Long Beach

We were so excited to make it to the beach, but woke up to rain, soaking wet rain.  Little did we know, there was also a fire ban! (Great, so what are we going to eat while we are camping?)  We had the worst/best luck ever.  On the way there, we picked up groceries, and a camp stove (because we needed to eat right...).  It was horrible.  Both of us were a tad grumpy given the weather, and common, what's camping without a fire?  The rain turned out to be a blessing in disguise and the fire ban was lifted.  HURRA!  When we arrived, so many people left because of the bad weather, so we were upgraded to an ocean front campsite!!  We set up camp (while it was still drizzling) and then made up some soup for dinner.  Just as we sat down to eat it, the rain picked up again.  We looked miserable, I'm sure you can picture it.  #1 thing we wished we had: A Tarp, so we didn't have to eat in the rain.  We then walked down to check out the beach.  It was awesome, even in the cold rain!!

Camilla had a blast! She was laughing and dancing and splashing and exploring.  She eventually fell down into some cold water.  She was wet and shivering, so she spent the rest of the time in mommy's sweater keeping warm and snuggling.  The first night, we had a bit of a hard time getting her to sleep. #2 thing we wish we had: The play pen!  She tossed and turned and eventually zonked out like this...

The rest of the nights, she slept great in the tent and went to sleep no problem.  It was fun to sit around the fire at night with Mr. Stannix sipping hot chocolate.  The next morning we went out after breakfast to check the tidal pools.  We found some sea life, and Camilla touched a star fish! She's so trusting lol.

Then, her and daddy started goofing off.  He taught her how fun it is to splash.  She got soaked, and was cold, but had an absolute blast!! We spent the next few days catching waves and hanging at the beach.  It was great!!

Getting ready to go...

Catching his first wave!! Woo hoo!

Building sandcastles!

I LOVE this picture...priceless

Checking out the waves on a windy day..

Mommy catching some waves! OH it felt good.

There is nothing like being pushed around by the powerful waves of the ocean.  I love the open water.  I love the smell, I love the sound of the waves crashing, I love everything about it.  Mr. Stannix is so sweet, this vacation was pretty much for me.  He knows how much I love the ocean (I rave about it allllll the time).  It felt good to get out there again!!

Our little surfer girl!!

The view from our site! B-E-A-UTIFUL!

#3 thing we wish we had: Something besides a STICK to stir our soup with.  We had plastic spoon melted soup for lunch one day (ew). lol.  There are so many things we should've done differently.  We wanted spontaneous, it was definitely that.....

More Family Vacation

After spending a few good days visiting with Uncle Bill, we took of early Monday morning for the Tsawwassen Ferry to Victoria. It was Camilla's first ferry ride and Mike's first ride that he remembers.  It was a lot of fun!

Camilla enjoyed truckin' around the ferry all on her own.  She is very independent and made lots of friends.  When she got cold, she snuggled daddy.  It was really windy.  From the ferry, we drove to the Butchart Gardens.  Highly reccomend it! It was beautiful and HUGE.  I loved walking through all the flowers. It smelled amazing! Camilla enjoyed sniffing the flowers and pointing and walking and playing.  It was so worth it. 

They had a little building there for a carousel.  For $2 Camilla was able to ride on it for her very first time.  Mr. Stannix went on with her because Mommy gets sick on rides like that.  She waved as she went by and laughed the whole time.  All the old ladies commented on her awesome doo and laughed as she waved at them.  It was priceless!!

After the Gardens, we went to Red Robins for lunch (delish) and then over to Ogden point.  A little scary walking on a sea wall with an adventurous 1 yr old.  She did alright though and enjoyed feeding the seagull.  It was a great walk and a beautiful day!

We then hit up Fishermans Warf.  Camilla and I shared a strawerry ice cream cone and we walked around!

