What is this? Five days without a post? Pretty sure it’s also been five days since I last did any sort of exercise. C’est la vie. In other news, I actually took down my Christmas tree this morning {not joking}.

Anyway, I’m gonna catch you up on my visit!

Rewind: Dallas left in the early afternoon on Friday for a military exercise, and he wouldn’t be back until Sunday. My Dad’s first plane coming in from Alberta was canceled, and he was re-routed to Victoria…5 hours late. Boo. Landing at almost 7pm on Friday, we drove straight back to Nanaimo, having dinner at about 9:30pm. Ever been to Blue Ginger? I had the red curry vegetables, and Dad had green curry. We looooved it! I would have taken pictures, but it was dark in the restaurant, and for the most part I’m still awkward about whipping out the DSLR in restaurants. Oh wells.

When we got home, Dad put his coat on the couch and BOOM! Mowzers laid claim.

She really enjoyed having a new house guest.

The next morning was kind of a crummy day, so we hung out at the house. I made Nanaimo Bar Baked Oatmeal for breakkie, and Dad loved it so much that we went to the mall so he could buy his own mini stoneware ramekins. {Yay for sales at Winners!!}

Lunch was at the Longwood Brew Pub. Since we sat near a window with good lighting, I actually snapped a pic for you guys with my iPhone. At least I can be somewhat discreet with my camera phone, as opposed to the DSLR

Anyhoo, I ordered the house-made veggie burger with ketchup & mustard instead of the feta & mayo. Soup on the side? We both ordered the squash & zucchini puree. Soooo impressed with this whole meal! It was amazing! We were both happy with our lunches.

Since it was still crummy outside, we headed back home after wandering around the mall. Earth Hour was at 8:30pm, so we decided to play Canadian Monopoly by candle light. I made my Stone-Baked Tropical Sweet & Spicy Pizza, and we shared drinks.

As Earth Hour approached and my pizza baked, I searched frantically for the BBQ lighter. Why is it always visible only when I don’t need it?? I had six candles lined up, but sadly we had to keep one light burning. We tried, though. And everything else was turned off.

I was kicking ass at Monopoly, but one of my major faults is feeling bad for the other person playing when I start to win. It’s like I hate winning! I didn’t put houses or hotels on my properties, but my Dad put them on his. As luck would have it, he still landed on all of my properties, and I always skipped over all of his. And then the luck turned…my Dad showed no mercy. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have, either. Dad won. lol.

We went to bed at about 1am. I do believe that was an excellent Earth “Hour.”

Sunday was beautiful! A little chilly, but we could see the sun! So we decided a walk on the waterfront was a good plan. I thought I got a picture of Dad without his sunglasses, too, but it looks like the other picture didn’t take. Oh well. Here’s my Dad!

And me! So thankful to be out in the sun.

We walked along the harbour, as a lot of seals tend to approach in hopes of being fed. Only one was there, but he came up suuuuuper close to us! I love how there were so many people there, and he had no fear. He just looked so relaxed.

This is how we should enjoy wildlife!

For a late lunch, we headed to Amrikko’s and indulged in some more curry. I had the mixed vegetables. Amrikko’s has never disappointed, and this meal was no exception! It was so flavourful, and the veggies had a perfect texture. Not too crunchy, but not at all mushy. Loved this lunch! Totally hit the spot.

We went home and enjoyed a few drinks to relax. We’d walked all through the harbour and downtown, totaling almost 3 hours on foot! Mowzers enjoyed some more snuggles. Look at that face!!

Dallas came home at about 8:30pm, and he and my Dad finally met! They talked a lot and really liked each other, but I wasn’t surprised. I knew they’d get along, and they have a lot of the same interests.

Dinner was Oh She Glow’s baked butternut squash mac & cheese, with broccoli and zucchini tossed in! Still one of our favourite meals. The rest of the evening was spent visiting and watching TV. OH! And I made some more of our favourite beer bread for Dad to take home!

Monday was our last day together. Since my birthday is coming up, Dad gave me a card and a present and we went to lunch together {Dallas had a lot of homework to do after a weekend of work, so he stayed home}. We went to Firehouse Grill, where they have a fusion menu of sushi and burgers. Dad had claimed to not be a fan of sushi, so I knew that at this restaurant, we would both be happy with our menus. But when Dad saw the sushi menu, he decided to be adventurous…and he ended up loving every bite! Watching him learn to use chopsticks was quite funny.

I ordered the Malaysian Roll {with tempura tofu *dies*}, and we shared another veggie roll. We both really enjoyed our meals, and Dad is really excited to eat sushi more often.

The rest of our day was a lazy one. It was crummy outside again, which was a bummer because we had planned to visit more family up-island. But we hung out at the house and had a good visit anyway. Mowzers was happy to have more snuggles, of course.

Dallas came out of the office to have dinner with us. I made another Oh She Glows favourite: Creamy Avocado Pasta with broccoli & sauteed mushrooms. Sooo good! Of course there wasn’t a clean bowl left.

Tuesday morning {yesterday} I got ready for class as Dad packed up his things. Our Uncle Darryl came to pick him up, as my class prevented me from being able to take Dad to the airport. I made Dad my Peanut Butter & Jam Cookie Oatmeal for breakfast, and sent both of them off with chocolate truffles. Dad now has a whole bunch of healthy recipes to make at home!

I miss Dad already, and was sad to say goodbye. A trip to Alberta soon? I definitely hope so.

Hope you all had a great weekend, foodies! I know I did 

peace, love, food, & family <3

Char, xo