Nora & Her Family

Our 26th Anniversary ~ Aug. 22nd-24th, 2017

Not quite as exciting as our Mediterranean Cruise last year, we chose to spend our anniversary in Everett, WA for two nights in late August. It was such a treat to have some couple time, even if it was super short. I can only dream for something longer in 2018, when I use my 50th birthday for some exciting travel excuse. ;)

First thing, buy a new outfit at the outlet mall in Tulalip.

I was quite surprised to find out that Everett is actually very pretty down by the harbour. We had a spectacular dinner watching the sunset, enjoying seafood and peach cobbler. We had fun taking selfies as we walked on the pier.

If you're in the area, definitely go here!

I happened to look at brochures in the hotel lobby and was absolutely thrilled to find out there was an exhibition about the Terra Cotta Warriors from Xian, China showing at the Pacific Science Museum in Seattle. We now had a plan for the next day, and I couldn't wait. Maybe we couldn't get to Xian, but it had come to us! I briefly thought of how much Nora might enjoy this, but later opted for a book for her which she read thoroughly. One day I hope to visit the full exhibit in China, although Scott feels this is enough now. ;)

First stop in the museum, the butterfly exhibit.

A model to scale of the chariots.

The warriors were originally painted in bright colours.

We were content to wander like tourists around the Space Needle. We took the monorail downtown for a delicious meal at the The Cheesecake Factory, another favourite thing to do down here.

A sunset is beautiful no matter where it is.

After shopping in Lynnwood for our big purchase of an American Girl doll for Nora's birthday in November, we were spent. The next day was more shopping for school shoes etc. Even when we aren't with the kids, we are still always thinking of them. But the rest is always good. :) So thankful for another year with my sweetheart! He's the one who buys the thoughtful gifts, BTW.

Parksville Vacation ~ July 30th - Aug. 6th, 2017

With Ann and her kids being in BC for the wedding, we had also planned to take a week together for a first-ever extended Newsham family vacation. We had found two cottages to share between our four family groups in Parksville, a place we have enjoyed many times in the past. Once again, this beach town of warm ocean water and family-friendly activities did not disappoint. We left Sunday morning after finishing up the wedding festivities the day before, which was a lot to organize last minute after a wedding, but so wonderful to have the chance to do this trip.

Happy to make our ferry in time!

Rathtrevor Beach is never crowded.

Nora enjoys her cousins so much.

On the 31st, we surprised our parents with a dinner out for their 53rd wedding anniversary. It was a fun evening without the kids, one of the benefits of bringing older teens along. The meal at Kalvas- The Log House was truly delicious.

A dessert on-the-house.

Shortly after our meal arrived, Scott's parents surprised us. They saw our van in the
parking lot and had just booked the hotel across the street as a surpise!

We spent the next several days enjoying our favourite places in the area. The public playground was fun for all ages and helped get out some energy before bedtime.

Englishman River Falls is a great place for a picnic lunch and a short hike.We suspect that my Dad was the first person to go off-road wheelchair "hiking", thanks to Rob guiding him through the forest. Pushing him back up the hill was more challenging that working around the roots on the way down!

Ann took the younger kids to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre afterwards to view a variety of wild birds. Her energy level is much higher than mine, so I appreciate the quiet breaks.

Mini-golf is always popular.

The sculptures from the sand castle competition are inspiring.

As the week progressed, the blue skies became hazy as the smoke from the forest fires in the BC Interior made it's way west. The sun was a glowing orange ball, and the moon was incredible at night. We were thankful to be away from home at this time to get some relief from the hotter temperatures and smell of smoke as we were near the water with a breeze. It was a really good time NOT to be at my workplace with it's lack of air conditioning.

The sun mid-day.

Nora learned some new skills from her cousins.

Lewis was our lone Karpiuk son to come along, and did so well with his cousins.

The haze is more obvious here...

Friends Julie and Anna came over for the weekend to visit Ann, so all the kids got along well. The more, the merrier!

We also enjoyed a visit from friends in Victoria. We had first met when we traveled to China in 2010 to adopt our daughters so it was great to reconnect again.

After a swim together!

Anna, Jenna and Nora.

Kellie had her birthday on our last day there, so we had a birthday dinner out at Tigh-na-Mara the night before, which was also delicious. It was very special to go away and enjoy visiting so much when at home life seems too busy to get together on a regular basis. After a busy wedding season, this was a very relaxing week in many ways, with many laughs and new memories made.

Mom and Dad stayed longer into the next week to accompany Ann and kids to Tofino to "camp" for a few days on Long Beach. They continued to have some adventures of their own. We were so thankful Ann made it out this summer despite driving across Canada to do it. She's amazing!

After we came home, we had BC day to unpack and reorganize, knowing that there would be no rest for awhile as I was to start my new job at hospice the very next day. I was to do a temporary part-time position of 12-hour days and nights until Jan. 3rd, 2018. Meanwhile, I was on-call at my original casual position at the dementia centre as well. I took a deep breath, thankful the wedding was finished, and that the new employer had been gracious enough to allow me to start after the wedding and family vacation. Now it was time to focus on the next big challenge of the year, and I wanted to give myself 100%. What a year it had been so far! I was to learn the value of each day up close.

