Vancouver 2010

Terry and I just returned from a whirlwind journey to Vancouver to take in some Olympic festivities. Good thing we scheduled this holiday because I was about to reach my breaking point in the weeks before we left. I don't know how you moms of 2,3 and more do it!! I was exhausted, run down and just all out done with work and life.

There was one night before I left in particular that I can remember falling asleep on the couch right after I put Lucas to bed when I was supposed to be washing my work clothes so I would have something to wear the next day. Needless to say, that did not get done so I was SCRAMBLING the next morning trying to wash my clothes and get Lucas and myself ready and out the door. The nap the night before was not worth all of the stress it caused the following morning and I will not be doing that again. Let's just say I had to drive Lucas to daycare in my dress coat and pyjama pants, then stop at Tim Hortons and return home to take my pants out of the dryer before I went to work. So much coordinating that it hurt my brain. But on my way to work (on time!) I felt like Superwoman because I got everything done. So moms of 2 and 3 and more, you must feel like Superwoman every time you leave the house with kids in tow and arrive at your destination on time!! I salute you.

Back to our much needed vacation. It was tough to leave Lucas with Grandma and Grandpa Vermeulen for four whole days, but everyone survived. Lucas had a great time with his Grandpa and Grandma (I'm sure he was spoiled rotten for the entire four days....I even have evidence...pictures of him dipping his FRIES into ketchup at MCDONALDS). Grandma and Grandpa had a great time too, but they said Lucas is a busy guy and kept them on their toes. How did they ever do it with FOUR kids???? My mom said she was much younger then. I can't even fathom having a six year old, two four year olds and a newborn.

I am not going to go through everything Terry and I did when we were in Vancouver. I'll sum it up with a few bullet points:

1. We walked.....and walked and walked and walked. All over downtown, many many times. The only way to see everything. The cauldron, Inukshuk, Robson Square, The Bay Olympic Superstore, etc, etc.

2. THE HOCKEY GAME - CANADA VS RUSSIA. An amazing sporting event that we will never forget. I will never get to see a game of that magnitude again and we knew that and made the most of it.

3. Beers at pubs with Amy and friends. The Canada vs USA game we were unfortunately watching the game in it's entirety from OUTSIDE the pub while Amy and friends were inside. Guess that's what happens when you arrive at game time.

4. Staying at Casa Tina. Thanks so much Tina for putting us up!!

5. Shopping!! Fave purchase: Mukluks!! Went on a trek all over Van to find ones I liked that didn't cost an arm and a leg.....just an arm. Even got a "nice mukluks" from an aboriginal gentleman on the bus ride home from downtown. Thanks dude.

6. Visited a few cupcake shops for inspiration. Thank you Big City Cupcakes.

It was a fantastic trip and in our opinion Vancouver did a great job hosting. Transit was easy, police were visible everywhere so we felt very safe, and everything was very clean despite the throngs of people passing through downtown everyday.

THANKS VANCOUVER!!! See you again soon!