Friday, December 31, 2010
Last Day in Terrace - December 30th
It's hard to believe our last day has already arrived. I knew the time would fly, but it has passed even faster than expected. We had so many places to be today, so it was nice to have a nice hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs for breakfast. Grandma has been so gracious to wake us every morning with aromas of fresh coffee, frying bacon, and buttery toast with her homemade blueberry jam. With bellies full, we headed out to capture our Canadian favorites at the store in order to be well stocked back in the states - Sudafed, Tetley Tea, and Mr. Biggs!
Ken enjoyed coffee with an old friend while the kids and I started preparing for the trip to Vancouver. After lunch, we had some time with Ken's friends Dallas and Jaime. She baked the most wonderful cookies for us, and we were both so impressed with the flavor that I left with a copy of the recipe. As soon as our visit was over with them, we were back at cousin Steven's house for one last visit and Chinese food Canadian style. It was no surprise that Chinese food is universal - you just can't go wrong with anything sweet and sour. It was nice to love on Dude a little more and see the kids one more time. Ken and Steven were certainly close growing up and I was so glad they were able to enjoy one another's company during our trip.
We scurried over to the farm one last time to say our final goodbyes. It's hard to leave such good company. We are so thankful to have been given so many days with family. Hugs and well wishes were plenty and then it was back to Grandma's to pack and prepare for our journey to Vancouver in the morning.
I continue to hope and pray that everyone back home has enjoyed a blessed Christmas season and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Tiffaney and family
Ken enjoyed coffee with an old friend while the kids and I started preparing for the trip to Vancouver. After lunch, we had some time with Ken's friends Dallas and Jaime. She baked the most wonderful cookies for us, and we were both so impressed with the flavor that I left with a copy of the recipe. As soon as our visit was over with them, we were back at cousin Steven's house for one last visit and Chinese food Canadian style. It was no surprise that Chinese food is universal - you just can't go wrong with anything sweet and sour. It was nice to love on Dude a little more and see the kids one more time. Ken and Steven were certainly close growing up and I was so glad they were able to enjoy one another's company during our trip.
We scurried over to the farm one last time to say our final goodbyes. It's hard to leave such good company. We are so thankful to have been given so many days with family. Hugs and well wishes were plenty and then it was back to Grandma's to pack and prepare for our journey to Vancouver in the morning.
I continue to hope and pray that everyone back home has enjoyed a blessed Christmas season and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Tiffaney and family
Thursday, December 30, 2010
December 28th and 29th
Well, I knew I would ultimately get behind on my posts, and so it officially happened. So sorry for those of you who have enjoyed getting a daily update. I will do my best not to ramble endlessly as I try to adequately summarize all the happenings we have managed to squeeze into a short 48 hour period. As with most trips, you find yourself scrambling to accomplish all you hoped to do in the last days as time so quickly slips away. Tuesday was no exception for us. The day began with a nice visit with Ken's cousin Steven and his wife Danielle and two children Emily and Cassidy. The twins really enjoy playing with Cassie (8) and loving on little Emily (1). Of course, Dude the puppy Shitzu also takes center stage. What an adorable little powder puff he is.
After a visit we were all off to Thunderbird - a huge gravel pit in the mild months that becomes transformed into a sledding wonderland once the snow falls. Feet of snow covered the area and there were kids flying down the hills in all directions. Snowmobiles could be seen and heard in the distance and the subtle longing on Ken's face told the story of how he spent so many winters enjoying such things. Zoe and Gabriel did really well - no major catastrophes or crashes, and whether they were going down the mountains of white with or without one another, the smiles and squeals echoed all around. Even Daddy got in on the sledding action, and it was hilarious to see the flying saucer fly through the air (yep, another scene right out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation).
An hour of sledding was plenty for us all, and considering the sun begins to set here at 4:30, the blue twilight brought with it increasing chill and we were all ready for the warmth of the car heater. Honestly, everyone has adapted very well to the abundant snow and accompanying cold. I imagine the easy adaptation was encouraged by the arctic blast we experienced in our own KY back yard before leaving town.
After sledding, it was time to take showers and get ready for a large Lavoie cousin gathering for dinner. We headed to The Hot House, a wonderful little East Indian cafe with incredible food. Over 20 people showed and Ken really enjoyed reconnecting with relatives and sharing more about his American journey. Everyone was very welcoming and the twins enjoyed drawing and playing with cousin Justin who accompanied Aunt Kathy to the dinner. It was very pleasing for me to see Ken smiling and laughing over old stories and the pride he felt to have his family with him in such a special time. We even got to celebrate Alan's birthday and he even commented that he hadn't had such a birthday turnout in many years - we were all happy to help him devour the decadent chocolate cake.
Everyone was ready for bed when we got home, and Ken and I enjoyed visiting with Mom after the children went to bed. We were happy to get started again the next morning. It was another very full day as we struck out to spend some time with Uncle Raymond and Aunt Leann. They are Ken's cousin Steven's parents, and what a welcoming pair. Their home (which they have shared for over 30 years) is full of exciting things from a talking cockatoo to miniature horses grazing outside the back window. We were greeted by their 14 year old bird Nikki who can play ball with you and say hello at the drop of a hat. The twins loved cuddling with their Pomeranian Teddy and long hair chihuahua Abby. Then they were introduced to the two miniature horses and loved seeing Cousin Lyn arrive with her four additional chihuahuas. It was a party!
