Prospect Lake

If you look closely, you can see Keora and I relaxing on the dock. 

Kyle took this picture from the kitchen - He was doing some final work to the house before the new owners take possession of it.

30th Birthday Celebration

We went out with a bunch of friends on Saturday night to celebrate my birthday! (Plus some late-night karaoke - Pictures of which, I will not subject you all to.)

We were surprised to see that they'd changed our table reservation when we got to the pub - They'd put us outside on the patio! Nice!

Showing off my new dress - What a colourful pair we are!

 

They surprised me with cake and even sang to me! 

What a great group of friends I've got - Thanks, everyone! :)

Washbrook Visit

Uncle Kyle, Kaeli and Anna spent a long time jumping on the Dunlop's trampoline while they were visiting.

 

 

They slowed down for about three seconds so I could take a quick picture.

Tria had a good time, laughing at the kids jumping.

 

The playground was a big hit!

Anna read the new Disney story, "Brave" to Uncle Kyle.

 

And stole his hat.

"CHEESE!" says Evelyn! I just love this squnchy smile!

 

Everyone had to take a turn trying on my tall welly boots.

 

 

 Auntie Michelle and Evelyn - Still BFF's.

Michelle's 30th Birthday

Well, it happened. 

I turned THIRTY. 

I baked a batch of orange creamsicle cupcakes for the occasion.  First time using this recipe, and it wasn't half bad. Not too sugary, bright food colouring and gummi bears.  What more can I ask for?

Anna later told me "They taste like yucky, Auntie Michelle." Not sweet enough for three year-old tastebuds, perhaps?

 

My parents sent me a Pandora charm bracelet with a Happy Birthday charm on it.

 

The Washrbooks were in town, so we all went out to dinner to celebrate.

Kaeli and Anna helped me blow out my birthday candle (and eat the cake, too!)

Afterwards, the girls helped me open birthday gifts at the guest house.

Evelyn helped by cleaning (read: carrying around) all the card envelopes.

Anna was very excited to tell me about the picture she had drawn inside my birthday card. 

 The kids (ok, and  Auntie Michelle) had a cupcake before bedtime.

Empress Gardens

Once we tired of the lines and dampness at St. Ann's we left V.I.C. Fest and wandered downtown.

We got out of the rain and enjoyed a pint at Garrick's Head Pub in Bastian Square before heading back out and walking along the waterfront.

We ended up wandering around the beautiful gardens at the Empress Hotel at dusk.

This is just the sunset, Mum. I promise I didn't dye my hair orange.

 

Kyle splashed in puddles (and got a little girl in trouble when she tried to do it with him - whoops.)

 

 The Empress is famous for its roses.

Enjoying the sunset from a dry bench.

 

 

 

 

 

The tower at the Royal BC Museum.

V.I.C. Fest 2012

Kyle and I braved the cold and rain to attend V.I.C. Fest at St. Ann's Academy.  It's an event specifically designed to showcase the best music, food and drinks that Victoria has to offer. Several local breweries, cafe's and restaurants had tents set up, and there was a full lineup of bands throughout the day.

This view of the stage and crowd is a prime example of the Juneuary (as we like to call it) weather we've been having lately.

 People line up for a sample of Spinnaker's beer.

 Cold and wet, but enjoying ourselves!

Kyle sampled beer from just about every brewery that was there.

Along with the local food, drink and music, there were several independent shop owners that had tents set up as well.  Kyle spent a lot of time in this particular stall, chatting with the owner about music and hearing his stories about attending Woodstock '69. 

And after some negotiations, he scored an awesome deal and brought a few new friends home with us.

Race Car Restoration

Kyle, Jordan, Todd, Gavin and Ray spent the bulk of Saturday on the Visco farm doing some restoration work to the race cars. 

 

 

Taking the cars for a test drive in the field.