Leaf: We hired motorbikes and rode through an amazing national park. They say that entomologists are finding previously undiscovered insect species around here all the time. We stopped at a beautiful village with a creek running through it  and there were butterflies everywhere. It was one of those days for me of pure wonder and thankfulness. (Nam Ha National Protected Area, Laos)

Rae: Morning in the vineyard. We are staying on the most beautiful property, with acres of apple orchard and vineyards all around. (Kelowna, Canada) 

Leaf: A little Cutie with her mama. (Muang Sing, Laos)

Rae: Even the spiderwebs here remind me of my childhood. (Vancouver, Canada)

Leaf: Smiling in the rain. (Huay Xai, Laos)

Rae: Could there be a lovelier place to jump on a trampoline? We are soaking all of this in. (Kelowna, Canada) 

Leaf: We met this baby named Honey and her mum when we crossed the border from Thailand into Laos. (Huay Xai, Laos)

Rae: It was so beautiful at this swimming hole. Canadians think a little swimming in near-freezing water is good for the soul. (North Vancouver, Canada)

Leaf: When we were asked to put our shoes into plastic bags before we got on the VIP bus, I thought "Wow, these guys are really into keeping their bus clean." It soon became clear when I realised that this was a fun 'laying down' bus.  (Huay Xai, Laos)

Rae: There are flowering trees in Canada too, and this one made my heart happy. (Vancouver, Canada)

Leaf: These leaves look much more spectacular close up, but this way you can see my 6 month belly too (which looks huge from this angle). (Pai, Thailand)

Rae: Kai is standing on a hill, but he's getting pretty tall, as you can see. He also really loves his uncle. (My little brother.)  (Vancouver, Canada)

Leaf: This was the first meal we had where we invited someone over (and that someone was Miriam!). I love all the fresh fruit and veggies, and there are even avocados in the market! (Pai, Thailand)

Rae: Chinua and I went on a date that started with a walk, and the very first thing we encountered was a public piano in a park. Of course we were all over it. The late evening light, Chinua's music, the cool air ... I was in heaven. (Vancouver, Canada)