They're Here!

This afternoon around 3pm, Ken's mom and brothers pulled up in the rental car! Yay! Ariel had just gotten up from her nap and met them with a huge smile! The came up, and after a brief hiding behind the skirt game, Ariel was out and snuggling with everyone.



















We had a nice visit, and then Ariel got a few of her birthday presents early! A talking puppy, and a magnet barn that talks. She was lovin' the fact they were talking, she loves things that make noise. Haha.



















She also got a lovely pillow, made by her own Uncle Dan. We picked out the pattern during our visit in April when Dan took me shopping while Ken was teaching. Its a pretty little butterfly for her rocking chair. Don't let the tattoos fool ya, he is a crafty guy. Hee.



















Ariel then listened to some cds with her Uncle Jonathan. He wasn't too keen when she kept taking his cd cases, haha, and kept saying, 'um Ariel, that's mine.' (Those who don't know, he has autism, but is very high functioning. Not to mention the most organized guy you would ever meet, and loves things that are orange or purple.)



















Then Ariel watched Grammy show off her new toy. Its like a camera that takes pictures and up to 30 minutes of video, and then plugs directly into the computer. Its pretty cool! Ariel enjoyed watching herself, as usual.
























She was very happy to have her Grammy here! Can you tell? Hee. At some point today it became very apparent that Ariel is really into the walking thing. She is now preferring to walk rather than crawl. Interesting. She is getting more steady, but today still looked like she was a drunk.

After our visit, we followed them back to the hotel so they could check in. We had dinner there at the restaurant, and Ariel did very well. She loves cucumbers, who knew? We went back to their room and Ariel played with her evil twin in the mirror and kept stealing things out of the suitcases.

We came home and got her into bed, as we have an exciting day planned tomorrow. We are taking the ferry over to the island to go to the Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens. Expect some beautiful pictures tomorrow!

Life with a side of French.

Today was a busy day. Not sure how 2 major things got booked on the same day, but it worked out. This morning was the big picture taking adventure at Sears. We usually get our pictures with Frozen Reflections, but I wanted the cute birthday pic with the giant number one, not sure why, it just seemed cute. So Kara ended up coming along, which was fantastic, since she was able to help wrangle the princess while I was picking proofs. Of course any adventure with me wouldn't be complete without a story. Ugh.

So my appointment was at 930am. We arrive early since traffic was good and had a muffin break in the mall. Ariel was pleased and was in a FANTASTIC mood. I was very excited, as for getting her to pose in a bad mood isn't as easy or enjoyable. We went upstairs to the portrait area and the lights were off... hmm... not a good sign. There is a girl standing there, looking rather confused. I ask her, thinking she is another customer, is no one here? She answers, no, you should come back later. Kara and I exchange a worried glance, um, I have an appointment at 930. She quickly avoids eye contact, and says something about that her boss will arrive soon. So we wait... its now 945am and I ask her if she has a number she can call. 'Oh, yes, I have a cel number, I will call.' *Grumble*

Just as she was ready to call, a guy walks in, not saying much to us and turns on the lights. We weren't sure if this was the photographer or not. When we were finally lead into a room to set up, it was now 10am. Sheesh. The guy comes back and starts setting up. Kara and I were whispering how rude it was not to at least say 'sorry for running late'. I was kinda on the edge, so if this wasn't a good session, it was not gonna be pretty later on. Thankfully, it was! He was very good with Ariel and she was flashing her lovely smile. Thankfully with Kara's help, we were able to avoid all 'dorky' backgrounds! I think he was a little bummed I didn't want the cheesy garden path, which from an artistic opinion, was totally out of perspective! Better stick with the neutral ones with me. Haha. (In the picture, Ariel is showing Kara where her favorite shops are, lol). EDIT: There is more I could say about the lady we first met that morning, but its over and I plan on writing a letter or something. Blah.

So here are the top 3 in my opinion. I placed an order and will pick up in a little more than a week. Yay.

