Pictures from my work

When Mom and Dad were here, they made a visit to my work, and took a few photos: here they are in case you're interested--looks like a pretty fun place to work, eh? (this is what it looks like when the kids aren't here--it's a little crazier with a few dozen 2 1/2-5 year olds)...

Our Anniversary!

Dave and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary yesterday!! We had a gorgeous day biking in Kananaskis Country (Powderface: sorry--no photos!), then went out for dinner to Matt Binkley's restaurant "Opus on 8th", downtown. Lots of memories of our beautiful day last year with friends and family--and such an amazing year we've had! Thanks for all the cards, calls, and email wishes!

Dan and Joyce visit us in Calgary

Sorry we have not posted much recently: with starting back to work, and our digital camera not working lately, we have not had too much to post! Luckily, my parents were in town for a visit from September 14th until the 24th, and we had a great visit with lots of photos to document our adventures. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate too much, and it rained from the Thursday they arrived almost until they left. We did have a few decent days, allowing us to do a hike in Canmore (in the snow!!), and a little walk in Fish Creek Provincial Park. It was also great to have Mom and Dad share in our daily lives: a few shopping trips to pick out some early Christmas and Birthday gifts, some nice dinners at home, and a bonfire on our last night. Mom and Dad spoiled us rotten with lots of little gifts and treats here and there, and also headed off for a mini-adventure drive through the Rockies from Tuesday until Thursday. They were able to catch up with old friends the Luinstras in Calgary and the Oravecs in Okotoks. We are looking forward to seeing the rest of the family at Christmas, and to hosting the Brewins later on in October.

Grandpa's 96th Birthday!

Unfortunately one of the hard things about living so far away, is that we have to miss out on some of the really special occassions, like my Grandpa's 96th Birthday, this past Monday, September 4th. My parents were down in Ottawa to celebrate with him, along with Aunt Joan, Uncle Fred, Gillian and Warren, and Joel and Janet were able to make a stop on their way home from Montreal as well. I had a nice chat with Grandpa on the phone, and he seems to be doing as well as ever: telling me all about his prosperous gardens, and offering to send some Indian garlic with my parents when they come visit for us to plant in our gardens. I have to say, this was one of the first times I have felt truly homesick: talking to Grandpa, and knowing that each time we come back to Ontario for a visit, there will be so few opportunities and such limited time to see family and friends. It is wonderful to be able to keep in touch with everyone over the phone, but not the same as a face-to-face visit!
Happy Birthday Grandpa!