Shuswap - here we come!

This weekend was our annual trip to Shuswap. With people's hectic social calendars permitting them from joining us, it was just me and the guys.

Our trip started off with some fresh sushi. And, just when I thought I couldn't possibly eat any more, we ordered a second round of wild salmon sashimi. Kevin has been lifting weights in preparation for his role as Shawn's best man next year so his appetite was just ravenous. Hearing about his exercise routine was definitely motivating and it was good to see him in good health.

The next day we woke up and we treated to a breakfast of eggs benedict, fresh fruit and scrumptious chocolate brownies by our hosts. The sun was out and we relaxed in the garden which overlooks the golf course and a swan-filled pond which is pretty to look at, but a major water hazard for golfers.

Margaret and Dennis totally spoil us when we visit. I can't thank them enough.

This photo made me laugh. It's so typical of us to be lazing around in the sunshine and having a feeding frenzy with Dennis working hard in the background.

We played poker on the patio as we digested and planned to take the boat and tubes out onto the lake, but the weather had turned and we continued our poker game inside.

Then Margaret brought out her home-made pear pie. It was scrumptious!

Even Maddie was in vacation mode. She was quite mellow and there wasn't much yapping from her.

Dinner felt like Christmas time. Margaret and Dennis made us Yorkshire pudding, turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

I had to take a snapshot of the guys busy in the kitchen.

The new home theatre "blew us away". The comfy recliner couches come with cup holders for a true movie theatre experience. I finally got to see the Bourne Identity and Supremacy. We also watched The Interpreter and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

It was a relaxing, fun-filled weekend and now I need to go on diet!

Congratulations!

On Saturday night, Billy & Kim welcomed us into their lovely new home. It was a relaxing evening -- eating and hanging out with friends. Welcome to the neighbourhood!

On Sunday, I was delighted to receive my first invitation from Shawn's aunt to attend her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's baby shower. It also gave my a warm fuzzy feeling to pick Shawn's grandma up from her home and drive solo with her to the venue. Wow! I kept thinking...I'm going to officially be part of this family next year.

Erin is marrying Shawn's cousin Aaron in a couple of weeks and she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl two months ago. Here's a picture of Erin with her blue-eyed baby McKenzie.

Scenic bike tour

I dragged myself out of bed at 6:00 am on a Sunday morning...what for? A four hour scenic bike tour -- which was well worth it. We met up at Science World, biked to Kits Beach, UBC, Broadway Street and back. Biking with friends was a great way to get my butt in gear. Thanks to Kim for getting us motivated!

All in a day's work

One of our annual company traditions is to play golf to celebrate its birthday. We took the afternoon off and headed to the Surrey Golf Course for a Texas scramble. It was less pressure than last year when I had to hit almost three strokes to keep up with one drive from the guys. It was great to spend the afternoon outside and work on my swing.

After golf, I met up with Shannan at the Bombay Bhel restaurant for some spicy Indian Cuisine. I hadn't seen her in a month and it was great to catch up with her, hear about her month-long trip to Europe and celebrate her new job offer.

BBQ on the rooftop

Once a month our company orders in a lunch so that we have the opportunity to socialize with people from other departments. Here I am with colleagues from product managment, sales and development -- that's the nature of hi-tech.

On this particular occasion, our company rented out the top floor of the Central City tower to celebrate its 16th Birthday.

Here's a photo of us on the rooftop, on the 26th floor -- what a panoramic view. And because I love marketing, here's the spin on the tower "Central City was chosen as the world’s best overall new development at the 2004 MIPIM awards in Cannes France for its remarkable combination of stunning architecture and high performance building innovation, providing an environment that inspires team performance and creativity."

Beach Birthday

This year we celebrated Sophia's birthday at Kits Beach. It was a perfect beach bbq with live guitar music. It was also nice to catch up with some out-of-towners and meet a few new faces. Sitting under the shade of the trees on a hot summery day was a wonderful way to relax.

I also had a chance to try out some new angles with my camera.