The surprisingly warm weather here has allowed us to keep the pop-top up on “Vanna” (new name for our Eurovan) at night and since the highway was just on the other side of the trees, I used my earplugs for the first time. (Thank you, Cheryl!) I slept like a log in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
We started mid-morning for Winnipeg, drove the 40 minutes to the city’s centre, and then called our nephew to give him a heads-up o
n the time of our arrival. Tara had a delicious breakfast waiting for us and after a brief tour of their classic and homey 1911 farmhouse, which now sits in a neighbourhood under a soft shady halo of elm and maple trees, we settled down to eat and visit and laugh a lot – as is true to Smoker tradition. Jason and Tara have been blessed with 2 little blonde cuties named Tate (2 ½ ) and Lila (1). The 6 of us piled into 2 cars and spent the latter part of the afternoon at the Forks, which is a park-like gathering place alongside the river. It reminded me of Granville Island in Vancouver with its green space, boutique shops and artsy ambience.
We came home to a BBQ picnic dinner of marinated chicken, and veggie kabobs. Very yummy!
Some of the most precious moments of the day were spent playing with Tate and Lila. Gord and Tate played ‘ockey (Tate’s “French accent” for hockey) with a couple of big boy hockey sticks, shouting, “He shoots, he scores!” More laughter! Lila smiled and cooed and sang to us in her sweet baby voice.
Tara asked me to describe one highlight of the trip so far – I said, “Spending this day with you guys.”
Missed you at the Forks! I was there this afternoon as well. It would have been wild to bump into you unexpectedly… Are you heading out again tomorrow morning? If you have time for a coffee (or tea) give me a call (772-6792)or email. If you’re spending time with family, I’ll understand.
Enjoy the rest of your travels!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, we will try calling so we can connect before we leave the city. Yes, it would have been wild to accidently run into one another at the Forks.
Hey sis,
WONDERFUL to catch up…we’ve just returned from our weekend road trip to Colorado…4 days of non stop driving other than “rest stops” (aka rest-room stops) and Costco’s! 🙂 Thought about you two a ton! Anyway, LOVE to hear of your adventures & have one request: PHOTOS posted of you & your darling in each of the provinces!
this is a great way t travel for us!!!!
HI there baby!!! I have loved reading what you have been up to, and sights you have seen. Are you getting ready to write another book for homeschooling?? (hehe) What a neat adventure! I would love to do that with my kids!
I totally remember going across Canada with my parents (waaaay back)….but, I think I snoozed in our camper most of the way across Sask and Manitoba….too flat for me.(we did enjoy our family stops though in those provinces).
We have such a diverse country….I love it!!! From landscapes to cultures.
Look forward to reading more. Have a great time with your hubbie. Miss you lots!
Hi Sandi and Gord!
I sat beside Bea at Marla’s bridal shower last night so I heard your happy news! She also reminded me about your blog, so I’ve enjoyed catching up with your posts this evening. I talked Bruce into colouring my hair this evening before he left for worship team practice. Cara was going to do it originally but she got called to lead worship team practice, so didn’t have time this evening. He’s a good man, but I have to make my requests few and far between to ensure agreement with my plans! Love and prayers, Fran