THE 3RD OF DECEMBER

Today is a very special day because it marks one year of amazing challenges and accomplishments for my dear sister, Elizabeth. Today is her birthday and I want to wish her the very happiest from across the country.

Elizabeth you are an amazing person. In one year you have done so much (which I have listed off in your card, which hopefully arrived this morning) and I find constant inspiration from you, as I have my entire life.

I went through all the photos of you I had from this past year and there were so many good ones! I wanted to make a slide show -- but I simply do not approve of over-the-top embarrassment on birthdays. So please have a happy birthday, drink champagne, eat the most decadent food and RELAX!

I love you,
Your sister

they say it's your birthday....

We could say a thousand embarrassing things about how amazing we find you and how we both wish we were there to help you celebrate "Hudson style" but how about we just leave it at: we love you. Happy Birthday big/little bro.

DEAR ELIZABETH:

I think it's time for us to plan another sister trip, don't you?
Here's some ideas of mine:

Prince Edward Island

{photo from HSien's flickr}

Savannah, Georgia

 {photo from terryballard's flickr}

Cinque Terre

{photo from noah*75's flickr}

Madagascar

{photo from Ze Eduardo's flickr}

Okay, where do you want to go?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS

We're sorry we aren't there, but have a good one. Go fishing? 

Love, 

your daughters.

BLENHEIM

Looking back to April to some England photos this morning. I really do need to sort through them once and for all -- I've put it off so long that I might as well go back and take some new shots.

Photographs from Blenheim Palace.

JOYRIDE

So as Mary mentioned, the two of us, as well as the hubby and the bro, enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the Shanks and Galway families just east of Kingston this past Saturday. The food was delish and it was lovely to spend time with a side of the family we rarely get to see, even if they are merciless teasers. The best part of the visit though? Golf cart joyride, of course! RB, Patrick, Mary and I borrowed two golf carts and rode them all over the family golf course, so much fun!

The golf course and clubhouse themselves are very beautiful - rustic and rolling and green.

We started out with Mary and Patrick in one cart, and RB and myself in the other.

And then we switched.

And then, wait for it, Mary took the wheel. This is the first time Mary has driven.... EVER! Look how much fun she's having.

Afterward we walked across the street to Ruth and Keith's farm where we explored the barn and met a friendly sheepdog. It was just a beautiful day.

MONTREAL + FAMILY

This year's Thanksgiving holiday I was lucky enough to get to spend time at Elizabeth and RB's new apartment in Montreal. It was my first time in Montreal and was made extra special because our brother was also able to make it down. Our thanksgiving dinner was spent at our second (?) cousin's Golf course near Kingston, Ontario and we will have some fun photos of that to share with you soon. Elizabeth and RB were great hosts, taking us on fun walking and driving tours of Montreal's highlights. (Thank-you!)

These photos are from us walking around the old Expo '67 grounds.

(Elizabeth showing us all how she can fit between the bars)

LITTLE GEMS

Mary's visiting Montreal from Vancouver right now and we took advantage of the grey, rainy weather yesterday to have a little sunshine party at home. First we trekked north to Jean Talon market in search of strawberries and peaches, then home again for lazy afternoon jam making and scary movie viewing. I use the term 'jam' loosely as our end product is much more a strawberry preserve, still, sweet, sunshiney and delicious. Ain't we domestic?

THREE YEARS

Today RB and I have been married three years. The funny part? With all the upheaval in our lives as of late we both would've completely forgotten our anniversary if my father hadn't mentioned it on the phone Monday night. Go us.

I love you RB, happy anniversary.

A LOVE OF CHERRIES

I can honestly say that I bought these cherries simply because I thought the leaves attached were so pretty. I certainly did not need any more cherries, still I ate all of these the day I got them and have since gone out to buy even more. Vancouver is positively gorgeous right now and I am stocking my fridge full of fruit (and my pantry full of coffee and popcorn) for when mine and Elizabeth's mother comes out to visit me here on the coast. She and her husband will be here in a few hours -- I can't wait! (I hope they brought their walking shoes!)