One more goodbye

Sometimes it's hard when you get what you wish for. The grandma we knew had not been there for a long time, but still when the time for the final goodbye comes, it is so hard. Good bye grandma, we will miss you and your gentle presence. Thank you for believing in us all, for loving us unconditionally, and for supporting our every endeavour. We are so happy that the two of you are together again. We love you both.

Life throws a curve ball...

Just a quick note to let anyone who reads this blog know that there won't be any postings on Dreaming in the Orient for a while. Unfortunately, we have had to withdraw from our planned ten weeks teaching in China. I need to deal with a medical issue, and would rather do it in Canada than in China. I plan to leave the Orient blog up, and hopefully there will be pictures and postings sometime in the future!

Showered with love

On a sunny Saturday morning, all the relatives gathered to welcome the newest addition to the family. There were lots of helpers as the gifts were being opened. The oldest took careful note of who gave which present, and the only male in the crowd (besides the man of honour) was VERY interested in what was in each package, especially the ones which didn't contain clothing!
Continuing on a theme of owls, part of dessert was owl cupcakes. Thanks, talented second cousin in law (I think that's what you are)!
The boy loves to be held, and there was no shortage of volunteers to keep him happy. He's content here in Great Auntie's arms...
and the out of town grandma had the magic touch. I am not sure if out of town grandparents have the same privileges as do out of province grandparents. We'll have to consult the manuals!
There were so many beautiful gifts for the lucky young man and his parents. And, just because his dad has absolutely nothing to do, there was even a gift which requires assembly.
The two token males had some bonding time. (Note the matching striped shirts) I think they will be great buddies eventually.
In spite of some protests, we were able to take a four generation picture. We will have to make sure we have an opportunity to take one with the two girls from the east too. They would have loved this party!

All in all, it was a fun time. The older I get, the more I realize that we need to celebrate all occasions. There is nothing as important as family and friends.

October Celebrations

What to do when the two kiddies' birthdays are one week apart? Have a joint birthday party of course. With a Buzz Lightyear theme for the three year old, and a Bubblegum theme for the one year old, the place was hopping. Look at these great cake creations, made with love by mom.
It was hard to know which way to look, with presents for both and cousins all over the place. All the gifts were great hits for the boy, but I don't think his one year old sister cared what she opened!

After burgers and hot dogs, it was on to the cake. Here the birthday boy is enjoying his Buzz Lightyear cupcake.
And here the birthday girl is diving into her very first chocolate birthday cake. No...she wasn't allowed to have any of the bubblegum.
The next weekend it was Thanksgiving. Mr. Vipond welcomed the guests (that is a Vipond hat). We missed our cousins from the east.
Grammy got to hold her newest great grandson. No turkey for him - he spent dinner time staring at an overhead fan.
Daddy, I thought I was your baby! She couldn't quite figure this one out.
Grandpa and the boy played a Busytown game for part of the time.
Notice how she is always totally undressed for mealtimes? She ate some of her Thanksgiving dinner while in her chair, then finished up on the floor, cleaning up some of what she had thrown overboard. The little bit of ice cream in the cone was a big hit.
The youngest pooped out a few times, first with mom...
and then with dad.
The weather this Thanksgiving weekend was glorious. No need for fires, long pants, or hats. We celebrated the fact that we were all together, but not far from our minds and hearts were those who were not with us. We miss them all dearly.

Happy Birthday Six Year Old!

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