Funky Beibs

I figured out how to upload videos to this blog - does this thing work?! Here is a quick video of us on Christmas. We usually sing songs with the family after we've stuffed ourselves. My bro-in-law had an accordion, for some reason. It was pretty easy to plunk out a tune, we chose Justin Beiber. Enjoy!

Coffe etc

The new term has started and things are very hectic. So I'm thinking back to Christmas vacation, when I had all the time in the world to have snacks and cookies and coffee and watch The Mindy Project from start to finish.

Aren't these the cutest cookies? Almost too good to eat.

And a perfect donut, yum.

And look at this prize pack my hubby won from 49th Parallel Coffee!

And even more treats. This was dinner one night, actually. 

Big Bear

This year Leyna wanted a big bear for Christmas. I found her this BIG bear from Canadian Tire. He was so snuggly and cute, I had some fun times with him before I gave him away. Here's him and the hubs at the store.

He came home and played some violin for us.

And then some flute.

He gazed at our fireplace.

And had a nip of red wine.

He also gazed and our Christmas tree.

And did a little knitting!

Here he is having fun with my hubby's hat.

And then he went for a car ride to Christmas dinner.

Here he is, almost ready for his new owner.

Ta-da!

Christmas 2016

Our first one without Pa. We smiled, laughed, sang, and lifted a glass for him.

The kids are growing up!

But they still love to tear into their gifts.

Me and mumsie.

Slippers from my sis!

My other sis wanted the ones with glasses so I got - different slippers from my sis!

Dessert. I will look longingly at this picture once my tummy stops aching.

Noah got some cyber glasses games thingy? I dunno what it is, but he had hours of fun with it.

Merry Christmas all!

Snowy Vancouver

We've had a lot of snow over the past week, but the rains have finally washed things away.

It's hard to get around in the snow, especially because us west coasters are so not used to it. But it's lovely and sure puts me in the holiday mood. Like this Santa bear head hanging in my tree!

Holiday Heights

On Tuesday we checked out another Christmas event in town, Holiday Heights at the Bloedel Conservatory. We had a lovely dinner beforehand at Seasons in the Park. And look, they have a Ferris wheel!

It was SCARY! Well, scary for us at first, not for the lovebirds behind us.

This is the view from the very top! Once it got going it was not as scary. Then we went inside the conservatory, warmed up, saw some tropical birds and plants, and ran into some friends too. It was a great time.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Last week on our one night off together, we checked out the Vancouver Christmas Market.

It was cold! But I warmed up with a cup of corn. That's right, a CUP OF CORN!

I was having trouble taking non-fuzzy pictures, clearly!

Here are our friends, the Gingerbread Men, singing their set!

And the lovely carousel, that we didn't go on, but enjoyed from afar. A chilly nut, but lots of fun!

Oh Christmas Tree

Our first tree in our new little apartment.

Christmas 2016!

Kensington Craft Fair

Last year I participated in the Kensington Craft Fair.

I couldn't take part this year because of The Spelling Bee, but I did pop by to check out the other vendors.

Look at these amazing knit dolls and bears!

I stopped by to deliver something to my friend April. She collects gifts for a group home whose residents don't have a lot off family. I made them little gift bags with Tim Horton's gift cards and chocolates. I hope they like them!

Crochet Charmander

My friend Ranae asked me to make crochet as a Christmas present for her brother. Here's the photo she sent me for inspiration.

I know nothing about Pokemon! But this was very fun to make, with the yarn from my Secret Friend.

His little tale has flames shooting out the back! I think he's a dragon?

And look, he likes the Christmas tree!

Mother's Tea 2016

Another year, another Mother's Tea at my nephew's Noah's school.

This year, only two sisters could attend, and my mom. I ate their share of goodies.

The gym was all decked out, as usual. They really do put on a great event. And I got to chat with my old friend Daryl, who is one of the assistant principal's at the school.

And of course, I ate a lot of cupcakes and drank a lot of coffee, and also bid on a few silent auction items.

And then we watched the grade 5 boys sing a couple of songs. I made Noah and his buddy laugh by making funny faces at them in the audience. Count on me to be professional!

Dean's Christmas Lunch 2016

Yesterday was our annual Christmas Lunch, that I've been collecting donations for.

I got a total of 26 prizes this year, from many generous businesses and restaurants.

We did our annual trivia game, as well as a jeopardy game. It was a lot of fun!

We also raised about $450 for the United Way - look at these helpful volunteers, aren't they great?

It's such a fun time, I'm glad I can help out each year.