The Rivards

On our way back from Abbotsford, we took the Coquihalla Highway to get back home to Kamloops. The highway passes through some of the most beautiful landscape in the province of BC. In the space of only half an hour, you can go through a coastal environment of misty cedars and tall firs to bright sunlight and high rock faces.

Celeste wanted daddy to stop the car. Fortunately we were near a very rare exit and Francis pulled over to a makeshift camp site along an almost dry river bed. Next spring this river bed will be full of roaring water with dangerous currents. For now we were able to stretch our legs walking across it.

The ceremony took place at Cultus Lake Memorial Church in Chilliwack.

The reception was held in the grooms parents garden.

Homemade vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing…mmmm…yummy!

Celeste gets a music lesson from a Kado family friend.

“Can I have one , mummy?”

Kamila’s grandparent’s came from Poland to celebrate this special occassion.

Kamila’s aunt, Eva (on the right), came from New Jersey to join in the celebrations.

Kamila’s parent’s, Jacek and Ivona Kado.

Kamila’s sister’s, Joanna and Ola.

A rare family portrait.

Mmmm…good!!!

Cool car!!!

We had a lot of unpacking to do once we got back from our vacation in Windsor. Celeste had a blast playing in the packing material.

Here she is helping daddy build shelves in the garage.

Celeste was pretty excited to get on the plane. As soon as she got into her seat, she buckled herself up, and said “Are you ready mummy? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLAST-OFF!”. I didn’t even know she could count backwards.

Here’s a few things that are everyday things in Nonno and Nonna’s house.
Nonna making bread….

Sicilian zucchini in Nonno’s garden…

grapevines…

figs…

italian herbs…basil and parsely…

Nonno’s home grown garlic, braided and ready for the winter…

As a kid I used to walk through the historic Olde Walkerville District of Windsor, dreaming that I might one day own one of these beautiful homes. I guess some things haven’t changed, as I still love visiting the area and I haven’t given up my dream of one day living there. There are just too many homes to show you, but here are a few of my favourites.

A typical quiet tree lined street.

Terrace housing on Monmouth Rd ,commissioned by Hiram Walker & Sons Distillary in the the early 1900′s, as rental property for it’s employees.

One of my favourite places to visit when I’m back home is Willistead Manor. The Albert Kahn designed home, once belonged to whisky magnate Hiram Walker. It’s now a museum in the Walkerville district of the city Windsor.

Francis and I had our wedding pictures taken in the gardens 10 years ago. It hasn’t changed a bit. I wish I could say the same about my waiste line.

It’s hard work being a toddler, and afternoon naps are a necessity.

Elias keeps an eye on Celeste.

Do you think she’ll let me play with that bucket?

Laurie and I have been friends since Highschool. Whenever people saw us together they always thought we were cousins. Greek…Italian….close enough!!!

Celeste and Nonno build a Lego tower together.

Later, she gets Zia in on the fun.