Water and waiting

While by the ocean, Melanie collected sea shells to sell at the sea shore. But first she has to wash them (and maybe polish them too).

Daniel likes to provide support and advice. He'll make a great manager one day. ;

Wherever there is water, Daniel is there too!

As we found out, even the ocean on a cold windy day is not without attractions!

Some people like cold. Or will brave it for any good reason.

"IMe--"What are you doing Matthew?"
"I'm waiting outside for Daddy!"
Me--"He's not coming for more than half an hour!"
"That's okay. I just heard his tr... so he'll be here any minute!"

Home again

Home again
Home again
Jiggety Jig.

(Yes, I read more kid books than adult literature...)

We had an nice holiday and stayed an extra day for the birthday man. He loved his multiple birthday cards.

The kids were surprised that he didn't get a card with his gifts from other people. ;)


The kids enjoyed games and cuddles. I didn't take any pictures of Jennifer all trip, so I'll have to ask for some from our hosts!


We drove home all in one day, as opposed to the usual two day with a stop over--since the weather was fantastic! So as a reward/apology to the kids for the half hour grump/cry/scream (jennifer was the scream) we took them to a wave pool.

All went well 'til a crocodile mat knocked out Nathan's sideways remaining front tooth. It hadn't even been wiggly yet--so it was a bit premature. It was a somewhat messy and traumatizing business. But now Nathan is quite pleased with the results. Now that the mess is behind him, and he still found money under his pillow, despite the fact that his tooth may still be at the bottom of the pool!
Ain't he handsome!

Good times

We've had a very good two weeks. The kids are into routine so well, they rarely complain over having to do things, and if they do, get over it quickly. Almost all the time quick and enthusiastic about their work. It amazes me how much work they do for me these days!

Bad news is, we start holidays next week...so we had two weeks of good routine...then two weeks of holidays...and then MONTHS of getting back on track again. :p
But I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Next week Phil has a bunch of days off, and hopes to work from home one of the days, and for the rest is home. Then off to see the the grandparents!! Maybe all this good behaviour is just anticipation of the holiday coming up. ;)

Melanie likes to pose while holding Jennifer. After all, didn't Jennifer come so that they could both look cute together?

Matthew does not like to be left out. But he likes a more active, and less cutesy type of pose.

Jennifer, however, is less comfortable with this approach.

And she is decidedly unhappy when held by her closest-in-age sibling. She does this most times I let Daniel have his "turn".

Daniel is getting moody when it comes to the camera. He now knows what it's about, so he is a bit embarrassed.

But after chasing him down, he will sometimes reward me with a very cute smile.

Nathan is also quite aware of the camera, and puts on a bit more drama to please me.

"Mommy teddy?"

Isn't nice when people share with you? My hands might be full already with Jennifer, a book, or tea...but we'll just have to find a niche for special gifts...after all, with Daniel, they only need to be accepted and enjoyed momentarily before it doesn't matter anymore(usually).

It is very difficult to get Matthew in a serious mood on camera,

I only get success now when he's so preoccupied that he hasn't seen it.

Jennifer is always ready to pose.

And she is never silly.

Because of all the enthusiasm and helpfulness, I have turned into a candy distributor. Probably it being that time of year helps me in my generous mood. It goes against my upbringing and nature...but I suspect this change won't last long.

The kids, naturally, are thrilled with any candy gifts, especially when spontaneously given.

It adds to their enthusiasm, and here they are marching through the house...just because!


"Can I have some sugar too?"

Jumbo

Jumbo in a bumbo.

Can you tell this was her first time sitting in a new chair? Everyone crowds her so when she does a "first". She'll never learn to walk 'cause she'll never have any room to step. :p


Mom, you're not supposed to put the seat up on a table!

The kids are playing "pizza". Meaning, they are stretching their siblings, kneading them, putting toppings on them, putting them in the oven, cooking them, and then cutting them and chasing the run away pizza (or being the pizza). It's looks very strange.
Jennifer is just feeling left out, and wondering what in the world is going on.

Colds

It seems that every one in this house has had a turn with a lingering cold. (Either that, or we've been getting one after the other--but I doubt that.)

Whenever we can get a bit of a break

we take it.

Cousin time

Warming up with hot chocolate--since we did have a few days below zero lately! (Early this morning it was 11 degrees already!!)


Jennifer is in the middle of the action! (No hot chocolate though.)


The older two challenging each other--it was interesting to watch. Evan was the most aggressive player, and looked like he'd win easily, but Nathan just managed to squeak around him, and won after all.

A non strategy game went over better for the younger ones.

Emily found it was even better to collect all the marbles. She wouldn't tell me where she'd horded them--and when I found her stash she was very offended that I put it away with the rest of the game!

Daniel really admires Emily,

It was sure cute to see how he looked up to her, copied her, and followed her around. Especially since he usually acts so macho. He calls his doggy "baby" a bunny sometimes now, since Emily also has a blanket bear, and her's is a bunny.

Still here

And here are the pics to prove it.

TWO!

Terrible two is here.
Today during school Daniel was so sweet and quiet.
Except that he redid my to do list on my whiteboard
and smeared Vaseline on my cupboards in the bathroom.

Trouble!