Playing Catch Up

We have had a hectic few months and did not take the time to post our life happenings. So now it's time to play catch up.

January was all about Bryson. 

Basketball

and his friends throwing a Justin Bieber themed surprise birthday party.

At the end of January, Cindy, Scott and their boys also came for a visit and to see the sights in Victoria.

Stacey and Wilson were able to come at the same time, so we made a party of it.

They cheered their little brother on with more basketball

 Played and

 enjoyed some good food.

February was when the hectic fun started. Our house sold, but the house we were supposed to buy and move into ended up with some problems on the inspection. Just like that, we were homeless and living out of a suitcase in the HoJo (Howard Johnson). Yeah. We're trailer trash.

We decided to make the best of it and introduce the sister missionaries to a Prince family tradition.

PIG NIGHT.

The before picture.

They weren't too sure about the no utensils rule of the meal at first.

But loosened up and got right into it after a few bites.

You asked to pass the spaghetti!!

I think I'm still picking cilantro out of my hair.

In the end, it was one of the liveliest, food flingingest pig nights ever.

Whenever we saw the sisters after that, they burst out laughing. 

Go figure.

Even though we were homeless, it's still beautiful in Victoria year round.

To break the monotony, Brandon and Tamsin had to make a trip to Florida and invited us to come meet them. We decided to go for it. Alicia came too.

No trip to Florida is complete without a visit to Disney World,

a stroll with Perry the Platypus,

A family picture,

a nice meal together,

a butterfly

fireworks

and a romantic dance through the gardens.

Then there was Harry Potter World and

butter beer

and gingers on the hogwarts express.

It's so hard to host a birthday when you are far from home. By putting all our heads together we found a way to celebrate with Mom as she hit the big five-oh. 

Who better to help you feel young, vivacious and vigorous than your favorite super hero.

THOR to the rescue.  

Happy 50th Birthday Mom

We see that glint in your eye.

We hope you enjoy your fifty years young remembrance book.

On our return from the family trip, we were able to move into a rental house and step out of the ghetto. After some unpacking and rearranging we are at least comfortable again. We're still looking for a permanent place to put down roots. There's a very strong buyers market developing here in Victoria, so we'll see where that takes us.

June was my turn to blow out too many candles. 

Sue took me on a little getaway to the Swarovski resort in Vernon BC. We left Bryson behind for this one, and met up with our friends Rick and Sue Vermunt for some rest, relaxation and golf.

We had a great time renewing our friendships and getting a taste of the empty nest life stage that is coming.

Bryson was upset when I texted him pictures of the car show vehicles that were staying at the resort.

Then it was grad season. 

Bryson was invited by an older woman to be her escort for graduation. 

They argued over who was arm candy for who, 

but ended up making the front page of the local newspaper when grandma let Bryson drive her beamer convertible to the grad ceremony.

Mom looking great wandering around Hatley park.

As soon as Bryson finished exams, we were able to abandon Mom (right as she got deathly ill with walking pneumonia and lost her voice) and take a trip down to visit Brandon and Tamsin in St. Kitts.

Tamsin took us on a tour of the island.

To the grocery store

and market.

Showed us how the locals live

Offered to get us an appointment with the local witch doctor.

And showed us a swinging good time.

St. Kitts declared a national holiday as the country was hosting an international cricket match. 

We were able to go with one of the local families that B & T knew. 

It's the first sporting event I've been to where they have a lunch break!

Brandon and Tamsin showed us the island life and all the best places to eat,

and golf 

(yes, we are wet. Caught in a tropical rainshower) 

They also took us snorkeling, spear fishing for lobster (that were uber delicious), to play beach volleyball, paintballing with the locals (boys are boys the world around), into their local freinds homes for dinner, picking mango's and touring around the veterinary school and Tamsin's work, visiting the flea markets and local shops, relaxing in the infinity pool in their complex.

We packed a lot into a few days, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the locals side of St. Kitts. 

The best was the last night - it was sea turtle nesting season. Although the nest that was scheduled to hatch didn't, we were still able to see hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles nesting. They wouldn't allow flash photography, so this isn't a great photo, but here is Bryson next to the huge leather back turtle on her way back to the ocean after laying her eggs.

Patrolling the beach in the middle of the night, watching the stars, talking with family, then seeing the circle of life ~ priceless.  

Now you are all up to date.
ps Congrats Tamsin you look absolutely glowing in a baby bump!

Merry Christmas to every one.

Merry Christmas to all.

We love catching up with all our friends and family during the holidays. We've enjoyed all who have come to visit and look forward to seeing others soon. We hope all is well with you and your families and that you take time to enjoy the holidays with the ones you love.

Here are a few photos of Christmas happenings out here on Vancouver island.

Mom's creativity with our yard:

Stacey and Scott were able to come for a visit the first part of December. While they were here, we went out to a local Christmas tree farm to cut a tree.

Stacey wore flip flops as usual, so she had to convince her new sherpa to help her through the wet (not snow covered) grass.

We were able to locate the perfect tree and the boys got to work and carried off their prize.

Then it was home to decorate and get the Christmas spirit started.

It's always a walk down memory lane seeing all the decorations all you kids have made over the years. Stacey made sure the googley eyed reindeer was front and center.

Then it was off to Butchart Gardens. Their Christmas light display and Twelve Days of Christmas is fast becoming an annual tradition.

I think we wore everyone out.

Christmas time also means the start of basketball season. Bryson is starting off the season well. Their team has placed third in the two tournaments so far, narrowly missing a trip to the championship game both times

Helping on defense!

Tonight we are doing the last of the Christmas baking, Mom style.

And now it's Christmas

Happy Holidays to all.