Came home and got Ariel fed and to bed for a nap. I was hoping to get a break myself, but I had some work come in and I had to have a good laugh. The project I am currently working on is funded by the government, so it of course has to be available in both official languages. So I got to do the French version today... I am starting to think it might have been helpful to take it in high school instead of German, oh well. I like my German, hee.

Got that started but then had to leave for my hair appointment, and boy am I happy! Its awesome! Ken thought it was great, and I loved getting to sit for a few hours getting some pretty hair and reading trashy magazines. Whee.

After dinner, we went for our evening walk and park visit. Ariel was having a great time on the hills. She has been really walking a lot more these days, and I know its a matter of time before its all she really does... strange.

Tomorrow is baking day! I will be baking and freezing the various cake layers for the party. Should be interesting. I have 3 various cake sizes to make. 2 will make up the main cake, the last one is for Ariel's personal smasher cake. I think I finally worked out in my head how the cake will be decorated. I wasn't sure for the longest time and was looking at various ones online for ideas. In the end, it was somewhat a combo of a few things I saw, and some I thought would look cool... we will see if that is the case soon enough.

I also have been working on Ariel's scrapbook, trying to get it caught up. I am only doing it for the big firsts of her first year of life. That way I can make sure its a do-able project when we add to the family down the road.

Feeling better today, still a bit moody, but looking forward to Ken's week off and some fun days. Whee.

The countdown countines...

I am a flood of emotions at the moment... some good, some bad... thus leaving me in a state of 'duh'. Trying to finish all my projects and things before the family arrives on Sunday afternoon. Keep telling myself, inhale pink, exhale blue. Kara asked about the statement, and I couldn't remember how I learned it... I think it was in college or something. Either way, its funny to me, and that makes me feel at ease. Also feeling a bit bewildered, but it will pass. I take things too seriously I guess. So dang sensitive!!! Blah.

Kara came for dinner tonight and then rushed off to her rehearsal. She is choreographing a production of Pirates of Penzance. Woot. Since she was on a tight timeline, we ate early before Ken got home. Ariel the pacman, ate her plate of chicken, broccoli and potatoes. Then a slice of watermelon for dessert. Yum. I don't know where the girl puts it all. Haha.

Tomorrow morning Kara is joining me as we go off to Sears for pictures for Ariel. Then later that day while the princess sleeps, I will be leaving her with Nana so I can go get my mane of hair dealt with. Its really long, and I keep thinking I should cut it... but I don't think I would do anything drastic... just a clean up would be nice.

Ok, back to the list... sigh. Also, in case you were wondering, six sleeps until the big 'ONE'. Thank goodness there are a few more sleeps until the party. Hehehe.

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

So our long weekend has been wonderful. Lots of hanging out together and getting some things done in preparation of the coming family visit and big birthday party! I have been working on her photo memory video that will be shown at the party. Its hard to whittle down the thousands (yes thousands) of pictures we took over the year, to just the best ones. In the end, we are looking at just over 200 pictures. It was a huge job, but I can't wait to see it come together! I will post it on here after the party. Hee.

Took Ariel to watch the boats one night, went to the park and we got out to Richmond to buy some snacks for the party today. I had some points saved at Superstore, which ended up totalling $110 of free goodies. Afterwards we thought it be fun to have lunch at Pizza Hut, in reflection of Ariel turning one.

If anyone is wondering the connection, there are several. One, I had SERIOUS pizza cravings during my pregnancy, and various family would take me to lunch to keep me and baby happy. Secondly, during my several days of back and forth to the hospital for inducing, my patience crumbling steadily, Ken took me for pizza to relax and chill out. Finally, after being at the hospital 5 days, I was released with my new little girl, and we picked up a pizza to have lunch with Nana and Papa, as it was his 80th birthday, and I missed the party while being in the hospital. Lol, yes, its an odd story, but for us, its something cute to look back on. Our favorite moment had to be when we were put at the same table we sat at last year, only Ariel joined us. It was very special, and she proved that she could eat us under the table in the pizza department, so those cravings were in fact her!

