Looking back – 13 photos that tell our 2013 story
Have you read enough “year in review” articles yet? What’s one more, right?
We had good intentions to write a detailed ‘end of year wrap up’ but these past few weeks have been unexpectedly busy. And not in a good way. Our two little boys have been quite sick, requiring many trips to the doctor’s office, sleepless nights and constant care.
Needless to say, the ol’ travel blog has been neglected. But I’m sure you survived the holidays just fine without hearing from us for a few weeks.
We like reading year end reviews. It’s fun looking back on the year that was, reflecting on the special moments and accomplishments. More importantly, it helps put life into perspective.
2013 was a massive year for us.
While it wasn’t filled with epic adventures like these, it was filled with joy as we welcomed Baby Connor to the world. Waking up each morning to the smiles of our two little boys reminds us that we are exactly where we need to be right now, and that travel is only one cog in the wheel of life.
Here are a few photos that tell our 2013 story…
Our first trip of 2013 had us visiting Mexico’s sun drenched Mayan Riviera for a few weeks.
The purpose of the trip was to attend a friend’s wedding. The timing and location of their wedding was perfect because we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary the following week, at the very same resort we were married at (located about 20 minutes north of Playa del Carmen).
The trip to Mexico was also Baby B’s first time swimming in the Caribbean Sea – a big moment in his young life! We love this photo of Baby B taking his first step in the Caribbean waters, symbolic of him starting to become his own little person. *tear*
It was so much fun retracing our steps and introducing Baby B to the place where we sealed the deal five years earlier. We hope to return again on our 10 year anniversary.
Read more – Photos from our trip to Mexico
After a few weeks of sunshine, beaches and far too many afternoon beers, it was time to return to Canada and hit the slopes.
Okay, it was really time to get back to work, but we managed to escape the city for an extra long weekend and spent a few days snowboarding at our favourite ski resort – Whistler BC.
We were invited to explore the beautiful Hawaiian island of Molokai in early spring. It was our second time to Hawaii in as many years, but the first time we’ve left Baby B behind when we travel. Although we enjoyed the time alone together, we much prefer having him with us.
Molokai is not like its Hawaiian neighbours. It’s not touristy or overdeveloped. It does not have luxury resorts, five-star restaurants or designer retail stores. Heck, it doesn’t even have traffic lights!
Read more – Travel to Molokai – What to Do and What Not to Do
The above photo was captured in Kalaupapa, a hauntingly beautiful part of Molokai that is isolated by the world’s tallest sea cliffs. Kalaupapa has a dark past, one that has profoundly shaped the spirit of Molokai.
Read more – Descending into Kalaupapa’s dark past
Shortly after our trip to Hawaii we lined up a few small trips in British Columbia. By this time, Nicole was well into her 2nd trimester with Baby Connor. First up, we visited the beach town of Parksville, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
I love this photo because it captures the joy of exploring tide pools in the morning. We are so thankful to be living in such a beautiful part of the world.
Read more – Escape to Family Friendly Parksville on Vancouver Island
In early June we traveled across Canada to attend the annual TBEX event that was hosted in Toronto. It was an action packed week full of sightseeing, eating, drinking, networking and laughing.
The above photo of the Toronto skyline was captured from Toronto Island while attending a social event with a fun group of travel bloggers that have become “real world” friends.
Read more – Revisiting the past and fulfilling childhood dreams
While in Ontario, we took advantage of our location and traveled north to cottage country. We met up with friends that have a family cottage directly on a lake, just outside the town of Gravenhurst.
The above sunset was captured from the dock of said cottage. Stunning!
It seems like every summer we find ourselves visiting Victoria, the capital of British Columbia located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This particular trip was in celebration of Cam’s big 3-5 birthday, a milestone that seems to have a little too quickly.
This native art and totem pole was captured at Thunderbird Park, next to the Royal British Columbia Museum in downtown Victoria. We love Victoria and hope to someday relocate their.
Our final trip before the pregnancy home stretch had us visiting the swanky beaches of Santa Monica. It was our first time to Los Angeles and the final adventure we’ve had as a family of three.
Although we were given a long list of things to see and do in Los Angeles, we ended up spending most of our time strolling up and down the Santa Monica and Venice Beach boardwalks. Baby B just wanted to roll around in the sand all day… so we let him.
