Driving to Barrie for the end of the Holidays and New Years

This deserves it's own post, as we had quite an enjoyable ride.

~Leaving late and then realizing that Deb and Tom had Mark's car keys at the train station.
~A meal at Swiss Chalet. Some of the best food we have ever enjoyed from that chain; the kids behaved tremendously; and Hannah ate more than Mark and James put together. Oh, and the Lindor chocolates...what more needs to be said?
~Stopping at the Big Apple in Castleton, ON, where James and Mark ran up and touched the Apple.
~Meeting up with friends Dave Zanatta and Daelyn Woolnough at Tim Hortons and visiting for an hour after not seeing them in 2 years! Three Doctors in a coffee shop, but we were hoping that no one in the shop had a heart attack or other medical emergency. It's kind of silly that they all share that title, since they represent vastly different occupations.
~Watching the kids happily play together, really for one of the first times, at Tim Hortons. They ran around the coffee shop: stopping regularly at the wet floor cones; banging on the glass and saying "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh"; and talking to Daniel, one of the employees.
~Arriving late at the Scotts and enjoying the start of a great visit from Katherine, who flew from Victoria, BC to visit us.
~If we hadn't stopped for more than bathroom breaks, this trip would have only taken 6 hours. Great drive, and the kids and Esther (I don't always drive well on long car rides-especially when I am not driving) did great. Mark drove the whole way!

Holidays with the Lantz family

~Family arriving. Bethany, Adam and Izzy first; then Tom, Deb, Rohan and Ruthie.
~Reminiscing about Mom (Esther's) on the 23rd.
~Driving around the airport for 40 minutes, then getting a call that Deb, Tom and the kids took a cab.
~Honoring the Christ Child on Christmas, and then counting our blessings.
~The best Christmas Esther has had in at least 13 years-and perhaps in her whole life!
~Waking up in my own bed on Christmas morning!
~Turkey caesar salad-the absolute best! Thanks for making it, Deb.
~Skating on Mount Royal.
~Walking to the Atwater market with Deb, Tom, Anthony and the kids, then taking the subway back home.
-Hanging out with the nieces and nephew. Boy, is Izzy getting sooooo big!
~Dominoes and a homemade version of Settlers of Catan.
~Staying up late and then getting up with Hannah at 5.
~Honouring/remembering Mom and Susie by lighting candles (Deb's idea). Will need to do this over the holidays-and birthdays/anniversaries too. What a great idea.

Breaking down for a different kind of blog

So, I am finally joining the blogworld.
My intention for this blog is to share the highlights of the day, week, etc. for family and friends to enjoy, and for our family to look back on over time.
I hope that you enjoy this, are inspired, laugh and are encouraged.
Blessings,
Esther