Hello loyal blogstalkers {and welcome to any new visitors}.  After a several week hiatus we are back… well, back in the virtual sense. Today’s report is coming to you direct from YYZ enroute home to YQT!  The trip to Fort McMurray/Edmonton was fabulous… did a world of good I’m happy to report.  In random order, here is a quick catch-up… 

Being M.I.A. [Where did we go??]

There comes a time in everyone’s life when “regrouping” is — in the words of homemaker icon, Martha Stewart — a “Good Thing.” So the past few weeks were all about regrouping.  Amidst the chaos of our 6-wedding August, life happened, constituting a need to regroup.  Alvi was called back home to Sudbury for a family funeral and I was pulled away out west on other business.  Funny how life works… a last-minute wedding cancellation we were bemoaning a few months ago ultimately ensured we were available and able to participate in both important situations.  It is so true what they say, “everything happens for a reason.”  

This time we spent apart, him in the ‘Bury and me in Alberta, gave us each a chance to step back and reflect on where we’re heading both as a family and in the context of this budding boutique business we call Bliss.  In the spirit of transparency, I thought I’d share some of our observations with you. Take it or leave it — but it comes from the heart.

Observations from the Deck

Observation #1)  We are going to have to hire additional staff for Bliss.  The past two years have seen rampant growth, and while that is really awesome, we’ve found it a challenge to keep up with demands.  So like it or not, we’re taking the plunge and looking for some assistance.  Stay tuned for future posts as we introduce you to some fresh new faces of Bliss.  

Observation #2)  Life is far too short to work every single weekend every summer that comes along.  For this reason, we will be carving out the appropriate amount of weekends *off* from May through October to ensure that we can build in time as a family. As one of our clients recently put it, “isn’t that really what life is all about?  Spending time with the family?”  We’ll be better for it; our kids will be better for it; our clients will be better off, since we’ll be so balanced and rested!!!

Observation #3) Countdown tickers rock.  57 days ago I installed one on our splash page announcing our upcoming Spring Bling Promo.  Thanks to the ticker’s incessant ticking, I am now aware that tomorrow is THE day!!!  Stay tuned for the big promo announcement. 

Observation #4) Direct advice from near strangers is sometimes more meaningful than from those who are closest to the action. My time in Fort McMurray was spent with a national focus group where we surmised and strategized all things life insurance-related {I’m currently President of a family-run insurance practice}.  Ordinarily, this Focus Group is comprised of all the *older folk*, including my favourite partner/father: dad.  But this time around, again… for whatever reason… it was decided that I should attend.  Let’s call it fate.  I’m ever so grateful as it gave me some much-needed perspective and I now have a game-plan in place. Funny how Bliss Pictures made it to the agenda in a room full of insurance-legends.  Thank you to Randy, Jim, Mike and Gord for your candour and pointed advice. {See Observation #1). 

Observation #5) We all have the power to achieve greatness.  Hard to believe this little nugget comes out of a tour of the Suncor Oil Sands. Now understand that I never pretend to be anything other than a *girlie-girl*.  So imagine my excitement when I learned we’d be spending 4 hours on a bus touring through an oil plant up in northern Fort McMurray.  First thought: Yippee. Second thought: Charge up the iPod!  Yet in a dramatic twist I was quite blown away.  The vision that had to go into planning an organization and infrastructure of that magnitude must have been nothing short of genius.  The end result?  If some random human being can dream that big, why can’t we all?    

On “Time” + “Where it Goes”

How is it possible that summer is virtually over?  How is it possible that this little company has grown so dramatically in the last two years? How is it possible that tomorrow our little girl starts her full-time school career in grade one?  How can it be that we’ve been in Thunder Bay more than five years?  How can it be that Alvi and I have been together 11 years?  How on earth have I arrived at the point in time where I am soon done with changing diapers forever?  Where have all the years gone???!!!

I am coming to learn that there are only two things we ultimately have control over in life: the first is our own attitude and perspective on all that happens in life; and the second is how we choose to spend our time.  As a direct reaction to realizing that I’ve already lived 35 years on this planet, I will henceforth be extremely picky with how I spend my time.

People I Cannot Wait to See

A picture will always make a post more interesting but alas I am limited to this MAC’s overloaded hard-drive.  This is what I’ve got… couple of wee pics of the people waiting for me when I get home.

