Quick Visit - September 18

I love having family live nearby... Mark's sister Nancy lives 2 hours away, just north of Seattle. Last week Nancy had to pop up to pick up her new passport, and Lucy and I met her and Griffin at Tim Horton's for a quick visit.

It was the seediest Tim's I've ever been in, and I was NOT going to let the kids wander more than 2 feet from us. Despite this, it was delightful to have a coffee together. Wish our schedules, and shorter border line-ups, allowed more visits.

Anne's Bachelorette Party - September 15/16

(pics are in reverse order)
3 weeks before my dear friend Anne's wedding we had a bachelorette party. We started off with some kayaking at Rocky Point Park. 11 women ventured out on the smooth seas of Burrard Inlet, and I had the privilege of sharing a kayak with Miss Bride-to-Be. Carrying her broccoli bouquet (it is her favourite vegetable!), wearing a tiara and pink banner, and with balloons tied to our kayak we set sail. (or paddle? we didn't have sails). As we paddled by the waterfront homes of Alderside road, some people noticed our bridal procession, and yelled out their "Congratulations". Regal in the tiara, Anne would wave back with the perfect royal wave and say "Thank you!", smiling from ear to ear. After the paddle, we made our way to the Westminster Quay, where the party continued in our adjoining hotel rooms overlooking the MIGHTY FRASER River. (You have to say it at the top of your lungs, just like Anne told me her mom taught her.) We enjoyed some beverages (wink, wink) and appetizers, and showered Anne with some beautiful lingerie. It was pretty fun! The whole time we had a musician outside our balcony, 5 floors down, playing his guitar and singing the best songs to set the mood. Anne's buddy Tanya went down and asked the guy to sing a song for Anne, and at 11:55 at night, he serenaded her with "I've had the time of my life".

Sunday morning brought more presents, for fellow bridesmaid Cara Lee who was celebrating her birthday. The bridal party enjoyed a lovely breakfast out, and watched Matron of Honour, Staci's belly move and shift, 1 week before her new baby Lucas was born. (Haven't met him yet, but the reviews I've heard are spectacular!) The countdown is on until wedding day!

Poco Lightning

Soccer season has started again, and Coach Caldwell is leading a team of 10 6year old boys with Assistant Coach Dias. We were all pretty happy that Mark gets to work with 5 of the same kids from last year's team, the amazing Tigers. When Joshua was told of the roster, his response to each name was an arm-pumping "YES!"

So far the boys have played 2 games, and Joshua got to try his hand at goalie. He did pretty well. Mark really does a great job teaching the boys soccer skills and encouraging them to have fun and work as a team.

I am not a very good soccer mom... I was on Orange duty the first game, and arrived late, with bananas! Are there any remedial soccer mom classes?

Our visit with the Jayes

Labour day weekend brought a visit with the Jaye family, in town from Calgary. Shalan and Ryan and Mylene introduced us to beautiful, 5 week old baby Elise. She is a dream baby! She reminded me of our Lulu.

Shalan and I have been friends since preschool - when we were 3 years old. Now our girls are preschool age... little versions of us 30 years ago!

Last day at the beach - August 30

Last Thursday was a gorgeous day... so the kids and I went to Belcarra beach. It was beautiful. Joshua's highlight was finding 2 starfish - which were put into deeper water. The week before 170 starfish were found dead after some people moved them up above the high tide line (so sad!).

Being the explorers, and part pirates that they are, Josh and Lucy found this little cave. They said it would be perfect for pirates! We've had such a grey summer. If only we had had more days like this one!

PNE - August 28

Almost every year we make our way down to the Fair in Vancouver. We really love it! This year we got to see Matt Kennedy perform in the talent showdown. He lost his voice the night before, but still sounded great! He placed 2nd.

We loved the magic show, the Superdogs and enjoying the atmosphere.

Elisabeth the Bride

So our family is involved in 2 weddings in October. My dear friend Anne is getting married Thanksgiving weekend (I'm a bridesmaid), and our friend Elisabeth is getting married the following weekend (Lucy is the flower girl).

Lucy and I were invited to bond with the Bridal party 2 Saturdays ago, and then we had a fun shower for her the next day. Actually the shower was HYSTERICAL! Definitely a good time filled with much laughter.

Pirates of the Caribbean - August 20-24

What have we been up to the last 2 weeks? Lots of busyness.
Ahoy me hardies!: August 20-24 the kids went to "Pirate of the Caribbean" summer kids club at Burnett Baptist church. It was so amazing! The kids loved it. This church transformed the whole sanctuary into a pirate ship, and all the adults were dressed as pirates - and the kids too of course! My children turned into "mateys", said "aargh!" a lot and talked with their mouths full of food. Actually I think they were pretty good at that one before going!

On the last day we had our friends the Douglases over. Josh D., Josh C. and Caleb are clearly pirates in this photo. I think Lucy and Abby were superheroes! We had a great afternoon - complete with buried treasure to hunt and sword fights!