A visit with friends in Ottawa January 22-25,2008

We finally managed to get out and have a wonderful visit with our dear friends in Ottawa. Can you believe it or not son of a pilot had not been on a plane yet so we ventured out on a four hour flight to Ottawa. Sam did wonderfully on the flight and was awake for the majority of the flight. He was pleased as punch in his car seat for the entire ride. Darren was on Daddy duty getting up to refresh Sam halfway through the flight.
Our friends met us at the airport and Sam took right to them. He was in admiration of their newest addition baby Georgia. After a wait for our numerous suitcases(the most I have ever pack for such a short trip). We piled in the van and headed back to their home where Nora was waiting for Sam. It was almost like we didn't have much of a time change as Sam acclimatized himself quite quickly having a bite to eat and off to bed after a little playtime.
The next morning had us loafing around eating another wonderful meal then packing the kids and ourselves up to do a little sledding. Fun was had by all until Sam & Nora had a meltdown seeing Darren & George do competition sledding.
That night George cooked us fine feast of Orange Chicken delicious! Once the kids were down we laughed and reminisced.
We approached the next day with caution as it was slightly cooler, after finally getting out of our PJ's we took the kids to an indoor playground now I don't know who was having more fun the Dad's or the kids.
A final evening of fabulous foods and drink was had as we eased into the day which we headed back home.

Thank you again!

Just thought I would share...

Hopefully this link will work.You just need to click on the title I have been stumbling upon a few crafty ideas and would like to share. So this link should take you to a little heart box that you can print and give to someone who fills you heart up!

Grandpa's Bday January 13,2007

Sunday night we celebrated Grandpa's Birthday. A beautiful roast beast dinner was served in his honor at Donna's home. All the kids were having fun. The older kids spent some time downstairs with the guitar hero then cared for some of the younger ones after dinner.

What's one more dog! January 10,2008

Our friends dog Utah has come to stay with us for a few days. She flew in from Calgary with Darren the other night. Sam is just giddy running up and down the hallway yelling both the dogs names. I don't know if he remembers the other times that Utah has visited us, either way it is nice to have her here. We ventured out to the beach again. I have to say it is a great place for all of us. Everybody runs and plays and then passes out when we return home how much better does that get.

On a side note with all of this crazy weather Sam is getting use out of both his boots. But I have started to test the true motherhood rules. The other day we returned from our outing I just looked and the boots wet and dirty. I chucked it all in to the washing machine. Now prior to Sam I would have never dreamt of putting boots in the machine maybe runners but hey I need it clean and fast! DONE!

Off to the beach January 5,2008

On this gusty January day we headed to the beach. We bundled up and head to the dog park part of the beach even in the blasting wind Bronwynne, Sam, Darren & I had a great time. Just like the Nova Scotia Days! So without further ado here are the pictures.

New Years December 31,2007

A bit late with this post but wishing all of you the best for 2008! Hope you also had a wonderful time ringing in the new year. We had the pleasure of going to Russ & Jill's for the evening. And yes Sam stayed up the whole evening, party animal! I can't honestly say that the ball dropping was the highlight of the evening. There are topics which I am unable to discuss in this general forum but could say the Rob was a highlight of the evening. We did have a report that he was not doing so well the following day but hope he is much better now.

Thank you again Russ & Jill for having us over to ring in 2008.

Christmas Pictures Part II

Christmas @ Grandma & Papa's house. Okay one family photo before heading out for the day!

Hope you had a great Christmas! December 28,2007

We are fortunate to experience Christmas many times over. We spent Christmas eve with Darren's side of the family for a wonderful evening of food and memories. Then Christmas morning it was Darren, Sam & myself, well Bronwynne too! The afternoon evening was at Grandma & Papa's house with Karen, Sarah, Michelle, Georgia and Grandpa George. Now that is what Family is about!

