New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve morning we hosted brunch at our house - unfortunetly I took no pictures of the event - very unlike me I know, it was early:)

We spent the evening celebrating at our friends the Wiens. We played a lot of games and did a lot of eating - it was a perfect way to ring in the New Year!

Clue - classic game.

mmm mmm

fruit for the fondue

Cheryl enjoying:)

the party

Happy 2011 - we are excited for the year ahead!

Canyon Lights

On New Year's Eve Eve (December 30th) we went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge - over Christmas they put on an event called the Canyon Lights. It was FANTASTIC!!!

this is our old fashion pose

we went with our friend Michelle - she's fantastic!!!

Matt - just brushing up on some history

the bridge...soooo long and sooo wobbly

beautiful!

on the other side of the bridge are more bridges in the treetops - all lit up for Christmas

it was a LONG way down!

we were loving it!

it was a perfectly clear, crisp & cold night - here's Michelle and Matt trying to warm up

and what's a trip to the suspension bridge without hugging a bear dressed in a Santa outfit:)

our little family Christmas

We decided not to do gifts this year, but somehow Santa still pulled through for us - this year he used a greyhound from Lloydminster:) Thank you mom and dad K - we had a lot of fun opening our box of goods!

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas with the Babies

I worked over Christmas - we made the best of our time with the babies - I work with some amazing ladies!

We were spoiled by our charge nurse and unit clerk - they provided us with an AMAZING brunch!

Our unit clerk, Mrs. Clause, handing out the gifts to the babies and families.

just some happy nurses!

we did a little gift card exchange/game in the afternoon

Merry Christmas - love the Abby NICU!

Celebrating Jesus Birthday

We drove home from Seattle on Christmas Eve just in time to see Menno play Jesus in the Christmas Eve service - he did a GREAT job!

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. " - Luke 2:6-7a

"Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased" - Luke 2:14

"They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was a baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherd told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child." - Luke 2: 16-17

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Surprise!

While in South Carolina we received a text and a facebook saying that Dan needed to talk to us about some EXCITING news! Once we got Dan on the phone we learned that Dan and Hailey were ENGAGED! Here are some pics of our reaction.

Congratulations Dan and Hailey!!!

A Southern Christmas

After New York we made our way down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for Christmas and a Trouten family reunion. It was great to meet and see everyone! We also enjoyed an apartment/condo on the beach. It was a great time!

Christmas dinner with Grandpa Trouten and Auntie Donna.

Family pictures on the beach.

Nathan treated us all to a mirror maze in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Family pictures #2.

You cannot travel to the ocean and not go for a swim. So we did...and it was COLD!

On our last day in Myrtle Beach we were enjoying a nice lunch at Chick-Fil-A (delicious) and Santa made an appearance. What a treat.

NYC

This Christmas Sarah and I had the chance to spend a little time in New York City on our way to South Carolina. While NYC is a magical place, even more so at Christmas time. The entire city is decorated for the season and is hustling and bustling.

Times Square.

Sarah and I fulfilled a dream of hers by taking a carriage ride through Central Park.

St. Patricks cathedral.

Sarah and the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree.

We got to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in its Christmas Spectacular. This show also included Santa Clause as MC and a fantastic nativity scene complete with three live camels. It was very impressive.

Times Square at night. It comes alive.

Empire State Building.

Macy's was absolutely crazy with people everywhere.

We also got to take in Mary Poppins. This show was full of the classic songs, some new ones, amazing sets, and a flying Mary Poppins that flew all the way up to us in the second balcony.