Read more – On the Boardwalk: Scenes from Santa Monica to Venice Beach
Baby Connor getting ready to make his grand entrance. Photo taken in Santa Monica, California.
He’s finally here! Meet Baby Connor
As you can probably imagine, the past two months have been quite full. It’s not nearly as intense as when Baby B was born, but the days seem to disappear quickly. We’re trying our best to enjoy each and every moment with our little boys because we know how fast things will change.
Read more – He’s finally here… meet our baby boy!
It’s been fun looking back at 2013, but we’re super excited about what’s to come in 2014!
Before we sign off and say goodbye to 2013, we want to take a moment to thank you for joining us on our journey. We’re so happy you’re here and we want to wish you and yours a very successful 2014!
Happy new year!
Cam, Nicole, Braydon and Connor
Wishing you all the best for the New Year! Lovely recap for 2013.
Thanks Megan
What an adorable family! I love the picture of your son stepping into the Caribbean. You guys certainly managed to have some great adventures in 2013. Here’s to even more in 2014!
We are SO excited about 2014…stay tuned. We have some great trips planned
congrats on a wonderful 2013!
Thanks Hogga
Beautiful familypicture! what a year indeed for you all and looked like a lot of fun! Congratulations and happy new year!
It was a very memorable year. Thanks Samantha.
Such a beautiful collection of photographs! Just found your site and can’t wait to dive into the archives. May 2014 be even better!
Thanks Ruann!
Wonderful memories guys! I absolutely adore the one of Baby B stepping into the water in Mexico, that’s great. We’re off to Cancun in 6 days and the photo of the Mayan Riviera got me even more excited. Oh, and how amazing is that sunset in Ontario?!
Here’s to an amazing 2014. Cheers from snowy Calgary.
Thanks guys! Hope you are having a great time in Cancun!
Looks like an amazing year and belated congrats on the new addition. That purple sunset picture is amazing.
Thanks Ted.
What a great year you had. I’m afraid my pictures would not be too exciting but this year we are going to be travelling quite a bit so hopefully I can put together a 2014 list that will compare.
Hopefully your 2014 is just as good as your 2013 seemed to be!
Cheers
Victoria
Thanks Victoria. Any trip is good, even if it’s a staycation. Hope you have a great 2014!
Looks like an amazing year! Congrats
Your family is blessed! Treasure your two bundles of joy. Wishing your family more fun for 2014!
Very superb land scape! What a lovely moment when you see your child taking the first step.
Do You Need MUSIC
This is just so awesome. I am so happy that I had the chance to read on this great adventure of your family. I thought at first that it’s so hard to travel when you’re pregnant and you won’t get the chance to enjoy it but reading all about your whole experience for the past year with the places you’ve been to, wow! It’s just so amazing. I’m in my 4th month now with my third baby and I’m looking forward to have this kind of trip my family too, soon. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.
Obviously, I missed the birth of Connor. However, I just wanted to stop by and say congrats on the new addition! The whole family looks great. Sorry about the Canucks season. Best wishes to your family Cam and Nicole!
Thanks Jeremy! Connor’s been an awesome addition to the team.
How are things? What have you been up to?
Yes, tough season for my Canucks and Leafs… apparently California is the place to be for good hockey these days?!
Cam
Glad you’re enjoying the new addition. Take it from me – nothing like having two little ones (especially boys) running around.
As for me, I’m just working and focusing on my family. I’m coaching my older son’s t-ball team so that is keeping me pretty busy. Other than that, my life is pretty simple.
Still enjoying California. And yes, we have better hockey than Canada 🙂
Congratulations and best of luck!!
That’s quite an adventure, Wishing your family nothing but the best. Keep it coming for 2014.
Congrats!! greats pics and great family
thanks for sharing
Guys I really love reading your blog it is so amazing and you are trully inspiring people..
Great year, great photos. Congrats on your new arrival (although not so new now)
Congrats for your blog, I love reading it.
thanks for sharing your family pic with us .your children are quite too gud .Apple may be known for its secrecy, but buried in Cupertino’s municipal archive is a wealth of detail on the company’s proposed new headquarters—including more than 20 previously unseen renderings of the new campus.
I love reading about your adventures. It’s really cool to go back and read about your experiences year after year. I love the first step photo.. what a beautiful moment to capture on camera!