in the middle of the summer? (I'm pretty sure he'll be the one working harder than me in the upcoming weeks...)

So, what have I learned on this vacation?
1) Bella won't pee in an outhouse. She'd rather hold her pee. For a really long time.
2) Bella's afraid of airplane bathrooms almost as much as she's afraid of outhouses.
3) Bella prefers the shade down on the airplane, even during take-off and landing and despite the amazing view out the window. (You see, the bright light from the sun and sky reflects too much on the back-of-the-seat television rendering her unable to watch her chosen movie for the third time. Imagine!)
4) Alex would rather go on a food strike than eat jarred baby food. (Jarred fruit being the only exception.)

We had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends and showing Bella & Alex lots of new and interesting things. We've been home for a few days now and we are slowly getting back into the swing of things....trying to get organized for what will be an even more chaotic life in the coming months, if that's even possible. Life is never boring around here!

And now for some of my favourite vacation photographs.

Vacations to BC are all about food. Home-cooked, glorious Spanish food every single day. This is rosca (sp?). It's Ed's favourite. He ate it every single day of our vacation. From what little Ed was willing to share with others (har har har), we discovered that Alex liked it, too.

We brought plenty of sun and warm temperatures with us to Victoria. Perfect weather for daily walks by the ocean.

Bella's first view of the ocean.

Cruise ships come into the harbour daily. Bella took a walk with Tito and learned all about them. She quickly returned home and drew a picture of a cruise ship in her sketch book.

I swear Alex tried to eat every rock on the beach.

The sound of the waves crashing ashore put my boy to sleep.

Giving Alex his first view of the water this visit.

A fort on the beach!

Alex discovers Thomas. (It was only a matter of time.) A battery operated version that chuggs all around the house and that Alex loves to chase.

And just like that, I'm done for tonight. More vacation photos to come after this momma gets some sleep!
Good night all!