Victoria For A Weekend

Mike had a conference on the Vancouver Island and he invited us to come along.

I love that he brings me or all of us as often as he can.

It's no small task or ticket to bring us but the fact that he makes it happen speaks volumes to myself and the kids.

Six kids on the ferry.

First time.

So exciting!

Caiter Gator!

According to the locals, "it never snows in Victoria"

Ya.

It snows.

The fountain was incredible, the water was freezing as it poured out.

Oh- for all ya'll Americans out there...The building behind the kids is the Parliament building.  This is where the Legislature meets for all of British Columbia.

{you know, where laws are made...}

The room where the law-making goes down!!

Fancy lock to keep us out.

We really appreciated the amazing attention to detail in this incredible building.

Meeting the Queen.

{This was a school filed trip, this is my class!}

Amazing rotunda and some of our foreheads:)

The following day we hit up the Royal BC Museum.

Another awesome place to visit, the kids enjoyed it and it was educational.  

Win-win!

Caleb approves of the Native artifacts!

Mads likes this guy's outfit.

Cambi was a perfect stroller baby all day.

She carried all the coats and bags.

She smiled when she was awake and most importantly, she slept for a large chunk of the day.

Caity asked me 

"Mommy can you take my picture with that scary cat?"

They had an exhibit with artifacts from each decade.

1990?

This blew me away.

The kids were not surprised that I recognized all this stuff.

Apparently I am the only one who does not think I'm very old.

I still have that exact pony.

I had a vision for 6 kids on the couch.

It was not to be.

Nap time.

Cranky time.

AKA

No bribe under the sun will work time.

{notice the toddler bum in the air on the left}

Wild West

{Hi Californians... you aren't the only ones "out west"}

BC had a gold rush too!

Mailee found some gold!

Captain Vancouver

When you have lots of little kids you do NOT have high tea at the Empress Hotel.

{As fantabulous as I am sure it would be for $47 per person!!}

Instead, you stand out front and get your picture and promise your older girls that you will come back "one day" for tea.

Chinatown!

Cait's favourite mode of transportation was a sissy piggyback.

{Mikayla carried her most of the day like this, Maddie just happened to be holding her when I took a picture}

We found some cool alleyways.

Saw some dancing

{Chinese New Year}

The kids played for an hour in the POURING RAIN at an awesome park in (of all places) Parksville while Mike completed the last few hours of his seminar. 

Matching sissies at the amazing pool in our hotel.

I want this wall/floor combo in my house for pictures!!

Cambria Love was cute all weekend.

She didn't sleep much.

But she was cute:)

The big girls were so helpful and pretty happy to get a few vacation meals!

And the swimming.

Oh, the swimming.

What is it with kids and hotel pools?

Add an underwater camera and oh boy...

Hours of fun I tell you.

Our weekend trip was extended a day due to cancelled ferries.

Frustrating to spend 12 hours in a vehicle with 8 people

{6 of whom are quite young & restless}

But I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to spend those hours with.

Isn't it funny how as we live through moments we often take them for granted,

we spend time pouting

or complaining

or nit-picking at those around us.

Meanwhile, life is happening!

Fun moments, precious memories.

I want to work on embracing each moment and blissfully soaking it all in.

Imagine if we all chose to see how blessed we were instead of focusing on the imperfect details!! 

Deep.

Happy Wednesday!