Gabriola Treasures!

I love going for walks on the beach anytime, in the rain or sun, although sunshine is preferred. A neighbour and I went down with the kids last week and it was beautiful. Not only did we get some fresh air, the kids got to run free and explore the beach, but I also found this beautiful door. I was so excited, as were the kids with the shells and rocks they found. I took it home to enjoy and just love the worn colours and the anchor, now I'm waiting to decide what to create with it although I may just hang it up as it is, the perfect little beach treasure. Posted by Tina Lynch.

Fairy Fridays

When my daughter was 6 weeks old, one of my neighbors started a small group on the island for moms with newborns. We met on Fridays for lunch, exchanged parenting ideas from books and experience, shared little milestones, passed along clothes and toys to each other, and supported each other when parenting presented a challenge. Each Friday we would rotate lunch dates at one of our homes.
It’s now been over 6 years, and the 4 girls that started this group still meet on Fridays, now they often meet without their mom’s in tow. It’s amazing to watch them grow together, see how the play and interact, play sports, and create art.
It’s been a special group and a great way to make life long connections. If you have children but haven't been in a play group, I'd definitely suggest that you start your own- I think you'll be happy you did !

The first photo was taken of the girls when they were 6 years old, the second photo shows them when they were between 6months - a year. (submitted by: Tina Lynch)

Raising Coho

It certainly is a lot of work to raise a puppy, but the little tail wags and the unconditional love are more than worth it.

We've recently added a puppy to our family, a much wished for gift for the kids that were missing their previous dog. He's more than filled our hearts, he's taken over the house with his toys and puppy fur. One of our neighbors watched Coho for us when we went away for a few days, a twenty four hour job for her that caused her to fall in love too. Now, we see Chalise two or three times a week when she comes to take him for long walks and playdates with other animals, last week he met with a few dogs, a horse and touched noses with a cat. He also loves to go to the beach, Spring Beach, Islands View, and Drumbeg are a few of our favorite Gabriola beaches.

It's great to have the support and have a neighborhood dog, honestly I think I would have fallen behind on the play dates for the puppy. Submitted by: Tina Lynch

"Just one more run ?"

This is a common phrase heard by the parents on Gabriola as the current snow conditions are perfect for getting in some sleigh rides. The kids have been busy at work making runs through the yard to find the perfect place to go down with a little extra speed. After a good time in the snow, it's a great feeling to warm up by the woodstove and sip on a cup of hot chocolate. It's not just the kids that are having fun, parents are on sleds, neighbors are out for walks and a few are out making tracks for cross country skis. With people choosing to stay at home and enjoy the winter activities, the spirit around is joyful.