All we wanted was a nice anniversary shot of us on our date with this gorgeous view behind us but instead we end up with a bunch of goony close-ups with my stupid bargain sunglasses. It was a fun and sweet and memorable evening all the same. Love you baby.

We had the pleasure of my Mom and Ruben's company for a week and a half before they returned to their Ontario home. They absolutely LOVE BC and it was so cute to see them 'on tour' together. I miss them soooooooo much already. Some cool memories not pictured below...
Emily laughing out of control while watching her grandparents play her Godzilla video game against each other.
Waking up from my birthday afternoon nap to find our driveway gorgeously adorned with newly planted flowers and a hanging flower basket thanks to my sweet mom and daughter.
Tommy practically leaping out of my arms whenever he noticed Ruben's lap was free to sit on.
Emily mentioning to me one afternoon: "I really like your mom, mom, I mean, I really like her".
Ruben's favorable response when introduced by Steve to his favorite band: "The Pixies" and a household staple film around here: "The Big Lebowski".

Emily ran her new kite from Papa Ruben around the yard day after day, waiting impatiently for the slightest hint of a breeze to find it's way to the baking hot coast last week.

Canada Day at the Farmer's Market. Bannock covered sausage for Steve and the kids. Chili smothered in curry relish and other heartburn inducers for me and my mom. Live music for Ruben. I really adored listening to the Johnny Cash wanna-be.

Fairly self-explanatory. One evening at dusk, Ruben and Steve tried their hand at fly-fishing, but it was Emily, in her single-mindedness, that would bring home something for mommy to freak out about. The vile frog and overgrown tadpoles spent a couple of days in our pool before the frog became hungry and his younger counter-parts disappeared-SIIIIIIICK. He was given back to nature and the pool scrubbed vigorously shortly there-after.

Thank-you to my husband, my daughter, my son, my mom, Ruben and The Guangdong Middle School Experimental Choir from China for making my 30th birthday a day to remember. Emmy and I got dressed up while Steve stayed home with Tommy so the rest of us could browse shops "hands free" all morning. The neighbor kids brought me a flower that Em made into a painting. I mentioned that my mom and Emily went to great lengths to beautify my once ugly driveway. Later Steve brought home a perfect feast that I enjoyed looking at mostly because my prego heartburn was making my head explode. Then Steve and I left for the Arena where we were entertained and stirred by these beautiful faces and voices at Powell River's International Choir Festival.

Off to Lund on the final eve of their stay. A teeny harbour community a bit north of Powell River where Ruben spotted a Mexican restaurant that he wanted to take me to for my birthday-sweet. After dinner, we strolled about the docks, digesting the salsa and the scenery before seating ourselves on the deck of Nancy's Bakery. A slice of rhubarb/berry pie with ice cream, a couple of forks, some local musical talent and the sun beginning to set in the distance seemed all too perfect an ending to our unforgettable time together.

Manitoba 2006

A breathtaking 7 am flight from Powell River to Vancouver

Steve liked the train in Altona

Uncle Ryan's old helmet fits Emily

She swam for 6 hours on Father's Day

Rosenort Parade with Grampa, Gramma, and Auntie Prego

Emily and Alex loving every minute of their annual playdate

Ryan's old helmet also kinda fits Steve

Wendy-artist by trade-(Heather's Mom), as well as her husband Ron, have always had a very special touch with Emily, and now Thomas

Those mirrors are always the highlight of any museum

We discovered Ryan under a pile of work at his desk somewhere downtown Winnipeg. We were then given the grand tour of his new biz and found the knitting machines amusing

Happiness is Father's Day at the Plett's in the new gazebo with matching father/son shirts

Thanks to all my aunts, uncles, and cousins who were kind enough to meet us at Grandma's in Altona last week! Especially to Aunt Rose who chauffered most of the gang in and then sent us each a cd full of pics. I refuse to believe that her daughter Katie (in the sassy t-shirt) who was 6 years old when she acted as my flower girl, has just graduated from highschool! Again-many many congrats! I threw in the last pic because our kids are nuts, and we're nuts to think we can handle another one.

Thank you for taking this pic, Joe. It's definitely one of my favorites of Tommy ever!