It was 4:00 pm when our car pulled up.  Two kids + several piles of beach shoes + a few changes of clothes + one birthday gift + diapers, comfort items, sunscreen. Got ‘em all.  Camera equipment?  Check.  One cheerful dad displaying long overdue elation at being given the medical green light to finally drive again?  Yup.  Got him, too.

The conversation went something like this:

Piper to Mommy, “<huge emphatic GASP> Mommy!  There’s a bouncy castle!”

Mommy to Piper, “Yes I see that dear.  Do you feel like bouncing?”

Mommy to Piper, “Piper?  Come help me carry your sister’s Iggle Piggle.  Piper?  Piper?  Hellllooooooo?”

And… they’re off!

So began our afternoon to celebrate little Alisha’s 3rd birthday with good friends and family.  The food was exceptional as usual. I’m always in awe at the level of gourmet cooking that takes place at a *camp*; though I should hardly be surprised given Ron + Lisa’s chosen career path!  The only disappointment was the random bouts of cloudy/cool we had to contend with.  It would seem the good times with the jet ski would have to wait.  

But back to the bouncy castle!  These things ROCK.  And let me tell you I do believe this was, quite legitimately, the MOST amount of exercise I’ve had in some time.  The pictures speak for themselves.  Thanks, Harriet, for having us!  Thanks Ron + Lisa!  Great to see you and the kids, Dyan!

Yesterday was momentous and sweet: a memory we shall cherish forever.  Our big girl is growing up… hard to believe the Kindergarden years have come and gone!  Clad in her Daddy’s white t-shirt <at the request of her teacher>, Piper joined her fellow graduates for a ceremony that left the entire audience of mommies and daddies teary-eyed and giggling simultaneously.  And now what to do this summer.  Hmmmnnn…. Please forward all ideas to us toute de suite!  

I find myself using the word *meander* frequently and recently stopped to double-check my thesaurus for confirmation on its meaning… hey; you get enough funny looks from people, you start to wonder if you’re speaking gibberish!

Ahem.  ”To Meander”:  to be all over the map, to change, drift, ramble, gallivant, traipse, roam, vagabond.  Whohoo!  I have been using it correctly.  And now I shall make full use of its literal meaning and move forward with this post as it roves and recoils throughout various subject matters near and dear to our hearts.

Alvis Update// The New Ticker Rocks!!!

So it would seem that after a passage of nearly 3.5 weeks, our 41-year old Valvinator <the new name he’s affectionately taken on> is on the mend.  Hurray for modern-day science and prosthetic aortic valves!  I know that many of you were concerned and believe me, we were too. But so much good has come from this experience we are actually grateful to have gone through it.  For one, he’s gonna live and live a long, long time.  Heck, his new valve comes with a lifelong warranty that will outlast any actuarial prediction of life expectancy!  For two, the whole thing has brought us closer together as a family.  A brush with your own mortality tends to have that kind of lasting effect!  For three, he no longer snores.  Wohoo!!!  We are chalking this up to a proper intake of oxygen throughout his body, thanks to the new valve and also in part due to dropping 25 lbs from the surgery.  Thank you all for your prayers, emails, notes, comments and the terrific amount of food that was brought over while we got through these past few weeks.  

Music// An Insomniac’s Greatest Adventure…Searching for Cool New Tunes

Hey — a music degree has to count for something, right?!  What it means is a continual thirst for searching out great new music to implement in our wedding movies and just to groove to around the house.  I’ve come across some real beauties in my last couple of quests and will be sharing one of my faves with you below.  We are HUGE Joshua Radin fans and this piece rocks; for sure it would make an excellent addition to your reception music score.  <Fair warning: it’s a cheesy YouTube posting but at least it gets you the lyrics; and no we did not compile it>. When we produce  wedding movies for clients, we do seek input in terms of meaningful song selections/genres; but we do like to have some degree of creative control so that we can find just the absolute perfect piece that fits to the captured footage and storyboard.  If you’ve hired us to do your wedding movie, you’ll soon see what we mean.

Hannah Cakes + Graduation Takes// Piper’s Milestone Moments!

