2011

Enough people have told me that it doesn't feel like the new year because they haven't yet received the Okes' letter that I knew it was overdue. We hope you enjoy it.

Arrivals were the highlight of our year, with our second girl, Myra arriving on the fifth of February weighing 7lbs 9oz. She was, and still remains healthy and happy, and she was thoughtful enough to come quickly and without complication. In fact, Amy and I left for the hospital after Avery went to bed, and we were home in time for a couple hours' of rest before Avery woke up. In the tradition of second children, I have posted a dearth of photos of Myra, but have included some here, and have recently updated our Picasa album. Myra reminds us in many ways of how Avery had been two years previously, but is easy to distinguish with her full head of straight blonde hair and relaxed, contented demeanor.

Amy has not worked since the middle of January, and I had the pleasure of being home with all three ladies for the months of May and June. While we didn't travel extravagantly this year, we did spend the better part of a week at the Golden Arrow resort in Lake Placid to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Lake Placid was certainly in its low season, but we managed to entertain ourselves between the pool, restaurants, shopping, and tourist sights.

In June we flew west for Amy's sister Amata's high school graduation in Estevan SK, and for a long overdue introduction to two families that have offered Amata a home in her adopted city. Many thanks to the Sinclairs and the Prokops for their kindness and generosity. We also were able to catch the beginning of Grandma and Grandpa Poirier's 60th wedding anniversary in Redvers SK. Just yesterday Avery was remembering playing in the camper with the 'little boy' (Dorian).

After years of invitations and encouragement, Amata chose to come here for university, studying human kinetics at the University of Ottawa. It has been wonderful to spend more time with Amata, and a great opportunity to relive our undergrad years (without the uniforms and inspections). After an enjoyable first semester, Amata is now back and settling in to her new classes.

Myra is now feeding herself, crawling, standing, and surfing along our furniture. She likes to do the actions to the songs we sing, turn the pages to the books we read, and chase her big sister up the stairs. Avery loves going to nursery school (two afternoons each week), going to gymnastics, and visiting with her grandparents, and cousin Mary-Jane.

Best wishes for 2012. Love, Wes, Amy, Avery, and Myra.