Some Major Catching Up To Do - Part 2

This particular afternoon - I think it was Thanksgiving Day - it was just beautiful out.  We gathered up the kiddos ( yep the ones from next door also) and walked up around Stella Niagara on the River.  The kids ran and ran and played in the leaves - it was a wonderfully relaxing morning before off to family for food.

After Thanksgiving we went out in search of the Christmas Tree.  It has become a fun family tradition to meet with all the Longs at a local Christmas Tree Farm - It is a pretty easy place to pick out a tree - Lots of Big ones to choose from.

Cousins - Tristan, Nathan and Joshua

Next came the decorating - This time it was Joshua's turn to "top the tree"

Matthew who participated in PIP - Players in Progress - A basketball training program made his Christmas Ornament for the PIP party - he cut it out of wood and painted in himself.  

Matthew getting ready for a PIP Performance

Mac also had his 1st grade Christmas Show - so cute all the little ones were.  

They sang, read poems and told stories.

Next came Christmas Itself 

Brenna playing with Reese Christmas Eve

Brett was up to his old tricks - Glasses on Babies - Poor Boy  he was not a fan.

Can you tell out kids love playing with their baby cousin?

Matthew enjoying playing with his new Lego's Christmas Day

Brenna got her first American Girl Caroline for Christmas.
She dressed her up in a matching nightgown for Christmas Night.  I even braided their hair the same.

Some Major Catching Up To Do - Part 1

Well it has been about forever since I have updated this blog.  2013 has come and so it is time to get back into the swing of postings.

Here is a review of all that I missed last fall and this winter

We had a beautiful fall and celebrated our areas 200th anniversary of the war of 1812.  There were lots of festivities in town and we took advantage of them

Here are the Kids with Paca at the Encampment Site

We learned how to play our first game of Cricket - Loved it too!

Nana and Brenna

Then we took to Fort Niagara - Always a Favorite

Joshua, Rayhaan and Matthew up in a watch tower

Joshua with his new Happy Birthday Present from Nana and Paca

Joshua turned 9 this past fall...He had a Star Wars themed party - Daddy took him
and a few of his best buddies went to play Lasertron then back to our place for cake.

came election time - Joshua had to pick one of the candidates and make a poster highlighting what he stood for and then Josh had to present it to his class.  He did a great job - Do we see a future politician here?

In early November - Brett had a special day with Brenna and took her to Build-A-Bear.  She picked out a soft fluffy bear and named him "Cotton Candy".  She stuffed him, gave him a bath and picked out 2 pretty outfits.  Daddy really got a chance to spoil her and then then surprised me at work and brought the whole office treats from Tim Hortons!

Just before Thanksgiving the school had their 2nd annual Turkey Trot.  It was a gray foggy morning out on the track but those kids ran and ran.  It was great as a family to participate - and we look forward to doing it again next year.