Painting...

We spent probably over 2 hours at home depot today. Our time is limited right now because of working, lawyer appointments, showing the rental house for the landlords so we stood in front of the paint color boards and figured out what we wanted to do with every room in our new house. 5 cans of paint later... we have a bit of work ahead of us! (Don't worry Mom, we took advantage of a rebate deal on the paint!!)

More Sold Pictures

After driving by how many times? We finally got out and took our pictures with the sold sign. No one to take our picture together... but, you get the idea!!

SOLD

How exciting is that sign? Still kind of in disbelief about the whole thing... only 8 more days until we take possession!

I never envisioned moving in the snow, but, seems that is the reality this time of year in the Okanagan... thank goodness we have at flat drive way at our new house (can't say the same for the rental)

Flower Girl Dresses have arrived!

Brian and I are having all the nieces as flower girls in our wedding. I found some super cute dresses on Ebay and after collecting sizes from all the mommies, I placed the order! They arrived today and are super cute. What a fun package to get in the mail. Lilah, Cali, Sophie, Scarlett and Olivia are all going to look so sweet.

Tuesday Night...

Just a boring Tuesday night and a puppy rub...

Kona's Vet Visit

We finally got Kona in for her spay appointment yesterday. The vet said she did just great, no problems at all, she was a very good patient. She was so doped up when I picked her up, she wasn't herself at all. When we got her home Tag was pretty worried about her. He kept trying to lay next her on the dog bed. Kona is back to her normal puppyself this morning. Big appetite after not much food yesterday. We have to keep her inactive for the next week so she can heal... no running, jumping, stairs... that will be the challenging part!

Court Day & Our First House

The idea was to drive to court in Kamloops and be there to bid against anyone trying to scoop our house out from under us... As you can see from below, we got quite snowed in. As we were making our attempt to get to Kamloops, it was snowing so bad and the drive was so slow, there was no way we were going to make it. We cut our losses and had breakfast at McDonald's and then headed home to shovel snow and wait to hear the fate of our new home. Our realtor was just great, he was texting me the whole time letting me know everything that went on from the other realtor showing up with his clients to making our 2nd offer to WE WON!! We got our first house! We are so excited, we take possession on Jan 31st... its sooo quick but feels so far away!

The endless task...  and our truck stuck at the bottom of our driveway

Its like we have a tunnel for a driveway... you keep shoveling snow on top of snow!

Looking out the door onto our deck... 

We have icicles all around the house... I thought it was pretty until Dad told me that meant the roof isn't properly insulated and the snow is melting... haha... oh brother

Kona loves the snow...  she is always asking (barking at us) to go outside

Away for the Holidays!

I have always wanted to go away for the holidays and this year I got my wish, except, it was us heading back down to the coast to stay with family! It was a whirlwind trip... we stayed a week but it felt like 2 days. Special thank you to Mom and Elliott for taking on us and the dogs that whole time!

Doggies all packed up ready for the trip!

We braved the highways and made it through just fine (can't say the same for the vancouverites who were headed the opposite direction, wow!!)

Braving the 97C... it wasn't that bad, Hwy 5 was much worse going north, lucky we were going south!

We arrived just in time for a last minute wedding dress appointment for me. Mom and I met Julie, Cali, Sophie and Nadia at the bridal shop to see what they had! It was a great appointment, but I didn't see what I was looking for even though I had no clue what I wanted.

Trying on Wedding Dresses (not the one, but man it made me look skinny!)

Also not the dress... but one of the favorites after the fact

I wanted to make sure I got a visit in with Nana as I haven't seen her in such a long time now. It was hard as she has changed so much, its what you expect, but catches you off guard.

A visit with Nana

Poor Nana was so sleepy for our visit

Me and Nana

 Mom, Elliott, Me, Julie and the girls got all 4 of the dogs out for a run at the park. Everyone had a great time, especially the dogs who ended up in the lake at one point... yuck, wet dogs in the car!!

