Our first full day on Vancouver Island was spent at the beach in Parksville. 
Before heading to the Ocean waters the kids played in the water park and we bought ice cream cones...the first of many on our trip.
Before heading to the Ocean waters the kids played in the water park and we bought ice cream cones...the first of many on our trip.~~~
I do believe these are Canadian Geese flying over the water.
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The kids had a blast collecting treasures (both alive and dead) on the beach and in the tide pools. About 20 Sand Dollars and several shells and clams made their way back to the resort with us. Two days later an overwhelming stench permeated our bedroom area. Needless to say we tossed all the collectibles into the trash bin. Pee-You!
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This particular beach is know for it's perfect castle building sand. And according to Branson the sand tastes almost as good as the ice cream.
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What is it about the beach that posses all men to flex and show their muscles!?
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Branson did enjoy the waves but he and I spent most of our time reading, relaxing, taking pictures and eating sand. The only downfall to the day...as the tide slowly came in everyone but me and Branson were out playing in the water. So five different times I had to haul all 4 of the bags, my precious camera, the stroller and Branson across tide pools and onto dry land. Day one was a complete success!
I do believe these are Canadian Geese flying over the water.~~~
The kids had a blast collecting treasures (both alive and dead) on the beach and in the tide pools. About 20 Sand Dollars and several shells and clams made their way back to the resort with us. Two days later an overwhelming stench permeated our bedroom area. Needless to say we tossed all the collectibles into the trash bin. Pee-You!~~~
This particular beach is know for it's perfect castle building sand. And according to Branson the sand tastes almost as good as the ice cream.
~~~
What is it about the beach that posses all men to flex and show their muscles!?~~~
Branson did enjoy the waves but he and I spent most of our time reading, relaxing, taking pictures and eating sand. The only downfall to the day...as the tide slowly came in everyone but me and Branson were out playing in the water. So five different times I had to haul all 4 of the bags, my precious camera, the stroller and Branson across tide pools and onto dry land. Day one was a complete success!
The kids loved all the little shops while we waited for the Fairy departure time. This ice cream shop was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. There were no cardboard buckets full of ice covered ice cream...they had already individually scooped the flavors into classy metal containers. Want Rocky Road? It's the flavor with the little Matchbox 4x4 Truck sitting on the top. Looking for 
The Ferry was brand new for the upcoming Winter Olympics that will be held in Canada. The two hour trip was beautiful.
My goal to be in more pictures is slightly more difficult when I'm not willing to hand over my new camera to a complete stranger.
Sydney called the big rock behind her "The Big Bear" Can you see why? 
Tonight Anderson is on a Scout camp out and tomorrow afternoon we leave for Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. I cannot wait! We will be gone all week until late the following Sunday. I spent the afternoon scouring the Internet for information about where we are going and we are headed for gorgeous waterfalls, bays, forest and lakes. There is tons of free entertainment; biking trails, hiking trails, caves to explore, crystal clear swimming holes, "cathedrals" of giant trees and of course reading and relaxation! See you all in eight days!
The kids were all gathered around and when I opened the lids of the box all six of their hands involuntarily reached for the colored, shredded, paper. 
This is everything that was in the package! Woo Hoo!
The basket was even cooler than it first looked!
Sounds creative doesn't it...well I would love to say the Robot had a happy ending but as soon as Sydney put it on her head Anderson began thumping on the box saying "Can ya hear that, can ya hear that?" She started screaming and I sent them all to bed at 9:00...so ya, happy ending for me.
