Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! It was a busy day for Brian and I... we got up early and drove through snow to get to White Rock to be with Brian's brother's family for Christmas morning and then headed to Abbotsford for Christmas afternoon/dinner at Julie and Greg's place! And then home to Coquitlam so we could open our own gifts... can you believe we had to do ours last?! Wow... haha, I guess thats the way it goes when you live far away and have no kids!

Finishing up the wrapping! (Brian had a few things left to buy on Christmas eve.

The bottom of our Christmas tree... Christmas Morning
The trunk all loaded up with gifts for all the family... we felt like Santa Claus...

I got to see Tag at mom's.... he was all festive with his very own special Christmas bell dog collar!Visiting at Julie's place and Christmas gift exchange

Cali and Lilah looking at the present mountain under the tree!Grandpa with his grand-daughters playing with the horsey

Opening presents with Nana and LilahLilah took off with my camera and took pictures of Grandpa Elliott with his new camera!

Julie, Greg and Cali opening presents

Aaron, Stephanie and Lilah opening presents (I think that was a shirt from me!) Boxing Day Morning... Brian enjoying our new sheets and duvet cover from Mom and Elliott!

Pre-Christmas with Brian's family

We went to Brian's stepmom's place in White Rock last night for pre-Christmas hor's devors... I finally got to meet Brian's nephew Jack who was dressed like santa!

Winter Wonderland Outside

Well we were going to have a family dinner tonight at the apartment... I bought a poinsettia, have christmas candles, made the famous 4 layer pumpkin cake (delicious, just had a piece) and it went and snowed. We had to cancel... it was too bad, but it has been snowing non stop since we woke up! Too dangerous... we will do the dinner again soon!

Aaron Trevor

Welcome baby Aaron Trevor! 8lbs 11oz with the biggest little hands and feet... Born at 2:10am December 16. Katie and Ian are very happy parents!Aaron is a very sleepy little boy! Julie, Cali, Elliott and I all made the journey over to see him for the first time the day after he was born.I was the first out of all the siblings to hold our new nephew! Little did I realize how many pictures would be taken!!Cousins meeting for the first time... Cali was as gentle as she could be and pet Aaron's hair.Auntie Julie and AaronNana and Grandpa Elliott with AaronDay 2 of our visit... the day 2 part was not planned... we got stuck on the island due to a snow storm! I don't think Katie and Ian minded having us around too much... (we did go to a hotel!) Cali picking at Uncle Ian's toes... Nana is so proud I am sure!

Baby Aaron and daddy...

Cali checking out baby Aaron's new toys

This pic was from the ferry ride to the island...
In the ferry line up to go home... lets drive that car!

Early Christmas Gift

Brian ruined his headset for his xbox by spilling red wine on it... lucky for him, I had a new wireless headset wrapped under the tree! After exchanging it because of a 'wrong fit' this is what we ended up with!

Tag pics!

I think Tag has been living the good life at Mom and Elliott's! Apparently he is mostly an indoor dog now and he even had his picture taken with Santa this Christmas (I will have to post that soon!) Thanks to Mom and Elliott for taking such good care of my dog! Brian and I can't wait to have him back... we miss him lots!

30th Bday dinner!

Here is our group at dinner! Its funny, over the years our family has doubled in size!

Thank you again to everyone for a great 30th birthday... it was the best so far! (Thanks also to Julie and Elliott for the pictures!)

Birthday Pictures from my 30th

Baby Cali helps me open my birthday gifts!

Lunch with Mom, Julie and Katie at the Duke of Dublin... quite the experience!

Little Baby Alexander...

Congratulations Kindra and Travis... baby Alex is so cute and he looks so much like his older brother Michael! It was very exciting to meet him for the first time tonight!

Baby's First Christmas

Last saturday I got to take some family pictures of Julie, Greg and Cali and then babysit! Cali was a little fussy as she hadn't taken a nap all day, but it was still fun to get to spend time with her! (Lucky that Nana and Grandpa Elliott stopped by to rescue me!)

We are all still waiting on the arrival of Katie and Ian's baby... he is taking his time! 2 days over due now!

The BIG '30'

Well, it is official... I am now 30 years old! Normally I would have pictures to post, but I didn't take any as I let the family take care of that! Hopefully they will share with me soon!'

I had the best birthday ever thanks to my family... Katie got the ball rolling months ago and did a really great job of putting things together!

The day started with Bryan making me a yummy breakfast and then I headed to Abbotsford where Mom, Julie, Katie and I had a very memorable lunch at an Irish Pub... anyone want lamb, onions or glass?! We then headed over to the mall where everyone helped pick out some new clothes for me (mom's gift)... no I did not get anything shiny or with puffy sleeves! Next was Julie's house where I got help openning presents from my niece Cali. She sat on my lap and helped pull tissue paper out of the bags even though she had a cold, so cute. I was then rushed out the door so I could get home in enough time to change and get ready to head out to the mystery dinner location with Bryan to meet up with the rest of the family! I was very excited to find out dinner was to be at the revolving restaurant at the Harbor Centre in Vancouver. It was an awesome night, beautiful view, delicious food and great company. All the important people in my life were there (exception of Lilah & Cali). It was the best birthday ever!

Many thanks to...

Katie & Ian for the great new clothes! I love the Lululemon Jacket, Juicey Couture Velure pants and knit hat, Lulu gift cert and headband... it is all awesome!

Julie & Greg for the cozy new pink and white blanket (that is currently keeping me warm) I love it! How did you know I had been eyeing new blankets lately??

Cali for the super soft pink princess slippers... who would have ever thought I would have to share my 'princess' title? :)

Aaron, Stephanie & Lilah for the wonderful Mac Makeup kit and Starbucks gift card... both of which will be used and loved completely!

Mom for the fun shopping trip and the great new clothes picked out... I can't wait to get my new sweaters and I have already worn the new white hoody... it is soooo comfy!

Elliott for the money which will be put towards the cost of my upcoming payroll course! Also for taking pictures on my special night, thank you... that was quite the treat, I am not used to being the subject of the camera!

Dad & Jeanie for the great gift certificates to Ricki's, Le Chateau and Starbucks (how did you know?!) I can't wait to go shopping. Also for paying for Bryan and my meal tonight, it was a special treat, thank you.

Bryan for being the best boyfriend ever (of course) and for our upcoming brunch in White Rock with shopping trip to follow, I can't wait!! Thank you also for the beautiful flowers!

Special thanks... to Katie for making everything happen even though you are ready to have my very first nephew at any moment. It means alot to me that you would plan such a great night for me. Thank you.

I am sad that Grandma was not around to see her first grandchild turn 30, but I am sure she was watching from some where...

Thank you again to everyone, I truly had a great time today and am so glad to have shared it with such a great family!

Katie's Baby Shower - Nov 16th

We had Katie's baby shower at Julie's house over the weekend... it was great to have everyone there! I brought cupcakes (as I always do!)