Cubs Astonomy Field Trip

The Cubs went on a trip to the Rothney Astrosphysical Observatory to earn their astronomy badges. I assisted with the driving and was surprised to find it was so close to Calgary (it is affiliated with U of C). We got to see Jupiter and some of its many moons through a telescope, as well as a nebulous cluster of new stars about the location of Orion's sword.

An astronomer also told us about a recent supernova (a few days ago!) in a neighboring galaxy that is quite visible from earth. We were able to see the photographs being taken by the telescope--so cool!

http://spaceweathergallery.com/indiv_upload.php?upload_id=93229

I can't help but think that a visit to a planetarium or some such once a year is good for the soul! It reminds us that we are such seemingly insignificant, tiny specks in such a grand universe, and yet we are so significant in God's eyes. It reminds us that we are utterly dependent on God's good graces to even exist! It reminds us that there is more to life than just us.

Toothless

Avi-girl lost a top-fronter!

New Glasses for Ella, Too!

Ella's all-plastic glasses have served her well, but she's really outgrown them. Her new glasses look a little big on her but will hopefully last!

You can see the girls' new dollhouse in the background!

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!

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!  ;)

Ella's Haircut

It was time to lop off Ella's scraggly locks. I am quite partial to the inverted bob:

Ella loves the limelight!

Sweet, soffy girl...

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!

Halloween is Coming!

Will come back tomorrow with pics of the kids in their Halloween costumes and the pumpkin we carved, but in the meantime, check out these Halloween chocolate bars!

Love it!

Ladybug Girls

My girls play so well together!

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

Taylor's Investiture

Taylor has been subtly groomed by Daddy to be enthusiastic in regards to upcoming Cubs. :D Not that he needed much persuasion.

Taylor has been waiting to come of age for Cubs since earlier this year when he was invited to attend a Cubs airport "field trip." He started attending Cubs regularly since September and went through the investiture ceremony last Wednesday.

Mommy was most impressed that the boys stood decently still throughout the ceremony.

I love Taylor's little salute!

Mommy thought she was supposed to "tie" the scarf on--instead, there's a woggle.

Got it right! Now Mommy was told where all the badges go on Taylor's Cub shirt. Wha?! I have to sew?? (Not really--there is special sticky stuff you can get... Phew!)

It won't be too long until Taylor is hunching over me in pictures!

Footage of Taylor stating the Cub _______ (theme?):

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!!