The boys went indoor rock climbing for the first time with Marcus, Ethan’s best mate. They loved it, although Ethan didn’t quite go all the way to the top as it “gets too scary up there”. Tomas climbed so well, he even went over an overhang. I was quite surprised and impressed!!
And an ice block to finish off the day!
So the boys decorated a cake for dad’s special 40th bday. It matched his shirt oddly enough!
What a gorgeous day this was so the boys stripped down to their undies and hopped in the ocean! I heard Coogee Beach!
I thought this day would never come. And here it is. My little sweet Ethan is off to school with the big kids. He couldn’t be more excited or more ready!
Back home – it took a while to acclimatise. I was so hot the day we arrived (Jan 21). It was 33 oC and we all had winter boots on to save space in our suitcases.
After only a day or two, we were back in the swing of things, and spent a gorgeous day exploring the rocks along the north shore of maroubra beach. The boys actually rock climbed! So fun!
Tomas celebrated his 8th birthday (again) – this time with a bunch of friends at the Botany Splash Pool. What a gorgeous day catching up with friebds, having a BBQ while the kids swam like fish and zipped down the water slides.
A splaroon cake – one of tomas’ favourite video games (in case you’re wondering)
Birthday boy pile-on
After saying a heartfelt goodbye to our dear families we took a 5 hour flight to Vancouver and a 3 hour shuttle bus to Whistler. Tired but excited, we arrived at the spectacular Whistler village, all covered in snow. Temps were a mild 1-2 oC – perfect for skiing and snow play.
The kids spent 2 days in ski school while Mike and I enjoyed exploring the amazing Whistler Peak. There was so much powder – very different from what we were used to. By midday our first day out we thought we could benefit from a lesson, which really helped our technique navigating the powder.
Tomas and Ethan met so many cousins that they’ve never met before and great aunties and uncles. They never suspected they had such a large family?
Sekerak family reunion
Cousins!
Cousin chaos
Playing hide and seek – found you Cam!
It was so lovely catching up with our dear friends in Canada, seeing how their kids have grown and meeting a few new kiddos!
Collingwood/Blue Mountains
We met the Casselman for a snowy adventure in the blue mountains. Not quite enough snow to ski but plenty for tobogganing! And when the adults….er I mean kids were too cold we ducked in for some pottery painting!
Tomas going backwards down the hill
Ethan going backwards now..
The kids had a blast tobogganing for the first time. And especially enjoyed hanging out with the two Casselman kids!
Feeding the chickadees
A McMaster university reunion with two wonderful gals and their kids, strolling thru the RBG, feeding the squirrels and chickadees. Thankfully the chickadees landed in each boy’s MIT or there may have been tears!
There was an amazing electric train set at the RBG….all CN rail!
Ice climbing
Sliding down any snowy bank
There’s a chickadee on Tomas’ mitt
Playtime
With the Coopers
With the Andrade/Mason family
With the McCawley/Mousseau family
Playing board games was one of the highlights highlights of our trip. The boys were particularly fond of pandemic. exploding kittens, and skip bo.
Ethan made a bum rest for his dinosaur
Ethan’s pretend Birthday
Well it’s normally on November 1st but no matter…
Wolf Lodge
The Kasumovic family adventure of water slides, talking animals, and questing. It was a magical place!
Ice skating with auntie
At Pier 4 in Hamilton, there is a nice outdoor ice rink next to Williams cafe. A perfect spot for beginners as we could jump in the cafe and warm up when we wanted. The boys did really well for their first time! Tomas let go of the stabilizer and was really giving it a go. I think with some practice, he would love this sport! Ethan enjoyed it too.
Poppi came to watch
Children’s Museum with Meme
A bit of indoor fun at the museum and outdoor fun feeding the squirrels.