After a lazy afternoon and leftovers for dinner, we took on the task of cutting the princess' royal locks! She is getting her picture taken later this week, you know the classic shot with the giant number one, hee, so nice hair is a must. It was kinda sad to be cutting it, but I didn't take much off, just cleaned it up. Its funny since most people think we already had cut it because how nice the back has grown in, but no, tonight was the official first cut!

At first she wasn't too sure what was going to happen.





Then decided she was right, she didn't like the idea of this plan.



But when daddy put on a funny show, she perked up and forgot what was happening.



The back is now cleaned up!



The final product! What a pretty girl!



On the Saturday morning, I had some of my high school friends over for a visit, as Julie and her hubby were in town seeing her family. So Gwen and Cindy, along with her 2 kids Samantha and Spencer came over. The kids played with Ariel and had a fun time. Its funny to see us sitting around talking and thinking back that 10 years ago we were sitting in some random hallway doing the same. I am proud that we stayed in touch. Sure some of our group moves away like Ann, but then some come back like Christy and her family. I feel very lucky to have them in my life, even if we only get together now and again.

Ken goes back to work tomorrow, but its a short week and then its vacation time for him!!! He is taking a whole week off, which is wonderful. His mom and brothers arrive on Sunday afternoon, and will leave after the big party on Saturday. We have lots of little day trips planned, including going to Victoria. Can't wait, and neither can Ariel, its like she knows Grammy is on her way. Yay.

Eight sleeps till the big 'ONE'...

A Long Weekend, Eleven Sleeps to Go and a questionnaire!

Yes, we are excited about the long weekend. We like having Daddy home an extra day! We kicked it off by going to dinner tonight... after a slight oops of the meat not being put out to thaw... maybe that was Ken's plan? Heheh. Either way, we went to the Boot and our daughter was a perfect angel. I brought a blueberry muffin for her to snack on while we waited for our food. She was smiling and watching the guy behind the counter blend drinks. It worked out perfectly that the last bite of muffin was followed with our dinner arriving. She ate some of my chicken and fries, drang 2 glasses of water and just grinned. I think she was happy to be with both of us. After her meal, and as we waited for Ken to finish his, she flipped through her animal book, petting the sheep and horse.

People were looking over and smiling at Ariel eat, drink and be merry, deep down I was too. The thought of going out to a restaurant with a baby is very stressful for me. I don't want to ruin other people's night out with a screaming kid. I know its a special treat for us, and I want it to be a fun time, with little stress. Ariel is a generally awesome girl, with a few moments that some might not believe us about. Hahaha. Either way, it was fantastic and when the people said 'hope to see you again', I can really believe they meant it.

We decided to go for a walk into the village. Tonight was another free movie, ET, but since I was having people over the next day, I figured a good bedtime for princess was key. So we got some fruit and diapers at the store, then stopped by the park for some picture fun. I love the Ariel flying one. Too cool! She is such a good model. Kara keeps saying she should model for baby ads, maybe she needs an agent? Hahah. Pay for that future college! Hmmm... that almost sounds like a good plan...

Last night we had over Ken's Aunt Nancy, Uncle Bill and their boys, Ryan and Trevor. When we were out to Michigan in April, we didn't see Bill, so it was his first meeting with Ariel. She liked him, enough to even share all her toys. Awe.

They told us of their day adventure in Vancouver. Cycling in Stanley Park, visiting the aquarium, going to Granville Island and having dinner at a very fancy chinese restaurant. (They even were nice enough to bring us some of their leftovers, yum!)

Tomorrow I have some girlfriends coming over in the morning for a visit, should be fun. Other than that, not much planned... I think Ken is staying a bit late after his classes to do some stuff, so I will have to find something to keep Ariel and I occupied with.

I can't believe in a week Ken's family will be here! And following that (eleven sleeps till the actual day) my little baby becomes a one year old girl! Still not use to that...

And now to close, a questionnaire that I was tagged to do by dear Dianne!

