#216 July 2019 Grandchildren are Precious!

We have been blessed with three grandchildren. We treasure time spent with them and savour the memories.

Lindsay (24) and Kari have almost always lived in the same city as Ralph and I. Our memory bucket overflows. 

Joey (22) has lived with his father in Calgary and Regina. Since Kari moved to Surrey we don’t see Joey very often. When we do see him he is happy to see us and always ready for whatever adventure, experience we offer.

Danica (12) has always lived in Calgary with Dave. We see her a few times a year and have been privileged to attend several of her gymnastics/dance/theatre performances. Her birthday is ten days before mine in October so we have celebrated together a few times.

We have spent many times with Lindsay and Joey individually. This summer was Danica’s turn.

In July Danica flew from Calgary to Vancouver by herself. She has often been in both airports but always with a family member. She managed perfectly and is now a seasoned solo traveller.

It was such a treat to spend time alone with Danica. We went to White Rock Beach and showed her the broken pier.

And of course the White Rock.

Sunset from Crescent Beach was beautiful.

Pink clouds outlined the North Shore Mountains.

One day we drove to Squamish hoping the weather would clear enough to take the Sea to Sky Gondola. The wind was so strong we though we might blow off the mountaintop so we decided to explore another Squamish area venue.

Unfortunately, a few week later the gondola was vandalized and severely damaged with no re-opening date yet determined.

The Britannia Mine Museum is an awe inspiring National Historic Site.

During the 1920s Britannia Mine was the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth. During 70 years of production the mine produced over a 650,000 tons of copper as well as zinc, lead, cadmium, silver and gold. The evolution of mining is very well described in the exhibits and displays.

The underground train tour takes visitors into the workings of the mine.

The “BOOM!” show is a recent addition to the mill tour and conveys some of the processing of the copper. It is excellent.

The 20 story mill used gravity to refine the ore. The stairs seem to go on forever.

Gold panning is an exciting hands-on experience. There really are a few flakes of gold added to the water each day. Unfortunately Danica was not a winner.

This commemorative piece of art features the mines most important and enduring resource-the miners.

The clouds lifted enough for a lovely drive home.

Saturday Lindsay and Danica went to Splash Down Waterslide. They had a fun day together. Later Ralph and I met them at Richmond Night Market. We all had supper then found the crowds too much after a long day.

Sunday Lindsay and Kari took Danica to some of their favourite places around the Lower Mainland.

Monday we had a quiet day in preparation for a long night. We went to the Aldergrove Twilight Drive In. Danica had never been to a drive in and it was decades for Ralph and I. Wow, has it changed. 

Everything is digital. The movie is on a huge wide screen.

The sound is tuned to two FM radio stations so you can hear it outside your vehicle. No more poor quality sound boxes hanging on the inside of the window. 

Vehicles still park on a slight incline but often backwards. The audience can set up mattresses in the back of pickups or SUVs and watch the movie in family room comfort.

There is also room in each parking space to setup lawn chairs and watch the stars as well as the movie.

We all watched the new Lion King and Toy Story 4 and stayed awake until 1:30. What a great night!

The next day Danica flew to her home and our home was too quiet. A great week with a fun granddaughter!