This past week has been tough. While everyone else was enjoying everything the Christmas holiday entails (turkey dinner, wrapping and opening presents, playing in the snow), we were in and out of the hospital.

Travel has taken its toll on our relationship as well as on our daughter. I feel for those of you who have to hold down the fort while your spouse is away, often times for weeks on end. It's a tough job and I'm so thankful that this past work trip Chris took was the last one.

This year I was able to share our favourite Christmas tradition with four lucky winners by gifting them seasons passes to the Vancouver Christmas market. Chris and I have gone to the market every year since we met and we look forward to it every Christmas.

I always thought that perhaps a relationship is supposed to just "work".  You shouldn't ever fight, have differences. They should never make you mad or even make you cry. But after gaining some life experience I honestly call bullshit on that.

August is perfect for heading to outdoor pools. These cooler temperatures mean less crowded pools, more shade and many more pool visits for us! If you don't mind taking the kids out in the evening it's a beautiful time to hit an outdoor pool.