chilliwack lake.

Natural cooler :)

Spent last weekend at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park with my sister.  We were lucky enough to get one of the last 10 spots, with beautiful tree cover & beside some pretty chill fishermen.  It'd been too long since we'd gone camping together - it was a perfect way to re-centre before a busy 2 months.

Family, campfire, forest, lake, sand, beer, stars.  Bliss.

the chief.

Went away to Squamish for a night, and spent a whole day hiking all 3 peaks of The Chief with some of my favourite people.  Although I've been born & raised in B.C., sometimes it's beauty never fails to amaze me.

Exercise is great treatment - physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

rossland.

Returned from an extra-long weekend to Rossland.  Mixed emotions, as it had been 9 years since we had last visited as a family, and the first time without my father.  My aunt & uncle were wonderful hosts, and it was a very enjoyable weekend. 

At the same time, it brings up emotions that I'd rather not deal with, but that's all the more reason to face forward.

cuba.

Already missing mojitos & sun & sand & ocean & good company <3

vacation.

So true.  Looking forward to a great trip south with a few of my favourite girls <3

guelph.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Had a great long weekend visiting Karen out in Guelph.  I am so grateful to my Mum for allowing me use her Air Miles to make this trip affordable!  A much needed break from the city, it was wonderful to spend time just relaxing, walking, hiking, and just catching up.

Long overdue and much needed.

home sweet home.

Arrived home in Vancouver early this morning from my 3-week family vacation.  Had an amazing time - did, saw, and ate many things.  Definitely a trip I'll remember for the rest of my life, and I'm so glad I got to spend it with people special to me.

While in Sydney, we watched a group sing Christmas carols.  Kind of strange to hear them sing "Let it snow" while I was in 19 degree weather.  Upon exiting the YVR Airport, I was greeted with crisp frosty air and Christmas lights in the trees outside. 

Some things just feel right.

it's finally time!

Can't believe we are actually leaving for New Zealand (& Sydney) today!  Very excited to have this trip with my family <3

I plan on taking one billion photos :)

Update Nov 12:
So right when we arrived to the airport, they came out to tell us that in the sudden wind storm, the air bridge had swung into the side of our airplane, damaging it, so that it wouldn't be flying out.  Seriously.  We were sent home, and got them to re-book us for a connecting flight through SFO today.  Of course not an ideal way to start our trip, but if this is the worse that happens, I won't complain!  And now we have a funny story to tell.   

So now... can't believe we are (hopefully) actually leaving for New Zealand (& Sydney) today! ;)

busy...

Get it?

So much going on and so much to do!  Vacation is coming up so quickly... stressed and excited!

new zealand & sydney 2011!

Booked our flights!  Flying out of YVR on November 11, returning Dec 03. 

I'm excited to meet up with my sister and have this experience with my family.  Hopefully we will not kill each other and leave with lifelong memories haha :)