Summer in Victoria

Summer is flying by with lots of changes and happenings.

The last item on the list of renovations and landscaping was to do something with the walk out under the new deck. This is Mom's latest design creation.

Looking out

Looking in.

The grass is all filled in now, and our yard finally looks finished.

Now maybe we'll have time to enjoy the view.

We have had visitors. Stacey brought Scott over for an official introduction and the "neuter for a living" talk. Alicia was up from California as well, so we all went sea kayaking.

It was a perfect day for paddling.

The water was calm and the scenery was beautiful. We saw a sea otter, a seal, and paddled through jelly fish fields with hundreds of jelly fish. Stacey giggled when she got brave enough to touch one.

Looks like a polarizing filter will be on my Christmas wish list - the jellies were much more impressive in real life.

Bryson has toured the northern hemisphere. You'll have to check out his face book page for his adventures on the West Coast Trail, spear fishing with Brandon in St. Kitts, his visit to Cindy and Scott's to see his new nephew in Denver, and his basketball camp at Gonzaga in Spokane.

He did make it back long enough to get fitted for some wedding attire with his bridesmaid sister Alicia. On the way to church we stopped in the park by our house for a few modeling shots.

Bryson is smiling in this pic, cuz he just reminded Alicia that even with 4" heels and her standing on the uphill side, he is still taller than she is.

When Mom learned they had the Hobie mirage drive kayaks that you peddle instead of paddle, she had to get in on the action too. I was no match for her and those long legs, as she beat the pants off me in a race!

We found some calm coves with beautiful arbutus trees.

All the Momma seals were protecting their babies, but this little guy must have been laughing too hard and let us slip in close for a cameo.

Now our thoughts are turning to celebrating with Stacey and Wilson as they join their lives together forever.

Save the date!!!

Create your own announcement

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

For the first time since moving to Canada, the EB has been able to work his (her) magic outside in the yard.

There seems to be a lot more ways to camouflage the colors outside!

Mom tried to beat the kids to the finding, but I held her back.

For Landon and Parker: How many eggs can you find in the next few pictures?

OK, OK, big kids can look too.

It was a good thing Stacey came to visit for the Easter weekend and brought cousin Sydni with her. Otherwise, Bryson might still be out in the yard searching for the rest of the eggs.

At least any unfound eggs wouldn't start to smell up the house in 3 days or create dried out messy presents to find in 6 months when we are looking in that drawer we never open!

(Notice the rock wall and steps Bryson is standing on....your mother added "stone mason" to her list of talents and built it all by her lonesome ~ mixed her own mortar and everything!!)

In the end, they only missed one egg.

As we celebrate the resurrection this weekend and see the renewing of the earth that comes with spring, we are reminded of the hope that comes because of He who sacrificed all for us.

Happy Easter Everyone.

Some scenes from our trip to Butchart Gardens with Sydni.

The First Day of Spring

Every year during the first week of March the city of Victoria and surrounding area counts the flower blossoms to remind everyone in North America the tourist season has begun here.

Here is a link you can paste into your browser for this years results.

www.victoriachamber.ca/news_releases?id=267

Mom did her part.

She still can't quite believe she can have flower pots and baskets out on the first day of spring. (If you look past the deck you can see the heather, a cherry tree and plum trees are also in bloom around the neighborhood.)

These little crocuses were actually photographed on Valentine's Day.

We just thought we would share a splash of color to brighten everyone's day.

Happy Spring Equinox.