Merry Christmas

As we sit here on the balcony in Barcelona, and reflect back on the year that was 2008, we cannot help but feel incredibly blessed. The experiences we have had, the people we have met, and the special times we have shared with both family and friends have made this a truly incredible year. As with every year, there have certainly been some difficult and trying times, most notably the passing of David's grandfather, Ferbie St.Cyr, but as a whole our year has been filled with many joyous occasions.

We started 2008 off in Hawaii where we celebrated the New Year with the St. Cyr Family, Paul, Karen, Mark and Kate. We spent a wonderful time touring the sites of Ohau's most famous places. From Pearl Harbour to boat cruises, we saw exotic wildlife and experienced wonderful culture. While Paul and Karen decided to ring in their first month of retirement snowbird style, we only spent week in Hawaii as did Mark and Kate. We were lucky to get a 2 day overlap of our trips so that the whole family could be together and celebrate. On our last night there, David surprised me with a trip to the famous Turtle Bay resort for a special event that he'd had planned for some months by that time. As we embarked on all that the hotel had to offer; horseback riding, great food and an amazing hotel room with a view to die for, David didn't fail to surprise by taking me on a romantic walk through out the grounds. It was a beautiful night with a full moon and a warm breeze coming off the ocean. We found a hammock in a quiet place and snuggled up together to relax and enjoy one another. It was in that moment when David pulled out a lovely little diamond ring and asked me to marry him. In my shock and amazement, I could only respond with " Are you SERIOUS??? Did you really just ask me to marry you?" When it finally hit home that he was truly asking for my hand.... and patiently waiting for an answer, I did accept his proposal. It was the next morning that we returned to the beach where the whole family was set to meet up for the first time and spend the rest of the day together. We came upon everyone and were pleasantly surprised with a special announcement from our very own favorite couple, Mark and Kate. Mark too had proposed to the lovely Miss Wood, and as everyone hugged and congratulated each other, we all felt temendous joy and hopeful excitement for the coming year.

Four months later, after much preparation, and not only by the bride-to-be, David and I walked down the aisle in the wedding of our dreams. We were both so giddy with excitement and couldn't wait to marry each other and the moment that felt like it would never come, finally did. We were so blessed to acquire a beautiful presbyterian church filled with stain glass windows, an amazing hardwood interior with a very traditional and slightly gothic feel, as the setting for our fairytale wedding. The church also featured an incredibly grand pipe organ that was over 100 years old. As we said our vows, we drank in the moment and reflected on how lucky we were as a couple to have amazing friends and family witness our special day. Overall, it was a huge success and we must have danced until the morning when we finally closed out our own wedding.




The next day, David and I jetted off to the beautiful Island of Maui for a crazy fun honeymoon. We took part in some great adventures including whale watching boat cruises, zip lining, surfing, swimming with turtles and much much more. Again, David planned a little surprise for me when he took me to the Grand Wailea for a night (you can only afford one night unless you are Brad Pitt and homewrecker), and let me tell you, the place is indescibable. We were wisked away into a tropical island Paradise, to a land of dual massages in the most luxurious and lavish spa I have ever been to... and let me tell you, I frequent spas, so to say the least, it was mindblowing.
Unfortunately, we did receive the devastating news of the passing of Ferbie and had to make arrangments to fly back to Ontario instead of Edmonton, but when we arrived on Ontarian soil, we were met by family and friends. Everyone was celebrating the life of, what I came to understand later, a beautiful and devout man, who lived a good life leaving the legacy of a wonderful family that I am so happy to be a part of.
While it was an unexpected way to end a honeymoon, it was still an awesome adventure and turned out to provide a mini-family reunion with a chance for the people who were unable to attend the wedding, a way to meet and celebrate with each other still.




Getting back home to Edmonton we easily settled into a new life together and embarked on building a brand new home down the street from our special friends, Chris and Jody. We are really excited about its completion in 2009 and starting a family, however, as newlyweds, we are still in practice mode. At this point, the home is coming along nicely and we are glued to our progres updates each week.


