Sunday, January 30, 2011
New Years Day 2011
Happy New Year! We enjoyed a nice family breakfast at chez Bob, and Jen and the family were back over first thing to enjoy the meal with us. Uncle Bob enjoyed having lots of little ones in his midst, and the twins made themselves comfortable in his lap again, adorning pjs and slippers. As a group we decided to head to the Vancouver Aquarium. Bob stayed behind and the two families packed up and hit the road over to Stanley Park. The kids loved looking at all the sea life. I enjoyed the difference in species that were highlighted in such a place. The focus was of course on Pacific Northwest sea life, which can be vastly different than what we experience on the East Coast. I marveled at the sea horses, Gabriel loved the massive fish, and Zoe just enjoyed holding Liam up to see whatever was there to show. I think she was more excited about playing Mommy than any sea creature could provide.
The day went by so quickly and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to the other Lavoie family as they needed to get back home to Vancouver Island. The twins were elated when Jennifer and Andrew were gracious enough to let them pick a souvenir from the gift shop as a fun take home memory of the experience. Hugs were exchanged by little people as well as us big people and it was time to say goodbye. Our family headed back to Bob's and we were ready for some dinner. We decided to head out on foot so the twins could really experience the city at night - it's the largest city they have ever been in, and it was so exciting for them. Uncle Bob took them to a Chinese supermarket, which even had me marveling at the extensive fresh seafood collection including giant clams and a fresh fish tank. Then it was off to The Old Spaghetti Factory for supper. What a small world! It is the exact same restaurant as the one in Downtown Louisville, only this was the original! The twins enjoyed holding Uncle Bob's hand as we strolled down the Vancouver streets, and I was amazed at how well they ate dinner - great choice Uncle Bob! The dinner was incredible. With stuffed bellies, we headed back home and it was already time to start packing up for tomorrow's journey back home. Ken and his dad once again enjoyed a nice evening of conversation. Ken is so impressed with his father's knowledge of business and people. He is very proud of what his dad has accomplished and he was so glad to get to spend this time with him. Both of us wish we had more time to glean from him and I, too, was very happy to share this experience. I honestly don't think the visit could have gone any better and I am so thankful we had the opportunity.
The next morning had us up to finish packing and head over to the Sky Train to hitch a ride back to the airport. But before we did that, Bob and Ken headed out to find Vancouver souvenirs for the twinkies. It was so kind and thoughtful of Bob to want to do that for them. Zoe and Gabriel loved their matching Canada hoodies and Vancouver t shirts. They both wore them on their first day back at school in Kentucky. It meant so much. We said our goodbyes and thanked Bob for a wonderful Vancouver experience. The twins exchanged hugs and kisses with him, and let him know that they loved him. Ken and I said our goodbyes and I love yous as well and it was time to go. We were off to the airport for a long afternoon and evening of travel.
We arrived back in Lexington very late, with every one safe at home, and truly exhausted. I am so thankful to God for our amazing Canadian Christmas. Thank you for sharing our experience. I will be posting several pictures of the last few days for everyone to enjoy. May your 2011 be blessed abundantly with health, happiness, and the kind of wealth that cannot be captured with a dollar sign.
With Love,
The Lavoies
The day went by so quickly and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to the other Lavoie family as they needed to get back home to Vancouver Island. The twins were elated when Jennifer and Andrew were gracious enough to let them pick a souvenir from the gift shop as a fun take home memory of the experience. Hugs were exchanged by little people as well as us big people and it was time to say goodbye. Our family headed back to Bob's and we were ready for some dinner. We decided to head out on foot so the twins could really experience the city at night - it's the largest city they have ever been in, and it was so exciting for them. Uncle Bob took them to a Chinese supermarket, which even had me marveling at the extensive fresh seafood collection including giant clams and a fresh fish tank. Then it was off to The Old Spaghetti Factory for supper. What a small world! It is the exact same restaurant as the one in Downtown Louisville, only this was the original! The twins enjoyed holding Uncle Bob's hand as we strolled down the Vancouver streets, and I was amazed at how well they ate dinner - great choice Uncle Bob! The dinner was incredible. With stuffed bellies, we headed back home and it was already time to start packing up for tomorrow's journey back home. Ken and his dad once again enjoyed a nice evening of conversation. Ken is so impressed with his father's knowledge of business and people. He is very proud of what his dad has accomplished and he was so glad to get to spend this time with him. Both of us wish we had more time to glean from him and I, too, was very happy to share this experience. I honestly don't think the visit could have gone any better and I am so thankful we had the opportunity.
The next morning had us up to finish packing and head over to the Sky Train to hitch a ride back to the airport. But before we did that, Bob and Ken headed out to find Vancouver souvenirs for the twinkies. It was so kind and thoughtful of Bob to want to do that for them. Zoe and Gabriel loved their matching Canada hoodies and Vancouver t shirts. They both wore them on their first day back at school in Kentucky. It meant so much. We said our goodbyes and thanked Bob for a wonderful Vancouver experience. The twins exchanged hugs and kisses with him, and let him know that they loved him. Ken and I said our goodbyes and I love yous as well and it was time to go. We were off to the airport for a long afternoon and evening of travel.
We arrived back in Lexington very late, with every one safe at home, and truly exhausted. I am so thankful to God for our amazing Canadian Christmas. Thank you for sharing our experience. I will be posting several pictures of the last few days for everyone to enjoy. May your 2011 be blessed abundantly with health, happiness, and the kind of wealth that cannot be captured with a dollar sign.
