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!

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: