2012

It turns out that this is the seventh year for the Oke Christmas e-letter at www.theokes.org. If you're really keen (or if you're stalking us) you can have a look at years past by clicking on the link to "Christmas Index" above.

We started 2012 right with a trip to Florida to visit my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Michael's new home near Fort Myers and then for a seven day cruise around the southern Caribbean. After arriving on board, we were a bit annoyed when we were kicked out of our interior room, but it all worked out for the best with a free upgrade to a larger and brighter balcony room. We enjoyed the scenery, beaches, and food, and even the evening entertainment thanks to a two-stage amplified baby monitor/walkie-talkie that only a pair of electrical engineers could have dreamed up. Avery had only recently turned 3, and Myra celebrated her first birthday on the ship in style.

Amy enjoyed being at home with the girls for a second year. Among their favourite activities is the weekly gymnastics class. Myra has been doing the same Tall 'n Small program with Amy for so long that not only does she have the circuit memorized, but she could probably lead the other kids in their activities. Avery is halfway through her nursery school kindergarten program in Bells Corners, with many of the same friends that she made last year in the '3 year old' class.

In June we travelled to Alberta for a week to celebrate Father's Day and Grandpa John's sixtieth birthday. His good friend and unofficial Lethbridge ambassador Bonnie generously housed and fed us, and threw a surprise party for John at the Round Street Cafe. We made good use of our rental car, not only driving south to Lethbridge, but also north as far as Westlock, with stops in Sylvan Lake, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Calgary. The photo of the rainbow is taken from the doorstep of our hotel in Westlock.

The girls enjoyed a summer filled with fun at the Calypso water park and at the Calabogie cottage. In addition to having the whole Oke family being in Ottawa for another year, Amata was studying at the University of Ottawa for another year, as was her boyfriend Jaren (see photo at bottom).

September took us on an ambitious driving holiday to Peterborough, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Syracuse, Hartford, Mystic CT, and Lunenburg MA to visit grandparents, uncles, aunts, and old friends. The highlight of the trip for the kids was a visit to the Mystic Aquarium, where we saw sea lions, penguins, and the friendly beluga whales. Thanks again to all the family and friends who took care of us while we were on the road.

We celebrated Christmas early with Amata and Jaren on the morning of their flight home to Saskatchewan. Amy considers her life complete now that she has fuzzy pink one-piece pyjamas with feet.

We hope that you had a wonderful 2012, and we would like to wish you the best for 2013.

Love,

Wes, Amy, Avery, and Myra.