We got Tag, Kona, Max and Iggy all out for a run at the park!

Parties Parties Parties...Sunday night Brian and I headed to Doug's for another of his great family parties. It was nice to see that everyone was there (Gordon, John, Stefanie, Sarah, Marcus, Lorissa, Nick, Elanne)! Monday I had lunch with Nadia, visited Dad and Jeanie and then headed back to Mom's where Brian and I joined Elliott's family (Jonas, Deanna, Teresa and Matt) for Christmas Eve Chinese food dinner! Christmas morning Brian and I were treated to breakfast from Elliott while opening gifts with Mom and then we all rushed off to Greg and Julie's place. Brian and I had a wonderful time visiting with Greg's parents Erika and Jozeph (Julie said it was the best visit they ever had). We then headed off to see John, Stefanie and the kids...which was a shorter visit than we intended. Little Jack was so cute, he is all about "Angry Birds" this year. Then we were off to my family Christmas dinner at Dad & Jeanie's where I proceeded to wipe them out of the eggnog (if you have had Jeanie's eggnog, this would be understandable!!!)

Brian did really well this Christmas, he loved his new hunting Knives from Elliott

Oh boy...

Christmas Day at Dad's (thanks for the pics Julie!)

Me and Sophie!

Me Sophie and Lilah

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful Christmas!!!!! We had a great time (and I dont think Brian and I have ever socialized this much in our lives! haha)

Poor Brian was working most of the time we were out, but, of course its hard to sleep in with dogs. I found that dropping Kona on the bed worked to wake him up... but of course Tag wanted up too!

Dropping Dogs on Brian in bed seemed to be a good way to wake him up, too bad the dogs liked laying there so much!

Dad put together another of his AWESOME breakfasts on Thursday so all of us who could go showed up. I had to leave a little bit early as I arranged one more appointment for trying on dresses. Just Nadia and I went to this one as it was a new shop and I really didn't know what to expect. From the time I got there I was unexpectedly surprised. From the beautiful dresses, to the great prices... I guess what was missing at the last place was the 'sparkle' I was looking for. Long story short, I said yes to the dress on a gorgeous dress that was my size, that I bought off the rack for... ready? $500!!!! When everyone see's it in July, you will be shocked. Both Nadia and I agreed I would never find the same thing again for such a great price. Special thank you to Nana, as with my sisters, $500 was the contribution to the dress, who knew I would stay on budget?? I certainly didn't expect it... Can't wait to show everyone. Brian does not get to see the one I bought. Nadia and I went to the Tea shop across the street after to celebrate. It was very exciting!!

Trying on dresses again... (this one isn't my dress, but  was the most expensive one I tried on at $1375... just so we are clear, that was well out of my budget and I don't know why they gave it to me to try on!!!)

Brittian Creek rest area on the way home... roads were great, but man was it cold!!

After a week away from home and a wonderful visit with everyone... we headed back home to our spot on the Mountain with all the snow. We will miss everyone but will see you all again soon... That wedding will be here before you know it so sorry if I start getting annoying to anyone!! Merry Christmas everyone!

Photo shoot fun....

Doesn't Brian look professional? Haha... I set him up with all my gear so he could photograph his own gear!

It's soooo cold!

We went for a hike with the dogs just up the street... crazy how this really is our back yard... it was sooooo cold out! Its great here cause its so dry but man does it get cold! Kona of course loves the cold and can't get enough! Must be the husky in her.

Coffee Break

She hasn't grown into her ears yet... doubt she will some days!

Engaged!

After almost 6 years (will be 6 on Dec 22) Brian asked me to marry him! I said yes, there was no hesitation!!! He is an amazing guy and I am so lucky to have him. I can't wait to show everyone the ring in person... we have been asked lots about wedding plans and there is nothing definite yet except for probably next summer. In celebration of the engagement... here is 'us' as couple over the past 6 years in no particular order! (think I could talk Brian into engagement photos?? haha)