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:
- Graduating from High School - yikes!
- Working at Camp Tulahead during the summer
- Starting the Fine Arts program at College
- Thinking I should finally get my drivers license
- Applying for a job at Safeway

5 Snacks I Enjoy:
- Caramel rice cakes
- Ice Tea
- Popcorn
- Cereal
- Tater tots!

5 TV Shows I've Seen Every Episode Of:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- 7th Heaven
- Sex and the City
- Friends
- Full House... come on, we all have!

5 Things I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:
- Give to the church
- Buy a HUGE house to decorate (one that would take years to finish - I love projects)
- Buy a new car, maybe one that is electric or something
- Let my hubby quit working so he could work on his own films and books forever
- Hire personal chef to learn from

5 Bad Habits:
- Procrastinating
- Playing on the computer when I should be cleaning
- Not getting to the gym as much lately... need to get back into the swing again
- Snacking
- Staying up too late

5 Things I Like To Do:
- Read blogs
- Play with Ariel
- Spend time with Ken
- Cook
- Cross stitch

5 Things I Would Never Wear Again:
- The jean jacket with the sleeves riped off, oh I was so BAD!
- Anything yellow, I look terrible in yellow!
- A scrunchie (Had to agree with Dianne on this one, oh man)
- Socks with bells on them, I love Christmas, but thats going too far.... its up there with musical underpants!
- Things that look like maternity clothes when I am NOT pregnant... it causes too many rumors.

5 Favorite Toys:
- My iPod Nano!!!! Its super cute and blue, hee!
- Our camera, its attached to me 24/7
- Sewing machine
- Our rotisserie - its AWESOME!
- Computer

5 Things I Can't Stand:
- Drivers who have nearly hit me while I was walking with the stroller!!!
- Mess (things like overflowing garbage can etc.)
- Smokers (Sorry, I know I have friends and family who smoke, but its gross)
- Rude people
- Being sick

Now it's my turn to tag 5 people. And I tag…
- Ken
- Erin
- Kelly
- Allison
- Sonny
And anyone else who feels this may be fun!

Ariel hopes you have a fun and safe long weekend! Yay for BC Day!

Its Here!!!

Yes, after having to wait a bit longer than most people, I finally got my hands on (well Ariel got her hands on it first) the final Harry Potter book. Yay. Much reading will happen. Its not like I don't know the ending though, come on, it was practically all over the news and web 5 minutes after being released... actually some places before that. Am I sad I know the ending already, nah. This is the girl who reads movie pooper to find out the endings before seeing the movie. Hahaha. Yes, its weird, and its me. I don't like surprises, in fact I get really anxious and it tends to make me sick... seriously, ask my family how many special occasions I missed out on because of this. Ugh. I also used to ask my brother if any animals died in movies, cuz if fido didn't make it, I wasn't seeing it.

Not much to report, it was hot, I didn't like it. Ugh. That was the nasty heat like last year. Very hard to stay cool. Ariel and I had coffee with Nana and were back home pretty fast. I went out later to have a walk with Kara and it was NASTY HOT! I did enjoy spending some time with her, as she is taking off for some vacation time this weekend.

Oh, Ariel got her hair clips in the mail today, I will try to remember to take a pic tomorrow, as they came on a cute hanger ribbon that is perfect to display them. They are really little works of art. I love supporting other stay at home mom businesses. Its so cool! I entered Ariel in a contest to win more. I had to send in a picture of her wearing the clip, and if she is the lucky winner, her pic will be on the website. Hee. Lets wait and see.

We are seeing Ken's Aunt Nancy and her family tomorrow evening, so that will be fun. Haven't seen them since April. They are driving up from Washington, where Nancy is part of a Music Festival. She is a professional oboist if you were wondering.

A side note, today, back in 2000, my dear Ken proposed to me while I was housesitting. He made this fantastic video set to the 'wedding song, there is love' and put clips of our fav movies to it. It still makes me cry. Awe. Love you babe!

Ok, wanna do some clean up around here, so I shall sign off. Oh, if you have been reading the 'Life Through my Eyes... ' blog under my links, Suz had the babies! All 4 arrived and they were born at 30 weeks. There are of course medical issues, but we are praying everything goes well. Stop by her blog if you want more info.