After our wonderful Christmas, Nanny headed home to the city, and took the boy along with her. He had a couple of days of fun there, while mom did some deep bedroom cleaning upstairs (got to find room for the new toys!). After that, we all headed down to the city for a few days for our annual post-Christmas trip.
The drive down was a bit interesting when both daughters insisted that they really needed to pee....now. Unfortunately, the town closest to "now" didn't have anywhere to stop. So we had to improvise. Which would have been less funny if it weren't quite so cold. At least all of us laughing kept us warm. :)
While in the city, we got to head out to the Enchanted Forest to see the lights - our annual event. Fun!! Dad attended a funeral, and the rest of us got to hang out in a bookstore, which was a great time. Isaac fell in love with the "hands on display model" plasma car. Then mom and dad got a special supper out for mom's birthday. woo hoo!
Our time is the city is always fun. However, we timed our trip well. We managed to beat a snowstorm home by only a couple of hours. Good timing.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Gifts!
Our children were once again well provided for in the gift department this year. We feel very blessed. Since we received a few cheques before Christmas to spend on the children, we should probably let you know what you gave them! :)
Grandma Edith gave Isaac a lego set and pyjamas, each of the girls got a backpack (handy for our upcoming trip!) and some Disney Princess dolls that they ADORE. They also all have a special toy that is waiting to come out on our trip in February. Grandma Edith also helped buy Rob's new ipod to replace his beloved one that died an untimely death in early December.
Nanna and Poppy gave each of the children a dvd (Kung Fu Panda, Sleeping Beauty and Barbie: Diamond Castle). Isaac and Norah each got a new Leapster game, Isaac's is in French, Norah's is princess, of course. Ruby also got a My Little Pony and a puzzle that she just loves, because it's a ladybug! Also, Rob's ipod. The rest of the money is put aside for our trip, and we're looking forward to doing something exciting "in your name".
As for our trip, if you haven't heard, we're off to Hawaii in February for a week. Found an airfare we couldn't refuse (Thanks Grandpa Tom!), and have friends to stay with who have children close in age to ours. 6 kids under age 7 for a week could be a lot of fun, while being plenty loud. :) We can't WAIT to get out of this snow and cold for a bit. Granted, we don't have the snow Vancouver has had, it's been a month of temps below -28, and more than enough days with wind chills below -40. It's time for a winter break.
Grandma Edith gave Isaac a lego set and pyjamas, each of the girls got a backpack (handy for our upcoming trip!) and some Disney Princess dolls that they ADORE. They also all have a special toy that is waiting to come out on our trip in February. Grandma Edith also helped buy Rob's new ipod to replace his beloved one that died an untimely death in early December.
Nanna and Poppy gave each of the children a dvd (Kung Fu Panda, Sleeping Beauty and Barbie: Diamond Castle). Isaac and Norah each got a new Leapster game, Isaac's is in French, Norah's is princess, of course. Ruby also got a My Little Pony and a puzzle that she just loves, because it's a ladybug! Also, Rob's ipod. The rest of the money is put aside for our trip, and we're looking forward to doing something exciting "in your name".
As for our trip, if you haven't heard, we're off to Hawaii in February for a week. Found an airfare we couldn't refuse (Thanks Grandpa Tom!), and have friends to stay with who have children close in age to ours. 6 kids under age 7 for a week could be a lot of fun, while being plenty loud. :) We can't WAIT to get out of this snow and cold for a bit. Granted, we don't have the snow Vancouver has had, it's been a month of temps below -28, and more than enough days with wind chills below -40. It's time for a winter break.
Christmas
We had such a lovely Christmas here. Just wonderful, but it's probably time to share some of the highlights.
Nanny was up from the big city to enjoy the holiday with us. We had a nice Christmas Eve, and church was busy and full. While Dad headed out to his other service, we got to drive around and see the lights with the kids. They hurried off to bed, and fell asleep really quickly while the grown ups got to enjoy a glass or two of wine.
Next morning started off slowly. The kids actually had to be woken up after 8. Ruby was especially slow to rise. Oh, but when they DID wake up, the excitement began!
Stockings!!
