Flashback 2012 - Sisters Vacation Canada

A couple of years ago my sisters and I started a yearly event called our "Sisters Vacation." Each year one of us gets to choose the place of travel and takes responsibility to make arrangements for the group. Last year we went to Los Vegas and this year...Tadaaa...It was my turn to choose our place of travel and make all the arrangements. So I chose...Victoria, Canada! I LOVE that place...I have been several times and I think that even if I went there once a year I would not tire of it. It's a beautiful, easy to travel city, with lots to do and see.



My sisters

The other thing that I love about Victoria is that it is a very 'walkable' city. I really enjoy going to places that I can explore by walking  the downtown areas, checking out quaint, unique shops and boutiques. If you haven't been to Victoria, then you must add it to your list of places to go...You will so enjoy it. This year I wanted to experience Victoria with my sisters. I knew that they would love it.



So I made all the plans and arrangements...And by the way you can get some great combo packages that include the ferry ride, hotel, tour options etc. We began our sisters vacation by meeting at my house and enjoying a couple of days hanging out in "my city." How fun! We went shopping, sightseeing, cooked together, and other such stuff.






The beautiful Butchart Gardens

Then we took a ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria...We spent the next 3 days exploring...We took a tour of the beautiful Butchart Gardens...A must see! We walked the downtown area, took in a jazz show at our hotel and ate at many restaurants. We made some fun and unforgettable memories.

You know every family has what I call it's 'funkiness,' and differences. And mine is no different. But I am so glad that we started this annual "Sisters Vacation." I look forward to it every year. It has been a great time of bonding for my sisters and I. The whole process of trusting God for all the necessary funds, deals, and travel arrangements...Talking on the phone, working out details and anticipating  our time together...All of these things have really added to our relationship.

View from our hotel room balcony! Beautiful

(Of course, we make sure to keep this trip short enough so we don't work each others nerves...you understand, right!) These girls are so funny! I am constantly laughing at/with them. Melinda is sooo bossy (I mean that in the nicest, funniest way, she knows she is bossy)... and we have to make sure that we don't lose Charlotte somewhere, because she just doesn't always pay attention to what's going on.

The historic Empress Hotel

These girls could both be comedians!! My goodness, they kept me in stitches laughing! For real! I am the more serious one of course because I am the oldest. So I am there to keep them in line:)...But really, I love these girls and always enjoy our time together. We are already planning and looking forward to next year's trip!!

We make our trip work by (1) mutual respect for one another and by respecting each others values and opinions (we don't have to agree)...(2) By doing things together on our trip...(3) And by scheduling time for each sister to have some independent 'me' time where she gets to do what she likes...It works.

So I want to encourage you to take the time to make some memories with your family...Focus on what you have in common and start there. Everyone has differences...Don't let them stand in the way of what could be a great memory together...

Sandra