HH part deux

In case you thought Mom was getting old, tired and losing her creativity... check out this fun halloween celebration.

Did you see the halloween commercial where the kid comes out of his room in the 3 sizes too small superman costume to his mom saying "it still fits!!"?

Now picture your little brother Bryson coming home from Value Village and putting on the (built for a 12 year old) Avatar costume he just bought. (reminiscent of Brandon's red trap door Christmas footy pajama long johns). Thanks to Mom and her queen of patch skills (and the help of some safety pins, cake die and her glue gun), she was able to salvage the costume (and Bryson's skin tight embarrassment) and transform them into a party going phenomenon.

Zenning with home tree... definite wedding reception blackmail material!

Happy Halloween

You never get too old to carve a pumpkin.

Mom is feeling like it's getting to be too much two against one in the decision making processes around the house. (What do you guys want for dinner? Hot dogs and chile; What do you guys want to watch? Storage wars; What movie do you guys want to go to? Transformers 3)

To even things out, she pulled the artistic card and challenged us to a pumpkin carving contest.

You be the judge. Who has the best jack-o-lantern this year.

(If you pick either of the two on the right, there will be extra goodies in your stockings Christmas eve!)

I thought I would throw in some of Sue's handiwork around the yard. She is really enjoying tending flowers and puttering in her greenhouse all through October.

When autumn comes here on the island, we get some spectacular sunrises as well. Here's a recent one that was worth recording for posterity.

Since you all have been asking, here is the family Christmas name drawing list. We were going to ichat so you could enjoy the anticipation of drawing the names out of the pumpkin, but the carving went too late. Sorry.

As requested it is by family unit this year.

Mom, Dad & Bryson have Alicia & Jessica

Cindy & Scott 1.0 and family have Mom, Dad & Bryson

Brandon & Tamsin have Cindy, Scott and Family.

Alicia & Jessica have Stacey & Scott

Stacey & Scott 2.0 have Brandon & Tamsin

Remember gifts do not have to be purchased, gifts of the heart are often more valuable and memorable. Don't exceed the mandatory ceiling of $50.00 or we will have to call the Gestapo.

Happy all hallows even'

Off the payroll!

Our whole family was able to come together and celebrate with Stacey and Wilson on their wedding day. We are all so happy and excited for them as they embark on their new adventure.

Our family ~ expanded by one. Welcome Scott 2.0

With the help of great friends behind the scenes, everything came together to create a memorable and wonderful day for the happy new couple.

G~mart and Ken male bonding over fabric, lights and garland.

Solving the little dilemma's

We also appreciate the efforts of all who came to support Stacey and Scott. It was great to see everyone and renew relationships.

Romance was certainly in the air

It was extra special that Grampa Prince could be the one to seal Stacey and Scott together forever.

The more spread out we get as a family, the more cherished the moments are when we are all back together. It was wonderful to see everyone. Thanks for all the little things that magically got done to make it a fantastic day.

Good luck Stacey and Scott.

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!!!

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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.