A Dude-ism!

I can't recall the conversation, but Taylor commented (innocently):

Someone's panties are on the wrong side of the bed!

Tee hee! Gotta love blended idioms!!

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.

Ella-isms

Ella-ism #1:

The entire family was having dinner over at Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's home. Ella was sitting next to Aunt D's foster charge (a very pleasant young lady!) and turned to look at her. After a bit of time, Ella announced, dead-pan, "I'm staring at you" and continued to do so.

It was such an unexpected declaration that it caused hysterics. The exchange was so indicative of Ella's social skills!  :)

Ella-ism #2:

I happened to be nearby Ella when she said the word "stop" and did the sign language gesture for the word. I asked her where she learned that and she said her teacher. I smiled, since I was not surprised such a thing had been necessary, and asked Ella what else her teacher said to her.

Ella thought a moment and then exclaimed, "Go and play!"

I went into hysterics because this is something we frequently say as well!  ;)

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.  :)

Nursemaid

A story that I've been meaning to share for a week...

Daddy was suffering from a migraine/headache, so little Miss Ella:

• brought Daddy her Leappad to play with
• brought Daddy some stuffed animals to keep him company
• gave Daddy's head repeated kisses throughout the episode to help him get better--she was very excited when he got better! (he had taken Tylenol)

:)

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!

CTR

I was recently at the dollar store with the girls who were home from school with pink eye. Ella knows the rules but was touching things regardless. While playing with a squishy ball toy, a piece of it broke off. Ella looked at me and said, "I chose the wrong!!"

lol!!

Incredible True Story

Supper was nearly complete and Shawn and I were trying to figure out who had already set the table since it was Ella's week and she usually requires assistance.

It was discovered that Taylor had set the table immediately after getting home from school!! Not his week, no one had asked, cajoled, or threatened him to do anything!!

This was a few weeks ago and I'm still incredulous!

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!  ;)

Shawn's News

We've already told half the world, but Shawn passed all his provincial and national exams!! No more school, no more tests! Just needs to finish his 4th-year hours, and he'll be an official red seal journeyman!

Thank goodness.

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!