The jolly season that passed ...

We are all on the verge of returning to our working lives tomorrow and so I thought I would post some pictures of the lovely season that just passed by...
We are feeling a tad blue today because John and Bay left this morning and the house feels really empty. It was a lovely time we all spent together.

Kai and Jenn

Bay giving a lovely camera smile

Skye with our budding adolescent

Morning blueberry muffins

The morning that had been so anticipated for so long...

Pippin bought Skye a very self-serving present..

Sweet lad!

The aftermath ... Yikes the mess!

Auntie Nancy spoiled us rotten ... we have the extra layers to prove it!

The most anticipated gift in the world - The Tan Tien...

The "maiden voyage"

Lapping up the the glory of Xmas...

The Xmas morning walk ... shedding the lump in our tummies...

The Xmas night meal ... Kids table!

Delicious plum pudding dripping in brandy! Thanks to Sonja...

Waneta in all her beautiful glory on Boxing Day!

John with Jenn's new girl Kate!

Emilie and Carey hosting us for a lovely brunch!

Need I say more...

Lovely shot of John and Bay

We went to visit the "New Pioneers" and saw Zane's new abode...

Asher and Orin

Zane's home built with his sweat and tears...

The interior of Zane's new pad... Still chilly since we had all just arrived!

Asher -- so photogenic!

Warming up at the stove  -- it was a chilly day!

Kai being the "big Boy" got to look after the little ones...

Zena making tea for us in the main communal kitchen

Cristina working out how to feel nice and cozy!

Zane's fabulous omlette!

Yummy breakfast...

Keeping out the riff raff...

Cam! .... The man himself  -- Looking great!

Asher sporting the coat made for him by his dad for Xmas .. wool of course!

Back at the ranch will Jill...

Luca trying his hand at cross dressing!

Another lovely walk!

A stunning Victoria day!

A sweet moment...

Isn't it lovely when a moment is captured that reflects the best in one's children.
This picture speaks to that: compassion, caring, innocence, warmth...
We have to enjoy those moments. Thanks Jill for sharing this lovely moment with us!

As they say: "Take time to smell the roses.."

Halloween on STERIODS

We just went through the thrilling experience of having Halloween on a Sunday night -- this was after an entire week of build up to the event. There were "Creepy Concerts" (at the kid's schools), school Halloween dances and then tonight, the actual event itself.
We took the event on in style and committed ourselves with full gusto to honour the experience in its entirety. Everyone had a great time planning their outfits and "going for it". . .
The first picture is me at my work on Friday with my work partners, Amanda and Jason. We are the three counselors at the school and decided to go for a theme. I will let you guess what it is...
This was Friday morning before heading to school. Kai and Pippin were quite into the dress up routine.
Here we are as a family, tonight all geared up and ready to go trick or treating.
Pippin the wicked witch!
Skye the very delectable lass with a few bucked teeth...
Kai was Tin Foil ... Man!
During one of our "rockin'" moments...
Trick or treating...
Pippin with her ridiculous loot...
The lush herself.
Fun was had by all!
Until next time...