With Love,
The Lavoies
New Years Eve in Vancouver
On Friday, December 31st we said goodbye to Terrace and headed for Vancouver. We couldn't have asked for a better visit with everyone in Terrace. The twins gave hugs and kisses to Grandma and once again Ken and I thanked her for such a wonderful visit. Then we were off to beautiful Vancouver. I must say, it was nice to disembark the plane and feel the relative warmth of coastal air. The sun was shining and the snow was gone. A day in the mid 40s was a welcomed change to my perpetual frozen fingers. The twins were excited to ride the Sky Train to Ken's dad's home. The Sky Train is their subway system, which is often above ground, and puts the NY Transit System to shame when it comes to its pristine condition.
Uncle Bob (that's what the twins called Ken's Dad) was waiting for us as we stepped off the Chinatown stop. It was so good to see him after three years. Ken looks so much like him, and I was amused to watch them interact throughout the evening and discover so many similar personality traits and physical nuances they shared. I could see the genuine gladness that existed as they shared conversation and enjoyed catching up and sharing stories.
Bob's home is breathtaking. Nestled on the 33rd floor of a Vancouver high-rise, the ultra-modern condo boasts a balcony that wraps around the majority of his home and is sure to make most people a little weak in the knees when enjoying the view from his glass-enclosed deck. It is amazing. The twins loved that they had their own room complete with two twin beds. As most young people do, they camped out in the walk-in closet and claimed it as their special place. Loving the big city as I do, I felt right at home looking out over this Olympic city and enjoying the fact that I was spending New Years Eve in Vancouver with family!
Ken's younger sister Jennifer and her family (husband Andrew and her three precious boys Braden, Liam, and baby Nathan) were waiting at the condo when we arrived. It was wonderful to see her again. Our last visit was three years ago when Liam was actually Nathan's age. Braden is 10 and so handsome. He and the twins were excited to learn they all had a DSi to play together, and Braden introduced them to Mariokart. In no time, Andrew had connected them all up together to play the game simultaneously. I love the picture of them all in the floor playing with their little pieces of technology :) Zoe immediately fell in love with three year old Liam and they spent most of the visit hand in hand. She is such the little mother. Baby Nathan was welcomed in July and his baby blues will instantly melt you. Jennifer is such a good mom and it was great to get to catch up with her.
After everyone settled in, Bob and Ken ventured out for groceries at Cosco. We enjoyed pizza and pop, and the kids felt so empowered when Bob let them drink Orange Crush from a wine glass - it's the little things that often make the biggest impressions! We ended up spending a quiet evening at the condo just visiting and letting the kids play together. Jen and the family headed back to their hotel fairly early so baby Nathan could sleep, and it gave Ken a chance to really visit one-on-one with his father. I enjoyed just sitting and taking in their conversation. Bob was so welcoming and accomodating. The twins just jumped in his lap and gave him hugs and kisses goodnight. We all have something to learn from the instant acceptance and happiness children bring to our lives. By midnight, it was just me, Ken, and Bob, and I must say it was ironic to celebrate the new year three hours later than everyone back home in Kentucky. It will be a New Years we will never forget. No big fireworks, no fancy party, just memories that will last a lifetime.
Uncle Bob (that's what the twins called Ken's Dad) was waiting for us as we stepped off the Chinatown stop. It was so good to see him after three years. Ken looks so much like him, and I was amused to watch them interact throughout the evening and discover so many similar personality traits and physical nuances they shared. I could see the genuine gladness that existed as they shared conversation and enjoyed catching up and sharing stories.
Bob's home is breathtaking. Nestled on the 33rd floor of a Vancouver high-rise, the ultra-modern condo boasts a balcony that wraps around the majority of his home and is sure to make most people a little weak in the knees when enjoying the view from his glass-enclosed deck. It is amazing. The twins loved that they had their own room complete with two twin beds. As most young people do, they camped out in the walk-in closet and claimed it as their special place. Loving the big city as I do, I felt right at home looking out over this Olympic city and enjoying the fact that I was spending New Years Eve in Vancouver with family!
Ken's younger sister Jennifer and her family (husband Andrew and her three precious boys Braden, Liam, and baby Nathan) were waiting at the condo when we arrived. It was wonderful to see her again. Our last visit was three years ago when Liam was actually Nathan's age. Braden is 10 and so handsome. He and the twins were excited to learn they all had a DSi to play together, and Braden introduced them to Mariokart. In no time, Andrew had connected them all up together to play the game simultaneously. I love the picture of them all in the floor playing with their little pieces of technology :) Zoe immediately fell in love with three year old Liam and they spent most of the visit hand in hand. She is such the little mother. Baby Nathan was welcomed in July and his baby blues will instantly melt you. Jennifer is such a good mom and it was great to get to catch up with her.
After everyone settled in, Bob and Ken ventured out for groceries at Cosco. We enjoyed pizza and pop, and the kids felt so empowered when Bob let them drink Orange Crush from a wine glass - it's the little things that often make the biggest impressions! We ended up spending a quiet evening at the condo just visiting and letting the kids play together. Jen and the family headed back to their hotel fairly early so baby Nathan could sleep, and it gave Ken a chance to really visit one-on-one with his father. I enjoyed just sitting and taking in their conversation. Bob was so welcoming and accomodating. The twins just jumped in his lap and gave him hugs and kisses goodnight. We all have something to learn from the instant acceptance and happiness children bring to our lives. By midnight, it was just me, Ken, and Bob, and I must say it was ironic to celebrate the new year three hours later than everyone back home in Kentucky. It will be a New Years we will never forget. No big fireworks, no fancy party, just memories that will last a lifetime.
Friday, December 31, 2010
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