The much asked for Leapster in PINK! (unfortunately, it only worked for 2 days, so got exchanged for a green one, like her brothers. She's ok with that)
Many fun things to open!
The morning flew by, between opening gifts, eating breakfast, heading out to church, dropping off a gift on the way home, there was just so much going on. The afternoon was much quieter. We relaxed, played with new toys (for kids and grown ups), did a little work for the turkey dinner, talked on the phone to some loved ones far away. Then ate our delicious supper, followed by playing our new Wii game, courtesy of Uncle J, Aunt V and cousin K. Such fun! I think we all ran off the turkey, or at least the potatoes :)
It was such a great Christmas....just wonderful. Wish you all could have been here to enjoy it with us.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
future vegetarian society
It occurred to me that we have yet to blog about the excitement we had last weekend. In the middle of our (crazy!) cold snap, we had the experience of a power failure. Right as we were cleaning up the supper dishes, the power snapped off. A quick call to the "power line" indicated that we could be in for a long wait to discover the problem. Not a fun prospect when the wind chill outside was in the -48C region.
In any case, we decided to make the most of it. Out came the candles, an extra layer for everyone to wear, and some board games. After an hour or so, the children were getting a bit bored of their game, so I offered to read to them. Choosing an old favorite from my childhood, we settled in to read.
Growing up, I read the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder faithfully every year. I'd work my way through the series, and still own 8 of the 9 books from the box set (somehow, The First Four Years - both the shortest and saddest of the series - has gone missing). Since Laura and her family didn't have electricity, I figured it would be a good time to read and consider the modern conveniences we enjoy.
They really enjoyed the story...until it was butchering time for the family's pig. As I read the story of Pa and Uncle Henry butchering the pig, and cutting up the meat, the children looked ever so much more green. Finally Isaac stopped me with a "why would they DO that?"
My reply: "that's how they got meat. Bacon, ham, ribs, pork chops".
Isaac: "ew, they should just go to the store and buy some"
Mom: "they couldn't. the stores didn't sell meat like the do at Extra Foods."
Norah: "poor little pig. I'm so sad"
Isaac: "I'm never eating pig again"
Mom: "really? you like ham, and bacon, and pork chops"
Isaac: "not anymore, I don't"
Mom: "I can understand not wanting to eat head cheese, but you like pork"
Isaac: "I did. I'm done"
So we continued on with the story, and after another hour or so, the power came back on. We then headed out to a Christmas party at a friend's house, and got home very late.
Next morning was the Sunday School pageant, followed by a lunch. During the lunch, I found Isaac eating some pork sausage. Informed him that the sausage was made of meat, specifically pig meat.
Isaac: "I know. It's tasty"
Perhaps a future vegetarian, perhaps a dedicated carnivore. Only time will tell.
In any case, we decided to make the most of it. Out came the candles, an extra layer for everyone to wear, and some board games. After an hour or so, the children were getting a bit bored of their game, so I offered to read to them. Choosing an old favorite from my childhood, we settled in to read.
Growing up, I read the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder faithfully every year. I'd work my way through the series, and still own 8 of the 9 books from the box set (somehow, The First Four Years - both the shortest and saddest of the series - has gone missing). Since Laura and her family didn't have electricity, I figured it would be a good time to read and consider the modern conveniences we enjoy.
They really enjoyed the story...until it was butchering time for the family's pig. As I read the story of Pa and Uncle Henry butchering the pig, and cutting up the meat, the children looked ever so much more green. Finally Isaac stopped me with a "why would they DO that?"
My reply: "that's how they got meat. Bacon, ham, ribs, pork chops".
Isaac: "ew, they should just go to the store and buy some"
Mom: "they couldn't. the stores didn't sell meat like the do at Extra Foods."
Norah: "poor little pig. I'm so sad"
Isaac: "I'm never eating pig again"
Mom: "really? you like ham, and bacon, and pork chops"
Isaac: "not anymore, I don't"
Mom: "I can understand not wanting to eat head cheese, but you like pork"
Isaac: "I did. I'm done"
So we continued on with the story, and after another hour or so, the power came back on. We then headed out to a Christmas party at a friend's house, and got home very late.