Where has the time gone?  My baby girl is officially turning 6 this June 20th… This past Saturday we had the opportunity to host a special *family party* for Piper to honour this momentous occasion.  One of the highlights was definitely her reaction to the Hannah Montana cake that was lovingly made the night before thanks to the expertise of good friend Lisa and a bottle of Australian chardonnay.  You see, we had surfed the net together to come up with the *perfect* cake and after about an hour of scrolling through umpteen images, she finally settled upon this little number involving feathers and a real Hannah barbie.  And although it didn’t quite resemble the masterpiece we unearthed online; she was tickled pink.  And now its onto other monumental rites of passage; tomorrow Piper graduates from S.K. into Grade 1.  Pass me the Kleenex, sniffle, sniffle.

Supporting Our Own// An Amazing New Photographer on the Scene

The word is already on the street about Jennifer Fabiano and her amazing photographs of children and newborns.  There is something tender, touching and so innocent about the images she captures <does have a lot to do with her subject material!>.  We have been following her work for quite some time now and are officially huge fans.  Working with little ones requires an infinite amount of patience and the special skill of being able to bring out a child’s natural personality.  There is nothing contrived in Jennifer’s work.  We congratulate her and hope that one of these days we can get around to having her capture our own little family unit <lest we never ever see Daddy in the pictures!>.  Check her out at Fabianophotography.    

Hello.  It’s getting late and I’m tired, but alas things are on my mind.

It stands to reason that we live in a crazy technological era of “heart-on-sleeve”/”show-the-world-what-you-have” environment.  Call it narcissism, call it practicality, call it convenience.  Either way, for those of us involved in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and you-name-it; we run the risk that when we put something out there, it has an effect; and that “effect” has an effect.  

One such effect of sharing with the world the state of Alvi’s health situation was an immediate outpouring of empathy, kindness and cheerleading.  For practical reasons in and of themselves, we chose to communicate often via these myriad technologies as we do have family all over the world.  A sister in Ireland.  A brother in Honduras.  Another sister in the Middle East.  Quite honestly Facebooking and this blog itself have allowed us to give detailed updates as to how Alvi was progressing, thereby eliminating considerable anxiety and concern with loved ones.  

But every upside has its downs.  In choosing to be less private about about real life, we expose ourselves to the inevitable outcome of concerned clients.  And this bothers us because as brides, we know you have enough on your plate without worrying about whether or not your photographer/cinematographer will have an issue being present on your Big Day. 

So, let me be quite clear about this.  If you are a bride or groom and have booked with Bliss, please do not be concerned about whether or not Alvi will be capable of fulfilling his contractual obligations to you as a client.  The answer is he will be a NEW MAN.  

Recovery from any surgery is about 3-4 weeks and given the scope of what he had done, we can expect a full recovery very soon.  Please hang in there.  Do not despair.  All will be well.

In the meantime, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and kind words posted online, sent over the phone and uttered in person.  We are blessed to have your support. 

ps: SUPER FUNNY.  Alvi’s best friend Collin showed up today in the hospital with a pack of soda water <his favourite carbonated bevvy> and a ball cap.  Wanna know what the ball cap read?  Nikon.  That man has quite the sense of humour.  <Alvi shoots with Canon and exclusively with Canon.  You could say he is a Canon snob>.

Warning: this post is highly personal.  It is also a bit graphic.  We are telling our story mainly for family and friends who have been concerned.  If you are a client or a lurker, feel free to skip ahead to sunnier, more relevent posts.  But if you are so inclined, you might decide to take the bait and read this dissertation, thereby gaining some valuable insight from the lessons we have learned over the last few weeks.

Hi there.  If you are a regular visitor you may have been wondering where we’ve been for the past few weeks. While it would be lovely to say we were off on location shooting the wedding of our dreams; the reality is we are at the Ottawa Heart Institute where Alvi is getting a new heart in quite the literal sense.

Initially we were hesitant to post anything related to our current situation — waffling between his desire to “keep it quiet” and my desire to be transparent — but tonight we decided to tell our story because perhaps one day it could be you and we’d like to share some vital perspective we’ve gained about life. 

Planning a wedding is no easy task, but when that blissful day arrives it can be the stuff that dreams are made of.  There is so much emphasis on the dress, the flowers, the reception venue, the food, the wine, the band… And yes, of course we do take the time to reflect on vows and the sanctity of the commitment being made.  But, it’s possible we can take for granted that those promises can and may be put to the test… perhaps sooner than we would ever imagine.  

Who knew that “in sickness and in health” would crop up just seven years into our marriage.

