[home decor project]

One done. Fifteen more to go. Making a little something something for the house.

[free crochet pattern]

[vacation photos, part II]

Some more photos from our vacation to Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

We found a lovely bird sanctuary while biking by the lake. The ducks were so cute sleeping in a row.

Loved the variety of flowers and trees. Our growing season is so short, plus super cold winters, so it limits what we can grow here in Edmonton. Kelowna is a feast for those craving botanical variety.

We just might have to make it a tradition to go to Kelowna for each Canada Day. Great family activities by the lake all day long. In the evening there was a Rod Stewart imitator concert on the beach. Everyone gathered on the beach to watch the fireworks. Fantastic atmosphere.

Knox Mountain overlooks Kelowna and provides great hiking trails. Beautiful vistas.

While biking in West Kelowna, we came across a large nut farm. The trees were huge. The ultra green colors were so refreshing. Two yellow bellied marmots kept us company.

On our last day in Kelowna, we went biking in Myra Canyon. In this photo, you can see Kelowna in the distance. Myra Canyon was cool. The path was an old train track along the mountain. It was fun to bike on the many, many trestles. We biked for about two hours there. There must have been a forest fire here at some point as many of the trees were burnt.

Another great family activity was going zip lining at Wild Play.

Some photos from the drive home.

Marble Canyon near Banff was a nice, quick hike. Many of the trees were once again burned by a forest fire. Nature's way to renew forests. There has been a huge fire burning near Banff again. The wind has brought the smoke all the way here to Edmonton. Hard to enjoy the outdoors when there's so much smoke in the air. Hopefully the worst is over now.

If you ever go to Kelowna, make sure to go eat at Zabb's Thai Restaurant. I'm craving their Massaman curry and deep fried ice-cream all the time. The best Thai food I've ever had. 

Aren't summer vacations just the best? Where have you traveled to this summer?

[vacation photos, part I]

We left on our vacation as soon as school was over. The drive to Kelowna, British Columbia, is a feast to the eyes as you go through the mountains. I must say that Canada is one gorgeous country. So much beauty here. So much variety too: mountains, prairies, canyons, lake country, ocean towns...

Fresh peas for lunch while we stopped at a lovely road side eatery. Peas are my favorite. I'll choose them over strawberries any day.

Getting closer to Kelowna. This part of BC is dotted with huge lakes. Breathtakingly beautiful!

We rented a vacation condo right by the lake. Our apartment was on the 14th floor in the building closest to the lake. Yes, I was a bit scared when I stepped on the balcony. 

You only see a portion of the huge lake Kelowna hugs. Sure love being by water!

Kelowna is known for hot summers and mild, short winters. The temperature was +24C - +32C during our stay (most of the days were over +30C). 

There are wineries (for those interested in wine, we don't drink alcohol), fruit orchards (fresh peaches, cherries, strawberries, vegetables...), beaches, beautiful parks...

You wouldn't have to bend my arm too hard for me to move there. ;) 

We really enjoyed staying in a condo instead of at a hotel. Less generic, quieter... The place had a fitness room, outdoor and indoor pools, indoor parking.

Our bedroom was right by the entrance door, our daughter's room had this nice view of the lake.

We had a wonderful time in Kelowna. More photos to come. :)