Totally Nifty November

November 2006 has been incredible! The family celebrated Ty's 1st birthday, my 60th birthday, Wayne and my 40th wedding anniversary, and my impending retirement. Christmas will seem like 'down-time' after all this.

The family surprised Wayne and I on our anniversary with a wonderful evening on Friday that began with a huge limosine pulling up to the front door. When we climbed inside, all the kids were there with waiting glasses of champagne. Kevin and Kate came from Vancouver (what a surprise), Tim and Kim from Toronto, and Colin and Jennifer from Ottawa. We had a fabulous dinner and it was exactly the way we wanted to celebrate...with those we love the most.

The next afternoon, the three girls took me for a pedicure and when we arrived home, Wayne had planned a surprise birthday for me and all of our friends and family were there. I didn't suspect a thing and he did a wonderful job, with lots of help from everyone.

On Sunday Kim's and our families gathered at the house again to celebrate Ty's first birthday. He hadn't had much, if any, sugar before this so we were anxioux to see how he would react to his chocolate birthday cake. He was a bit unsure for a few minutes...didn't know whether this was something to put in his mouth or play with, but in the end decided to do both. He didn't mind the taste too much, played patty-cake in the icing, but really wasn't keen on all that moosh between his fingers. He was stripped and taken right to the bathtub but if he didn't enjoy the experience, everyone else sure did.

Wayne and I never fail to be amazed at how lucky we are to have the children, family, and friends that we do.