Anticipation, Planning, The Event...and Then It's All Over!

Although I had wished to write a blog or two, these past several days, that proved difficult to do with a house full of guests, a few parties to host, several airport pickups, a wedding to attend to, a post wedding party....and a whole host of other duties.  Most days were just too compressed with activities and when I did find a bit of time to break away from family and friends, I was just too tired to write.  This past week was a whirlwind of long days and short nights.

Deni and Courtney arrived from Edmonton a week ago, Sunday.

All the business centered around last Friday's, September 21, wedding for our son, Deni and his spouse to be, Courtney.  With over 130  attendees, we were busy with a lot of hosting duties.  That began in earnest with the pre-wedding party we hosted at our home, following the wedding rehearsal on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver last Wednesday.

Three sisters:  Darlene, Jeanette and Deb.

Jeanette, with helpers, got busy with preparing several vats of chilly to feed the large group that would congregate at our home on Wednesday night last.

Sure smelled good.....and it tasted great!

With the chilly then warming and slow cooking in large pots, we drove to the Kitsilano Brock House, on the Vancouver waterfront, for the wedding rehearsal.

It was a lovely, late afternoon, gathering where the minister guided us through our roles.

We did the walk, as told, and shared some laughter as we enjoyed the lovely Vancouver harbour.

Walk the walk!

Courtney's brother, Matt, Courtney and mom, Barb.

Once the minister was satisfied with our performance, we drove back to our home in Langley where the pre-wedding party began in earnest.  What fun!

Everyone was hungry so we dug into the chilly.

Both families had the opportunity to get to know each other.

What a fun evening.  The pre-wedding party allowed both families to become well acquainted with each other.  It sure goes a long way to warming the spirit of the event to come.

Courtney's mom Barb with an aunt who traveled from Holland.

As expected, Jeanette's chilly (made with the assistance of brother in law, Bob, from Calgary) was just the ticket to satisfy a hungry crowd.  The numerous libations helped too.

Enjoying the evening.

Courtney's family - Cousin, Mom and brother.

L-R (Members of my family)  Karen, Jared, Shania, Paulette, Suzie, Tina, Jamie, Brad, Jeanette and I. My family traveled from the Province of Alberta.

Friday morning:  Jeanette and I ready for wedding.

Friday had us get ready to drive to the Granville Island Hotel, in Vancouver, to meet up with the wedding party.  We arrived near 1:00 pm on Friday afternoon where we joined our son and the  guys to get ready for their 6:00 pm wedding, dinner and dance.

Front of the Granville Island Hotel.  Jeanette waits for me to park the vehicle....and take this photo.

We met up with Deni, Trevor, Matt and the other members of the wedding party.   All were busy with getting dressed before meeting together with the photographer.

Deni puts the final touches together as his brother in law, Trevor, looks on.

Deni with his mom.

Dad and Deni relaxing together.

Deni's sister, Ginette, drops by for a first look and a big hug.

We left the hotel rooms and waited by the waterfront in False Creek - on Granville Island - for Courtney and her entourage to arrive.  Deni was to be blind folded for Courtney's arrival.

Ginette prepares to place the blind over Deni's eye.

Ready for the bride's arrival.

Before long, Courtney arrived while Deni waited to see what his lovely bride would look like.

Courtney looked absolutely lovely!

Was Deni surprised?  Oh YES!  Pleasantly so!

After a kiss and good look at his wife to be, Deni and the group followed the photographer to numerous locations for desired photographs.

The rest of us drove to Brock House where guests were arriving for the wedding ceremony, to be followed by a sit down dinner, speeches and dance.

Because this blog would run too long, I chose to show a few photos of the formal evening now and to follow up with a more substantive blog, on the formal wedding itself, in the days ahead.

Matt, Courtney and Barb....as they proceed to the waterfront setting for the exchange of vows.

The following are a few of the photos taken once the official ceremony was completed.

Signing the wedding registry

Ginette witnesses the event.