Next morning was the Sunday School pageant, followed by a lunch. During the lunch, I found Isaac eating some pork sausage. Informed him that the sausage was made of meat, specifically pig meat.
Isaac: "I know. It's tasty"
Perhaps a future vegetarian, perhaps a dedicated carnivore. Only time will tell.
oh, the weather outside is frightful
but the science is delightful!
With the weather being so cold, we stayed inside all day. To help keep the boredom away, Isaac and mom did some science experiments. This one involved baking soda, vinegar and balloons.
Isaac's photo of our work
We followed that up with hot chocolate and creme caramel candy canes.
With the weather being so cold, we stayed inside all day. To help keep the boredom away, Isaac and mom did some science experiments. This one involved baking soda, vinegar and balloons.
Isaac's photo of our work
We followed that up with hot chocolate and creme caramel candy canes.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Isaac's school concert
The class contribution to the school concert. Our boy is on the far right in the black, with the snowman on his sweater.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Music recital
Tonight was the recital of Mrs. Z's piano and Music for Young Children students. As the girls are in the Sunrise class, we went to participate. The PLAN was to take some photos and video the singing. Unfortunately, the camera did not cooperate. This is doubly an issue, as Dad wasn't able to be present as he's overnighting in the city, in preparation of voting in a new bishop tomorrow. I *guess* that's important enough to miss the girls singing songs and clapping rhythm.
In their new dresses, with matching hairbands. They were SO excited to put these on.
There is their little class on stage. The lone boy in the class refused to stand on stage, and is at Mrs. Z's side. Midway through the performance, Norah and A (on her right) were chatting about how much they liked each other's outfits. Those two love to talk fashion.
In their new dresses, with matching hairbands. They were SO excited to put these on.
There is their little class on stage. The lone boy in the class refused to stand on stage, and is at Mrs. Z's side. Midway through the performance, Norah and A (on her right) were chatting about how much they liked each other's outfits. Those two love to talk fashion.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Isaac's gymnastic class group routine
Isaac's class is slightly older - K to 3 students. It was hard to video this performance, because Norah was dancing around in circles to the music while I was doing it. Isaac has yet to master a cartwheel, but it will come. He's the boy in gray and black. Somehow, I missed the final "pose" with the kids.
Here is his bar routine
Once again, the voice of encouragement in the background is M, yelling "go Isaac go!" at one point.
Here is his bar routine
Once again, the voice of encouragement in the background is M, yelling "go Isaac go!" at one point.
Norah's Gymnastic parent night
A short video of Norah's gymnastic class final. She was the only girl in a class of 3 and 4 year olds, and did really well. The little person sounds in the background are mostly my friend J's little girl M. M was very encouraging to her brothers and our kids tonight.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
the new look
in an earlier post, there were hints of a new look to come. Here it is:
I guess, specifically, it's two new looks...or would it be three? 2 pairs of glasses (somehow it was cheaper to buy 2 instead of one - scratch head - and he is 6 after all) , and a new way for him to see. Apparently, he's near-sighted. Which means he doesn't see distance well. To be honest, at first I thought he was kidding with the doctor when he said he couldn't see the letters on the wall. Nope, he really couldn't see them. It would seem as though his prescription isn't that far off from his father's. He's spent the afternoon amazed at the details he's been missing.
I guess, specifically, it's two new looks...or would it be three? 2 pairs of glasses (somehow it was cheaper to buy 2 instead of one - scratch head - and he is 6 after all) , and a new way for him to see. Apparently, he's near-sighted. Which means he doesn't see distance well. To be honest, at first I thought he was kidding with the doctor when he said he couldn't see the letters on the wall. Nope, he really couldn't see them. It would seem as though his prescription isn't that far off from his father's. He's spent the afternoon amazed at the details he's been missing.
Wish list
You may have noticed the Christmas wish list on the left side of the blog. We did up a few of the kids wants and needs for the upcoming Christmas season if anyone is interested. If you scroll down to the bottom of the list, there is a link button to the entire list in full size, instead of just a sidebar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)