Beautiful BC

This is a beautiful province. We think, from time to time, that we could have stayed here and made this our home. Those thoughts usually come on sunny days when this seems to be a colourful wonderland. One of those days came by on Tuesday the 27th. Sheelagh and I went for a walk along the river here in Ladner.The temperature was a perfect, 12C or 13C, the leaves were heartbreakingly beautiful, the sky was china blue and we felt strong. Why doesn't everyone live here? That's what you think on days like that. Later on Tuesday we went for a drive with Grandma and Grandad Martin and strolled through Redwood Park. Two 21 year old brothers were given a 100 acre patch of ground and had the forsight to bring in wonderful trees from all over the world. There were hardwoods and evergreens, and this place was turned over to the community to use as a park. There was no thought of profit, just pure enjoyment of the beauties of the earth.
Since Tuesday, it's rained.

Holding pattern in BC

We're having a pleasant time in BC waiting for our flight to NYC. Adrian is home for a week which is nice for Jackie and also us. As often as we've been here, in this house, we haven't seen much of A&J. Yesterday we had a wonderful family meal with Grandma and Grandad, all of the Martins and Penny. Bert was sick and couldn't make it. This Sunday we go to Seattle to Brian and Alison's and on Tuesday we catch a flight east.

Well, we are getting close to the point of no return. Tomorrow we leave the safety of our Edmonton family and, with no car, we fly to the coast and the first step toward Seattle and the flight to New York and the Queen Mary. We've had a great time with the girls. We saw Scarecrow festivals, county fairs and a movie about the Bengal tigers of India. Here are a few last pictures of our stay.

The Dancing Queens

From safety to dancing. Our day began by getting Ngila out of bed to get ready to go to Safety City. Sheelagh got to go along as a helper. It was cold and not all activities were met with positive attitudes by the Kindergartners, but they made it. Beatrix and Grandad hung out at home for a while and then went to the Safeway for a free cookie. We looked at all the costumes and toys and then went home via the library. Grandma and Ngila were home by now and the kids played until supper and then we had a spontaneous out break of dancing before bed.

It is sooo cold here today. We have been in Edmonton now for about two weeks and have enjoyed our time with the Edmonton Stones. Liam and Janelle left yesterday for a 10 day trip to Oregon and California. We have the honour of keeping an eye on the little girls. Swimming, story time, kindergarten, music lessons, it's a big load for us. The girls take it in stride. I will be putting up tile in the bathroom while the oldies are away.
Today we took in the Edmonton Kennel Club dog show. There was much to see and pet. The dogs were very wellbehaved and a good time was had by all. The highlight occurred when were admiring three little border terriors. Beatrix pointed out the fact that the puppies had won ribbons and the kind lady said, "Would you like a ribbon?". She then gave both girls a, Best In Breed ribbon. This was huge and has led to much playing dog show here at home.
We have a few more activities planned for the week. Liam and Janelle come home on the 18th. We will be off to BC on the 22nd.

Party day!

Beatrix is now three. We had a party at 7651 to mark the day. It was a cold gray sky, but warm hearts prevailed as we celebrated the three happy years of Beatrix Mary Stone. Beatrix' friends, family and both sets of Grandparents were in attendance. There was a great meal, a beautiful cake, lots of presents and yes, a few tears. It was a classic three year old's birthday.
We booked a few more two for ones in London. If you happen to be going there, visit www.daysoutguide.co.uk.

As the days slip by we are tidying up some loose ends surrounding the trip from here. We scored a real coup with British rail. We managed to get both of us from Southhampton, (where the ship docks), to Eastbourne where there are family to see, to Stroud where there are friends to see, to London for our 3 weeks, to Glasgow to see Dorian for Christmas, all in for less than 100 pounds.
The kids are great, Liam is stuggling with his cold and Janelle is preparing for the anniversary trip to San Francisco through the redwoods. Regards to all who read this.