Alvi was born with a congenital heart defect whereby his aortic valve had two of its three leaflets fused together.  This bicuspid valve lead to a condition called severe aortic stenosis where, over time, the valve narrowed and calcified.  And because  the aortic valve works like a one-way gate to ensure that oxygen-rich blood is supplied to the body, if it becomes too narrow then the heart will fail.    

In our eleven years of togetherness I was always aware of his heart “issue” but I will confess to never really grasping the severity of it.  I knew it wasn’t so Mickey Mouse that it shouldn’t be taken seriously as we were never able to get him any life insurance.  And yet he just did not exude any sort of “I’m sick” vibe. On the contrary he was always up to something and seemingly keeping up with the rest of us.

And when you live with someone time can erode your sense of judgement…what is actually happening gradually becomes imperceptible when you spend every waking hour with a person.  Because the fact is over the last few years Alvi’s health has been going down hill and the only one who really noticed was him.  How terrible is that?

Now we always knew that one day he might need his valve full-on replaced; but both of us figured that would be something to look forward to at the ripe old age of 60-70.  Not 41.

So rewind to a few weeks ago when something must have shifted in his thinking.  A simple conversation at the gas pump lead to an intense and yet vulnerable moment when he finally spoke the words that had been churning around in his noggin for quite some time: “Sam, I am really not feeling right.”

Well that was all I needed to hear.  The phone call was made and what shocked me at the other end was the nurse who spoke the words I will never forget; “We have been just waiting for the call.  His numbers are not good.  We’ll get him in right away.”

A flood of emotions went through me; part overwhelm <for not realizing just how bad things were>; part compassion <for thinking he must have really been conflicted and scared to have kept all this inside>; to part shame <for wishing I had accompanied him to every single heart appointment so that I would have had an inkling as to his situation>.  

But I digress.  Ten days later we were on a plane and surgery was scheduled.  The days leading up to the event have been fraught with stress, anxiety and fear.  This was major open heart surgery.  They saw open the breastbone to give access to the heart; which they then stop, cool down and begin to work on.  The body is kept alive via the heart/lung machine and when all is said and done, the whole thing takes about 5 hours.  In the end the aortic valve <or what’s left of it> is completely replaced by a mechanical one.  Given his young age we chose to go with this option as opposed to the tissue valve <from a pig> as he would likely wear it out within 10 years.  The mechanical valve is designed to outlast all of us though it is not without its warts.    

Our biggest fear was something going wrong; the obvious risks one faces when on the table for surgery like this.  It stood to reason that he was alive and kicking now and did not appear to be dying or anything… how would we <I> feel should something go awry?  Indeed there were many tears shed in the few days before he went under the knife.  Discussions I never envisioned us having that needed to be had; not because we are pessimistic people; more because when you face your own mortality and you have children, there are practical things that require discussion. 

And although I just knew in my heart things would turn out ok, there is always the “what if.” The 5.5 hour wait with my mom while he was under was nearly interminable.  I realized at that moment several things: (1) I take Alvi for granted; (2) he is the best thing to have ever happened to me and (3) this was an incredible opportunity for a new start.

Seeing Dr. Maharajh emerge with the smile on his face was all I needed.  Immediate hugs were distributed to this great man who fixed my husband and then we were ushered off to a private room.  What happened next leaves me nearly speechless <and if you know me, I am hardly one to have a lack of words for anything>.  When they opened him up expecting to find his “bicuspid” valve what greeted them instead was a valve with just one leaflet.  Just one.  A small, tiny thread that had been overworked and gutted to the max trying to keep his large frame alive for the past however many years.  In his words, “this surgery has probably saved your husband’s life.  He would not have lasted the year and it would have ended badly.”  

Oh my word.  This was a shocking and critical moment for me.  To think what might have happened. These thoughts were never far from my head and heart as we were eventually lead into ICU to see the man I now call “the champ” <also affectionately dubbed “The Valvinator”>; full of tubes and completely out of it but able to squeeze my hand and utter the words “sore”.  

So enough of the misery.  What have we learned?  Well, I think it’s safe to say our marriage is as solid as a rock following the very real prospect of the alternative.  It has brought us closer together.  It has made us realize that our health is precious and we cannot take it for granted.  That we have to take care of each other and ourselves, body, mind and spirit.  

