Mom and Dad Visit

Mom and Dad arrived on the island a few days before Amy and Chris left but they went to Tofino and Ucluelet for a few nights first. They had an amazing time and were blessed with beautiful weather! I am so happy that they love the west coast... just need to convince them to move here! 

As per usual the time went by quickly and each moment was filled with memories. Mom and dad were super helpful as we are trying to prepare our home to sell, and dad spent a couple of days washing the outside of the house, cutting the grass and helping me plant flowers. Mom also helped me stain the flower boxes, the fence and spray painted my flower boxes which I forgot to take before and afters of! It was so wonderful having 2 extra people to help me with the daily chores and the girls... I sure am missing them already!!! 

Adessa put together a tea party and baked banana bread for when Grandma and Grandpa arrived, she was very excited! Even the fine china was used!

The evening mom and dad arrived Steve and I had our first night away from Amara. We went into Duncan for "The City Harmonic" concert and then my wonderful friend Sharon hooked us up with a sweet deal on a hotel. It was so fun to get away with my best friend. We were so blessed by the concert and had fun rocking out together, but were both totally exhausted by the time we returned to the hotel. The next morning we were up at the normal time the girls wake us up... total bummer, but its all we know! Then we went and tried to go to our favorite restaurant "The Blue Fox" but at 10 am on a Thursday morning there was a 40 minute lineup down the street! SO CRAZY! So we went to a different one called Mo::LE and it was equally as good. We then stayed in Victoria for a bit and shopped around. We checked out Iron Capital for the first time and had fun in there. Steve had to be home for walk in the afternoon and I went with him to meet some clients. I am so proud of my husband and how he deals with his clients... such a wonderful man I married!

Grandma sent us this picture after I asked how they were doing. They were amazed at how much this little peanut could eat... but spaghetti is her favorite! She did wonderful without us. 

Grandma and Grandpa took the girls to Chemainus one afternoon and spent some time in Hansel and Gretels candy shop. Apparently at one point an old lady with a cape and a cane walked in and they thought it was the old witch... but turned out it was just a little old lady!

  

Grandma playing soccer with the girls

On the Saturday we attempted to go for a walk to the Kinsol Trestle... we packed up in the pouring rain but thought it would let up. Once we arrived we all got out, walked a few meters, all got soaken and decided to turn around! We were close to Merridale Cidery so we pulled in to check it out. We tried all their ciders and Amara was the life of the party! They gave her a little cup of apple juice and she LOVED it! It was hilarious she was acting like an old drunk... we thought for sure they mixed up her drink. But I think it was the first time she has had apple juice!

The crew at Merridale 

Adessa was in such a goofy mood... we told her she could pick out a croissant and this was the face she kept on... love this girl!

That evening we had a nacho movie night and rented "Mr. Banks"

The Maplea girls couldn't be left out of course

Wine and nachos (Recipe inspired by The brew pub nachos... our favorite!)

Sunday was my Dad's birthday so once again we went out to Genoa Bay Cafe for their great dinner deal. Every time mom and dad come out we try to go here as it is there favorite as well. We had such a great evening together and it was so fun celebrating my wonderful father!!!

The Crofton Boardwalk

Love this picture! Sunday my wonderful friend once again hooked us up with a sweet hotel deal so we packed up and headed into Victoria for the day. On the way we stopped at little Niagra falls in Goldstream. It is so beautiful there! 

My wonderful mom and dad

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Big sister piggy back rides 

My dad, the tree hugger! 

All of us together

Good times with daddy!

Grandma!

We also stopped in at the Uptown Mall as Steve showed my parents the Shaw building he renovated and to show them how cool it was. I found a gift card from Christmas for $100 to Walmart that I forgot about. It was to buy the girls a present, but at the time we didn't need anything.
But Danika has been asking for a scooter so we walked in and walked out with a scooter for both girls! They were pretty excited! 

The awesome hot tub ON OUR DECK at the hotel... but of course the girls wanted to go down to the pool! KIDS! 

The view from the suite  

My love! 

Celebrating this guys birthday

Does it need a caption??

We went for a long walk along the ocean, while the girls (and adults) tried out the new scooters. On our adventure we noticed a bunch of pots knocked over and sure enough there was a little raccoon digging around someones porch!

Steve rocking his daughters pink scooter! 

My mother was riding the scooter all around, but it didn't end well. Poor mommy fell and ripped open her palm, sprained both her thumbs and her glasses went flying. I screamed... but she was such a champ, she got up and kept walking! Such a brave lady!!! I felt so terrible for her! 

The day we left we had lunch on the boardwalk- delicious fish tacos and icecream and it was gorgeous out! 

Stopped in at Beacon hill petting zoo 

I am always mesmerized at the colors of a peacocks feathers. 

Petting the creepy eyed horse 

Wishing she could climb in there

Adessa loving on the goats

I think he thought her hair was straw

Pretty girl!

Last night together we went for dinner at Craig Street Brew Pub... another favorite. 

Such a wonderful visit!!! I definitely gained a few pounds... but it was totally worth it!
Thanks mom and dad for the amazing visit, for all your help around the house, and with the girls. The island is calling your name!!!