So these first pictures are from Christmas Eve.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas December 24,2007

Sending Christmas wishes to you and your families. I did send Christmas cards but if I missed you it was not intentional. There is the quote "People come into your life for a reason". I feel fortunate that our pathes have crossed whether it may be a short while or a long journey we have met for a reason. So I take this moment to say THANK YOU, I am a bettter person for our time together.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Helping or Hindering? December 18,2007

Last night Darren was finishing up some of the plumbing issues under the sink and what appears but two helpers. Sam was so anxious to help with all the tools it was ridiculous. Bronwynne was just hoping she would find some treats or extra loving.

Late Sunday Evening December 16,2007

Just a few pictures from Sam hanging out on Sunday evening. He runs from the trucks to the cars to Bronwynne. So much to do all before bed!

Birthday Dinners December 15,2007

Last night we had a wonderful dinner to celebrate Mom J & Donna's Birthdays. Darren had previously been in Nova Scotia and did a direct flight home and was able to bring some lobster and mussels with him. So we managed to put together a fantastic dinner of seafood and pasta accompanied by salad and a raspberry pavlova. Hoping everyone had a good time and left with full tummies.

A dinner shot of everyone, then one of the birthday ladies, and finally nephews Kyle & Cameron.

Cookie Exchange December 9,2007

Since we have returned to BC I have been fortunate to continue friendships that I have forged over many years. A group of ladies that I have know since school, have been a mainstay for me. I have been very lucky that way. Needless to say they have a regular tradition of a cookie exchange as you might do with your own friends. I am now able to be a part of this tradition and today was the day to get together have a few laughs and do some catching up before the holiday season takes over.

Thanks ladies!
ENJOY!

Sam turns 2 December 4,2007

Well my baby boy turned two. Very exciting I can believe I have a child some days, he is a true blessing. Well Sam's actual birthday Darren was not home so we were invited to celebrate over at Grandma & Papa's house. We had a lovely dinner and Sam left with a few extra noisy trucks!

The following night Darren was home we had a dinner at our home with Grandma & Grandpa. After dinner Auntie Donna & Brandon stopped by with well wishes and some fantastic books.

Kitchen Update December 2007

Hello all,
Sorry about the delay with all the havoc around here and the drywall dust, misplaced kitchen neccessities I had put my blog on hold but now I am back the kitchen is almost finished there are some details that need to be worked on but basically I am up and running. YAY! I will post a finished picture when all is presentable.

Other than that life is pretty good. I know we have had every form of weather know to man lately due to the fact my doors have been open to get wood, drywall and such back at forth. And it has been cold!

Attached you will find some picture from the snow the other day.

Hope all is well!

Just in case you are wondering... November 19,2007

The saga continues, we have ripped out the old kitchen and Darren is in the process of some plumbing and electrical specialties. Dad J came over to lend a hand. They have started to reinforce where we have torn the wall down. It is very exciting and very messy around here. Just seeing the walls down makes it all better. I will keep you posted.

Bad Blogger November 15,2007

I wanted to apologize for not updating. Life has been crazy around here. We are in the process of starting to renovate the kitchen. Yes I know this is not the best season for a reno but what can you do but make it work. Darren has been busy planning and replanning how the process with come together. I will post pictures when it starts to look promising.

As for some recent pictures. I went out with my nephews who are wiling models as I practice. So without further ado.

Future Pilot??? October 31,2007

So our nephew was searching for a Halloween costume, I loosely threw out "Do you want to be a Pilot?". I was surprised to hear that he would be thrilled. So I dug out Darren's old uniform and Brandon put it to good use! So we never know what our future holds for us.

Lazy Daze November 5,2007

You can tell when Darren is gone for a few days, Sam & Bronwynne have a cuddle on the couch. Today was all about catching up. We had a hectic but fun last week. Sam was Mr. Party up late hours most nights so the last few night have been dinner, bath and bed! BORING! Somebody has to to it though! So here are a few snaps of Sam & Bronwynne.

I am getting to know the speedlight Darren surprised me with for my bday.