Matt concurs and agrees to sign as a witness too.

A photo of our family

It was a perfect evening for a wedding.  Jeanette and I marveled at how beautiful the event was, how well everyone enjoyed themselves and at how well the entire event played out.  More of that - in much greater detail - in the next blog.  I will focus on the formal evening and the post wedding events....so stay tuned!

And, to Courtney and her family, it's a pleasure to have you join our family.  We feel very blessed.

Thanks for dropping by.

Early Visitors Arrive.....

Jeanette and I expected the arrival of our first out of town visitors on Saturday.  They were driving from Calgary and chose to leave on Friday afternoon, drive part way, overnight, then complete the drive on Saturday.

A great back road ride heading up towards Mount Baker, Washington State.

Given that we had completed most of our tasks to ready for the influx of visitors and friends who will attend our son's wedding this September 21,  we felt the urge to head off for a nice motorcycle ride in the neighbouring Washington State countryside.  We did just that on Friday.  The weather was - dare I say it - unbelievably wonderful!.

We love riding in these canopied roads.

We know many of the back roads that lead up to Mount Baker.  We had those roads to ourselves.  Our first stop was at Silver Lake, situated at the foot of the mountain.  That did not disappoint....and never does! Whatcom County Parks and Recreation - Silver Lake Park

Still flowering!

Only a few like minded folks were there.  There was one fisherman on the lake, a few kayakers exploring the shoreline and a few hikers.  We walked up to the RV camping area and, other than a few spots taken, the campground offered plenty of available spots.

This beautiful, clear, lake only permits motorized boats with less than 10 hp engines. 

Foot bridge from the parking area to the RV camp spots. 

We did not see any large fish in the crystal clear waters but plenty of minnows were feeding in the shallow areas.

Silver Lake is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Baker.

After walking around, sitting near the lake, and enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the place, we headed off.  Our plan was to take Highway 9 south from Mt. Baker to the town of Sedro Wooley and then into Burlington, WA.

We found a good lunch place in Burlington. Later, we dropped into the huge Camping World nearby to price out some RV services.  With the motorcycle heated grips at the end of their useful lives, we ordered a new set from the motorcycle shop nearby.

Seven hours after the start of our ride - crossing the border into the US, and enjoying a wonderful fall day on some amazing back roads - we returned to the Canadian border and back home near 6:00 pm.

Shortly after arriving back home, our Calgary visitors 'texted' that they were well into their 9.5 hour drive from Calgary to Langley.  They were not tired, traffic on the Trans Canada Highway was light, and that precipitated the decision to make the drive to our home in one shot.  They arrived at our door shortly after midnight.   We visited for a good 90 minutes before calling it a night.

Jeanette's sister Deb gets to share some time with Easton and Ginette.

Jeanette and Deb ran some errands on Saturday and they chose to stop by Trevor, Ginette and Easton's house for a visit.  Easton was busy in his play station but offered a smile and hugs to his great aunt and his nana.

Easton is changed and ready to party!  Love that cute hat!

Trevor, Ginette and Easton were soon to head off to a birthday party and, once changed, Easton agreed to a photo with his nana before Jeanette and Deb drove back to our home.

Bob and I kept busy driving around the Langley countryside.  Following a coffee at Krause Berry Farm, we purchased a blackberry pie for dinner and drove into Fort Langley before heading back for home.  Krause Berry Farms

Deb and Bob....working on dinner preparations.

 We enjoyed a wonderful salmon barbecue, spent a lovely evening in the sun room chatting and catching up on news and views before calling it a night,... well after midnight.

