Quiet here at the lake and Norma's Celebration of Life, January 15 - 26

It's been a very uneventful rest of the week. The weather turned cold and frosty with fog in the mornings until the sun breaks through. 

First time I've seen white swans on the lake.

Our only highlight is having Amelia for the day on Saturday, while her parents went to Victoria for the day. They gave Amelia the choice of coming here or going with them and she chose us. :) Of course we took Olaf too. 

We met them at the Duncan Superstore and collected her. She told me that she's worried about us at daycare as she hasn't seen us for a long time lol. What a darling.

First up is a visit to MacDonalds for a bit of breakfast and then she got to play in the play center for half an hour. Onwards to home. First stop Country Grocer to pick up Amelia's favourites, blueberries.

We had a busy afternoon with eating and playing. Nothing like an orange sucker!

Next up, taking Amelia out to show us how "fast" she could ride her bike. Jason brought it with him. Our car is almost not big enough with Olaf in the very back, Amelia's bag and bike taking up the back row of seats, Amelia in the middle captains chair with her carseat and all our other stuff on the other side. 

She will be into a peddle bike soon.

After a walk for Olaf and bike ride for her, it's time to wear out Papa in Big Blue lol

Of course in between Ray's throwing toys, playing with Olaf or taking him for a walk at the park. lol

After Papa's knees were done it's now "boat time". Ray's teaching her how to tie on the fenders.

After she tired Ray out, it became my turn to help her build her castle.

Finally "quiet time" as Ray sat in his chair and I prepped dinner. Kristi and Jason are arriving at 5 for a quick dinner before heading back to Nanaimo.

Amelia's new favourite is "Peppa the Pig". OMG Ray's least favourite. lol

Kristi and Jason arrived on time and dinner is served within 15 minutes of arrival. Meanwhile Kristi, Ray and Amelia played a game. I think it had something to do with picking a card and being that animal. Apparently this was their "snake" impression. lol

By 6 pm they were on their way back to Nanaimo and we tidyed up and collapsed. What a treat to have her for the day and see Kristi and Jason however briefly. 

A beautiful Sunset this week.

Not quite the same as Arizona lol.

Sunday, onwards, a very quiet week. Friday we headed up to Nanaimo at 9 am to look after Kristi's dog Olaf for the day. Kristi and family have left for a conference in Alberta for the week. 

Saturday morning we were out of the house at 5:20 am for the ferry to Vancouver. Today is my aunt's Celebration of Life. The service was at 10:30 am so we had to take the earliest ferry to make it. It was a beautiful service. It's so nice to catch up with my cousins again. Norma's grandchildren are now young beautiful adults and she was so proud of all 4 of them.  We are a small family, but we are "mighty" with all the love we have been given and share.

My cousin Pam found this poem handwritten in a kitchen drawer at my Aunt's. How appropriate for her service. The words made me cry, but so thankful to have had her as my aunt for so many years.

It was great to catch up with our son Garrett, his partner Kat and our granddaughter Stella.

My cousin Gord with Stella

Deb, Stella and Kat

Back on the 3:45 pm ferry to Nanaimo and picked up Olaf before heading back to the lake for 7 pm. A very long day. Nice to be back home. Here is a picture of Mount Baker and Vancouver as we left Horseshoe Bay. Gorgeous Day.

Sunday morning a cuddly puppy missing his "Amelia".

That's the past 11 days ....