Fun in the snow!

With all the snow we had here in the past week, we managed to get outside and play for while. The one day we went outside, it had snowed the light, fluffy kind of snow. Kendra was quite disappointed at first when she was unable to make a snowman or even a snowball! "Mommy, this snow doesn't work right!" However, after some time, she figured out that there were other things to do in the snow besides making snowmen, like making snow angels!!

Yes, Owen is wearing pink boots! That was all I had in the house that fit him. We went out and bought him a red pair the next day!!

A proud mother!

Our daughter, Kendra, is quite a little "live wire". She has lots of energy and loves to do things at running speed. There are times, however, when she will sit still. She loves her books and she loves to colour and draw. All of a sudden the other day she said she was going to draw 'mommy'. I thought it was just going to be squiggles on the page so I was shocked when she showed me a picture of a person, complete with eyes, nose, mouth, ears, a hat and arms and legs! It truly is amazing all that a little brain can learn to do in a short amount of time. This is her latest picture: "Mommy, enjoying the sun and purple flowers". I'm so proud!

Christmas snapshots

Another Christmas season has come and gone. This year our little family decided to stay around here. We weren't too excited about driving for a long period of time with 2 little ones, especially with Owen's previous driving record and his lack of love for his carseat. We did miss seeing family up in Smithers but it was nice to spend time with family around here too. We spent Christmas day with Sylvia and Sid (my sister) and their family and Boxing Day with the rest of Kevin's family. Here are a few snapshots of life during the Christmas season!

Kendra was very excited to FINALLY get to open the presents that had been taunting her from under the tree! Owen, on the other hand, waited very patiently for his presents, eating his canteloupe.

Christmas cookies!

What would Christmas be without decorating some Christmas cookies. Last week Kendra and I made the cookies but that was about enough excitement for one day. So, yesterday, while Owen was asleep, we pulled them out of the freezer and did some decorating. I think she actually thought I was joking when I said she could put on the candies! It was quite fun!

Step One: Licking the beaters after Mom made the icing.

















Step Two: Selecting the best candies for the cookie.

































Step Three: Eating them, of course!

A visit with Santa!

Tonight Phantom Screens had their annual Kid's Christmas party. They had crafts, snacks, face painting and presents for all the kids of their employees. After some festive fun, Santa made an appearance and posed for pictures with each child. Last year Kendra was quite scared of Santa so we hoped this year might be better. Not so much! The only way she would get near him was if I came along, and even that was a stretch. Maybe we'll have better luck next year!







Owen, on the other hand, thought he was pretty cool!





He had quite a bit of fun just playing in the sleigh!




























Kendra, not too impressed by the big guy in red!

Owen is ONE year old!!

Our little man turned ONE year old today! I know everyone always says this, but I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. Owen has grown into a loving and happy little guy. He loves to play with his toys and follow his sister around. He is quite a good climber, climbing one to anything he can get up on. He is walking all over the place now, crawling only when he wants to get somewhere really fast!! We have truly been blessed with this miracle!!

Owen opening his present with Daddy this morning.

The box seemed like more fun to climb on than to open!

So, Kendra decided that she would be the big sister and help him open his present!

The birthday cake - Owen is not real big into the whole "eating thing" so the cake was not such a big hit! No pictures of cake smushed all over his face for this 1 year old!!

Weekend in Smithers

I just came back from a weekend trip to Smithers. It was the 5 year anniversay of my Dad's passing away. My sister Sylvia thought it would be nice to go to Smithers and do some remembering with the rest of the family up there. So, Sylvia and me, Kendra and Owen, left the house at 4:45 a.m. on Friday to drive to the airport in Vancouver. We were a bit delayed in leaving, due to some 'iffy' weather in Smithers. By a miracle, the weather cleared just enough for us to land and saved us from having to be diverted to Prince Rupert!

We all had a great weekend together. Lots of visiting, eating, remembering and playing in the snow! Kendra was so excited to see the snow and wanted to make a snowman right away! So after her nap and a trip from Grandma to the thrift store to find some snow boots and snow pants, we were ready! The snow was very wet and heavy - perfect for making a snowman!

Adding some walnuts for a mouth and, of course, a carrot for the nose!

Owen wasn't too impressed with the snow. It was just cold and wet and too hard to move around in. I did sneak a picture of him smiling!

The final product! Kendra was quite excited to tell Owen just "how big" her snowman was!