Christmas 2012, Part 3

We attended lots of Christmas parties and visited some family friends. It was so good to see everyone again. I even went to go see the Toronto Marlies play a hockey game at the Air Canada Centre with some cousins! With the NHL lock-out currently happening, I guess we just have to take what we can get these days. ;) My trip to Ontario ended on a high note with a 2-day get-together with my two best friends Katie and Kaitlynn. It had been a while since we were all in the same place at the same time... since Kaitlynn did a 1-year program in Spain and Austria last year, and Katie was in the Dominican Republic doing volunteer work. We did lots of catching up, movie watching, and went cross-country skiing in the wilderness behind Kait's house in Holland Landing. It was so beautiful! Here are the rest of my pictures from Christmas!

^ my grandfather's grave in Alliston, Ontario.

He passed away when I was in China last November.

^ the ladies of our annual Ornament Exchange

(Kooistra-side Christmas party)

^ playing a good game of Sjoelbak at the Kooistra Christmas party

^ enjoying a variety of wines and cheeses from around the world

at the Fishers' house :)

^ Mr. Fisher picked up this antique necklace while in Turkey this year

^ neighbour get-together on Thompson Drive!

^ Dad and Mr. Fisher

^ Air Canada Centre

^ Toronto Marlies hockey game... with Tony the Tiger at the puck drop

^ My Aunt Rachel owns a beautiful country home that she and my Uncle Al re-decorated... 

this is my favourite room in their place. It even has a rope (by the window) you can pull

to ring the bell in the steeple.

^ Conrad connects with his Dutch roots by wearing some klompen at the Ryzebols' house

^ He is also learning how to make wine!

^ Kaitlynn & Katie... making cheesecake!

^ hanging out with the Ryzebol clan

^ Aunt Mare's dog, Oadie!

^ Cross-country skiing in Holland Landing

^ wearing so many layers

^ Riley

^ on the way driving to the U.S. there were lots of accidents on the 401-E

^ driving in a winter wonderland

Trust

Christmas 2012, Part 2

These pictures go hand-in-hand with my first "Christmas 2012" post. The first few pictures were taken in early December, before we left for Ontario. My mum decorated our house very beautifully for the holidays, complete with a real Christmas tree with all our personal ornaments. It's a family tradition to receive an ornament each year (from Mom), which I think is such a cool idea. Anyway, enjoy the pics! I'll post the remainder tomorrow. :)

^ Duke and Callie at home :)

^ Christmas Cookie casualty

^ Callie looking adorable 

^ Lin & Randy at Niagara Falls

^ Niagara Falls

^ Celebrating my b'day at the Hampton Inn

^ Cool Buddhist temple beside our hotel

^ Conrad and his most recent love interest, Leia from Hawaii

^ Pyjamas, Canadian-style

^ Conrad and his ancestor, the mighty polar bear

^ Conrad likes to snuggle with the northern animals

^ Finally arrived in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area)... here's the house we stayed at!

My parents' friends went on vacation to Florida and let us use their mansion. :)

This is Lin with their adorable puppy.

^ I won't mention what the dog actually does with this toy...

Uplifting Quotes

I have lots of pictures to post from my trip up to Canada for Christmas... but I thought I'd post some inspiring quotes to help start off 2013! I'm praying that this year will be one of growth, healing, forgiveness, and moving toward life goals. :)

Christmas 2012, Part I

This Christmas, we packed the car and made the 16-hour journey up to Ontario!

Despite constant rain and poor visibility the whole way up, we made it safely.

The first night we spent at Niagara Falls so Lin could see the famous waterfall.

The next day we headed to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Here are some pics from our first two days of travelling.

^ Niagara Falls by day! :)

^ Lin sees the Niagara Falls for the first time!

(well, second... since we saw them the previous night)

^ Christmas deco at the Falls Welcome Centre

^ Conrad relaxes at house just his size!

^ Randy and Lin overlook the Niagara Falls

^ a beautiful poinsettia tree 

^ Conrad meets his first Canadian beaver

^ Conrad enjoys cuddling with the polar bears

^ Randy and Lin enjoy Swiss Chalet chicken

^ Conrad eyes my chicken and veggies

at Swiss Chalet for my birthday

(Dec. 21)

^ Alex and Amanda

^ what's left of the Suk Family Christmas Party :)

(Dec. 22)

^ me, Trista, and Aunt Jules

^ Michelle and Brian (and the little one to come in May!)

^ Uncle Tony, Randy, and Lin

^ Conrad enjoys gifts from Grandma Suk... 

especially the chocolate letter from Holland!