Departing

The 34 young ladies from Daojiang are leaving tomorrow. It's been a special experience to have spent the past 4 weeks with these talented and warm individuals from Taiwan and we (at work & home) are a bit sad to see them depart. This photo was taken by one of those students last Tuesday in Victoria. Miki was an absolute "celebrity "with them; all digital cameras combined I bet there are well over 300 photos of Miki circulating among them.

Girls, I would like to thank you for expressing so much interest in my young daughter. You were all so gentle and happy around her, as a parent it was lovely to see and it made me proud. I'm hoping that one day when she is older, Miki will have a chance to see you again. Have a safe trip back to Taipei...ciao.

"Mi-mon-ki"

Getting Silly

Ericka caught Miki showing off her dental arrangement and putting bracelets on her thighs! We're wondering if she's got some Maori warrior spirit in her.

Whale of a Day

Following the petting zoo visit, Travis had to run off and complete some errands but Ericka & Miki ventured over to the playground for a rousing time in the bright sun & casual cool ocean breeze.

The Goat Squat

We were all in Victoria yesterday; it was a planned day-trip for the 34 young Taiwanese (high school) girls currently on campus and Miki & Ericka graced us with their presence. Once the students were turned loose to spend tourist dollars on maple cream cookies, we wandered over to the Beacon Hill Petting Zoo. Shetland sheep, a Vietnamese potbellied pig, chickens of all feathers, donkeys, 2 alpacas and a very lively goat pen. Kids (no, the goat ones) jumping, bucking & baaing, standing on their mama's back and general frenetic mayhem within the gates.

Crow & Gate

We took an early bike ride a few sunny Sundays ago down to the local farmer's market; picked up some fresh produce and checked out the resident duck population.

Bubbles

We tried to beat the heat this past weekend by hanging out at a park near the ocean and introducing Miki to her first bubble bath.

Hammock

Mama & I got a chance to hang in the hammock a few days ago. Breezy, warm, swinging and giggling.

Peek-a-Boo

Not sure what this was all about; E took the photos.

Garden Horror!

Watch out weeds, Miki's got a rake!

Shoreline Trail

Just a few photos from our Victoria Day walk around New Castle Island.

Victoria Day Weekend

Whew! What an action-packed, 3-day weekend we had. On Friday we grilled some amazing salmon that I marinated with fresh ginger, maple syrup, salt & pepper. I also threw an eggplant on, some asparagus & 3 types of bell peppers for roasting. We had a great meal, washed down with an Australian chardonnay. Although Miki stayed very clean with all 5 of her bibs on at once, she still helped Papa clean up in the kitchen, as you can see in the photos. On Saturday we went to a live concert - sponsored by the Nanaimo Mother Baby Society - for families. The musician, well-known here on Vancouver Island as being a 1-man virtuoso who sings, plays the didgeridoo, the guitar and drums, did not fail to impress nor entertain. It was fantastic & Miki was mesmerized. Lots of kids of all ages, spinning, jumping & dancing. Then, on a rather dreary and chilly Sunday morning, we went to New Castle Island for a 6 km. walk around the Shoreline Trail. It was a walk that E and I have been wanting to do since we moved here but never found the time. It took us longer than we thought (pushing Miki's chariot is most likely the culprit) but our picnic lunch with a view was awesome and the clouds cleared by the end of the day. Yesterday was Victoria Day - a holiday for all of Canada. Miki and I took a bike ride to the local grocery store while Mama baked up a "tea snack" storm: sweet potato bread, lemon poppy-seed muffins & buttermilk muffins. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to lawn care, gardening & vacuuming the car.

BBQ's Abound

We are truly enjoying the arrival of BBQ season here on Vancouver Island. It's inspired our cooking & meal planning, not to mention our wine selection! Miki is enjoying the lazy evenings on the deck with Rope & Lola while Mama & Papa get the "prawns on the barby". Here are a few photos from the 'control deck' & Miki getting ready for her ritual bath.

Dress up with bathing suits

Lastnight, - just before bedtime, of course - Miki wanted to get all dressed up in her bathing suits. So, being somewhat guilty and fond of procrastination myself, I humored her and got her gussied up. It was all topped off in classic clown fashion as soon as she pulled out her kazoo and "whoooted" & "wheeeted" her way around the bedroom.

Mid-Week Stroll

The weather here has been fantastic for the last few days and the forecast is calling for more sun thru the weekend. A few days ago we took a late morning walk thru a local lake-side park - "off to see the ducks!" - had a small picnic and spent a few minutes at the wildlife "sanctuary". Miki is most enamored with the resident frog populations. Upon returning home (surprise!) there was a package from dear Aunty Mac.

Mi-fun-ki!

Is this what they mean when they say your child is "musically inclined"?