Thursday, March 22, 2012

Iona Beach March 19,2012

During spring break Darren has had to work a bunch so Sam & I have kept busy. But in between it all when Darren does come home for short periods of time we have tried to make the best of it. So on Monday Darren was coming in at lunch time. So Sam & I gathered up his bike, and Bronwynne to head out to Iona beach and meet Darren. Once we met up Sam hopped on his bike and Brownwynne was just pleased as punch to be included in the activity and see Darren I thought she was going to hop out of the window when she saw him.
We walked the jetty right out to the end, it was quite windy but refreshing. A few people were out, at one point we couldn't see a soul. I did manage to bring my camera thinking I would snap a few pictures. Well wasn't I sorry that I didn't have a variety of lenses. There were a couple of eagles and it truly was a sight to be seen.

PICTURES 



Trip to the Vancouver Aquarium March 15,2012

Sam & I were invited along with some friends to go to the aquarium. I will admit right now we had not taken Sam to the local aquarium. We have been to other but, it just didn't seem to draw our attention. So this opportunity arose and Sam & I sought it.
Our friends Shannon and her boys Jacob & Brady all headed down amongst the craziness of all the traffic headed into town,the downpour of rain and more rain and  the drive along hastings and its colourful surroundings. But, alas we arrived and headed into the aquarium. The draw for spring break was BABIES from all of the creatures. As we arrived through the doors Shannon suggested we get in line for the 4D Happy Feet Movie, glad we did it only got busier. The movie was a hoot, a small clip from the movie was shown along with wind, spritz of water, bubbles and vibrating chairs were a part of the full 4D experience. At the end of the movie we wandered through the many fish and more. We made an appearance outside to watch the dolphin show and hit the touch a feel stations . A wonderful assortment of experiences we had by all.

A FEW MORE PICTURES

Thanks Shannon, Jacob & Brady









Tuesday, March 20, 2012

March Madness March 12,2012




Darren & I had the honour of hosting March madness, if you have no idea what I am referring to let me enlighten you. We have many family members sharing the same birthday month. Uncle Dale, Uncle Dave, Auntie Pauline, Rachel, Grandpa & Hunni's anniversary in addition to Darren & myself.
We try to plan a dinner that was flavourful yet not taking away from enjoying our guests. We planned and made quinoa salad, broccoli salad, green salad, salmon en papillote, garlic roasted potatoes, baked yams and for desert we baked peanut butter cups in a jar  with strawberries and whipped cream. 
I assume by the empty plates that all went well. Darren & I were pleased and would make the salmon en papillote again.







We hope that everyone had a wonderful evening. 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Jill's Surprise Party March 10,2012

We had a chance to honour one our friends Jill. She is one of the first to turn 40 this year. We thought we would start the celebrating with a surprise party.
Just a little background on Jill. She is a our friend that keeps us all together. She is always communicating with each of us and manages to keep us all in the loop. She is kind, generous, always up beat and so much more. So this was our opportunity to celebrate her.
We had planned an italian themed meal as Jill enjoys chicken and pasta. Jodi let us have the party at her home. All the girls were kind enough to help put the party together. Which included a chocolate fountain, champagne flutes filled with prosecco and strawberries for a toast. Homemade deep dish lasagne,pasta, chicken parmigiana. A selection of meats, cheeses and olives. Dessert was an ice cream cake decorated with a bottle of La Scala(drink or choice when Jill was younger. LOL)

We had an enjoyable evening reminiscing and celebrating.

Hope you had a wonderful evening Jill! Happy Birthday.

Darren was also kind enough to put together a video attached below.















Thursday, March 15, 2012

Greaves Family February 5,2012

I was asked to come a take some photographs for our dear friends. We had scheduled and rescheduled but , finally we had a date!
Then I began to think about it and get quite nervous. I never like letting my friends down. I appreciate when they give me the opportunity to capture their families.
So Sam & I ventured out the day before so I could familiarize myself with the park closest to them and a few other options. Sam is such a trooper, I'm sure he would think it strange if I didn't have the camera shoved in his face. He was more then willing to assist me in the quest. It was great weather a tad cool but decent light in my opinion. Here is a link to those pictures.
And the same happened for the following day. The initial part of the pictures were to capture their daughter Maya in her traditional Japanese kimono. I loved how her grandmother dressed her with such attention to detail and was overjoyed that I was their for the actual act of dressing. I still flounder around with indoor light and continue to hone skills on both accounts but this is not my strength. After we completed this half of the shoot we wandered down the street to their local park. Well what a hoot. It is a true pleasure spending time with all of them and they were game for a few things that we tried successfully and some not quite so.
I asked them just recently if it was okay to share a bit and they gave a nod of approval.

On a side note I asked Darren to throw together a little video. The entire time I was photographing them I had this darn song stuck in my head so Darren put it to good use.

ENJOY!

Thank you Greaves Family you are the best.