Summer Vacation to the Cardiffs' Tree House

Just like us, to make our summer even crazier - we HAD to go to the Cardiff's cabin.  Dustin and I had been planning to go since visiting all the Cardiffs in Cincinnati.  We were bound to go.  So, after buying the house, we had our dates and we booked our tickets.  And no, it didn't seem like a crazy idea to move, then two days later pack up again and fly to B.C.

It may have been a crazy few days, but it was totally worth it.  We had a great time in B.C. with all the Cardiffs.  It was great that we had days with everyone, it was only a shame that the weather wasn't fantastic those days.  But, as the week went on, people started to depart and the weather got nicer (fortunately for us, unfortunately for everyone leaving).  By the end of the week, it was just Linda, John, and the three Hardings.  Poor Briar was so sick with Mono, we felt so bad for her being stuck inside all day while the rest of us went on the boat, or lazed around on the dock.

Abby makes sure we have enough sunscreen before we depart to the cabin.

While we had everyone gathered in once place, the Cardiff Family (and Additions) Hockey Pool was drafted.  The Cardiffs don't mess around - they had all the teams listed on the window and each pick was carefully considered.

Abby gets all the unchosen teams, but here she helps Linda with her picks.

Abby was totally in her element at the cabin.  She loves being outside - so there was no problem just sticking her on the dock with a lifejacket or taking her on the boat.  She enjoyed being in the boat.  She'd spot all the wakeboarders and skiiers.  She'd get a bit concerned when someone went down though; I don't think she liked not being able to see the skiier after they fell into the water.  Besides all the people there to entertain Abby, there were also two dogs.  Abby loves her dogs and would follow Luna (or in Abby speak "Lula") and Caleb ("Ca-ble") around everywhere.

Lisa getting a lesson on how to get up on one ski.  James: "You'll feel like you're drowning, just keep holding on"

Linda shows the kids how skiing should be done!  She's amazing and looks like she's having fun the entire time she's skiing.

James and Lisa's friend Will is an excellent skier.

James proves that he knew what he was talking about teaching Lisa.

Dave's first time surfing.

Cutest little spotter around!

James getting some air!

Dustin loved the water sports.  He managed to jump the wake with the wakeboard.

Abby learned to say "fast, fast" whenever we'd get into the boat.

I barely saw Abby the whole week we were at the cabin.  She totally made herself at home and warmed up to everyone instantly.

Emma and David

Lisa and James

Poor sick Briar, I don't think she moved from this chair the whole time we were there.

Any time anyone would bring out a phone or ipad - Abby was right there.  "Oh, I see you have your phone out.  Can I 'help' you with that application? Here, you aren't doing it right.  Let me!"

A kiddie pool on the dock was the best.  It was warm and allowed Abby to be outside without worry.  She loved it too and probably would have spent all day in the pool.

We spent quite a few days like this - on the dock in the sun!

The cold water felt great on the hot days, and Abby really wanted to swim when we went in.  She was great in her lifejacket and once it was on, she basically forgot that she was wearing it.  She just didn't like when you let go of her in the water.  She wanted to be upright and the lifejacket tilts her backwards.  We are starting open water swimming early!

Nothing better than getting a little sun on the skin while looking at the mountains!

A "beach" full of rocks - yep, Abby was in heaven!

Abby learned the words: boat and kayak while at the cabin.  She enjoyed both, although she'd get a little fidgety in the kayak when she'd had enough time being contained, and I'd have to paddle a double time to get back to the dock before she capsized us.

Abby loved that there was a look-out from the top floor - she loved to spy down on the living room.

There is always time for a cabin dance party!

The cute sick Moose shirt provided by Linda - we left it at the cabin in hopes that there will be more little baby girls at the cabin to sport the sick moose shirt when they visit.  

Of course, there is always Lego to entertain us during the not so great weather.

We had a great time our west and were so glad we could see all of the Cardiffs.  Linda and John are excellent hosts and we are so grateful that we could crash their family vacation time.  We can't wait to do it again!