Meet you in Calicouver!

Well, our New Year's Day, along with 2006 has come and gone. It has been chilly, windy & rainy here lately, not quite the "summer" we had anticipated having. Luckily, living at the beach on an elevated level allows us to experience the elements first-hand, in all their glory. This intimacy with the sea, the surf and the mighty Wellington wind makes us feel connected to Mother Nature and she sure puts on a spectacular show.

2006 was a year of change, growth and adventure. Andrew triumphantly turned an unsatisfying job situation into a thrilling career move. He successfully returned to his beloved movie industry, simultaneously taking his family on a once- in-a -lifetime exotic adventure! The boys and I are so fortunate to have such a talented, dedicated and loving man leading the family into a new and exciting year. We don't know how long we'll be living here, but we've resolved ourselves to make the most of every day while we are here and to cherish the time we can spend together as a family.

We miss our extended families so much. It is bittersweet to be living in this lush, mysterious paradise, unable to share our experiences first-hand with our loved ones back home. We know how much all the grandparents miss the boys and how difficult it is to be so far from them. We hope you know how very much we all miss you. In our dream world, all of us would live in close proximity in "Calicouver", an unspoiled land like Vancouver, but with California weather, watching the boys grow-up together. I envision all of us ...Andrew & I and the boys, Mom, Mike & Bruno & Zachary, Sissy & Tyra, Gunda & Wayne, Emma, Bob & Angus, David, Patricia & Elizabeth, Tommy, and Daisy (of course), sitting at a HUGE table laughing, eating and celebrating the holidays TOGETHER. This may be but a pipe dream, but we can all take comfort in the knowledge that, although we're separated, this adventure is a great learning experience for the boys and they will be richer people for it.

We hope that 2007 brings each and all of you here for the chance to see this exotic place and to spend time with us and the boys. Until then, here are a few photos to keep ya going...