It's Officially Winter in Victoria!

We woke up to this on the morning of November 26th. Victoria really doesn't see any snow fall in the winter. Aside from an hour or so each season, there's only rain. So when this hit the Island, roads were shut, schools closed, roads blocked off, busses didn't run... The town was essentially shut down. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy it!

This is the gate out front of our house

Amanda and I all bundled up! We all loaded into Max's 4x4 and went up to UVic to play in the snow!

Paul went a little overboard with the snowball fight...

No, we didn't build it.

Making snow angels

Some trees couldn't stand the weight of the show, and actually broke apart. And of course, we had to pose on them.

Me!

I got back at Paul for earlier... The snowball I tossed at him got stuck in his eyebrow. Amanda and I died laughing. It's a good look for you, Paul.

Trying to take pictures is hard when there's snow on your lens!

Apparently we wandered into Narnia...? Oh wait, that's just Uplands.

Being the token "Easterner" in our group, I was more than thrilled with all the snow! It was so beautiful and we had a blast! Now that I'm back in Ontario, I want more! Hehe! I'll definitely have pictures to show all you "Westerners."

It's a Jello Party

On my last weekend in Victoria Amanda and I had some folks over for a pot luck dinner and jello shooters. This is the batch of 55 we made, and Tyler also brought twenty-some of his own. Nobody went without jello! :)

Amanda and I testing a couple shooters before everyone arrived

Tyler showed up with his tray of shooters - he and Amanda dug right in!

Max was feeling chilly, so he wore the NipU toque for a while...

Amanda can't decide! She loves them all!

Mmm.... Jello....

She's so prettttyyyyyy

Thanks to Chad, I now know I'm not the only one who needs to roll up their jeans.

Paul and Amanda still working on that Jello!

Pillsbury slicey cookies... Seriously, if you don't like these there's something WRONG with you.

Paul's obviously having a good time!

Kim, Amanda and I pose for a picture while Lia runs to join in!

I'm not really sure why there was such an abundance of hats at our party... But this is by far the best one. Ty, I'm framing this picture and keeping it as a reminder of how fun you are! Hehe! The only thing missing are finger pistols.

Amanda found a hat and joined it... My face says "I'm getting squishhhhed"

And now I'm a superhero

... A superhero with a.... Squished hat... On my.... Head...?

Aww! Cheryl, Alison and Amanda!

Kim's keeping my email address close to her heart!

The drinking games begin... This one's called "beboop" or something weird like that. Really, when you think about it, what's better for drunk people than finger goggles and making funny noises?

Max and I

And here's to the best roommie ever. Thanks for such a great send-off party, Amanda! I miss you already!

Out on the Breaker

Today wasn't a great day weather-wise, but it's the first day in a while that hasn't been full of rain and high winds, so Amanda and I took advantage of it and went for a walk along the breaker wall on Dallas Road.

It might have been overcast, but the sun was practically glowing behind the clouds.

There's an undersea mural painted along part of the breaker...

Usually the breaker is a busy place, but today there was barely anyone there. It was nice to be able to just wander around for a change.

Even though we were bundled up, it was awfully cold! We didn't stay as long as we would have liked.

Such a nice lazy Saturday morning.
:)

BLUE MAN GROUP

Tickets are bought! Instead of exchanging Christmas presents this year, Hayley and I are going to see the Blue Man Group in Toronto before they close in January. We're set for December 10th, and I'm so excited I can barely handle it. I've heard a billion good things about this show! And I think going to see it with Hayley will make it that much better. She's the kind of friend that I can be crazy and insane and she won't care - hell, she'll join in! It's one of those friendships where we can be silly or serious together and it's equally a great time. Funny to think that we've been friends for 9 years now! I can't wait for this show - so excited to see BMG with HAM. :) Hehe!

Bocce in Beacon Hill Park

A few weekends ago, Amanda and I took the boys out to Beacon Hill Park for a little Sunday morning Bocce.

And of course, I was constantly falling behind taking pictures. I think they yelled for me to "catch up!" about 18 times.

Seriously, how pretty is this park? It's gorgeous! Everywhere you turn, there's something to see.

An old, unused bird sanctuary in the middle of the park.

And there's even an old, unused outdoor stage. Seeing a little show here would be pretty sweet.

Time to start the game! Paul starts us off...

Amanda ad Tyler are "Team Hangover"

Chad and Max are "Team Germania"

Paul and I are "Team Hatred." Don't worry. We don't really hate each other... Well... Not all the time.

Good toss, Chad!

We stopped on the way to the park for hot chocolate. I loooove hot chocolate. Especially with Baileys. :)

So does Amanda! Yummy!

Me realizing how ridiculous my hair was looking that day. What entry would be complete without a "look how crazy I am" picture?
And if you're wondering... Team Hatred kicked ass. Oh yeah. I love Bocce Ball!