We then explored Downtown Victoria.  We left for Nanaimo around dinner and stayed over night in a cheap little motel.  I now know why it was only $55/night.  We had a hole in our sheet and a hole in the shower curtain and there was a dead fly in the bathroom, but it was a place to stay! lol Camilla tossed and turned on the big bed before she finally fell asleep.  We were laying on the other bed in the dark and would see her shadow pop up, look around, then lay back down.  It was all we could do to laugh silently and not out loud, so funny!

Be Prepared

While we were on our trip, my attention was drawn to some of the road signs.  They warned us of goat/deer/moose crossings, speed limit signs, how fast we should take the winding mountain corners, and  when to yield to traffic.  One in particular stood out to me...

That's definitely a sign you don't see where I'm from!! As we were driving home (well after midnight) I began thinking about the "road" signs that we are provided with in the gospel and all the warnings we've received in the scriptures.  These signs help us be safe and live a happy life.  We have been given "speed limit" signs and things that, if we do them, we will stay safe and have a good life.  I don't know that I'm really getting my thoughts across, but anyway.  It's something I've been thinking about lately, being prepared physically, spiritually, emotionally etc.

Today in Relief Society, we had an awesome lesson on being prepared for emergencies and assembling our 72 hour kits.  A lot of great ideas and advice was given and I am now fully motivated to prepare our family in this area.  I'm looking forward to the next few family home evenings where we will sit down and make out an emergency action plan and work towards putting together our emergency kits.  I just feel that it's important, and that it's one more way we are obeying the road signs and listening to the counsel of church leaders.  I know that as I heed the road signs in my life, I will be happy.  Life is good.

 Last Sunday we went to church in Vancouver.  We got to check out the new temple and grounds.  It was beautiful! What a treat!!

P.S
More vacay pics to come!!

Family Vacation Part Uno!

This past week we went on a big trip.  It was a blast!! The first day we left super early in the A.M.  This is what the sky looked like....

As soon as we pulled out of the acreage, Camilla was already saying "up" and wanting out.  She eventually got used to her seat by the end though (poor kid).  To keep her occupied for a while, we opened the sun roof (we borrowed my parents stellar car) and put our hands in the air.  Camilla thought it was fun and copied!

It was fun.  The car ride was long.  We made it to Vancouver just around dinner time.  Camilla was totally hamming it up!!  She'd pretty much had it though....

We spent the first few days with Mike's Uncle Bill.  It was super fun for me to meet some more of the Stannix clan.  It was a great visit.  He's an amazing cook!! Just after we arrived he tossed some ribs on the BBQ topped with home made sauces.  They were delicious.  We also tried some of his homemade hot sauce.  It was amazing!! After we finished, I was full and happy.  Next thing we knew he was getting Salmon ready to BBQ for DINNER!! We ate all night, and boy do I love food.  There is nothing like fresh salmon.  OH! I was in heaven! (Thanks Uncle Bill!! You're my hero!) The food simply was to die for.  For dinner the next day he made a delish pasta dish!  It was a lovely visit! I am glad I got to meet him and hear stories and visit.  It was thoroughly enjoyable!!

'

Had a blast, but are glad to be home (at the acreage).  We came home a bit early and are excited to spend the rest of our "vacation" with family relaxing. I would share more, but we are off for a dip in the hot tub!

Wish You Were Here!

So, this pic was actually taken in Costa Rica in '07 when I was there.  Yes, that is some random surfer dude, but look at those waves! Right now, we're on the Island experiencing almost the same thing.  The only difference is that the water is Muy Frío! Oh, and, there's no palm trees on long beach.  Meh, what can ya do right?

Wish you were here!!

Helping Gramma

Right now, we are somewhere in BC having a blast together! Can't wait to come home with pictures and fun stories to share! Until then, this should do the trick!! ;)

My mum taught Camilla how to pod peas.  I takes her forever though because she can only pick out one pea at a time.  Its adorable though.  She's such a good little helper, and it will come in handy later ;)

Thanks Mum!!

