FAMILY CHRISTMAS!!

What an enjoyable evening everyone!! This year we shelved the traditional turkey dinner and went back to potluck (Uncle Nick willingly cooked a turkey for us - which was delicious) and boy was it good...I think everyone would agree! Santa made an appearance after dinner, Grandma was treated well. The picture of her sitting on "Nick's" knee kind of reminds me of the book "I'll Love You Forever", anyone remember that??

Dad, Jaden, Mom, Nicole and Grandma - Mom enjoyed herself and seemed quite content, the evening tired her out though. I couldn't stop thinking that she was the one who for years was an integral part of the planning for all the family functions and now...well you all know the rest of the story.

The newest member of the clan enjoying Santa's lap.

The twinnies happy with their toys...they are going to have sooo much fun this season, at such an amazingly fun(ny) age!

Some of the younger grandchildren

Uncle Henry, Aunt Nancy and family (unable to attend Shelly, Jason, Rob and Troy)

Uncle Arend, Aunt Joann and family

The adults enjoyed our 3rd Annual Trivia Challenge while the kids decorated gingerbread houses and sang with the karaoke machine. We had a nice singsong around the piano (I missed Grandpa's tenor) and sang late into the night. Thanks to EVERYONE for making it such a great time, sorry to all that couldn't be there, work, oceans away, etc....you missed a fun family time! A special thanks goes to Aunt Mare for putting it all together...there was a ton of organizing and we all appreciate it greatly!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas....?

Yes and no, the weather suggests spring or fall here but the decorations and musicthroughout the house suggest Christmas...oh well we'll have to enjoy a green Christmas! The bright side, safer travel conditions for everyone's loved ones D.V.

Our Annual Christmas craft. Brian, Nicole and I created ten(?) of these decorations for gifts. Simple yet elegant. The hardest part was perfecting the bow making!!!

Kelsey's volleyball officially wrapped up on Monday at the Thames Valley Tourney. Congrats girls...the Huskies were crowned the AAA Champions, great season!

In action

Wiped out before the holidays even begin...so cute, flaked out in our bed

Climbing trees

Connor making a statement (no worries...colored hairspray!)

Beautiful Kels

That's it for now, time to battle the grocery store...Special Christmas greetings go out to all our loved ones across the ocean(s) who faithfully follow our blog in the Netherlands and to cousin Shelly "down under", I'm hoping to post some pics from Friday night's (big)family Christmas so you can take part via pictures! So to them and everyone else....Have a blessed Christmas, may we all reflect on the true meaning...the birthday of our Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God for the most wonderful gift ever given!

Santa, Snow and Shopping...

Extendicare had a family Christmas evening last week, lots of Christmas Carols, food and of course Old Saint Nick and wife came...Mom was really tired, she enjoyed the singing but nearly nodded off, unfortunately the pics of her weren't flattering so we'll post some when she is a bit more awake...

Brian and the kids enjoyed the snow last Friday and created an igloo around the trampoline...pretty neat!

Nic, the kids and I tore down to the States on Saturday after Nicole had kindly watched them overnight so Bri and I could do some Christmas shopping and spend a night away. Thanks Nicole!

The highlight of the shopping trip, lunch and the carousel!

What's Up??

Kelsey's Winter Studio Club Performance

Disregard the water spots on my camera lens...how do I get them off????

Lots going on here...Kelsey's regular volleyball season is ready to wrap up tomorrow. She had an excellent season, they won nearly all of their games and now have one last tourney to finish the year off. We thoroughly enjoyed watching all the games! However, now that the season is over, I'm off the hook for newspapers on Tuesdays...as is Brian!!

Connor keeping the kids occupied...

An afternoon at the Centre

Connor and Jaden

Connor has been busy constructing a toy project for school...a pinball machine! He received his mark last week and aced it, way to go Con...pics to follow!

An early Christmas present...soft and comfy...I don't think I'll ever go back to fabric couches as long as we have little people...so much cleaner! I LOVE it! One problem, now I have the itch to paint the walls...a nice burnt/brick red? Hmmm...nobody tell Bri ;) maybe I'll surprise him!

Sunday at Aunt Mare & Uncle Doug's

WOW Aunt Mare, you treated us all to a delicious turkey/ham dinner once again...mmm, mmm good! It was fun to get together and wonderful not having to cook! Check out her new kitchen decor...pretty snazzy eh? Too bad you weren't down this weekend Kate...maybe next?

Kevy loading up...

others digging right in...

Aunt Nicole and the kids...growing like crazy (the kids that is, not you Nic)!

All in a Saturday...

Kevin, Carole, sweet Ashleigh and Baby Jaden were down for the weekend. It was nice to see them again, boy did Jaden ever grow since Thanksgiving! As you can see for yourself (above) he is SO cute! A replica of his beautiful sister Ash. Nicole and Dad joined us all for pizza for supper - thanks Dad...and Kev and Carole!

The kids hanging with Aunt Nicole. Nicole was whipped after working all day and then graciously helped me clean my office...as did my helpful bro Kev. Thanks so much guys!!

Getting the house all ready for Christmas

Mags, Trent and I made up 5 urns with winter greens and the "fresh" spruce wreath on the hosue...we were impressed with how they turned out!

More pics to follow tomorrow...Aunt Mare has invited us all over for turkey dinner...can't wait Mare!

How true...

Waiting is the decision to trust God even though the circumstances are not turning out the way we want, and may never turn out the way we would choose.

-John Ortberg

Leaves, leaves and more leaves!!!

Maggie performing amazing stunts...as I was raking leaves up for the kids to jump in I realized how much fun kids (we) have with the simplest things in life (in nature I should say)...a pile of leaves, a climbing tree, a sandbox, a foot of snow, water!! The kids (cousins Jordan, Kenzie and Keegan too) played for at least 3 hours in that monstrous pile of leaves and are eagerly awaiting the chance to spend countless hours in the"soon to come" snow...all too soon lol! and on the ice rink. Well, I'll gladly let the Playstation and toys collect dust if they are outside, actively enjoying eachother's company, imaginations and best of all the fresh air!! (no offense Kate - she's in the toy industry ;))

"Air Jordan"

"Superfly Connor"

"Wonderwoman Kelsey"

Trent living dangerously...

In Memory of our Dear Grandpa...

November 1920 - November 1, 2005

We miss you.