For the first time since moving out west, we have had a Palter family vacation.

Figuring that now that we were only 13 hours apart by car (only?), we planned to meet brother Frank and his family somewhere between Edmonton and Vancouver. We decided on Kelowna. Well, actually La Casa Resort and Cottages, near Fintry, BC.

We rented a lovely cottage/home (pictured below, on the left). It was newly built and very comfortable and perched atop a hill overlooking picturesque Okanagan Lake and surroundings.

The facility was lovely and kid-friendly, featuring a pool, tennis courts and playground.

One day, Ben and I hiked down to the lake and back up. Based on my GPS, it was about 500 feet of elevation and a pretty good workout.

It had been a couple of years since the twins had seen their Vancouver cousins so we were all very excited for the time together.

Like all cottage vacations with kids, much time was focused on planning, preparing, eating and cleaning up from meals. We had some good comfort food and some nice wine.

A couple of days were so warm that we were able to eat breakfast out on the deck.

Leah was stuck to her cousin Ella the whole time. It was so sweet. And it made life easier for her parents – all they had to say was that Ella was doing it and Leah was agreeable.

LA found some Miami ribs in Westbank and we were treated to LA’s famous spicy ribs for dinner.

Even though she had to squeeze in some work, LA was having a nice time on vacation.

But the highlight of the trip was the jetski trip. Frank got this idea that we should rent something with a motor. Ben wanted an ATV, but that’s way too dangerous. So we opted for jetskis. I did some quick research and found a rental place just down the road at the Lake Okanagan Resort.

We had a blast. LA won the speed race with a top speed of 70 km/h – with a kid on board. (Next time, Daddy takes the kids and Mommy can ride alone at 82 km/h.)

Second place in the fun category for the kids was the floating trampolines.

In the end, the most amazing part of an extended family vacation is the shared experiences that connect the cousins for the rest of their lives.

Postscript: Each time we take a vacation, Ben finds a way to hurt himself. Usually, the injury involves his sweet face – and this trip was no exception. His left nostril and cheek were scratched, but I think he will live.