Sunday morning saw Bob and Deb drive to the Vancouver Airport South Terminal for a quick flight to Powell River. They had planned a three day visit with life long friends who retired there a few years back.  It was a great day for flight over the mountains and for crystal clear views of the Pacific inside ocean passage.  Discover Powell River

After Deb and Bob left for their flight, Jeanette and I prepared to move the 5th wheel out of its resting place and on to the front driveway.  We did just that.  The fiver will house some pre-wedding guests (part of the wedding party) for a pre-wedding party this Tuesday and Wednesday.  Once the wedding party head for the downtown Vancouver hotel, the sheets will be changed and the fiver will be ready to receive two nieces with children.  They will occupy the 5th wheel while my two sisters and a nephew and his wife occupy a local hotel  The spare rooms in our home will house two of Jeanette's sisters, spouses and kids.  It is going to be a busy time!

Fiver set up and ready to serve as sleeping accommodations.

Our son, Deni, who will wed Courtney this Friday, September 21, is hosting a  pre-wedding party to include family, wedding party friends and others this Wednesday.  Other than those who live nearby and will drive home, we will be housing everyone else.  It should be a fun time.  We look forward to that.

We received a telephone call last night with news that Deni and Courtney had arrived from Edmonton, Alberta, They were at Courtney's mom's house in Surrey - about 20 minutes west from our home.  They drove out yesterday.  We will see them at our home this Tuesday evening.

All set.  B&B anyone?

The added advantage with the 5th wheel set up is the extra refrigeration space it offers.  With the two extra RV refrigerators operating, they afford Jeanette the flexibility to keep a lot of food at the ready.  Bonus!  I can see myself going back and forth with food stuff these next several days.

That's it for now....but as the visitor traffic increases, and the activities begin, we'll keep you updated.

Thanks for dropping by.

Readying For Visitors and Our Son's Wedding!

It has been a week  of completing small tasks around the house in preparation for welcoming numerous out of town visitors, who will join many family and friends, to celebrate our son's wedding one week from today. 

All the required preparations have long been in place.  Deni and, daughter in law to be, Courtney, have done an amazing job with the planning. We plan to receive about 130 attendees at the wedding this September 21, 2012, on the waterfront, in Vancouver.

Easton came by for a visit and - other than being consumed with teething - we got to enjoy a bit of the golf channel together.

So with a fair bit of shopping done - groceries and things -  house and yard cleaning done, we are ready to receive the first of many guests, starting tomorrow (Saturday).  Jeanette's sister Deb, along with husband Bob, are driving out from Calgary, Alberta.

Easton is up for a nice walk in the neighbourhood.

 Deni and Courtney will drive out from Edmonton, Alberta, on Monday.  Friends of theirs will start arriving every day after that.  A pre-wedding party is planned for our home mid-week before the wedding party heads for a downtown Vancouver hotel to ready for the Friday wedding.

Jeanette takes first dibs on pushing the stroller.

Although not evident in this photo, Trevor has this wonderful ability to make Easton laugh out loud simply by looking at him and saying  a few words.  It's hilarious!

We did have the time to hike at a local park and enjoy the outdoors in a very quiet environment.  This park tends to be busy on weekends but it's pretty well ours during the weekdays.

Jackets are required for early morning starts but they are quickly removed once the sun peeks through the forest and the temperatures rise. 

We are experiencing great fall weather on the coast.  The evenings are mild and the daytime heating can easily reach 25 degrees Celsius.  No complaints on that front.

The berry crops are still producing

Early signs of fall.

Although still early for fall leaves to drop from the trees, there is evidence of colour changes.  Fall is a nice time of the year but, for me personally, it signals the desire to begin preparations for our winter RV getaway to the US southwest.  That preparation will begin in earnest following the wedding.

Speaking of RV preparations, ours will be pulled out of its compound, from the side of our home, to be used as accommodations for two nieces and their children who are traveling from Alberta to attend the wedding.  Before they get to use it though, some pre-wedding guests (attached to the wedding party) will use the 5th wheel for sleeping accommodations while at our home for the mid-week party.  Others will fill the bedroom spaces in our home.  It will be a full house!

Mid-week and the picnic tables sit unused in a park off the hiking trail.

 Early evening shot.

