Armageddon

 

Police presence all day across the street because there was a drive by shooting at 4:47am.

What the freaking hell?!

Eric and I both woke up to the sound.  We both knew it was basically in our front yard.  Soooo loud.  I say six shots.  Eric says five.  Neighbors are reporting 5, 6 and 7.  Some neighbors have been contacting me privately because they didn't seem to like me saying it was the problem house across from us.

But....IT WAS.  There are bullet holes in the house and car.

It's staggering to me that it's not being talked about.  That it's not on the news.  I don't want to put myself out there further.

Life just carries on.  Kids are unfazed.  The three kids didn't even wake up.

Luk was interested enough to wander over with us for photos of the holes after it quieted down over there.

Eric said there were a few cop cars earlier.  I missed that.  Jia and I were out most of the day running errands.

It's just way too close for comfort.

There was no sleeping after hearing the shots, car leaving and a man shouting.  Eric could see him walking on the street with his phone out.  By the time I came downstairs the lights were all on.

Hiding his face.  Awe.

He is doing a bit better.  Marked improvements.  He's not out of the woods yet.  We are settling into the syringe feedings.  He is starting to willingly go along with the weirdness.

Appreciating seeing the perfect rainbow this morning as Jia and I headed to the lab to do routine blood tests after dropping the xmas cards off.  

Shopping.  Haha.  When your almost 16 year old brings her bear to town.

Fei missed being here in the war zone.  She finished her term and last exam and now is in Vancouver with friends for a couple days.  They got to do puppy yoga!  Although Fei reports she did very minimal yoga ;)

Porter's Canyon

 

Our first night wheeling group event. We started at 1.  We made it to Porter's Canyon in daylight.

Lili came with us.  Her 1st wheeling day.  She didn't hate it ;)

Zero beer.

I was worried about being out in the dark but it was surprisingly just fine.  It turned out that without other light sources the Jeeps just really lit up the whole area.  We didn't need headlights.  

Eric is fixing the chairs!  

I think they look amazing!

The latest thrift store find.  I'm moving my Boyds figurines to the new closet.  Eric built a shelf in there already. So the wall hanging was a pretty fun find.  The closet room is ready for caulk then paint. It's getting there.

Finn is still with us.  I'm enjoying all the cuddles I can, while I can.  We have no idea if his quality of life will come back.  He's not in pain and he sleeps a lot.  He is syringe fed.  I'm getting a routine happening and he is getting used to it and sometimes clearly ready for some food.  This isn't a realistic plan for the future.  He hasn't told me he wants to go.

I got our Christmas cards done and ready to mail.  It feels a tad fraudulent to send out happy family pictures.  Life isn't perfect.  We have issues. Then I saw someone post that the effort to get her imperfect family in a photo was overwhelming and she voiced some of what I'm feeling but then said we're not perfect but these are my favorite people and we celebrate that.  So I will pop them in the mail box tomorrow. An imperfect picture of our wee family, my favorite people in their chaotic, mismatched Christmas finery.

Lili's Gotcha

 

Dinner at Boston Pizza.  Her choice.  Fei joined us.  We had a photo bomber behind us ;)  Jia was working and the boys had a Happy meal at home.

It was relaxing being out with just the big girls.  Fei was celebrating the last exam of her term.  She is off now until January.

This was a weird sight to walk in on.  I thought for sure a tussle would happen but they surprisingly were fine.

Finn is making small improvements but we're still a long way from ok.  

Butchart Gardens

 

We had a relaxing day, leisurely drive. Spent time with friends.  The Gardens were gorgeous of course. The weather cooperated and we got dinner out.

Back home to our sick pup.  He is improved from yesterday but still a long way from recovered.  It's heartbreaking.  He is so helpless, cuddly and sweet.  We're used to a very quirky oddball with tons of attitude and fight.  He has earned his nickname of Bitey Boy Nelson.  Right now he has no fight.  Who would think I'd miss him biting me?!  

Santa

 

Eric and I took the boys to ride the Polar Express in Port Alberni.

We met Santa ;)

First stop was donuts at the Quay for sure.  Luk made some friends.  

He isn't keen on critter encounters.  This didn't go well for him when they flew away.  Haha.  I won't post the pics of the terrified look.  

Kai had this look on his face the whole time.  So, it was worth the time to take him.

Finn is still really struggling.  I don't believe he is going to pull through this time. It's time to be assessing his quality of life.  I ended up bawling the whole way there.  Then had to get it together for a bit of distraction.

This dog on board helped with the distraction part.  Seriously looked like the happiest dog alive.  

The conductors were great.  They even came and did a hole punch thing on our tickets.  Just like the movie :)

Overall the trip was worth it.  We picked up a pizza to bring home for dinner.

Today we're taking the three kids to Butchart Gardens.  Leaving here soon.  I'm not keen to leave Finn but life carries on and there isn't anything I can actually do for him.  We'll make it an early night anyways.