Jackson Christmas

Our Jackson Family Christmas was a bit spread out this year, as we visited the latest additions to the family, Charlie and Westley, at the hospital, then had a brief visit at Joel and Janet's house in Mississauga. Our Family Christmas was hosted at Amy and Jason's in Hillsdale, where we had a wonderful turkey dinner and visit. We were then off to Bobcaygeon to enjoy some special time with Mom and Dad at their little Winter Wonderland. It was definitely busy, but so wonderful to be able to spend time with all of our family and share in their lives at each of their homes... Mom and Dad's tree from the Festival of Trees

Malcolm enjoys his new baby doll with Mommy/Janet.

Nadine plays with Daddy/Jason

Malcolm plays with his new wooden truck: "custom" made by Uncle Dave.

Nadine shows Uncle Dave her new wooden car (from Uncle Dave)

Lots of smiles from Nadine...

Dad relaxing at home

Trying out our new camera setting with Mom at home...

A White Christmas at Mom and Dad's in Bobcaygeon

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family--we hope this year has been joyful and peaceful for you, and wish you all the best for 2009.
With Much love,

Bethany and Dave
Christmas 2008

Cuddling the twins...

We were also lucky enough to be able to visit our new nephews, Charlie and Westley at the Trillium Hospital NICU (Mississauga). Westley is in the darker blue sleeper; Charlie in the light blue...

Family time in Ontario...

Despite the snow and crazy weather warnings, we were lucky to make it into Toronto only a few hours late after our flight on Friday night. Saturday was a busy day, with visits with our Aunt Judy and cousins, Lori and Kathy, and all of the rest of the family...It was so great to see everyone, as it's been a few years since we've ALL been together!

Our new nephews: Charles Edward and Westley Alexander

Westley Alexander Charles Edward

They're here!--they're early, but they're here! Joel and Janet are proud parents (again/still!) of two more boys: both born between 1 and 2am yesterday (December 12th). The boys are currently in the Nursery at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga: being monitored and learning how to feed. Janet (and Joel) are home and trying to get some rest.

We are so looking forward to meeting these beautiful little guys in a week when we are home for Christmas! Congratulations, and welcome!

Congratulations Skye and Chris!

Skye and Chris are the proud parents of Otis Willem, born on Dec 5th in Vancouver. Congratulations to this beautiful new family!

Our new cabinet

Here is Dave's latest creation:

Christmas spirit...

We had the girls from work over for a Christmas party last night, so got the house all decorated to get in the Christmas spirit:

Greyson!

So we have finally given in (!) and decided to become a pet-friendly family...
I grew up with cats and a dog, and Dave has always been partial to cats (I know, not very common for a guy!). Somehow the idea of getting a cat kept coming up in conversation as we got closer to Dave's birthday, so as a surprise, I took him to the Calgary Humane Society, where we met Greyson.
I had been pushing for a grown cat: age 1-3 years that was already "trained' and had a nice calm personality, so that we could bypass the whole crazy kitten stage, but Dave would have no part in this "grown cat" idea, and of course as soon as we saw all the cute kitties there up for adoption, we were immediately drawn to our all-grey medium hair, aptly named "Greyson" (name courtesy of the Humane society!). He was all snuggles with me, but playful and fun with Dave, which is exactly what we were looking for.
I've been trying to "work from home" a bit today to help him get used to our place, but he is not a big fan of me working on the computer and not paying attention to him--somehow all the settings have been changed on our laptop, and I keep having this little grey fuzzball blocking my line of sight.
I think I've finally figured it out though, as he is now curled up asleep (in my housecoat) on the floor, while I type away at the desk in "his" room (the office)...As long as I'm close by I guess...
Anyway, we are very excited about this little ball of love...just not sure how we're going to be able to part from him for a week and a half over the holidays!

True Alberta Boys...

For Dave's birthday, his friend and biking partner Joe helped to organize a true Alberta Boys day out: at the shooting range. The guys had a great time shooting at clay "pigeons" and "rabbits" on the shooting course...Here's a few photos...

The boys: Harman, Tom, Marc, Joe, Steve and Brian

Dave lines up his shot

Birthday Celebrations

Last weekend a group of my girlfriends joined me at the nearby Pottery place to paint some lovely pottery pieces in early celebration of my birthday (in December). We then went out for dinner--such a wonderful group of girls--I feel so lucky to have these amazing women in my life!

We celebrated Dave's birthday last night at Hotel Arts "Raw Bar" downtown--some amazing food, and great company (www.hotelarts.ca ). Thanks to everyone who was able to join us!!