Spring Break

Last week was Spring Break for both my girls and I did manage to take a couple of work days off to have an extra long weekend to spend some time with them. I had big plans... you know, do some arts and crafts with the girls, work on some photography, organise our newly renovated cottage. In the end, we spent the entire time at the ski hill. It was a spectacular 4 days with nothing but sun and more sun! People thought I actually went down south after seeing my tan. Upon arrival at the hill, we spent every second outside including every lunch and happy hour too, of course!

Cara-Li and her friend, J, decided that they would like to try snowboarding. So, off I went to organise private lessons for 2 days. Let me tell you, by the time their lessons were over, they were both snowboard experts! Looks like we are adding another winter sport to our household. That means more equipment to lug around... But I must say, I am extremely proud on how well Cara-Li did (and J too!). Naturals at it almost more so than skiing...

After our Saturday at the hill, we were graced with the visit of N & S and their lovely M who came to spend the night with us and ski with us on Sunday. V & J with their lovely SQ & NJ joined us for a gastronomic raclette dinner. Lots of wine was consumed (Gord only noticed the next day upon emptying the receycle bin) and lots of laughs were had. Thanks all for the wonderful visit.

And for another exciting event, Alexia went up the chair lift for the first time this weekend! How thrilled she was to go up like the big people. Once at the top, Gord put a harness on her and she skied down thrilled to be going so fast!

It's All Over :(

Well, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics have come and gone. Sadly, they are over but frankly I am somewhat relieved. It has been non-stop Olympics at our house and with all the late night watching, I really do need the break! I am so tired, I need a good night's sleep. It is back to regular programming at our house. Family Network for the girls and the Food Network for Mommy! When Gord left on a business trip on Day 2 of the Olympics, I honestly did not think that I would not watch that much without him. But the girls showed so much interest in every event that all our evenings were spent glued to the set. Gord then went on from Arizona to Vancouver for the final 4 days where he luckily got tickets to the 2 semi-final hockey games. He is now back with tons of memories I am sure. A great way to end what started for him on December 10th by carrying the Olympic Torch!

Gord's Olympic Torch Relay Video

After over 2 months, here is the final version of the long-awaited and much anticipated video of that very special moment that he experienced on December 10, 2009. I love watching this video. It really brings back the thrill of that day. Take a look! It's way better than our wedding day video :)

Yet Another Celebration!

Once again, we celebrated Chinese New Year but this time with some of our dearest friends. Every year, we host a dinner at a Chinese restaurant (of course!) and we invite everyone that plays a part in our daughters' lives. We have our old friends that supported us through all the highs and low during both of our adoptions processes, we have the 7 year old girl (who is now 17!) and her family that played a huge part in us deciding to adopt from China and then there are the families we have met over the years who have also adopted. What a great bunch of people and we are blessed to have each and every one of you take part in our lives and most especially in the lives of our daughters. Thank you!

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

May this new year, the Year in the Tiger, year 4708,

bring you all lots of joy & happiness!

From our family to yours!

Last night, we had the pleasure of ringing in the new year with 144 other people who are members of Adoptive Families of Quebec. We had a lovely (but chaotic!) dinner followed by a show that was put on by a local Chonese school. It was great and it was fantastic to see all the kids interact with one another. After all, this is why we do this. So that the children can spend some time together and have a little fun. I know Cara-Li has formed some friendships from these gatherings and it is nice to see them pick up from where they left off the time before! As you can see from the photos below of only Alexia, Cara-Li was too busy with her friends to pose for some pictures.

My Little Acrobats!

Thanks to this little video that I sent in to Virgin Radio, we won 2 tickets to the new Cirque du Soleil show! I really do think that Cara-Li should join the circus. This is our second win. We won the same contest last year. Hooray for my girls!

The Grammys Through the Eyes of an 8 Year Old

Last night, I watched my first Grammys in oh so many years, since my early adult life, most likely. And the only reason I did was because Cara-Li, my almost 8 year old, wanted to watch it. She was in heaven when she saw the line up. Lady Gaga, Black-Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé. We allowed her to stay up until 9PM to see this. And for the first time, they actually gave up a minute by minute line up. So she knew early on that she would see 3 out of 4 acts. Taylor Swift would come on too late.

First up, Lady Gaga. She came out in a green bodysuit with these huge shoulder thingies that kind of looked like wings. She sang Poker Face which got her thumbs ups by CL but once she began her duet with the Old Man (Elton John), she dropped her thumbs giving her a 16 on 20.

Next up, Beyoncé. She sang If I Were a Boy. She did a great job and CL was giving her an 18 on 20 up until she grabbed her crotch (like guys do) and she dropped down to a 17 on 20. She stated that she did not like that.

Pink was up next. Not exactly on her wanting to see list but she fit into her one hour window ;) She strolls out wearing a white hooded dress singing a ballad (I don't know what it was, I'm not a Pink fan, well not until tonight). And you can tell that this dress was to be removed and CL is anticipating the moment. Off it came and her expression was priceless! It was a quiet 'Oh My God!' Complete with the stunned face, she watched her strut down the walkway in a sheer bodysuit and ribbons covering the all important private areas. Not to mention, she continued on to do a Cirque du Soleilish act all while singing. Impressive! CL gave her a 19 on 20. Frankly, I don't know where she could have lost a point...

Next, Black-Eyed Peas singing Imma Be and I Gotta Feeling. CL liked this performance and gave them an 18 on 20 despite the fact that they did not sound the same as on her ipod. Nonetheless, a very cool number!

At this point, it was announced that her hour was up. Not happy! She missed Taylor Swift but will catch it tonight on the PVR. Frankly, I don't think she'll enjoy it as she sings with the Old Lady (Stevie Nicks) :)

I believe that Cara-Li has a new favorite. Pink. I guess I will be downloading some of her songs tonight...