on the road to Drumheller......

Four years ago my pal Denise and I had this crazy plan to go on a road trip together with our combined 7 children ranging in age from 2 to 10 ( 6 of whom have special needs).  Most people in my world think I'm nuts for road tripping with my kids the way I do......I remember being really nervous that Denise & I's friendship could be negatively affected. Looking back that was so silly of me ! It was a good trip.

Well I shouldn't have been surprised when Denise suggested joining us on our Drumheller leg of this years road trip.  This time though we were down to just 5 kids( 6 - 12 yrs) & up one rangy puppy.  After visiting with my sis Marina & her family for a few day we picked up Denise & Spencer from the ferry and headed off !!

Our first stop was in Revelstoke for the night.  Instead of fussing around with setting up the tent & all the cooking gear, we forked out the cash for a cabin here.  Which was a great decision if I do say so myself !!

( Picnic lunch at Lake Louise)

( Snack & a stroll through Banff)

( our first dinner on my new portable BBQ....new potatoes, greek seasoned pork steaks & grilled asparagus Mmmmm)

Our days together just flew by.  We made two trips to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.  A two day family pass was only $45.  It's a great deal !!  We treated ourselves to lots of ice cream & marshmellows which was off set by lots of hiking about & a trip to the pool/waterslide.  On our last day in Drumheller we trecked out to the HooDoos.  They were great to see & the kids got lots of exercise climbing around.

Denise & I have already been chatting about our next road trip.......we're thinking of heading south !!

Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C.

One of the first things on our travel agenda was to visit the Vancouver Aquarium again.  This time my childhood best friend (we met when we were both 3 yrs old & our parents were buying new homes across the cul-de-sac from each other) Kathleen joined us for the day.  We are really fortunate to have many longterm fabulous people in our life, Kathleen is at the top of that list.  She's single and childless living in the big city of Vancouver.  We live completely different day to day lives....however she & I are so similar in all the ways that truly count.  I appreciate her willingness to dive into a day in the life of the " Shepley's" when ever we are in town.

It was a wonderful day !!!

A fun day for my "bigs"

Wow !! what a jammed packed few weeks.  I hope you don't mind I'm going to go back too just before we hit the road.  Keisha & Anthony' school had their year end fun day.

( Water filling relay......I Love Anthony's concentration tongue !! )

( The wheel of "Yuck".......Keish was concerned until she saw that it was candy...not really frog snot !!)

One HAPPY Girl !!!

N. Delta Family Days

........the rain didn't dampin our spirits !!

Little sis's family

We're at our first stop our big summer trip.......my little sister Marina's in N. Delta.  Yesterday, we spent the day at Stanley Park & the Aquarium.  My pal Kathleen joined us for the day....it was so nice getting such a long visit in!

Today we're having a mellow morning.  This afternoon we're going to be attending a " Wicken Hand Fasting Ceremony".  A first for my troop.  I'm looking forward to it.......

Tomorrow we're going to be spend the whole day at " Family Days" here in N.Delta.  My family has been attending " Family Days" for over 20years in some capacity. As youths my sister, friends & I participated/volunteered through our Leo's club.  Since moving away from the lowermainland in 2001 I haven't been able to attend.  I'm looking forward to introducing my children to happy part of my childhood & to catching up with old friends.

Heritage

Today we excepted an invitation to celebrate National Aboriginal Day with the Kwakala people of Fort Rupert.

( Anthony cedar weaving with Ms. Diane)

( most of Liam's kindergarten class)

So thankful for the friendship & acceptance my children and I have been offered.  Today was a great day !!!

Pavlova & Friends

In an effort not to miss our fathers to much......who are both living it up down under.....Penny & I joined forces today.  We shared kids duties, I made dinner & she made dessert.  What holiday doesn't include dessert.  She made a Canadian Pavlova !!!  This was a first for my kiddos......they LOVED it !!

Miss you Dad !!

Pool time / Port McNeill, B.C.

This afternoon was the perfect opportunity for a swim with friends.......

Ice Cream Love

.......just because I love to see you smile !!

Buddie Burners

        Ana's Brownie troop has been camping out behind the Guide Hall this weekend.  She slept at home and has done her best at participating in everything else. Today, the girls had the opportunity to cook outside using " Buddie Burners".  A couple of weeks ago they made their burners out of a tuna can, a birthday candle & some strips of cardboard.  Each girl had the opportunity to light their own burner...she did great !!

Success !!!  There's nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich you made for yourself.......