Niccy-Niccy's Snow Angels

Niccy-Niccy was a little bit anxious right before getting on the plane to Canada, and rightly so. International travel has become so common place these days, but when you stop and actually think about the distance she was about to travel, on her own, it's enough to make anybody giddy. 

I myself have always found that I often wake up at 4am someplace in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and realize that the only thing between me and plummeting 30,000 feet into the wild black oggin, is a million nuts and bolts and moving parts, all supplied by the lowest bidder.
     Anyway, she made it; and in one piece might I add. Nana Niccy was coming for Charlotte's birthday and a taste of the 'Great White North'. Charlotte has been waiting with baited breath for Niccy-Niccy to show up: if nothing else, than for the realization that when the Kiwi Nana finally shows, a certain 2 year old gets to blow out candles and tell everyone that she's three!
     There will be a specific post for Charlotte's birthday, but the following is a brief photo diary of some of the highlights of the trip:

Doing some colouring with Niccy-Niccy

Braving the Canadian Winter...

...by tackling the slopes!

Enjoying some playtime before dinner.

And just doing the normal things.

Yoko & Takeshi Come to Stay

For a few brief days between Christmas and New Year, we were honoured to receive two very special guests: Yoko from Japan, and her son Takeshi from Boston, USA where he is presently attending school.

Takeshi had stayed with us back in September 2012, but this was the first time in Halifax, and indeed Canada for Yoko. And let me tell you, it was such a great visit... Charlotte remembered Takeshi right away, and although there was a small amount of hesitation that seems common place with little girls her age, there came a more powerful urge to hit Takeshi up for a game of Angry Birds on his iPad with the broken screen.

Yoko on the other hand, was brand new, so Tig took a little longer to warm up to having yet another stranger staying in the house. No matter, it didn't take long before both Yoko and Charlotte totally warmed up to one another - in fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd almost say that Charlotte has scored herself a third Nana.

With only three days and nights together, it was difficult for us to give Yoko and Takeshi a meaningful tour of Halifax, but as with any visit from family, it was more about coming together and reconnecting with one another.

By the end of their visit, Charlotte had fallen in love with Yoko and back in love with Takeshi. I think Takeshi enjoyed a bit of a relaxing time after working so hard last year, and prepared himself for his final semester at Boston University. Yoko had a small taste of the Canadian snow, and reconnected with the Fraser family, and I managed to have a great catch up with both of our special guests.

Based on Michelle's reaction, it won't be long before we decided to pack ourselves off to Yokohama for a visit when Charlotte is a little bit older and can remember the sights and sounds.

"I-Skatink"

We've done it - Charlotte and I have finally hit the rink for a little spot of "I-skatink."

I was left to fend for myself!

...whilst Mum hit the rink with Tig, helping her master the double bladed skates.

The Canadian kids receive their first intravenous injection of Maple Syrup!

It was great to have John and Owen from next door along for the ride as well...

Then off to "TimPortance" for some "Timpits." Skating is sooo much fun.