The year flowed into a great summer with some funfilled time in BC with my mom and Dad. David of course spent as much time possible taming the wild gelding Bucky, and showing me how being a cowboy is done. We passed the time with animals, golfing, quading, (snowmobiling during our winter visits), bonfires, eating hearty fabulous meals, and of course a fireworks show, put on by none other then my daring father and always up for anything husband. Needless to say we freaked the crap out of the dogs who tore around the yard in a panic. We finally had to put the 2 huge White German Shepards in the house, where they continued to tear around the basement leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Our own fault I guess. Well worth it!!!

We also spent some quality time out at the cabin. It was a mixture of water fun and extention building on the cabin, but a great time indeed. Karen and I would do little jobs together like cleaning, cooking or staining shingles, but let it be known that when I wasn't around, my formidable mother in law took to much more dauting tasks. Between her and Paul, they exhausted themselves with the neverending things that needed to be done when building, but none of this ever took the smiles off their faces, or the laughter from their always happy hearts. David and Mark spent some good old fashion brotherly love outside together working on the framing of the cabin. It was fun to watch them work together like a well oiled machine, with the occassional, but hilarious squabbling and banter. Karen and I mostly stood back and laughed and took trips to the store or the farmer's market when things got tense. While there was alot of work, we still got our play time in and despite my broken tailbone from falling down the stairs during one of our numerous bootcamp workouts, I still managed to tube like a freakazoid whenever possible. David skiied and enjoyed himself and Paul even jumped on the tube and pulled off the most amazing 360 you've ever seen from a near 50 year old man;)

After the summer ended, it came time for David to depart on our heavily planned trip to Paris. Knowing David's passion for hockey and his ever lingering feelings of regret about the way he had to end his career before, I encouraged him that it wasn't too late to play pro and finish things on his own terms. Inspired by many of his family and friends, especially Kevin and Nell Gardner, the idea of playing in another country materialized into what has turned out to be an amazing adventure for the two of us. Nell, I can't thank you enough for sending us continual highlights and pictures from your own adventures. David has gotten along well with his new team, and the Asnieres Castors have bestowed upon him, the rank of Assistant Captain. His positive atittude and ability to speak French and English made him an ideal candidate for this role and he's been wonderful to watch this season. In addition we both got fantastic jobs teaching English. That in and of itself has been more of a blessing then an actual job. We often think about who we've met, what we've learned and where we've gone because of it and ponder, in disbelief, that we actually get paid to do what we do. I have been so lucky as to meet the who's who of the House of Chanel. From Karl Lagerfeld's business partner, who never fails to give me gifts before I leave my lesson, to the only lady in Chanel responsible for giving the tours of Mademoiselle Chanel's apartment. On our last lesson of the year, she unexpectedly took me for a tour and all I can say, is WHY DIDN'T I HAVE MY CAMERA??? This tour is basically off limits to everyone including most Chanel employees. Only people affiliated with specific press releases, or one of their 250 Haute Coture clients ever get a tour. It was an honour and a wonderful experience, and thankfully, despite my nervousness, I managed not to be too clumsy or break anything. I hope I can swing one more visit, this time with a Camera.

So now we sit in Barcelona, on Christmas Day, after opening all of our fabulous presents and reminiscing of the year that has passed. We cannot express our emotions as the culmination of our memories continue to grow. We are ever thankful and think of those who have helped us, inspired us, encouraged us, and stuck with us in our crazy ideas of packing up our lives and taking them to a continent far far away. We are full of gratitude for the love and support of you, our families and friends and we want to express a deep appreciation for the beautful thoughts and memories you bring to us this Christmas day. While its just the two of us in Barcelona, we do not feel alone in anyway. We send our love and best wishes to you all this season, and our prayers going forward into the new year.

May God richly bless and keep you all.

Sincerely,

The Junior St.Cyr's,
David and Mindy