After visiting for a couple of hours, we headed up the mountain to the local ski hill - all I can say is BREATHTAKING. The pictures can't quite grasp the beauty that surrounded us, but several feet of snow on jagged peaks with the sunshine kissing through the clouds is certainly hard to top. We made it to the top and enjoyed a lunch at the ski cafe. Rick and Kathy along with John and Katie met us there, and I was blown away at the ability of pint-size children flying down the slopes on snowboards and skis.
After witnessing such incredible scenery, we went back to Aunt Leann's house after being invited to take the snowmobile for a ride on their wide open property. Uncle Raymond had tied two slides to the back of the snowmobile and Ken took the twins on a sleigh ride like no other! Forwards, backwards, up and down small snow mounds that the wind had carved - it was incredible. Even Mommy hopped on for ride through the FEET of snow that covered the property.
It was soon time to go and we had dinner plans at the farm. Ken's old boss and his wife joined us there and I selfishly spent the majority of my time visiting with the kids and, of course, Bella. Yes, Bella. That precious little chihuahua never made it back to Petland because Amanda claimed her for her own. I was so ecstatic to know she was a permanent part of the family, and we enjoyed watching her prance and play in the floor while the grown ups grueled it out in a game of Spoons. A few bleeding fingers later (no joke - this family is competitive!), and Rick and Ken once again were the two remaining players with Rick ultimately winning the prize once again.
It was late when we said goodbye, but what a wonderful day filled with new experiences and lifelong memories. It's hard to believe tomorrow is our last day here, but I know we will surely be blessed by all that is in store.
Much love,
Tiffaney and family
After a visit we were all off to Thunderbird - a huge gravel pit in the mild months that becomes transformed into a sledding wonderland once the snow falls. Feet of snow covered the area and there were kids flying down the hills in all directions. Snowmobiles could be seen and heard in the distance and the subtle longing on Ken's face told the story of how he spent so many winters enjoying such things. Zoe and Gabriel did really well - no major catastrophes or crashes, and whether they were going down the mountains of white with or without one another, the smiles and squeals echoed all around. Even Daddy got in on the sledding action, and it was hilarious to see the flying saucer fly through the air (yep, another scene right out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation).
An hour of sledding was plenty for us all, and considering the sun begins to set here at 4:30, the blue twilight brought with it increasing chill and we were all ready for the warmth of the car heater. Honestly, everyone has adapted very well to the abundant snow and accompanying cold. I imagine the easy adaptation was encouraged by the arctic blast we experienced in our own KY back yard before leaving town.
After sledding, it was time to take showers and get ready for a large Lavoie cousin gathering for dinner. We headed to The Hot House, a wonderful little East Indian cafe with incredible food. Over 20 people showed and Ken really enjoyed reconnecting with relatives and sharing more about his American journey. Everyone was very welcoming and the twins enjoyed drawing and playing with cousin Justin who accompanied Aunt Kathy to the dinner. It was very pleasing for me to see Ken smiling and laughing over old stories and the pride he felt to have his family with him in such a special time. We even got to celebrate Alan's birthday and he even commented that he hadn't had such a birthday turnout in many years - we were all happy to help him devour the decadent chocolate cake.
Everyone was ready for bed when we got home, and Ken and I enjoyed visiting with Mom after the children went to bed. We were happy to get started again the next morning. It was another very full day as we struck out to spend some time with Uncle Raymond and Aunt Leann. They are Ken's cousin Steven's parents, and what a welcoming pair. Their home (which they have shared for over 30 years) is full of exciting things from a talking cockatoo to miniature horses grazing outside the back window. We were greeted by their 14 year old bird Nikki who can play ball with you and say hello at the drop of a hat. The twins loved cuddling with their Pomeranian Teddy and long hair chihuahua Abby. Then they were introduced to the two miniature horses and loved seeing Cousin Lyn arrive with her four additional chihuahuas. It was a party!
After visiting for a couple of hours, we headed up the mountain to the local ski hill - all I can say is BREATHTAKING. The pictures can't quite grasp the beauty that surrounded us, but several feet of snow on jagged peaks with the sunshine kissing through the clouds is certainly hard to top. We made it to the top and enjoyed a lunch at the ski cafe. Rick and Kathy along with John and Katie met us there, and I was blown away at the ability of pint-size children flying down the slopes on snowboards and skis.
After witnessing such incredible scenery, we went back to Aunt Leann's house after being invited to take the snowmobile for a ride on their wide open property. Uncle Raymond had tied two slides to the back of the snowmobile and Ken took the twins on a sleigh ride like no other! Forwards, backwards, up and down small snow mounds that the wind had carved - it was incredible. Even Mommy hopped on for ride through the FEET of snow that covered the property.
It was soon time to go and we had dinner plans at the farm. Ken's old boss and his wife joined us there and I selfishly spent the majority of my time visiting with the kids and, of course, Bella. Yes, Bella. That precious little chihuahua never made it back to Petland because Amanda claimed her for her own. I was so ecstatic to know she was a permanent part of the family, and we enjoyed watching her prance and play in the floor while the grown ups grueled it out in a game of Spoons. A few bleeding fingers later (no joke - this family is competitive!), and Rick and Ken once again were the two remaining players with Rick ultimately winning the prize once again.
It was late when we said goodbye, but what a wonderful day filled with new experiences and lifelong memories. It's hard to believe tomorrow is our last day here, but I know we will surely be blessed by all that is in store.
Much love,
Tiffaney and family
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
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