We spent Christmas Adam (what I like to call the day before Christmas Eve) shopping for last minute prezzies and enjoying the city. So, we didn't leave for Vancouver Island to see my parents until early in the morning on the 24th.
One of the many great things about living in the heart of Vancouver is that you can easily imbark on a long journey car-free. We walked out of our apartment building, up three blocks & got on a bus that took us directly to the ferry--all before the sun rose!
The ferry was packed but we got there early and were able to get great seats, right in the back of the ferry with a beautiful view of the water & snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, we stretched out, read and listened to our iphones (Monster got me the new Susan Boyle CD on itunes--it's terrific!). In an hour and a half, we were in Nanaimo & my little sister Gina was right on time to pick us up. We did some last minute alcohol-related shopping (after all, we were about to spend quality time with the 'rents!) and then went to my parents house.
After a delicious homemade carrot soup & pizza bread lunch, we decided to take a walk to the bay. My parents live on the side of a mountain and very close to nearby waterways. We walked and talked and walked and talked until we came up to the bay, where we noticed a sign for fresh osyters. $5 a dozen! Hello!
The funny thing was, there was no one at the marina to take our money. Instead, Monster and Gina found two boxes on a boat. One full of bags of osyters (with their registration attached--farmed) and one red lock-box for depositing the money. The honor system! It was so cool, we couldn't believe it!
We happily paid $10 for two dozen oysters & brought our bounty back home, where we ate raw, fresh osyters and then watched "Angels & Demons" between wrapping presents & sneaking stocking stuffers into labled stockings by the fireplace.
All it all, it was a sweet family Christmas. We missed our two sisters who weren't there, though, and--of course--we missed our little Squishy.
1 comment:
Missed you guys!!!!
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