We like BIG BUBBLES and WE CANNOT LIE.

In addition to coveting a flash mob (potential 30th birthday gift, PLEASE?!), I have always wanted to try making big bubbles.  I remember seeing them at the beach the summer I was pregnant with Nory and I decided that THIS SUMMER we were finally going to make it happen.  Nory is fascinated by bubbles and I couldn't wait to WOW her with massive ones in our Canadian backyard. 

Phil was well aware of my intentions to create a Lakefield Disneyland out back, however I can't say he demonstrated much confidence in my abilities to do so.  If only he knew me in our university days (#modelstudent).  OBVIOUSLY I researched the HECK out of big bubbles (what do you want to know?!) and was WELL PREPARED to say TOLD YA SO in a couple of hours. 

Based on my research, I wrote down two different big bubble solution recipes and two potential sketches detailing how to create the big bubble wands.  After little hesitation (ha!), I decided to go for the elaborate recipe (more ingredients must lead to success, right?!) and I also decided to go for the elaborate wands because............GO BIG OR GO HOME, people.  With my list of materials and my bubble wand sketch, I began my walk through the town of Lakefield to secure all that I needed to make my BIG BUBBLE DREAMS come true.  Phil sent my Mom along with me for moral support.  I'm telling you, the man sensed DISASTER, foreshadowed by my high-pitched enthusiasm whilst reviewing my list.  "A washer, two eye hooks..........two 12' pieces of dowel......".  HAAA!!!!  Alas, off I went - head high and heart pumping. 

First stop was the good ole IDA.  This is where I picked up the glycerin, which seems to be the "magic ingredient" when it comes to bubbles of gigantic proportions.  I lucked out and found it in the first aisle I browsed (ah-hem, without having to ask any employee for assistance)!  I checked off the ingredient and grinned my way out the door.  THIS WAS REALLY HAPPENING!  I'm not sure I've ever felt this elated leaving the drug store. 

Then it was on to the hardware store.  This is where I met a very kind man named Curtis who walked me through the store and helped me select all the various pieces I needed for the wands.  I could sense he was skeptical of my end goal (#teamphil), unsure if I would be able to assemble the random pieces I purchased into anything that resembled the sketch I carried in my hands.  At one point, he double-checked that I had a saw to cut the dowels into smaller pieces, to which I replied, "I don't think so, but can't I use a steak knife?"  This is where he smiled politely and directed me to the exit with a sincere "GOOD LUCK".  Who knew those flimsy sticks were un-cuttable with kitchen equipment?  NOT I.  

Last stop was Foodland for the remaining solution ingredients.  I floated through the aisles on cloud nine, picking up such things as baking powder, cornstarch and dish soap.  It was all so joyful, right up until I was at the check-out and spotted plastic big bubble wands for $3.99.  That part was a little deflating - coming across as more convenient, time-consuming, and affordable.  BUT, I decided to laugh that one off and keep my eye on the prize.  I was going to have homemade big bubble wands that would be passed down through the generations with my special big bubble recipe.  The afternoon was destined to be AWESOME.

Impeccable placing of this consumer product, Foodland ;)

Upon arriving home, I got crackin' on the solution and then immediately into the wand-making.  Turns out we had to recruit other members of the neighbourhood in the process (#borrowedasaw #andadrill), but it eventually came together and I was ready to put my makings to the test.  I didn't expect to have an audience on trial #1, but when you involve the entire community (ha!), people flock to watch the big moment.  My heart was racing as I dipped the wand into the solution and then nervously drew the sticks towards my chest.  THIS WAS THE MOMENT I had been dreaming of for THREE YEARS....since the summer of 2012....

Here goes my first attempt....Phil's face totally says "all she's going to do is make a mess!"

Now Phil's face is saying, "OMG!  She ACTUALLY DID IT!"

 YES I DID!!!!!!!!

Academics are LEGIT, you guys.  Researching, diagramming, questioning, building......

I still cannot get over Phil's face in that second bubble picture.  He was so proud of me and IMPRESSED!  I felt ON TOP OF THE WORLD ;)

It wasn't long before Nory had to give it a try too:

That face tells me the process was ALL WORTH IT! :)

Here are some more pictures of our AMAZING BIG BUBBLES THAT WORKED!!!!!! 

The bubbles were just as amazing as I remember them being that Summer of 2012.  And turns out I AM JUST AS AMAZING as I was the day Phil married me in Summer of 2010 ;)  Big bubbles are sure to be a Parkinson Summer Tradition :)