Honda's Celebration of light wasn't the main event folks! | Klutch Photography | Vancouver family photographer

For about four years we used to live in the West End, and for quite a few of those years the celebration of light fireworks display was directly in front of our living room window. Granted those days we were just two Dinks (Double income no kids) living downtown! 

This is the second time we've taken our two children on an adventure downtown on the skytrain to watch the celebration of light happen In English Bay. The first time was approximately 4 years ago, and significantly more stressful then our last visit yesterday! Now that they are 10 and almost 13, It was a breeze.

We drove down to Bridgeport, Riverock Casino, park the car and we caught the sky training in. Yes, there is a lot of walking, but it was in the beautiful sunshine! We got to check out gay pride on Davie Street, and seriously the people watching was just outstanding!

We plunked down our blanket at approximately 6 PM with boatloads of space available, and the kids (with my third oldest child, husband Greg, lol!)lead the charge, hit the ocean water (by the way, we didn't know there was a NO SWIMMING ban! Eek right but I think there all fine?!). The girls did what I like to call "a right of passage", they got to go down on the old relic slide in the middle of English Bay.  Greg got to do it as a child with his family, and I as a non-mother at the time, living with Greg in the West End got to scream down it's hot metal, sanding death curve! I loved it back in the day and so did they!

Greg and the girls grabbed some taco's for dinner, and we sat as a family, eating, listening to music and playing Rummy-Q till it was to dark to see the tiles. This was our favorite part of the night BTW.

The Redbull air show almost made me pee my pants with it's stunts, to be honest I was thinking "good lord if this plane crashes, how will be be affected" (typical mother), but of course he/she did not! The energy around us was playful with a community vide, everyone was there for a fun, safe experience.

The fireworks did not disappoint, and the level of police presence was perfect.  Crowds were large and a felt like "Shelia the cow"  that I water painted in the winter being herded down the streets, but all of it was still a great adventure had.

We were so impressed with the organization of this event, the safety level of the streets and our skytrain experience!

Guys, if you have never gone, go! The journey leading up to the fireworks WAS THE EVENT, the fireworks is just the icing on the cake!

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Smash Theatre Dress Rehearsal of The little Mermaid | Klutch Photography| Vancouver family Photographer

This year we decided to put the girls into Smash Theatre to let all of their DRAMA drain out of there overly dramatic selfs on Friday nights.

We've waiting all year for this moment when an entire gaggle of kids from different classes throughout the week get wrangled in by Sheila the magician (owner, and one kind & talented lady). 

She's the mastermind behind the show with some killer assistants to help make the charming classic of a play happen. I have the honour of capturing "Cast two" this year and while I was there on Tuesday, I thought a little video was in order to document this epic event for all these kiddos!

#proudmom

Btw-My two are  mermaid sisters!

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Life Unscripted Family session is all about connecting with your little people, having fun, and being in the moment!

The session lasts just over an hour, on location outdoors. It's meant to capture your family as they are in their current stage of life...the good, the bad, and the beautiful!  

Your job is to just have fun with your people, and mine is to capture your authentic, beautiful selves, living life unscripted!

Journal Entry No.39 | Klutch Photography| Vancouver family photographer

" I want to make some money for candy!" says as my youngest as she storms into our room at 7:15 am in the morning bolting open the door.

My first thought is WHY THE FUCK are you awake right now on a Saturday morning?  I almost always have to wake you for school each morning to get you there on time. Seriously child!?

"I will shovel the snow for 18 dollars, deal?" she's quite confident and was almost telling me as a matter a fact!

"Bahahaha, Ahh... NO!" I reply like I'm bartering with a street vendor in Mexico. "5 dollars, take it or leave it"!

"Fine, but that's not going to buy me enough candy!" as she jumps into my arms in bed.

Here's the thing, I don't pay for chores. They make their beds, clean bathrooms, vacuum, dishwasher, garbage etc. and it's all part of life without being paid for it!  Helping out allows them to enjoy the OTHER amazing things that we provide for them, like going to Mexico this spring break (hence why she wants some cash to buy candy for the flight). Doing life chores that are skills they will need to have as an adult should not be "paid" to accomplish. 

But I will pay you for "other chores" such as picking up other peoples inconsiderate dog poopings left on our lawn!  And, in this case, shovelling snow! I also pay for grades because, for me, this is your real job for the next 10+ years. 

Hard work never hurt anyone and I love her spirit to make money because she's also asked to remove the poop for cash! YUK but good for you here's the gloves and a shovel, go make that poop rain on the street! I feel this is a character trait that not many kids have these days, a willingness to do the job, good old fashion grit. So I was proud of the high price initial offer and the will to get it done!  I might tip her with a little extra for her entrepreneurial spirit!

#workingforit

#grit

#lifeunscripted

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