Lake Swimming and Ketchup Potato Chips

The 4th of July weekend was great! We went up to visit my sister-in-law in Republic, Washington. Since Republic is not that far from the Canadian border, we also slipped on up to Grand Forks for some awesome lake swimming (ok, wading) in Christina Lake and a few ketchup potato chips! :) In addition, I had to pick up a large bottle of black currant pomegranite juice! We also realized that the 14 hour drive and near death experience on the road (we almost hit a deer on the way up and ended up swerving 4 times before sliding into the ditch) was totally worth it when we stopped in Grand Forks for some authentic Russian food. We had Borsch, Vareniky, Pelmeni, and my favorite-Goloubtsy (stuffed cabbage rolls).

Over our few days in Republic, we did some more lake swimming in Curlew lake (I actually did swim this time--even though it was much colder), watched a fun fireworks show over the lake while sitting on the dock, and made sea creatures for Shelby's birthday cake. She turned 10 while we were up there. It is so fun to see the girls grow up so fast. It was a lot of fun.

Russian food is pretty common in Grand Forks because Russians founded the small town.

Lake Christina is one of the warmest lakes in British Columbia since it has a thermal area underneath the lake. However, I didn't find it too warm this trip. I didn't even get in all the way and swim. It is quite nice in August though.


Ketchup potato chips are quite the Canadian treat. If you haven't had a chance to try them, find a Canadian import store online. They are kind of like a salt and vinegar or dill chip, but more of a ketchup taste. Yummy!!!

My sister-in-law lives by this lake in Washington. It is great for swimming or pretty much any type of boating.

The town of Republic is the nearest town to Tammy's house. It is a cute little mining town in the mountains. It takes Tam about 15 or 20 minutes to get in to town.

Shelby's birthday cake with lovely sea creatures. All the kids participated (even some of the bigger kids in their 30s and 40s--proving that making sea creatures is fun for all ages!)