Kid's Bedding

I can't believe that I haven't posted since June! Since getting a smartphone, I confess, I have been relying more on social media to share pictures and tell kiddy stories...

We invested in new bedding for the kid's rooms back in May. Here are the pics:

I wanted to stay away from light colors with the girls, but really, I think we want something brighter!

Storytelling

I mentioned previously that I would be posting something on Taylor and Averi's storytelling night at their school. It was quite unfortunate that I forgot to bring a recording device; however, it is just as well since the lighting at the school was ambient at best. I have finally gotten around to having the children re-enact their stories from that night.

Some history:  Bridlewood School had a "resident" storyteller for a month who coached the children on how to tell stories. This is evident in the exclamations and animated gestures! Each grade had different story-difficulty levels, and each student had some choice as to which story they were going to tell. Everyone rehearsed diligently for their big night.

Averi's story, as she indicates in the video clip below, was the Deer's Antlers. Averi does not have difficulty getting up in front of groups of people and did a smashing job of it!



Taylor's story, as he indicates in the video clip below, was Sirco and the Wolf. Taylor is exceedingly timid in front of groups and insisted to me that he would not get up for story night. Taylor's teacher indicated via email, however, that Taylor had been diligently rehearsing at school and had not shown any reticence for the big night. He did fabulously! I was so impressed with his skill and clarity! The re-enactment does not do his original performance justice.

Bliss

Mommy (calling from upstairs to the main floor):  Averi, whatcha up to?
Averi: I'm putting away the leftover pancakes from this morning! They got left out!

Averi-ism

Averi (checking the weather on our tablet):  It's 11 degrees and snowing outside.
Mommy: I think it's probably -11 degrees, sweetie.
Averi: It's cold out. The "C" is for "cold."

(I proceeded to explain Celsius to her--still had a good chuckle!)

Toothless

Avi-girl lost a top-fronter!

Christmas in Pictures

The kids opened two presents on Christmas Eve: pajamas and sugar cereal!

Christmas morning didn't start too early... Averi woke up at 6:38. Taylor followed, Ella trailed. We were ready to open gifts by 7 or so.  :)

Averi's blinking in this one ;)

In retrospect, we should've gotten pictures of each child with all the gifts they received. We'll probably see some more of the gifts tomorrow.  :)

Averi's New Glasses

Averi's glasses were not working out for her so we were able to get a new pair for her.

She looks so mature!

Bounce Back

Ella and Averi just accidentally bumped heads. Ella had a little snuggle with mom while mom indicated that they could apologize to each other.

Averi: Sorry, Ella!
Ella: That's okay--my head still works!

Church Art

Taylor's latest church creation (2 weeks ago):

The "dialogue" starts at the bottom:

Dad: I have a fat hed. (I am pretty sure this comment is due only to Taylor's artistic abilities and not specific paternal insult.)

Mom: Aaa! Wut did you do?


Averi:  I did nufin!

Taylor:  It wus Ella!

Ella:  No, it wus Taylor!

Ah, family life!  ;)

Halloween

It worked out that I never got a photograph of all the children in their costumes. Taylor went as a tradesman in Daddy's safety vest and hard hat. Averi went in the same owl costume as last year. It's so big, it will probably fit her next year, as well! And, Ella, went as little miss devil, a perfect fit if I ever saw one. ;)

Ella reminds me of my brother Jason's girls here!

I didn't get a picture of the pumpkin, either, but it was a devil, too!

Ladybug Girls

My girls play so well together!

You can see Averi's new haircut... Picture day tomorrow!!

First Day of School

My schedule this semester is such that I can send the kids off to school each morning! :)

This isn't Ella's first day but it's the one shot I got of her with the school bus.

It was the end of the day and she had been sleeping--she's quite groggy here!

More Pics with Grandma and Grandpa

Averi and Grandpa singing Primary songs:

Taylor and Grandma at the Science Centre:

Averi showing Grandpa the wonders of the PS3:

Grandma snuggling with the rambunctious Ella:

Taylor's Baptism

Taylor's 8th birthday fell right on the Labor Day weekend this year. Since this is the best time to coordinate with American residents, Taylor was baptized on the very day he turned 8.

We took pictures of Taylor that morning to use on his baptism program (click here to view):

We didn't use this one but it's so cute!

Pre-baptism photo:

I am disappointed that we didn't get a family pic, including Grandma and Grandpa Harris! :(

Here are some pics from the "after party":

Some footage:

SAIT's Aero Centre

I met several fabulous faculty and administrators during my 2-week training course at SAIT in early August.  One of my colleagues teaches Aircraft Maintenance at SAIT's Aero Centre campus near the Calgary airport. He said he'd be happy to give me and the kids a tour!

This yellow plane is from WWII:

Our host seriously reminds me of my brother-in-law, Kyle Elliott!

Averi's salute:

Helicopters, too!

We had lots of fun and learned lots of new stuff!

Thanks, Steve!!

Averi's 6th Birthday

For Averi's 6th birthday (last Saturday), we went to Calaway Park. None of the pictures turned out very well but here's a video.



Shawn and I can't ride that thing but the kids love it!

Averi also had a friend sleepover the Friday night (Kaitlyn H).

On the Sunday, we had family over for cake and ice cream.

I used fruit to hide the mess I made of the cake. Averi wanted the ladybug-shaped cake pan but it did not like me.

My sweet baby!

Omi Sleepovers: Averi

While we were in Victoria, Omi wanted to have each of the grandkids over for a sleepover. Averi went first: June 30 - July 1.

Visiting Great Omi & Opa

Omi and Opa bought these cute little pinwheel-type toys that kept the kids occupied.

 The kids were decently behaved and we got some good chatting in. :)

Four generations: