Passion for Coffee

I have a fantastic job and work with a great group of people. One of my favourite days of the week is Friday - because the coffee team starts every Friday with 'Passion for Coffee' - we get to try coffee's from all over the world, participate in blind tastings and even visit coffee shops from time to time. Today we got a 'pass' to go to Starbucks to try coffee brewed on the Clover - I sampled the Kona coffee from Hawaii and highly recommend it!
Cheers to coffee and Cheers to Friday!

Our Silly Girl

Maddison is always busy dressing up... any dress she becomes a 'princess' - (note the blue dress has another dress underneath... just because).
When not a princess she is a bunny... a kangaroo... a butterfly... just about any costume she can get her hands on...
If costumes are not near - then 'funny faces' are in order.
Thanks for the hours of entertainment our funny bunny pricess girl!

A year of firsts

It has been a great year of 'firsts' for Dustind since turning 7
- First time successfully across the monkey bars without mom or dad's assistance
- First tooth lost
Not to mention:
- First ski race (4th place!)
- First time swimming on my own
- First bike with gears and hand brakes

Being 7 is cool... can't wait to see what other firsts are in store this year for our very busy boy!

It's Chocolate Mom!

Easter morning is full of surprises - Maddy couldn't believe her eyes every time she opened another egg and found chocolate!


























The 'clucking' bunny was a hit wiht both of them


































After the egg hunt then on to Auntie Carin's for breakfast!

Easter Prep!

The Easter Bunny left behind a friend this year...




















Hid the eggs in some obvious and n0t so easy to find spaces














Left a basket full of goodies & toys for Dustind and Maddison along with his reminder note each year how many eggs each of them needs to look for.













Because we were away - Mom didn't have time to decorate like she usually does but found some great new eggs this year and the cutest little flower chick - let's hope she lasts a week or so!

Highlight of the week

Despite the shopping, Bush Gardens, trips to the beach, time with Nana and Pappa... the highlight of our week was Dustind starting to swim on his own on our very last day in Florida!!! From swimming close to the edge he progressed to diving for dive toys and jumping in repeatedly like his sister! Dustind has now declared that he could be a professional swimmer and would like to start training for the Olympics!

Swimming anyone

Every morning started off with at least as 2 hour swim.








































Maddy jumping in - this action was repeated over... and over... and over again!

Cocktails anyone?

There is nothing better after a long day in the sun than an icy-drink! Thanks for the drinks Dad and to Dustind for the garnish!

Beach Babies

A florida vacation wouldn't be complete without an afternoon at the beach swimming and collecting shells!

We all enjoyed the sand...
The Sun...
And even the surf!

Maddison digging for shells

Papa Dan looking super skinny and super tanned - 100% recovered from his triplle by-pass and valve replacement and looking at least 10 years younger!

This is one of my favourites as we have almost the same pictures of Dustind at the age of 2 with his Daddy at the same beach!

Sarasota Sun Down Dance

In Sarasota - the locals gather on the beach to 'dance' down the sun on Sunday evenings. This weekly ritual includes steel drums and a lot of dancing and rated as a great way to kick off our Florida vacation. Maddy was a wee bit tired after swimming all day and stayed back at the house with her Nana and Papa!



























Dustind enjoying one of MANY lemonaid's while on vacation with the perfect view into the heart of the dancing circle!

Award for Mutual Respect

Dustind received an award for 'Mutual Respect' in the classroom in March - we are so proud of him for not only excelling in school but demonstrating strong values as well! Congraulations Dustind!