New Driver with New Wheels

Kenton has been working his butt off the last few months to have a new car in time for when he got his official drivers license. His hard work paid off just the week before his birthday!

Cruisin' with mom!

Yay! I was so nervous on test day because I knew how much this meant to him...and me so I could be relieved of my taxi duties :)  It was a bit nerve-wracking to see him drive off by himself the first time, but I know he is ready for more independence and loving it!

Busy Boy

Kenton has turned into quite the health nut while training for track and the Run for Water 10k run. His event at track was the steeple chase...long distance running with hurdles. He made it to the provincials but didn't end up getting the time he wanted. 

Around the same time he had entered the Run for Water event. He had been hoping to crush his time from last year but ended up doing about the same, which was still fantastic!

Mom and Dad cheering him on...even in the rain!

Keeping with Tradition

Earlier in the year, I had been determined to try my hand at making New Years cookies. My grandma has made them every year and I was sad to let this tradition go. Being the oldest grand daughter, I knew I would be the one to keep the tradition alive. I must say they turned out pretty good for my first try. 

At Easter it was time to give paska a whirl. I wasn't sure which recipe my grandma had used so I used my best friend's recipe and I got rave reviews!

I plan on continuing with these traditions for my own family each year and hope they feel the love I have for them through my baking and cooking. :)

Moving Out

I knew the day was coming...my first child moving out...but it happened quite suddenly. At the beginning of April, Christopher got a new job and moved out the next day! It was time for this day to come and I was excited for this milestone in his life. 

Mexican Night

One night this spring, my mom had had enough of the rain so she declared we were going to all come over and pretend we were in Mexico on a family vacation together. She cranked the heat in the house, went all out with the decorations, and had tons of food and bevies. Margaritas and beer!

Here are our "all-inclusive" bracelets!

After dinner someone brought out the Wii game "Just Dance." So. Much. Fun!

Everyone got in on the fun...

I love how much fun my family has when we are together!

Nieces are Nice

I love these two cuties and try to do special things with them whenever I can. My brother and his wife needed a night out so I jumped at the chance to babysit and hang out with my nieces. We decided to go and see "Despicable Me." 

Went to our fave kids restaurant for dinner afterwards and a little bit of play time. Time to get silly!

This year the girls were a part of the Girl Guides program and I did my best to help out by taking cookies to work with me.  

My brother got a fabulous job in Quesnel so I won't be seeing them as much as I like...but when we do see each other, we will be sure to pack in lots of fun!

Girls Ski/Snowshoe Trip

A bunch of us gals get together each winter to enjoy a weekend of fresh air, exercise and good laughs. This year we went to Cypress and went skiing one day and then snowshoeing the next. 

In the evenings we have a bevy of some sort, play a bit of Scrabble and then get into a bit of mischief. 

This year someone brought a head scratcher, which amused us for quite some time!

Things start out quite innocently enough and then we start getting a bit rowdy!

Looking forward to seeing what memories are made next year!

Cousins Bowling Night

Since my grandma passed away, the family tries very hard to still take the time to get together near Christmas every year. Our new tradition seems to be a bowling night. 

The teenagers...

The little guys...

Randy, Lianna, Jordan, Kenton and Alvin in the background. 

Scott

Krystie

Kenton

Corey

 Paul and Cheryl

Afterwards, Paul and Cheryl opened up their home for everyone to meet and continue with the fun. We all laughed so much and agreed that we should get together more often! 

Here Dad introduces his tradition of what happens if you show up with a hole in your sock...he will make sure it's obvious you have a hole in your sock!

The finished result of Dad's handy work....

Can't wait to see the Klassen clan again soon!

Joining the Club...

This past November, I turned the big "4-0"

My husband did his best to plan a "surprise" party...but I knew all about it :)

We went down to Sumas to "El Nopal" for Mexican food and karaoke.

All the people who mean the most to me were there (minus my boys)...Here are a few highlights...

The rubber chicken provided a little extra entertainment...

The Cottage Chicks...I work with a great bunch of gals!

My bestie and I :)

Sonya and Gary drove all the way down from Kamloops just for the day for me...aren't they the greatest?!

My BFF's hubby, Gary...who is like a big bro to me.

Sombrero time!

My Dad and Chris :)

Not sure who is enjoying my party more....

After dinner, it was time for karaoke. Sonya and I had to sing our fave song, "Living on a Prayer," by Bon Jovi. We have had lots of practice but never in front of an audience. 

My bro and I sang his specialty, "Ice, Ice Baby."  He claims he is shy and did this just for me but he's looking pretty into the groove here....

Can't remember what song we are singing here, but I'm sure we had a blast! 

I have to admit...I found it hard to think of turning forty, as I've never felt so great in my life, but now that I've had a bit of time actually being forty, I think I can get used to it :)