Family

We had some professional pictures taken of us back in August.  Emily and I just bought a new printer over the weekend so I was finally able to scan them.   I think the kids, especially Liam has changed; probably because he's lost four teeth since then. 

  

Happy 6th Birthday, Liam!

Today is Liam's 6th birthday.  We can't believe how quickly the time has flown.  We had his 'friend' birthday party on Saturday at a place called Shakers Fun Centre.  Unlimited laser tag, climbing wall, arcade games and other fun things for him, Emily and 7 of his buds to do.  Yesterday was party number two with Todd's parents and today (his official birthday) is the four of us celebrating him.

A few ways to describe the little man:

• Strong-willed - very hard to sway which will hopefully serve him well 
• Affectionate - will run over and give hugs
• Athletic - the kid can skate, play soccer, climb, throw a football like no other
• Great appetite - "he has a palate of a 40 year old", some of his favorites: mussels, calamari, shrimp, "fat meat", vegetables
• Helpful - makes mommy and daddy's coffee on the weekend; keeps his room pretty tidy
• Energetic - on the go, go, go and the questions!
• Bright - good at math, likes to spell and learn new things

We are very proud of our son and look forward to the years ahead and all he will do.

Captain America cake

Getting ready for laser tag

Spin the wheel for a prize

Hurricane booth - wind that blows up 80 mph

Climbing wall

Birthday cake #2

Celebrating in kindergarten

One of my favorite pictures - Emily meeting Liam in the hospital 6 years ago today

"Your parents are cool"

Possibly against our better judgement, Todd and I agreed to let the kids stay up as late as they wanted last Friday night.  So no nagging, no battles to get to bed, just two sleeping bags on the couch, a bowl of popcorn and a kiss good night.  We watched a family movie, brushed teeth and said good night.  They were so excited and had been looking forward to their 'adventure' all week.  Their friends at school said that they have the coolest parents.   Pretty sure we weren't going for that title, but it was a fun thing for them to do.  We think they fell asleep around 11 or midnight so not bad.  Liam was bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning and Emily slept until about 8:30 am.  They were early to bed that Saturday night though!

Getting comfortable

 The afternoon after...

Happy Birthday, Babca!

It was my mom's 70th birthday on January 2nd.  My younger brother organized a surprise birthday party for her so we made the trip to Lethbridge.  I think she was surprised and happy that her kids were there to celebrate her.  My dad was in on it and teary-eyed while she gave him heck for 'lying' to her (he told her they were going elsewhere for supper).

Happy birthday, mama!

Babca and granddaughter

 Liam wresting with dzadza

 My brother and sister-in-law

This is what we do at Grandma's

Emily and Liam are still off this week from school, but Todd and I are back to work.  So Grandma and Grandpa were able to look after them for us in Brooks.  Emily sent this video yesterday of some of the fun they are having.

Email from Emily:

"Liam loved getting pie in his face gramma got it off with a dull knife he got it in his face 3 times then he did it himself 
Love Emily 
And heres the video 
Grampa says he is nuts. 
It was banana cream pie 
I love you"

2012

The tree is now down and the decorations are put away until next year.  We had a very good Christmas holiday and feel very fortunate.  It's now a new year and although I'm not a huge believer in resolutions, I have decided to focus on a few areas I could improve in:

1.  To be nicer or less judgemental, especially when I'm not in the situation or do not share a perspective

2.  To do at least one thing that I've never done before each month.  It doesn't have to be big, but just something that is a new experience

3.  To not just talk about 'things' to do or that need to get done; but just do it

4.  Run the Nike Women's 1/2 marathon in San Fran in October with my sister-in-law

There are many other things for 2012 that I will aim for such as continuing to be active and practice patience, but the above are things I will add extra focus and attention to.

Happy New Year to all.; continued health, happiness and prosperity.

Holiday Visiting

Over the past week we have been lucky to spend time with many good friends.  This past Friday we went sledding and over to L & J's house for dinner and laughs.   The kids all get along really well and enjoy seeing each other.  Liam even gets into the groove with the three girls.

Racing down the hill

Walking up the hill for my one and only slide