We have learned that in the face of something serious all the nagging little things we quetch about on a daily basis really just vanish away.  They are inconsequential.  Nothing matters except life itself.  It is a gift that we all should cherish and respect.  

And although we are by no means out of the woods <good Lord he only just woke up 24 hours ago> the worst is behind us and things can only go up from here.  Alvi’s recovery will be slow and steady and he’ll have a small army of loved ones getting him through the rough patches.

But wanna know what’s really cool?  For years his heart has always sounded like a sluggish “slosh slosh” when my head went to his chest at night.  And now, as I lean close I can hear a definite, regular, metric tick-tick-ticking which is the heavenly sound of his new valve working.  It is the sweetest sound I have ever heard.

In a few days we will post something more uplifting and introduce you to the new Alvi; Version 2.0!

If you do happen to be a client and you are wondering when you might be hearing from us; please know that you are on the list and that for now, just for the next few weeks, we’ll be focussing on getting him better.    

Our Hannah-loving, bubble-blowing, inquisitive superstar.

So today was just about the most incredible day.  It was “mommy/daughter” day <for one half of the Plavins’ daughters, at any rate!> and the countdown had been on all week.  Here’s how it all went down…

Piper had come home with a stellar report card just prior to Easter and as was customary in our home, we always make a slightly big deal out of the success <though not TOO big so as to create an unnecessary sense of entitlement>.  When asked what she wanted more than anything to celebrate her S.K. achievements, it took less than a nano-second before the words “Hannah Montana Movie” left her 5-year old lips.  Alrighty then.  Hannah Montana it was going to be <once the movie was released, we were back in town and all the other stars were aligned!>.

Well today finally rolled around and following the usual Saturday Ballet bandwagon, Piper and I came home to commence with Mommy/Daughter Day:  ”The Hannah Installation.”  But of course it was only 2 pm… what to do… what to do.  I’m not sure I could have planned it any better.  

The sun was warm and inviting and beckoned us outside.  We blew bubbles off the balcony for an hour.  We walked down to our little Horseshoe Lake.  Took note of a happy little duck couple and a few random Canadian geese honking carelessly away.  We talked on the swing out on our lower deck: about birthdays, God, heaven <”mommy are there birthday parties in heaven?”>, pine cones & sap, hornets, Goldie & Oscar <our fish, one of whom sadly went into the septic field this past winter>, dying <”Mommy will I go to the septic field when I die?” “Mommy will I live to be 100?”>, babies, love, playgrounds.  It seemed there was no topic we didn’t flirt with.  

I just loved it.  LOVED it.  Such precious moments and I hope, I pray, it created a lovely little memory for her.  

And then the gong show awoke <Saffron> just in time for us to head out to dinner and the movie.  And what a movie it was.  

Now I will admit that you will frequently find me rolling my eyes when I find the TV tuned, once again, to Hannah Montana. But I gotta say… this was a quality little movie.  I loved it.  LOVED it.  Yes, I, Samantha Plavins, loved the Hannah Montana movie <maybe as much as Piper>. And when it was over and we were giggling our way back to the car, the best part of my day, the absolute icing on the cake was her sweet little hand grabbing mine and her sweet little voice telling me that this was one of the “best days of her life.”

Can a mom ask for anything more?  I’m thinking no.  Thanks, Hannah.  You rock.

Saffron our mop-top.

Ahoy maties.  Happy Easter to our friends of the Christian faith.  Happy Passover to our Jewish friends.  This post will be full of the usual personal meanderings that have been welling up inside for quite some time; along with some must-mention, newsworthy items related to our little clan.

Anniversary Thoughts

Today is our Seven Year wedding anniversary and don’t even ask where I am… (Needless to say it is not in TBay)  On April 12th, 2002, shortly after 5:30 pm, Alvi and I exchanged personally-written wedding vows on an idyllic Costa Rican beach with just immediate family looking on. It was a sweet, heartfelt exchange; illuminated by the setting sun and made all the more special by local children who sat in the sand cheering us on.  Hard to believe it’s been seven years…. I would say that I know not where they have gone but that would be a lie.  I know exactly where they have gone…and I would not have traded them for the world.

Our seven years of togetherness have been filled with the typical ups and downs of newlyweds, but have produced the absolute best parts of our life.  Piper our eldest — she is full of life, comedy, drama, tender kindness and rock solid organizational skills at the tender age of 5; Saffron our new little one — she is full of mischief, stubbornness, laughter, monkey business, all-round cuteness.  And here on this day, when I am far away from the family I am missing these two more than anything.

