Evening-time

Due to the time of day (dusk) and my limited photographic skills, you can't see Steve waving from the rooftop as he moves some rafters into place. We've had fairly good luck with fair weather this season, still hoping to get things covered over as soon as possible to avoid exposing the wood to the elements too much before winter truly sets in. Steve is also doing some other work to finance our building expenses over the next little while, so it's quite a challenge and a busy time for us all (I'm working extra too). The girls love to see how Daddy is building them a new house--and Miranda has already made him promise he will NOT work on Christmas Day (or night, for that matter)!

Go Girl

Aurora takes her toy car for a spin around the kitchen... actually, the toy car belongs to "Gigi"--that's Aurora's new name for Miranda. As far as we can tell, "Gigi" means "Sisty"! Aurora has no problem saying her own name, and even refers to herself as "Baby Aurora," to the tune of "Baby Beluga," her favourite song. We've been singing a modified version of the Raffi classic to her, which ends with the refrain, "and a little white whale on the go"--we've changed it to "a little white girl on the go"... some kind of political incorrectness there, I'm sure, but it makes us all smile. You go, girl!

Upstairs

Miranda is on the stairs at Bowen Island Community School with chums Ailsa and Ainslie; the girls are spending a lot of time together these days and really enjoying each other's company. All three have been enrolled in an art class this fall, doing sketching and watercolours under the direction of a local artist once a week after school. Even during playtimes they seem to gravitate towards craft projects as their favourite "games." What's truly amazing is how these lovely young girls are growing, changing, and developing their talents and personalities as they make their way through grade one. Onward and upward!

Cheers!

Here are Steve, Nana, and girls, picnicking al fresco at the jobsite, aka new house. We have the BBQ set up--and even an outdoor woodstove--so it's quite jolly! Entertaining at the new house? Why not? We've had friends and neighbours over for bonfires and good cheer, although the weather is definitely a factor as the winter draws in...fortunately, we can always head back over to the apartment when we get too chilly! (Or at least swap our beer bottles for a thermos of hot choc...) Recent progress on the house includes posts and beams and--can the roof be far behind?--the first few rafters... cause for celebration indeed!