Givng Thanks for Family

>

I’m not sure how I managed it, but I marked 85 (short, hand-written) essays over the weekend, went for one long run, had brunch with my extended family (mom, my uncle, my sibs and their kids, some of mine), ate a few meals at some favourite Vancouver casual spots (Central Pho on Davie, La Bretagne Crêperie on Jervis), even picked up a few essentials (re-stocked my hair product, the all-important Curls Rock). My marking callous is growing another layer, my eye has developed a twitch, but thanks to Pater, I marked away and still got to enjoy a yummy Thanksgiving dinner with my crew.

And Nola.

Is there anything more fun than a doting aunt?

Except maybe an indulgent uncle. . . .

Or two?

Nola is blessed, as are Pater and I, not only by her mom’s sisters and brother, but also by their partners, two of whom are pictured here. Pater and I are so fortunate to have in- and out-laws who have become family to us, and it’s a delight to see Nola basking in that wealth.

Now onwards into a busy week — I’ve got a big surprise coming up this Saturday, and I only hope I’ll find a moment or two to tell you about it before then. I’ll give you a hint, though. Vancouver Opera is premiering a spectacular new opera with a compelling story line. Read more about Lilian Ailing here — and think about buying tickets. We could meet up if you get tickets for Saturday night. More to follow . . .

10 Comments

  1. LPC
    12 October 2010 / 4:19 am

    Nola gets cuter every day.

  2. Tiffany
    12 October 2010 / 4:31 am

    Lucky Nola – she's obviously having a wonderful time! And so lovely for her to have such a great extended family.

  3. hostess of the humble bungalow
    12 October 2010 / 4:41 am

    Nola has such beautiful eyes and her lashes are so long…she is growing up in the arms of a protective and adoring family…love her smile.
    We should all be so lucky.

  4. NancyDaQ
    12 October 2010 / 5:56 am

    As they say down South, Nola is a doll baby. She is an adorable child. How fun to have her and the rest of the family together with you and Pater!

  5. indigo16
    12 October 2010 / 3:20 pm

    Both Daisy and Kitty have benefited greatly from a huge extended family, and Leyla has one too only far more dispersed which is why she loves going to Cyprus where she is only 3 degrees of separation from the entire island and thus gets thoroughly spoilt!
    85? I struggle with 10! Especially when I find myself virtually rewriting it rather than marking it.
    Glad you have been fed well though.

  6. materfamilias
    12 October 2010 / 4:46 pm

    Thanks Lisa, Tiffany, Hostess. And Nancy, I love that term: doll baby!
    Alison: 85 was from last Thursday on, and it was tough! Not sure why I so badly wanted to return them this week, but it means next weekend will be marking-free!

  7. Susan Tiner
    12 October 2010 / 5:09 pm

    Nola is a cutie pie. I love the long lashes and her smile.

  8. Mardel
    12 October 2010 / 5:54 pm

    Nola is such a doll and what a wonderful wealth of family you have. I am sure they all gave you energy and motivation to work through that pile of papers. Congratulations on what looks like a full and lovely weekend.

  9. Duchesse
    13 October 2010 / 12:46 am

    Could she possible get more adorable? But- she has! Sounds like a very happy, busy weekend.

  10. La Belette Rouge
    13 October 2010 / 7:41 am

    I love a Nola filled post. those cheeks! That hair! That style! That capacity for being photogenic and ruminate coyly!

Copyright

Unless otherwise stated, all words and photographs in this blog are my own. If you wish to use any of them, please give me credit for my work. And it should go without saying, but apparently needs to be said: Do not publish entire posts as your own. I will take the necessary action to stop such theft. Thanks.