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.