February was a busy month, even with largely sticking close to home. A lot of fun was had, with highlights including the Family Day long weekend, Valentine’s Day and Vancouver Warriors and Canucks games to attend. Here’s what we got up to:

Prior to the annual Regimental Whiskey Tasting at the Beatty Street Drill Hall, our crew convened at the nearby Browns Socialhouse for some pre-game beverages and a small bite to eat. I enjoyed a pair of Stanley Park Parklandia Hazy IPAs, to go with my typical order of Sesame Ginger Gyoza.

As for the whiskey tasting, a favourite event of mine each year I’m able to attend, the five bottles served to us included Kilkerran 12, Lum Reek 21, Reservoir Wheat Whiskey, Aberlour 18, and Laphroaig The Cask Lore. My favourite of the bunch was the Kilkerran 12. Aside from the whiskeys, the rest of the night was filled with a host of various beers and yummy Costco sandwiches to soak up the alcohol.

The next week, we had tickets to see the Vancouver Warriors lacrosse game. A couple months back, Girl Sip participated in a drill while some Warriors representatives were visiting her school, receiving a coupon for two free tickets to a future game. Using another two-for-one pass we had, the Sip Family ended up at the game for one paid admission. And what a night to go, as we chose Wrestling Night, which included some wrestling skits amongst the usual lacrosse chaos. This game was the wildest sporting event I’ve ever been to, with rock bands, wrestling matches, goals and even a fight during the pre-game ceremony/warm up with kids on the floor. The Siplings loved the experience!

Prior to the game, we ate at the nearby Boston Pizza, using gift cards received at Christmas. Over the course of the meal, I had a Fat Tug IPA, Maple Bacon Burger and we finished with the Chocolate Explosion dessert.

Some Valentine’s Day gifts I received included the Spectrum Box of Chocolates Mix Pack (White Chocolate Stout, Milk Chocolate Ale, Mint Chocolate Ale, Orange Chocolate Ale) from Ma and Pa Sip, as well as a collection of beers from Mrs. Sip: Storm Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ale, Storm Pineapple Paradise Pilsner and Silly Pink Killer (pink grapefruit brew from Belgium). I also picked up the Black Fly Classic Cocktail Mixer Pack (Tequila Margarita, Gin Greyhound, Rum Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea) for the Family Day long weekend.

During that weekend, a large portion of time was spent at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre for Girl Sip’s annual ringette tournament. On our day there with two games and a break in between, I hit the concession for some food and drink, enjoying a Crispy Chicken Burger and PoCo Brothers Amber Ale combo.

To wrap the Family Day long weekend, Mrs. Sip and I went to Big Way Hot Pot for a little Lunar New Year meal. It was interesting to try this place, but think I prefer non-broth Asian dishes. We will likely visit again, but I’ll not fill my bowl with so many ingredients, as you are charged based on weight. I also wish the eatery offered adult beverages.

We wrapped the month with a Vancouver Canucks game for the whole family, once again dining at Boston Pizza beforehand. You just can’t beat free kid’s meals that include main, side, drink and dessert! Looking to switch up my order from the month’s previous visit, I went with the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, which was good. I also really like BP fries, going with them over a Caesar Salad, which has often become a substitution for me.

The puts a bow on February. March is filled with activities, highlighted by our spring break getaway to Vancouver Island, where we’ll visit Victoria, Nanaimo, Tofino and other locales we don’t get to see very often.