Festival of Trees: Bobcaygeon

Mal's new hairdo...

Malcolm "loving" his cousin, Nadine...

Nadine models her Hallowe'en costume

Mom and Dad Jackson have gotten quite involved the last few years in their local community's "Festival of Trees"--quite a big deal in Bobcaygeon and the surrounding area! Dad has even become a bit of a local celebrity--playing the part of Santa (with the help of a beard and a little extra padding)! Again this year, the grandkids came up for a visit, but they weren't too sure about Santa...

November....

The "cabin"...

Dave enjoying the cabin...

Banff Centre: Film Fest

After our brief interlude in Ontario, we are back to the grey gloominess that is November. We've been trying to keep up on raking leaves, clearing the gardens, and our ongoing "projects" (my "crafts/cards" and Dave's woodworking) in preparation for winter. We had a brief snowfall last week, that has managed to stick around in the areas where the sun hasn't melted it yet...

Last weekend we ventured into Canmore and Banff for another visit at our friend PJ's "cabin", and to take in the "Banff Mountain Film Festival". It was a great opportunity to be in the mountains during "shoulder season" (i.e. too much snow for biking, not enough snow for snowboarding!), and to take in a bit of "culture".

For the next few weeks we have a busy social calendar with another hockey game booked, along with several "girls nights" and "boys nights" events coming up. Dave's birthday is also in a few weeks, so we will be planning something exciting--as always--for that!

Wedding Time...

Karen and Blair's wedding came up so much faster than we thought it would!! We were so excited to see everyone, and so happy for both of our friends who are so perfect for each other, and enjoyed such a perfect day...They are off next week on a whirlwind honeymoon--so amazing! Congrats to you, Karen and Blair--we love you both! Thanks so much for such a wonderful weekend....
xo

Family Time!

We were also super lucky to sneak in a visit with the babies, and of course the siblings--even celebrating Amy's belated birthday with her (she is a Hallowe'en baby)....Thanks so much for making the time to spend with us! It was SO much fun!

Friend time...

Of course, a visit in T.O also means a visit with our many friends who we miss so much!

Girl Time

Probably the best part of this wedding weekend, was being able to spend some good quality time with 3 of my best girl friends...

Go Flames Go!!

Dave got last minute tickets to the Flames game tonight through a friend from his hockey team--it was fun to get in the spirit again, although we realized that we must be pretty tame fans, as we were surrounded by a super-fan in front, waving a flag between every play (and during some plays!) and an overly verbal fan behind us, who seemed very unhappy the entire game (Come ONN boys!!!) despite their 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche... Dave enjoying his $7 beer...

Down in front!!! (Superfan...)

Getting Hallowe'en-y...

I've been getting "crafty" lately, with the help of my "stamping/card-making" group, and a few trips to "Michaels". We've really gotten into the Hallowe'en/Harvest spirit this year, but unfortunately won't be around to hand out candy, as we will be in Toronto for Karen and Blair's wedding. I've had to compensate by making little "treat bags" for the kiddos at Providence, and decorating a bit around the house...

Candy baskets we made at stamp-club: with the help of a die-cutting tool and some fun stamps...

A nice fall day down by the river near our house (last weekend)

Window/door decorations... (Thought Andrea would appreciate these ones!)

"Turkey: Part II"

We had the gang over for a Turkey dinner last night: a belated "Thanksgiving" for those who were out of town a few weeks ago, and a chance to celebrate with the friends who have become like our surrogate "family" here in Calgary. Everyone brought delicious dishes, and we are now enjoying delicious leftovers! Thanks to everyone who was able to join us (Shandra, Tannis & Steve, Jen & Tom, Sean & Lauren, Crystal & Marc)...Yum!

For "Mrs. Jackson"...

(Thought you'd appreciate this, Mom...)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

I think this is the time of year when I am most sentimental (and homesick!), as I've always grown up spending Thanksgiving with our family, going on "fall hikes", cooking together and just generally being thankful and happy to be spending time together.

I definitely miss this time, but we have been lucky enough to be invited to our "in-law-in-laws" Brian and Kris (my sister-in-law Janet's brother and his wife) for Thanksgiving dinner tonight--mmm: turkey!

Here are a few photos of Mom and Dad Jackson's recent trip to Algonquin park: hiking through the gorgeous fall colours! (I miss that too!!).

Happy Thanksgiving!