Richly Blessed

I was standing in the checkout line at Wal-Mart yesterday and overheard an interesting conversation between a lady and the cashier.  The lady was buying things for her kids' school lunches.  The cashier asked her, " How many kids do you have?" The lady replied, "I have 5" to which the cashier exclaimed "YOU MUST BE RICH!!!"  The lady kind of chuckled and they continued to make small talk.  As I moved up in the line, I started thinking about this conversation and how society thinks that you need to be rich, have a house etc etc in order to have kids.  I thought about a lot of people I knew who's husbands were getting a University education and they were living off very little, yet have a few kids and are happy.  I thought about how these next 8 months we are living off a student budget, and are far from rich, yet have a kid and are very happy and confortable. 

I don't think you need to be rich to have children, but I do think that children make life rich.

Reasons why I feel Rich:

1. I have the knowledge of the restored gospel
2. I have a husband who loves me dearly and spoils me
3. I have an eternal marriage
4. I have a little girl who makes me smile daily and gives me hugs and kisses
5. Our old car hasn't died yet
6. I have a cozy place to live, not big by any means, but it's a place to call home
7. I come from a loving family
8. I have food to eat
9. I am a wife and Mother (it makes life fulfilling)
10. I get to serve my family and others around me

I have received many blessings and therefor, feel very rich!

"I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he is rich"

~Dan Wilcox

The Last Days of Summer

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Camilla and I enjoyed some time outside.  We enjoyed the blue sky and the heat of the sun.  For a while there, it felt like the middle of September.  Luckily, there's still a few days left of summer.  I mowed the lawn the other day, so it was nice to lay on the grass in the backyard and look at the sky and watch Camilla toddle around.

She walked around the yard saying "BAA-oh" "BAA-oh" (Ball) it kinda sounds like "BOW" I guess.  She loves balls.  She loves to kick them and throw them and hold them.  It's cute.  Future sports star here!! ;)

I enjoyed watching her and thinking and sitting under the sun.  It was a beautiful day! I thought about how much I missed Mr. Stannix and how excited I am that we leave for vacation on Friday.  Just the 2 of us, er, three of us.  It will be nice to spend that time with Mike.  I also thought about what a joy it is to watch Camilla run around and have fun.  She really loves the outdoors.

Later on, we played inside.  I had a mount everest of dishes to do again, and it took a while.  Camilla occupied herself with this nifty bowl.

She then helped Daddy set up his Elliptical.  Giant boxes really do make the best toys.  She had fun in it for a while.  It was a very good day.  Today, I have some errands to run and things to get for our trip.  I have a packing list that's 1000 things long to start packing, and some laundry to do.  I can't believe tomorrow is Mike's last day of work.  Back to school he goes.  It will be nice having him around a little more.

One more day until we head out.  Can't wait to smell the ocean and hear the waves crashing in.  My favorite!

Love Letters

I have grown a whole new love for e-mail.  When I am at home, and bored, I usually drop Mr. Stannix an e-mail (or two, or three, or more).  Sometimes, Mr. Stannix writes me first.  E-mailing him at work and him writing me back makes me feel like I'm in highschool, or reminds me of when we were first dating. It's exciting, and fun!

It makes me feel special. 

~February 2008~

Depending on how busy he is, we usually get a lot of chatting done via e-mail.  It usually goes something like this....

Me: 

Hey,Just thinking about you. Hope your day is going good! Good luck on your exam tonight hey?? I spent the morning releasing my creative juices on our blog (instead of rearranging the house).  What a drab, rainy day. I think we're baking and maybe watching a movie this afternoon to kill some time. It's dragging on :) lol.

Love you lots,
xox

Mr. Stannix:  

I was thinking we could hit up a matinee movie if we can find a babysitter what do you think? Let me know luv luv luv luv luv

Regards,

Mike Stannix

The other day, I sat down to write him a love note only to discover that he beat me to it and sent me this (soon after he arrived at work): 

Hi Addie,

I hope your day is going well!  I don’t know if you were planning on going out or not but if you do can you swing by AMA and get as much information from them as possible.  Thanks sweetie love you and I am already thinking about you!

