Celebrating 1 year up north

As the first weekend of May passes we are reminded that a year ago we crossed the 49th Parallel to begin our great Canadian adventure. To celebrate this anniversary it was most fitting for us to head to Whistler for a great day of spring skiing (blue skies, warm weather and spring snow). This city is amazing as we can ski in the morning and run on the beach in the afternoon.

Over this past year we may not have picked up all the local dialect or learned to speak Canadian, but:

• We've gained a great appreciation for Poutine (and are working through the "Best Poutine of Vancouver" list).
• Have been taught that Maple Syrup makes everything taste better.
• Learned how to spend a loonie and a toonie.
• Gained appreciation for totem poles and that the Inuksuk as more than a pile of rocks.
• Enjoyed watching our local bald eagles on our local totem pole.
• Learned about Stags and Staggetes.
• And the list goes on...

Yet, in a year we still struggle with Liters (instead of Gallons) and Kilometers (over miles).

We are excited for the adventures of our 2nd summer in Vancouver!

Vancouver is becoming home

Finally, after a month in corporate housing, we've moved into our our own place. It is great to begin unpacking and settling in. Graeme's parents arrived from California just as the movers were finishing unloading the truck. Great timing :-)

It was wonderful to have Jim and Barbara help us organize and get situated in our new home. Don't worry, we didn't put them to work the whole time they were in Vancouver. It was their first trip back to this city in 33 years after having lived here while Jim did research at Simon Fraser University in 1980. Fun to hear their stories of how the city has changed.

It was also good for us to explore the area around our place; find the boats where we can pick-up fresh live seafood, the market for good bread, more restaurants and the beaches and running paths near our new home. This city and British Columbia are incredibly beautiful. We have so much more to see and can't wait!

Huge thank you to Jim and Barbara for the help. We couldn't have done it without you.

We are looking forward to our next visitors. Come on up!