The Wedding Events ~ July 26th-29th, 2017

Last August, Charles and Margarita became engaged during our vacation in Parksville. (She was brave enough to say "Yes!" after a week with us.) The first half of 2017 seemed to be focused on preparing for the big day, as well as Charles moving out at the same time. I seemed to have spent a lot of time at Homesense and Pier One finding fun finds for shower gifts or rehearsal dinner props, or shopping around for deals to outfit the family. (I now have many assorted melamine dishes if anyone needs to borrow any for their next summer function!) Working on detail work for the reception and a couple of small quilts filled up most of my creative hours which I enjoyed, as well as the photos for the reception. The week of the wedding was very busy but it all came together well, and we did enjoy the wedding and reception, as well as other gatherings very much. We have way too many photos so feel free to skim them.

Engagement photos in January 2017.

Wednesday night was the rehearsal, so we enjoyed a dinner after at Scott's parents' home on such a lovely summer evening. Thank goodness for delivery from Memphis Blues Rib House, and Costco of course!

Nice to have the rehearsal two nights early.

Our gracious hosts, Walter & Donalda.

My Dad takes it all in.

The bridal party.

Enjoying it all coming together.

I could not have pulled this off without help from Stewart & Charlene... thanks!!

Kailey & Kellie.

Rob, Kailey & Kieren.

Margarita's grandparents came the farthest from Guatemala, here with her Mom Lorena.

Ann made vacation plans around the wedding to drive out
from Winnipeg. What event can we entice her with next summer?

Thursday evening we enjoyed all the leftovers from the night before at a picnic in Surrey Bend Park near our home, hosting out-of-town and local family on the Johnson and Karpiuk sides. It was good to visit before the next day when things would be more scheduled, and we were thankful for the blessing of our extended family's presence and support. Margarita was able to have a quiet night with her family.

A fun evening with Karpiuks, Newshams, Heinrichs, Johnsons, Mays and Kozmas!

My Mom with the newest second-cousin Aubrielle, and her sister Ede from Edmonton.

Our last day with Charles at home.

Sunglasses, Charles? There was no way to disguise who the groom was...

Friday, the big day, came after much anticipation. I was incredibly blessed by my friend Darlene coming over to do Nora's hair, as well as hair for Ann's girls while I went off to enjoy some pampering of my own. :) So, I drove to the church on my own feeling so relaxed, wondering if I was allowed to feel this calm. ;) Charles was able to get ready on his own at this point.

Nora loves having Auntie Darlene do her nails.

A fun cousin-bonding event.

A day to feel like a princess...

With the excited flower girl...

James, supportive older brother.

Lewis looking sharp.

Everything was so pretty.

One of the few pictures of Thomas...

Nora comes through.

Overwhelmed by his bride...

... such a beautiful one!

Wedding held at Royal Heights Baptist in North Delta.

Proud grandparents.

The youngest married Karpiuks!

Rob's family

Ann's family, minus Steve. Sadly, he had to stay in Winnipeg for work reasons.

So happy to have my sister visiting.

The Karpiuks, missing Doug's family unfortunately as we forgot to tell them to stay longer!

The "Newsham" branch...

The lovely Hernandez Family... Charles better start Spanish lessons!

Now our family has eight!

Photos of the bridal party and couple were taken in Pitt Meadows at the Meadow Gardens Golf Course prior to the reception. It was starting to get warmer out, but in retrospect the heat and haze from forest fires came the following week, so it was a beautiful day to get married.

Esther, Mikayla, Kyla, Margarita, Charles, Jonathan, James & Matt.

They each married their best friend.

They enjoy hiking but today?! :)

Good thing Margarita is driving...

During photos we hurried home so that Scott could put the finishing touches on the wedding as MC, find all the powerpoints and review our speeches. Nora enjoyed a break with her cousins and friend Anna at Grandma and Grandpa's house... thank you!!

Grandpa has the most interesting "toys".

The reception was truly enjoyable, with delicious food, friends and family all around us, and so many special moments of laughter, reflection, gratitude and even tears. All the hard work truly came together for a memorable day to cherish always.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Charles Karpiuk

Lewis, Kailey and Abby at the "Kids table".

Nephew Aiden was very happy to be sitting right next to the "Candy Bar".

Some people find the speeches part of the wedding boring, but I guess it's different when your children are the ones getting married. We loved hearing the toasts and watching the bridal couple enjoying themselves so much.

James was hilarious...

Eduardo shared his wisdom.

Taking it all to heart.

The Karpiuk table.

I may be biased, but Scott should become a professional Master of Ceremonies.

I always laugh at his joke, so I suppose I am biased...

The first dance, cutting of the cake, and the ever-popular "Shoe Game".

For a family who can't dance, we made the most of it and ended up having a wonderful time... especially given James' encouragement. His grandparents especially enjoyed his "cane" dance.

Fun times for cousins Nora and Izzy.

The last event of the wedding weekend was a gift opening BBQ at the Hernandez home. Eduardo was a grill-master extraordinaire and it was like having a second reception with tables set up in their very festive backyard, complete with a live band of his friends playing guitar on the deck.

A perfect summer afternoon.

Cousins enjoying more time together.

There are no small portions here.

Such a relaxing occasion, for us. :)

Charles with Auntie Charlene.

When your father-in-law points a knife at you...

A Guatemalan wedding tradition involved dancing under a pinata, which Margarita's grandmother Gricelda had made. It was supposed to break open with rice falling out when a cord was pulled, but it didn't quite work out that way and needed some effort. Quite fun to watch!