Samantha Sewell

On Friday, May 9th, we visited the Heron Glen Park in Vernon, BC. This park is filled with everything a child can want, from a playground, developmentally appropriate for children up to 10 years old, and diggers for the older kids (I say older kids as arms will need to be longer). A large field to run, a basketball court (one hoop), a toy box from the local Optimist Club, and swings! There is even a little free library on site!

P2B is located in Vancouver, BC. We visited on May 7, 2025. Welcomed by happy and warm serving staff, we enjoyed our meal with a view of trees, greenery, and a small glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Excellent food, excellent menu, options for families, including a kids' meal! A must-visit if traveling to Vancouver, BC!

This year, the annual Kelowna Bridal Expo took place on April 12th at a new location: the MNP Place.
It was a day filled with vendor tables, food, merchandise, and prizes. This year, there was even a pop-up dress sale with very affordable and gorgeous bridal gowns! Over 120 vendors showcasing their services, products, and food!
And over $30,000 in door prizes awarded at the event!!
L'Amore Bridal put together a fabulous show again, ending the day with a fantastic fashion show!

The annual Courage to Come Back Awards took place on May 7/2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC. A night full of inspiration and speeches from this year's recipients. The Courage to Come Back Awards are Canada's Largest sit-down gala dinner, with about 1500 people in attendance. This year, the event raised over 9 million dollars for the Coast Mental Health Society. The annual event is one of the ONLY ways to get into the Vancouver Convention Centre as it is closed to the public unless you are attending an event there, in addition, it is the ONLY time you will see the Vancouver Olympic Torch light up blue!

On May 2nd, Hillview School launched its annual carnival, a public event that supports the local school and raises money! This year, the fundraising initiative is near and dear to my heart. They aim to build an inclusive playground and a safer access road for students who attend. The carnival was filled with games and activities for children aged 5 - 12! Including pizza, pop, and snacks for sale and prizes! Special shout out to the Vernon Fire Depot for bringing a fire truck and allowing the children to try on some gear! Wyeth walked away with about $30 in prizes from Num Num's to paw patrol!

On Saturday, April 19th, I tagged along with Sonia & Wyeth, my favourite two little adventures, to the Swan Lake Nursery Easter Egg Hunt.
This hunt was a unique experience, as children were hunting for actual hidden eggs, but chocolate eggs (not plastic ones) that were hidden around the outdoor nursery section of Swan Lake.
They did have a section for children aged 4 and under and a section for children aged 5 and up. We were in the 4-and-under section.
Wyeth was bored and went to discover their playground while Sonia hunted for her eggs.
After the [outdoor] hunt, we moved inside the store and hunted for plastic eggs. It is important to note that the prizes in these eggs turned out to be store products (Wyeth won Kombucha and Sonia won Syrup).
Overall, it was a tiring, fun-filled day for everyone involved!
**Wyeth and Sonia's Parents consent to video and name usuage

On April 26, 2025, I visited the Salmon Trail dog park and trails. When entering Lumby, BC, this hidden gem off Highway 6 is a quiet, beautiful, loop-style trail.
It is the perfect family escape, featuring mountain biking paths, family-friendly walking, hiking, bike paths, scenic views, and a central off-leash dog park area.
Several picnic tables are located just off the path, so you feel like your picnic is away from others. There are beautiful streams throughout the walkway, and during the early fall, guests can watch the salmon river run through the area.
Lined with beautiful, huge birch trees, natural herbs, and flowers, it is full of beauty. All the trails are maintained very well and are easy to walk!

As always, we traveled for an off-season trip! This time to celebrate my birthday at Crazy Creek Resort in the Canadian Rockies! This resort features 2 (2 during off-season, 3 during on-season) hot pools and 1 cold plunge pool. The grounds are also situated on the old land of the town of Taft, BC. Here, you can take a beautiful walking path and explore the ruins of what once was a well-known railway town. As a child raised by a CPR engineer and conductor, the CPR history through the grounds is breathtaking. Pro Tip, stay in the pools until closing (9am) and listen to the audio that starts to play from 8:50 pm - about 9:10...it is worth it (I am not going to spoil the excitement and surprise but I really enjoyed it)!!