 

That sums up our past several days.  We look forward to the days ahead when our normally quiet house will be alive with people and activities.  Bring it on!  We're ready!

Thanks for dropping by.

Anniversary and a Sleepover

I knew Jeanette was up to something when, a few days back, she mentioned that I could not book any activities for Thursday.  She had the entire day planned!  OK, thought I, it's our anniversary that day, so she's up to something.  She is a planner.  I can often guess at what she's up to but she had me stumped on this one

We attended this original Broadway Musical at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre - Vancouver.

Sure enough!  Jeanette said we had to be at our friends' home (Lorne and Mariette) for 12:30 pm.  They would be joining us for our drive downtown and a surprise afternoon out.  OK, thought I....I'm up for this!  So, off we went.  It was then that I was informed of our tickets to take in the musical.  Yeah!  I really like the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  In fact, we had the opportunity to see Frankie in concert - live - last January in Laughlin, Nevada.

For details on our impressions of his live performance in Laughlin, Nevada, click on the highlighted  link:  

RV Voyageur: New RV Spot & Frankie Valli....

To now learn about his life's story (and the three other Jersey boys) was something I was looking forward to.

We arrived at Lorne and Mariette's home and shared a brief visit before driving to downtown Vancouver.

The theatrical musical was FANTASTIC!  What a treat that was!

Enjoying a fantastic dinner hosted by Lorne and Mariette.

Our friends also hosted us at their home that evening. Dinner was an awesome barbecue of ribs and the other foods to compliment it.  What to say?  It was a wonderful day - spent being entertained and with good friends to share in the fun.  Thanks for joining in on our special day and for hosting such a great meal.

A toast to the hosts.....and to us!

Daughter Ginette had made plans to have Easton sleep over at our home on Friday night (last night).  Yesterday was her husband Trevor's birthday.  Like her mom would do, she planned a surprise evening that Trevor would only discover was happening in the evening when they drove Easton to our home.

Jeanette had a little birthday cake for Trevor.....

With only a few minutes to spare, Ginette informed Trevor (who is a licensed motorcyclist) that they were heading off to dinner but their ride was to change.  She had brought his leather jacket, riding boots and helmet over (her stuff too) and that they were taking our motorcycle out for the evening.  Dinner plans had been set for The Boathouse on the beach in White Rock.  The weather was perfect for an evening ride.

Geared up and ready to ride off.

Trevor had a huge smile.  He loves to ride....but does not presently own a motorcycle.  He has some off road toys (quad and off road motorcycle) but a road cruiser ride is something he enjoys too.  It was our pleasure to lend our ride for the evening and Saturday. 

Saying good bye to Easton and his Nana, Jeanette.

Ginette also had another surprise for Trevor.  Saturday morning (as I write this blog) they are to motorcycle out to North Vancouver and hike the Grouse Grind.  That is one tough climb up to Grouse Mountain.  They have done it often enough and this kind of activity is right up their activity level.  They love this type of challenge.   Grouse Mountain - The Peak of Vancouver

A long lens shot as they rode off.

So, while Ginette and Trevor were off enjoying the weekend rides, dinner and hike, Jeanette and I could spend some quality time with Easton.  That is a treat....anytime!

 Following a good feed last evening, Easton was quick to sleep.

We thought we would be up once or twice in the night to answer Easton's call (or whimpers) but that was not to be.  Jeanette did get up once in the night to check on him and he was sound asleep.

I woke up at 6:45 am and when I checked on Easton, he was awake but calm and smiley.  Once he saw me though, he was quick to want to get up, changed and fed.  I was up for that!

Here he is - all smiles following a fresh diaper change and good bottle feed.

We have Easton for the day, today.  It's shaping up to be a good day to get him out and about for some walks and interaction with nature.  Easton's mom and dad will return this late afternoon to retrieve him  but, in the meantime, his Nana is busy spoiling him.  That's just the way it should be!

Wishing you a good weekend.

Thanks for dropping by.