FOUR-OH!!

Could this really be the same guy 20 year later?  My dear husband.  You have changed but so have I.  I know that 40 is just a number and it means nothing. What does mean something is that you have been my faithful companion for quite a long time now and I cherish it all.  The rotten times, the amazing times and the so-so times.  They all make up our history and it's you who I have built my life around and will continue to love.

Happy Birthday to my one and only!

ACT ~ That's A Wrap!

 Well, we had a pretty good fan base for the final performance with A.C.T!  We really appreciated all the support from friends and family.

 My parents, Uncle Andrew and their friends, Bill & Ella.

 The renowned 'Miss Smiff'.

 Our international contingent, Daisy and William.  Oh and 'hi' Keith!

 Auntie Tracy, Heather (aka Miss Smiff) and 'the mom'!

 Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Murray.

 And Auntie Tracy even brought her mom, Lynne.

 The show was great and Chad did a bang up job with the lead role of Aladdin.  What a lot of lines he memorized!  How many people get their school principal coming out to support them?  Nice!

 Daisy needed a shot with the star.

 Chad's bride...the princess.  Very nice choice for your first proposal, Chad!

 So proud of my two self-confident and self-assured boys.  They definitely did not inherit any of these qualities from moi!

 The whole cast...such terrific kids!

 Liam loved the show and was really into it.  Sadly, he faded fast after the curtain closed due to after affects from a booster shot the day before.  Ugh....poor guy.

I won a raffle basket this year!  Yippee!  It was packed with all sorts of baking equipment which was really appreciated as I rarely treat myself to new items. 

 

The following photos are not mine.  These were posted photos that one could order but we just took pictures of them.  I guess that's sort of cheating....yikes.

 

 

 

 

And now we move onto a new chapter in our lives.  Saturdays without waking up to get to rehearsal at 8:45 am.  Oh what bliss.  What joy!  What freedom!  The boys still have the acting bug...look for them in school productions in the near future.

Playing Tourist

On Easter Monday we braved the less than stellar weather and took Daisy to Vancouver for the afternoon.  We had to pick up William anyhow so decided to combine a little sight-seeing along with it.  Nate and Chad were at rehearsal all day so it wasn't quite the entire clan.

 Standing next to Daisy makes me feel like quite a giant!

 We did a pricey tourist activity by going to the 'Fly Over Canada' show.  It was very good and we all loved it.  Liam was completely enthralled which was super fun to see.

 I hadn't walked around Canada place in a very long time so it was fun to see all the improvements they had made. 

 Tulips are definitely one of my favorite flowers. 

 Very Canadian!  Daisy has asked us why we don't watch hockey at our house actually!

 Liam enjoyed running around the practically deserted sidewalks.  It was like a ghost town in Vancouver.

 The sun did peak out for our time at Stanley Park.

 

 

 

 Daisy insisted on buying us all ice cream.  Sadly, William was too cold (typical) and Keith and I are watching our dessert intake so it was just her and Liam.  Daisy ended up making me eat half her ice cream anyhow because it was too big for her.  So those were some delicious but unnecessary calories!

 

Liam loved the day out being the only kid.  He thrived on all the attention!  Each time we go to Vancouver I wonder why we don't go more often.  It truly is one of the most beautiful cities!

Easter 2014

Our Easter celebrations started on Good Friday with a delicious brunch at my mom's.  Sadly, Keith couldn't make it because he was investigating an arson.  Apparently most pyros have no respect for the Christian calendar of holy days! 

 

 

 After brunch it got sunny but was still chilly so I sent Nate out with my camera to document the traditional egg hunt.  Liam knew exactly what to do.

 

 

 

 Daisy even got a box of chocolate...she really loves chocolate!  We didn't make her look for it either.

 On Easter Sunday we all went to church for a wonderful service (William went to Vancouver for the weekend in case you wondered) and then came back to our place for a lovely brunch.

 After eating we did our own egg hunt.

 

Liam cleaned up well.  Good thing he has very kind family members who have been graciously helping him eat all that chocolate.  We wouldn't want him to overload!

Party

On the evening of Chad's birthday we had a party for him...and only him.  Chad revealed that he doesn't like it when I combine his birthday with Keith's.  Well...PARDON me!  Ha ha...no problem, Chaddles.  We can accommodate such simple requests.

 Nice pose Liam.  Chronic nose twitching abounds around here with that kid.

 Chad got some pretty nice loot from everyone including William and Daisy!  We gave him a Leatherman tool as is tradition in our house for newly minted teenagers!

 My boy looks way older than 13 I think.  The question is...will he look 35 when he's 18? 

 I made a heavy, decadent chocolate cake that I served with vanilla ice cream.  It was GOOD!

 Daisy was flanked by two ladies who kept her entertained all evening.  She's such a good sport!

And I got smart and set up my camera for a group shot.  Turned out pretty good, hey?

 

The next evening Keith and I took Chad out for dinner and a movie...no siblings.  He really liked that and so did we.  We love spending time with our kids!

Happy Birthday Chad!

Truth Be Told...

They are far from perfect but gosh darn it, I have a nice family!