Veranda Beach

The last long weekend of the "summer"... i was telling myself that our days were numbered for anymore mini getaways.  Labour Day weekend was to be a relaxing time at home.  Some yummy brunches, a few BBQ parties to attend and most of all just enjoying each others company.  So when Grant called me Friday afternoon and told me he had been offered a lakeside cottage for the entire weekend, i wasn't sure what to think.  When you've already prepared yourself for one thing and then spontaneity takes over...well, if you know me, it takes me at least half a day to process a major schedule change, lol ;)  However, i have come to realize that these types of opportunities (free vacations) don't come around everyday and especially when you have a child to consider.  Nolan is in one of the most easiest stages of life right now for spontaneous travel.  No special food to bring, missing naps (usually no problem), plus he loves car & stroller rides.  So how could we say no?  Saturday morning we packed up and headed on the road for the 3.5 hr drive.  The location, Veranda Beach on Lake Osoyoos.  It is just barely south of the border, outside a town called Oroville, WA (not to be confused with Orville Redenbacher, lol)

I absolutely fell in love with the place and the lifestyle.  I could have moved in immediately.  For me, i never really realize that i need/want to get away until i am away.  And for Grant...its even worse.  He works so hard during the week and the daily commute definitely takes its toll.  I honestly don't know anyone who enjoys working as much as he does and I have never heard him utter the words "is it the weekend yet?"  But i know that if he's overdue for some down time, we have to leave our house, otherwise he'll find something to keep himself busy. 

I think we both did a good job of relaxing as much as possible.  Together with making some delicious meals, walks along the beach and just being in each others company.  Thanks, Veranda Beach, for being so amazing and peaceful!       

From afar, these mountains always look "furry"

An absolute must!

Nolan refusing to nap...at least he "relaxed" for the drive

"fists of fury"

The cluster of Veranda Beach cottages

"Welcome"

First up...lunch

Nolan enjoying the huge wrap around veranda

How close we were to the beach

Kitchen & partial living room view

Nolan's quarters

Loved the window seat

Nolan climbed up and down these stairs as much as he possibly could

Lol, i think Grant & Nolan were dancing

Some good ol' tossing

Nolan's dancing skills

Ahhhhh, sunshine!

The beach

I love these over sized chairs and I am hoping Grant will make me some...one-day

Our cute cottage

We obeyed

Cooling off in the shade

Mom, i just woke up...

Gotta love border towns and their Mexican restaurants

My fave game, Rummikub...by candlelight

Cooking breakfast

Nolan escaped the veranda onto the freshly watered grass...wet bum

My hungry little family

Mmmm, crepes

Our beach set-up

Nolan loved sitting on this board

Not too sure about the sand yet, although he did eat some

Sharing his board with daddy

And mommy

Grant liked the shade...i liked the sun

So lovely and peaceful

Going for a stroll to the edge of the dock

Some nice bed-head hair

Good-bye Veranda Beach!

One last trip down the stairs

After a couple of fruit stand stops and a whindy drive, we arrived at home, safe and sound :)