This past weekend, Our little family made a trip that I have made countless times in my life. We drove out to Winkler, Manitoba where my extended family on my dad’s side is. Neither Tim nor I are strangers to a road trip, and it is actually one of our preferred types of vacations! I will write a separate post on how Calvin did on the road.
So on Wednesday, I packed up the car, picked Tim up from work, and hit the road.
We stopped about an hour outside of town for some supper and for Calvin to stretch his little legs.
It just so happened that I have a cousin from my mom’s side living just outside of Saskatoon, almost halfway between home and our destination, so it worked out that we could spend Wednesday night with them, have a little visit in the morning, then head to Winkler. It was great to see them, and also to be able to split our drive up into two parts.
My cousin’s daughter graciously shared her blueberries.
After losing a bit of time having to turn around to retrieve Tim’s wallet, we were back on the road, and arrived at my cousin’s place in Winkler late Thursday evening. We stayed with Warren and Liane, my oldest cousin on that side, who have two children who loved having Calvin around to play with. Calvin had no problems making fast friends.
Having a tea party in the playroom.
Splashing in the water on the porch.
One evening we went to Warky’s (a local ice cream place) to meet up with a bunch of the family. Yummy ice cream, and good company!
Calvin enjoyed Tim’s milkshake.
The reason we picked the weekend we did to visit is that there were a couple family get togethers this weekend. The first was on Saturday where we all went to my aunt and uncle’s property in the Pembina Valley. It was fun to visit with all the family together, but who invited the mosquitoes?
Calvin helped thaw the meat.
And he also enjoyed his first taste of rollkucken.
After supper, a game of baseball was started in the field.
Calvin practiced getting the ball into the glove on the sidelines.
The next day was an official Thiessen family reunion, with the families of all my grandpa’s siblings.
Calvin wanted to nap more than visit.
But then he woke up and got in some good baby rocking practice with my cousin’s 2.5 month old.
What better way to visit than in a circle of camping chairs?
There was no shortage of places for Calvin to play, people to entertain and to entertain him, and rocks to put in his mouth.
Being a goof with Uncle Ken.
It was fun to see my cousin, Heather, who is the closest in age to me, pregnant with her fourth and due only a day before myself!
It was a weekend full of fun, food and family, and I am glad we had the opportunity to go! This trip also confirmed a couple things about Calvin: he loves to wander and adventure, and is not even a little bit afraid of strangers. Potential recipe for disaster? Sure, but I like that he is comfortable learning and exploring on his own without needing me by his side all the time.
How Calvin felt about the fact that we had to leave all his new friends.
A 7am Manitoba sky.
Love how you told the story with pictures.
Maybe it’s the top Heather is wearing, but she barely looks pregnant. You have gotten bigger since the wedding. I was looking at the pictures (of the wedding) and thinking you didn’t even look pregnant on the pics, although I know you did in reality.
It was great to see you again, and to meet the rest of your family. Too bad we didn’t have a chance to invite you over to our house. Next time!
Yes! So much family, so little time. :)