Rediscovering...

I was struggling to find the joy in the season.

I always love this time of year,

but it's different with my sister missing from the picture.

It was another 'first' without her here.

But you know, if you're missing Joy in your life,

you only have to look into the eyes of a child.

Norene and I took my nieces and nephews into the city to see what we could find.

First stop was dinner in Chinatown...

 There's nothing like the lights here on a cold, dark night.

Always a magical place...

Next we strolled down Government Street.

Famous for it's old storefronts and big wide sidewalks...

 Imagine, a shop JUST for Christmas things!

And who wouldn't dream of having one of these Christmas candy apples?!

Or getting a hug from this big old bear?

A trip downtown wouldn't be complete without a visit to my favorite bookstore...

As we approached the harbour, the kids eyes really lit up...

The legislature buildings in all of their holiday glory...

Boats are even dressed up for the season...

Then it was into the Grand Dame herself for a look at all of the decorated trees...

Every year local businesses decorate trees and donate money to local charities...

We ended up at the biggest one in the lobby...

...where Hannah and I put our faces on one of the big silver balls...

On the way back to the van, we stopped at the sweetest shop around...

Rogers Chocolates have been giving kids a sugar rush for over 100 years

and today was no exception.

The beautiful Czech glass lights are my favorite thing in the shop...

After strolling through the Bay Centre and spotting some owls, 

it was time to go home...

Joy rediscovered.

Mission accomplished!