Regards,

***

 That made me feel really special! I love being thought about! I used to laugh at him, a long time ago when we first started sending love notes via e-mail, because he would never sign "I love you" or "xoxo" etc.  It was always "Regards".  He told me he was "practising his professionalism".  I just rolled my eyes.  After a few months of e-mails "regards" has taken on a whole new meaning.  I know that when he signs his e-mails this way, it is an inside joke between the two of us, and it really means "I love you". 

***

Mr. Stannix is going to KILL me when he finds this picture on the blog, but I couldn't help myself.  The other night, we were reading Harry Potter together before bed.  I was super tired, so Mr. S read to ME! It was wonderful.  I turned onto my stomach and hugged my pillow and listened to his soothing voice.  The whole time he was reading, this was my view of him.  I sat there admiring him.  I looked at all his freckles which I love so much.  I checked out those lips that I kiss every day.  I admired the slight pink color in his cheeks, and the way they look when he smiles/laughs.  I looked at his "eye wrinkles" (which P.S. I think are adorable!!) I love eye wrinkles because they show life, laughter and enjoyment.  I stared at his eyes, checked out his hair, and fell more in love with him (if that's even possible).  He truly is amazing, and patient and loving.  That is a moment I never want to forget.  

It was perfect. 

A Late Night Snuggle

Last night, Camilla had a really rough night.  Luckily Mr. S and I hit the hay earlier than usual.  By 9:15 I'm sure I was out for the night!! I awoke at midnight to a very upset sounding baby.  I went in and gave her a little snuggle, then she said "up" and leaned out toward her crib, so I placed her quietly back into her bed and tucked her in.  At 3 am, I was again awoke by a screaming baby.  I went in and got her, snuggled her, and went out to the couch and pulled the big blanket over us.  I always keep a blanket folded on the couch for nights like these.  She snuggled, tossed, turned, snuggled some more.  She even started giggling in her sleep, it was adorable! At one point, she was snuggling on my chest with her arm around me and she started patting me (like I would her back). It was soo funny!! She then layed on her back across my chest so her head was propped up and nestled nicely next to my face so our noses were almost touching.   After some more of this, she was calm and sleepy again and I placed her in her bed.  She woke up bright and early before 7:00am to see Mr. Stannix off to work.  It was nice to snuggle her again as we don't get to do that too often.  She is however, getting very good at giving hugs and loves.  Sometimes, for no reason, she'll run over and rest her head on your shoulder and say "Aww" and give hugs.  It's great! 

In other news, FALL IS IN THE AIR!!  I even saw some yellow leaves on the ground the other day!! I'm looking forward to the change in seasons.  Summer is my favorite season, but Fall is a close second!  I love the crisp air of fall, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet and the chance to wear my sweaters! I am also looking forward to our traditional Fall Family Pictures.  This year, instead of a background filled with colorful leaves and beautiful trees, it will be filled with crashing waves and hopefully a colorful sunset!  I am really looking forward to our trip!! We leave in 3 days! I have lots to do before then.  Packing, meal planning, house cleaning, getting treats together for the road, and getting our camping gear together.  Tomorrow night is our big "planning night".  Mr. S and I will map out our route, the sites, and scope out some camping.  Both of us are looking forward to having this trip be very spontaneous. If we want to stop at random spots we will, and we will fly by the seat of our pants.  I love being spontaneous on vacations and not having a time crunch.  It makes it more relaxing and more fun.  I am SUPER excited! Anyways, the girly is being occupied by CBC kids, so I am off to do some laundry and wash up the dishes from dinner last night.  Both Mr. Stannix and I were so exhausted last night that we left everything but the food out last night.  The kitchen looks, well, messy.  If it warms up, hopefully I will cut the lawn and spend some time outside.