New Years 2003 vs. New Years 2009

As I was writing the last post some pictures popped up on my screen from New Years at the cottage when Luke was a baby. He would be 8 months then, so a few months younger than Grace is now. He is huge! He was about 26 pounds! I remember making those party hats with Liam. He used to and still does, love making crafty things like that. Check out the rosy cheeks from staying out in the cold a little too long last week.

Merry Christmas!

Here is the Merry Christmas post I started on Christmas! Merry Belated Christmas - as Luke would say...

The boys were super excited and were spoiled as usual. They got a Wii which was really the only item on their minds the last few months. It seems to be less addictive than the D.S. (so far) and we have played lots of family games: bowling, dancing, cycling, archery, ping pong and Toy Story. In fact, with the boys having to "earn" their Wii time by practicing, doing homework and exercising etc. - they actually seem to do more of that with less of a fuss, which is nice for us.

Grace, of course, knew something was different and exciting and had a great time playing with the wrapping paper and with her new toys. She also enjoyed a full turkey dinner with a Christmas cracker crown and all.

Here are some photos. The first one is of Liam doing his Dance Revolution moves with Dad as Luke (chilling out) and Grace watch. It is just like Guitar Hero but with dance moves. Very fun and a pretty good workout for a -20 day when you don't want to go outside for a walk. The bottom photo is of the kids with the beautiful stockings Aunt Kathy made. Luke is putting on a camera face...pretending he is not excited for Santa to come.

Photos with Santa

I have lots of half written posts that I've started and have yet to finish... I am in major sleep deprivation mode - kind of like how a brand new Mom should be. We were lucky that Grace started out as a fairly good sleeper but she has continuously become worse except for the odd night once or twice a month when she sleeps through...We've been trying to do the cry it out method but it really is terrible. Between Luke's school and hockey issues and less than 25 hours of sleep in the last 5 days (yes, I counted!) I feel headed towards a little - or big - meltdown. At least in a week Dan will be home for the holidays. He does have a paper to write though...

Grace took to Santa the way I expected (though she did love the Merry-go-round). I remember Liam having the same reaction...

Christmas Photo Shoot

Grace modelled one of her three Christmas outfits in a photo shoot this afternoon - despite her red eyes and runny nose (from her most recent cold). She enjoyed rocking along with the music from the snow globe, playing peek-a-boo with the tissue paper and was very cute as she kept calling the nutcracker "baby."

We will attempt to get the three kids in a holiday photo this weekend. I like to use the front porch so no flash is necessary. Here is a sneak peak for any blog readers we may have out there!

Luke takes a liking to Lego

The boys have never really been really keen about playing with Lego. That all ended this week when Luke made this set (that Liam got for Christmas) almost all on his own.

The roomba

Beth's grandparents got us the roomba for Christmas. It is the perfect gift for Beth. Right now the roomba is in the kitchen doing its thing.

The tree's down

After our first ever toppled tree scattered water, needles and ornaments all over the living room, we decided that it was time to put out our tree. Usually we wait until after the new year, but today we were ready.

Merry Christmas

Santa came last night and was too good to the boys. The boys can now say they have DSs when asked that question that boys of a certain age ask, "What system do you have?" All the presents have been opened. The wrapping has been sorted between recyclable and not. All that's left is the turkey - 16.59 lbs of free-range goodness.

The tree

The tree is up, lit, and trimmed. It soaked up an enormous amount of water until yesterday and then it stopped. I hope the water level didn't go down so far that the bottom was sealed over.