Carnival!

This was our second year of attending this annual Bowen event, which is put on by Family Place (where I'm now on the Board of Directors). Although charmed and mystified by the giant dancing monkey on stage, and perhaps a little confused about the purpose of the event (as she hugged me and said, "Happy Birthday, Mommy!"), Miranda especially enjoyed the outdoor fun, including going down the big slide and learning (sort of) how to skip: serious monkey business!

Siesta Fiesta

Time to relax--& celebrate! Note my heavy-lidded look of blissful relief after marking about 150 essays and exams in the last 2 weeks--school term is over at last! What better way to celebrate: A delicious Mexican meal--thanks Carm!!! Big boy Wilson was his spirited and ebullient self for the evening, as always (he's actually giving Miranda's dolly the shake of her life here), and Steve took some great photos (getta loada the sunset views from Carmen and Peter's patio!)... Meanwhile, Peter entertained us with his lively wit (on the way over in the car, Miranda had responded to Steve's question, "Do you remember Peter?" with "Oh, Peter! He likes to talk!") 'Nuf said!

Happy Birthday To You Two: Two, Too!

A wonderful b-day party in East Van for Miranda and Aiden--both of whom turned two this month! Amanda & Rob, Taylor & Aiden hosted make-your-own taco time (yum!), along with Anita & Kevin, Graydon & (Miranda's favourite) huggable baby Karli. Now if only we could convince them all to move to Bowen Island...

Dutiful daughters pose for photo?!

Steve took this charming photo of our neighbours Lenya (3) and John with me and Miranda as we enjoyed the sunshine today! The girls are a bit shy with each other--so cute--we couldn't convince them to be in a picture by themselves! Nonetheless, they look sweet, don't they? Lenya has that famous pouty look, and Miranda is wearing one of her new birthday outfits from her Nanny Carol. Can a modelling career be far behind for these little beauties? (not to mention their parents--dig my new specs?)...

Oh, handy!

(And that's the last rhyming blog title for now!)...

The birds have finally discovered the new squirrel-proof feeder in the yard; Steve's fence construction is in progress in the background.

Oh, candy!

Miranda hunted for a few chocolate eggs (hidden for her by cousin Aidan) on the weekend, and although she napped through the egg colouring portion of the day, not to mention the mountain biking through the park (only for the foolish or the intrepid), she woke up in good time for the bunny cake and presents. We joined together two tables for our largest sit-down dinner ever (lucky 13 for a mouthwatering baked ham--from Alderwood Farms here on the Island--and all the fixin's). In all, we had a very, very happy Easter (and belated family celebration of Miranda's birthday) with Great Auntie Jane, Great Uncle Mernie, Nana, Grandad, Auntie Jenny, Uncle Dan, Uncle Steve, and Cousins Adam, Aidan, and Lach. (Blurry last photo here was taken from a mini movie--move over, Tarantino!)

Oh, sandy!

Steve made a birthday sandbox for Miranda!

Oh, dandy!

We had a fabulous time at the Vancouver Aquarium today, then had dinner with Nana at John's, where we were joined by longtime family friends John and Pip from Saltspring Island. Note that Miranda, inspired by Tiger Woods' early start, has begun a rigorous golf training regime... April Fool's!