this is why we live here...

We waited, wished, hoped and prayed that God would lead us back to the Island. Back to the place where we grew up. Back to our family (minus a few :D ). Back to beaches. It is not a secret that we love the beach. And Rupe has it in his blood to love the beach, and so he does. Summer is approaching and I am excited that Rupe is older this year. His curious little mind is going and there is so much to discover at the beach! One such discovery happens around this time each year. The spawning of herring. You always know when the herring are spawning... the waters turn an amazing shade of aqua, they almost glow. Fishing boats hover off the coast waiting for their catch and beautiful crystal like balls are left clinging to seaweed and rocks.

I ridiculously left my camera at home the first night... I was kicking myself! there was an amazing sunset and the water was absolutely stunning! shoot! Rupe and I headed out the next day but alas it was cloudy... not quite as glowey!

Little monkey fell asleep on the way down.

Our find of the day. The source of the amazing beach show.

It almost looks warm and tropical. But don't be too fast to dream of jumping in... the aqua color of from fish milt and the water is freezing! This is BC in March after all.

Another exciting find! A digger with no one in it. Finders keepers.

we went to the beach TWICE that day! Once just me and Rupe and the next with dad-man. Dusk made the tiny eggs sparkle.

It was a beautiful day. As I stated in my title. This is why we live here.

Bubbos...

what's a mommy to do on those cold rainy days when little boys climb walls? water, bubbles, toys... a winning combination! On a particularly wall climbing day I found myself thinking back to my preschool days thinking, how did we keep those little monsters entertained when we couldn't go outside???? One of the ideas that came flooding back to me was a water table. But alas we don't have one! However we do have a sink! So I filled it up with warm water added some bubbles and toys and tada! a water table! I think a huge selling point was that he got to stand on a chair which is otherwise a no no in our house.

{beginning his transformation into Captain Bubble Beard!}

{He now fairly regularly toddles over to the sink demanding "Bubbos Bubbos!!!!!"}

{Killer whales need baths too}

{last remaining baby chubb... tear}

Bubble blowing. I'm so shocked that he has this mastered already. I remember doing crafts with the kids in preschool where the kids would blow paint around with a straw. Without fail most of the kids would inhale some paint at some point during the craft. But Rupe has it totally figured out. If you haven't figured it out already... I think my kid is pretty great.

I love doing activities like this with him. They cost nothing and are fairly simple. But sometimes I just don't think to do them or get carried away with the "should do's" of the day. I think I might try to write down all the ideas I have in a book and then I can just have them as a resource when I need something to do with him... maybe I should write a book... hmmn... dream dream dream...

{random. our boy loves to wear adults shoes. unfortunately mine are the easiest to get on... so he is stuck wearing girly shoes for now... and he seems rather proud of it.}

{Grandma got in on the bubble action too!}

Precious little tippy toes not quite big enough to reach. But trying so hard! Which is kind of where he's at right now. He loves big kids and is always trying to keep up. Mimicking their speech, their antics and their accomplishments. You'll get there little man, but hopefully not too fast!

Coombs is open!!!!!!

A week or so ago Coombs country market opened... hooray! hearts rejoiced! Growing up on the Island and having grandparents who lived in Parksville, Coombs was a favourite haunt. And even though it has changed quite a bit, the feeling is the same. Beautiful quirky toys and scrumptious hard to find treats are plentiful! The goats have yet to take their place on the roof, but we are happy to roam freely and discover the many treasures hidden within... my favourite... cheap art supplies!!!!!!

Rupe's fave... wooden toys.

Rupe is a lover of a hats... this makes me so happy! He also looks adorable in them! Grandpa Dyck anyone????

This one melts the momma's heart. Maybe we will need to dress him up as Christopher Robin for Halloween :D

So many treasures!!!!!!

Thankgoodness for creamers... what would we do without them as we waited for our scrumptious meal...

seriously... I could live here. I wish that I could buy each lantern and light and put them up in my backyard... I don't know if I would come inside all summer... in fact I know I wouldn't. Speaking of which... it's spring!!!!!! which means it's almost summer!!! which means outside outside outside!!!!!! I'm beyond thrilled! it's been a long winter of indoor days and with an almost two year old I am getting desperate. Hooray for warmer days!

I love this photo. Such preciousness. We were very glad to have Grammie along on our first trip to Coombs of the season!

eats. my favorite meal EVER! When we eat out I try to be mostly healthy... but when we come to Coombs... there's really only one option in my mind. Mozza mushroom burger with a side of onion rings. I feel like puking afterwards but I really can't help it. It's just so delicious! Their onion rings are by far the best anywhere. I would always ask my grandma if she wanted some and she would say no. But then throughout the meal I would notice my pile of onion rings depleting a little bit faster than if I had been tackling them myself... :D

Colin had a burger... with bacon of course... and Ruth... the healthy one :D

Rupe figured out how to blow bubbles that day... endless fun! but just for water :D

splash!

treats for the car ride home... it was a very tough decision! so many choices!

We plan on many more adventures this spring/summer... hope to even plan a grocery trip one time to stock up on some of their yummy fresh fruit and veggies!!!!!! Happy springing!

Muddy Buddies

An epilogue to my Valentine's post :D After all the festivities were had, we decided to break free from our indoor prison and enjoy some fresh air. Some wet fresh air. Thank goodness for muddy buddies and boots! I am so glad that Rupert shares our love for the outdoors no matter what the weather! I think he could have lasted longer than we did out in the cold!

{Thomas came with us}

Rupe was a little hesitant about getting in the puddles at first, so we helped him along.

But once he was in, there was no getting him out!

I've been following another mommy blogger lately, you can find her here. Her family lives in Florida and it has been raining there too... however... their attire is slightly different from ours. Yes they share our love of boots, however their rain weather is warm enough for swimsuits and shorts!!!!!! so jealous! I can't wait for warmer weather!

Although.. as much as I would like the warmer weather, I don't know if I could ever give up Rupe's muddy buddies... they are just too darn cute!

Happy puddle jumping!

Happy Valentimes.

hi friends... I'd apologize for my tartiness... but if your a frequenter of this blog, your used to it by now... so I shall not apologize and trust in your grace.

Valentines Day! wait back up... a couple of days before Valentines Day we had a little party with some of Rupe's little buddies and made Valentine's cards and ate goodies. We had an amazing turn out... our place was packed! Which made me start praying for a nice day for Rupe's birthday so we can have his party outside!

{Rupe eagerly awaiting his pals}

One of Rupe's buddies and his beautiful mommy. She is another mommy blogger check her out here

{a little decor for the day}

{the aftermath of the creative explosion}

Rupert was a monster during the party and had to get put in his high chair and have food chucked at him to keep him from malling his friends. So we worked on his cards after the chaos had left.

{such concentration!}

{my Valentines}

{delicious Valentines breakfast}

{a little treat to end the day}

Happy Valentimes.