Hornby Island - 2006

I haven't updated in a while as we took our annual trip to Hornby Island. We were not sure if we were willing to go camping this year - being that Ethan is at a tricky stage (won't sit still but can't walk yet). We tried to get a cabin, but they book so fast. So on Thursday we rented a trailer because the weather looked good and we left Friday without too much thought or planning hoping for the best. Here is Ethan on his first ferry ride!

When we arrived at the camp site, Ethan was on the verge of slumber in his car seat. He had traveled beautifully. Unfortunately, with all of the commotion of checking in and parking and setting up the trailer he ended up being wide awake - he didn't want to miss a thing. So...almost two hours after his normal bedtime, Ethan settles down in his crib and falls asleep...I had a bad feeling...

At 1:00am I woke up to wailing. A little pat on the back and some soft whispers and he was back to sleep in a couple of minutes. Whew! BUT - at 3:30am Ethan woke up and moaned, groaned and squawked for 45 minutes! Poor neighbors...finally he went back to sleep - what a relief! Look at Ethan-in-the-Box below in his soft baby prison (no bars to clang his mug on).

Up we get the next morning - and have a bottle in bed (mine was red wine). The whole time I am thinking to myself "what were we thinking?"...

...until we got to the beach later that morning. Ethan loved the beach! He was so excited to be let free and crawl around in the sand and explore. Watching him pick up shells, or laugh at the dogs, or do his crazy crabwalk was SO worth the disruption from the night before. Here is where the trail breaks open on to beautiful Tribune Bay:

Things just got easier from here. Ethan slept like a log after that first night getting used to his new quarters. We just kept to his usual routine and it was smooth sailing. A trip I thought may be a little challenging - HEM! - turned out to be the best and most relaxing camping trip I have had in a long time. Can't wait for next year!More photos and commentary for your enjoyment....