No Such Thing as Seven-Year Itch

So here’s to the monkeys at the Plavins zoo that keep us on our toes and make us genuinely believe we are rich beyond the stuff money can buy.  And here’s to you, Alvi.  There ain’t no seven year itch happening here… Thanks for putting up with me and my neurotic tendencies.  I scored big time when I happened to <strategically> bump into you at Emma’s wedding. 

You see, folks?  Weddings truly are amazing.  You never know who you might meet…

Piper the comedian.

Ahhhhhhhh crisp white linen sheets. No clutter. Tastefully decorated ensuite. A pool and hot tub just down the hall. A button near the bed, from which an enthusiastic voice promises to deliver whatever sundry items were forgotten at home. S-w-eeeeeeeeeee-t!!!!

Leaving Thunder Bay for this little road trip meant saying a sorrowful goodbye to the chaos of our messy house. Poor house. Oh how we will miss you and your dust-bunny vagabonds, lurking about in all the corners these days. Not! Thank GOODNESS we were leaving town because things were getting more than a little out of control. I’m not sure about you; but of all life’s priorities, keeping our home spic-and-span seems to always fall to the wayside.

So we made it to Sudbury, Ontario this past Saturday evening, having risked our lives by opting for the private logging route that promised to shave about an hour off our time. Now when I say “risked”, I’m actually not exaggerating for dramatic effect. I was dozing in and out of consciousness and figured that Alvi would make the best decision when it came to which route to take. And we were warned of the imminent snowstorm that had left about 35 cms of snow in its wake…. completely unplowed territory for the logging route. Talk about white-knuckled. This is a twisty-turvy, single-lane dirt road with nary a cell-phone signal in site. I think I said a total of 10 prayers hoping we would make it the some 80 km to the end. There was one moment where we lost control of the van and amazingly, Alvi was able to regain its traction and we narrowly avoided rolling into the ravine.

The purpose of this little sojourn was actually to celebrate Dad’s (dad-in-law for me) 82nd birthday — there was somewhat of a bash planned, and the whole family would be in town to celebrate. This included Dagmara and John who flew in from Muscat, Oman for the occasion, Inese and Freddy from Hamilton, Laila from Toronto, the Plavins clan from Thunder Bay and various members of the ski-patrol, friends and neighbours who live in the Sudbury region. Mom Irene put together an incredible do, with all the usual trimmings of Thai cuisine, turkey, the incredible Latvian torte she lovingly slaved over (with, might I add, 18-year old jam) and just so much more.

Needless to say we arrived just in time — one hour to spare before the big event. At the last minute, we also made a strategic decision to check into a hotel rather than heading to the happy but overwhelming chaos of First Ave. Piper LOVES hotels, and most importantly, the so-called “trolley” which is inevitably laden with mounds of our paraphenalia and lastly, little Piper. She thinks its a ride and its hysterical to watch how excited she gets by this simple little device.

So we showered up and headed out to see the family. The girls were dressed in their matching Easter dresses and in spite of the bags under their eyes looked absolutely adorable. It didn’t take long for Saffy to get over her shyness and start strutting around like she owned the joint. She is a going concern, that one. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and as is always the case when with the in-laws, I ate like a queen. Ohhhh the carrot cake. Thanks Inese. It was heaven.

We’ll try to get back into the more ‘client-appropriate’ postings in the next day or so. This is a working holiday, no getting around that!

If you’re reading this and happen to have any drag with the Big Man Upstairs, please order us some spring weather! Please? It’s currently -10 and blizzarding. Oy.

Freddy Scott & Inese Plavins

Uncle Johnny (Bondo) with Saffron (nice nose-picking shot, Alvi!)

Ann Suzuki & Taizo Miake

Saffy and Opa (Olgerts Plavins, birthday boy... lookin' good for 82!)

Inese & Dudzi (Dagmara) & our hostess with the mostess, Irene Plavins

My girls... cannot help but love 'em.

Ah the government… coming through with another holiday for us working folk. Family Day rocked! Time was spent at Old Fort William and in spite of initial challenges (not taking debit or credit card!), an amazing time was had by all and the weather even cooperated.

What else do you expect to see on a frozen river from a sleighride?