before leaving vancouver, we had lunch with kimu, angie and micah. main attraction: the massive gravity-defying green tea smoothie.

the boys.

the girls.

auntie helen bought everyone tickets to the stanley park christmas train. we made it for its last evening, and braved the rain for a fun time.

rebecca really wanted to “help” hold the umbrella

and we’re off!

lots to see

choo choooo!

we had a great time visiting janet and chris, who made us pizza and a chocolate pie, mmmmm.

playing band with madeleine!

dinner with old friends

lounging

christmas dinner was a feast hosted by cousin elizabeth (french chef in the making!). amazingly, she cooked a gourmet french meal for the entire extended family.

evening entertainment

lamb stew

seared scallops

also a cream of cauliflower soup, roast beef, sweet potato gratin, madeleines….too many dishes to list, all delicious!

church service in the morning, and then lunch at helen’s.

getting wrapped up

merry christmas!

christmas eve dinner was (what else?) hot pot!

preparing the hot pot

hugs

eating…

and eating…

presents, mainly for rebecca. thanks grandma kathy and grandpa sam for my new dolly!

little red riding hood. thanks auntie for my cool poncho!

helen hosted a party. this time, adults only!

food

conversation

shucking oysters

cleaning up

we enjoyed a lovely dinner at shaughnessy restaurant in vandusen gardens; good food with a backdrop of christmas lights from the garden.

hello nutcracker

family pic!

first christmas get-together was hosted by karen and colay. it was wonderful catching up with old friends and making new (little) ones.