Malcolm had a chance to crawl around outside today...he discovered a twig!!
Sabrina was mixing drinks for us, because we got quite thirsty in the hot sun!
Olivia, as she likes to do, was showing us some of her dance moves...very artisitic!
Noah... just before he climbed the light standard; impressive! 
This morning, I dragged myself out of bed to mix up some sweet raisin fritter batter (otherwise known as portzelky or new years cookies or oly bolen or any number of other names). We had "seen in" the new year with my (Vange) brothers & sisters, consequently I was greatly tired, but rise to the occasion I did! Rick assisted me, and by 9:30 AM I was back in bed while the batter rose. (I'll spare you THAT picture). Back up @ 10:30 to start the deep frying......
...actually, Rick did the frying & I did the dough-drops into the oil. This is the pot with various stages of doneness....
...and this is the finished product! They may not look like much, but are they ever tasty dipped in suger! Not to brag, but definitely my best ever! It was a good start to the new year. Now, sadly, it's almost time to take down all the Christmas decor and start looking forward to next Christmas :) HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! MAY WE ALL EXPERIENCE GOD'S GRACE & PEACE IN THE COMING MONTHS!!
Dec 29th found us at Rick's parents' place for the extended Falk family gathering...I can honestly say, I did NOT get tired of turkey. It's always good (especially when Mom adds her yummy cabbage rolls to the menu)
We had to wait until Dec 28th this year to have our own little family christmas celebration, but it was well worth the wait. We are SO blessed with our children & grandchildren!!
Dec 26th we spent @ Ron & Viv's with the Boschman family (at least most of it) Good times!
Santa did not disappoint! We missed Greg, Becky & Noah who were in Summerland :(
JESUS is the gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart. May all that He is bring you all that you need at Christmas and throughout the new year!
This entry is primarily to prove to our friends to whom Rick has confessed his fear of heights (he says it's actually a fear of falling, but I maintain that you have to be high to fall) that he has not only faced his fear, but has beaten it into submission. (Okay, he was actually still scared, but he got up there anyway) I'm SO proud of him. The little neighbour girl came out to tell him to be careful up there...so cute. He did it last friday while I was at work, and when I came home I saw the lights from way down the hill - I actually cheered out loud while I was driving. It's not unusual for me to yell while driving; but it's not usually happy yelling :)
The beginning of Dec, Rick & I went to Vancouver for the weekend...did some shopping and LOTS of relaxing. This pic was taken just before a HUGE filling came out of one of my teeth. Ya, that was fun. The rest of the memories are much more pleasant!!
This was the view from our suite. It was the weekend after the big snow; lucky for us. The weather was actually great and we walked LOTS. One of the highlights, for me anyway, was having pizza at Me & Ed's...not once but twice. I LOVE their pizza!! We also walked through the festival of trees @ the Four Seasons. Saw some really beautifully decorated ( and some not) Christmas trees. My favorite was all white & crystally. What does that say about me?
Santa showed up early at our house, guess all the snow confused him a little.
part of our back yard...
some of the hills Rick made in the last two days...
...nothing escaped the shovel today!!!
Olivia wanted to go out in the snow after dark last night, so we thought a safe place would be on the deck. She had a challenge just walking across through the thigh-deep snow, but she was definitely up for it.
We woke up to about 6 inches of snow this morning, and it's still coming down this afternoon. They say (who are they anyway) we're in for lots more today & tonight. The kids were VERY excited about all the white stuff, and spent quite a bit of time outside. Grandpa had lots of help shovelling the drive & sidewalk. Then we all went for a walk to Greg & Becky & Noah's house to borrow some potatoes for the borscht I started this morning. I also made LOTS of butter tarts, so we're looking forward to some good eating. Actually, we've already started :)
Cindi was videoing & I was taking pictures - we agreed that we were not prepared to actually BE in a picture, since we in our pj's/robe with some sweet footwear and coats on, however, I thought you would enjoy seeing the results of Cindi's pedicure that she had yesterday - nice!!
" I LIKE being in the snow Mommy!"
" Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll uncover the trees so they won't break!"
We even have snow INSIDE - a whole hill of it - and two snowmen. The one on the toboggan is heading for trouble, I think.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of all our grandchildrens' company, while their parents went out for a night with cousins - hah, cousin night all around! Anyway, it was a pretty big deal because this was the first time that Malcolm got to stay (and he made the most of it) Good times!
Yah, I have two trees up & decorated - I LOVE Christmas (ya think?)
Does this one look like it's leaning a little?
Last weekend we celebrated the 40th birthday of one of our younger friends (of course, she's now officially OLD) We were asked to dress "1966" so this was our attempt. There were some pretty sweet costumes there, but our friends are very shy so we can't actually show you :) Happy birthday Z - we love you!
