Rock Angel

Crush!

A few weeks ago, Cadence announced she has a 'crush' ... awwwwww!

She was invited to yet another boy's birthday.  When I asked her who was going, her response was "Ethan" "Ethan" "Ethan".

While lining up with her class she pointed out her crush to our friend Annie ... "Annie, this is Ethan!"

Cadence ordered a diary with a lock from the book order.  I told her she could write personal and secret things there ... like her crush.  Her response ... "Mom, that's not secret; everyone knows I like Ethan."  I'm not ready for this ......

Welcome 2013!

The flu finally caught up with mommy New Year's Eve.  We had to cancel our previous plans and settle for a quiet night in.  

It was ... quite simply ... lovely!

All I can hope for is that 2013 brings as much joy and happiness as 2012!

Part 2: Let the Games Continue

One of our final nights 'home' was our pre New Year's Eve.  The whole family ... 30 ... headed out for wings and possible winnings ...

It was another night of eating, drinking and hanging out ... without anyone having to cook and clean!  We are so very fortunate that we still have such close ties and get to enjoy these evenings to continue our traditions, both new and old ... I'm talking about the traditions, not the people!  It truly was a great holiday ......

Finally! Holiday Highlights ... Part 1

This Christmas holiday was filled with family, friends, fun and unfortunately ... flu!  It didn't stop us one bit!

They started with the 'children' getting together for a pre Christmas dinner.  Due to unforeseen circumstances,  most adults ate in shifts ... one even ate at Subway in the hospital cafeteria...

We had a good drive north and arrived in plenty of time to enjoy a lovely italian meal at our favourite Soo spot.  Shortly after, the beginning of the 'madness' began with an unfortunate 'incident' just as someone got in the car ... blech. 

That did NOT compare to using the empty McD Happy Meal box as a  'basin' in the mall food court on Christmas Eve.  That coupled with the coughing that continued to ensue meant someone got out of going to church this year!  

Cadence was ready for the festivities that followed, but donned her Christmas PJs in lieu of her Sunday best.  

Santa found us at Baba's the next morning bright and early ... wish we had gotten more sleep.  The stockings were filled ...

Hmmmm, Maplelea clothes????   But I don't have a Maplelea doll ......... yet!

Pop-a-matic pops the dice.  Pop a six and you go twice.

Check out the tongue ... it's a family thing ... seriously!  Here's the doll to put those clothes on ... yay!

Meet Leonie!

Santa even brought some pretty cool clothes.  We think Santa rules!

Mom and Dad found the best gift ... for Leonie.

Seems she had a little mishap on the way to Cadence ...

Sweet cousins ...

BFFs ...

It wouldn't be Christmas without polka time in Gigu's house!

Everyone wanted time with the 'baby'!

Day three ... it's game time!

Cheer's to the couch alliance!  And my surprize helper ... it was nice to have the extra hands!!

Time is Flying ...

Wow ... the holidays are almost here!  It has been a busy few weeks and ... once again, I am behind in this blog thing ... although, I believe my one faithful reader won't really mind much as long as there are updates every so often ... right mother????

Anyway, here in their sideways glance are the photos that were rejected for the Christmas card.  I actually like them (and they are right side up on iPhoto by the way!).  The problem was they looked blurry when I formatted the card so ... y'all got something else, something not so Christmasy.  She's lookin' dang cute don't you think!  These were taken on the morning of her 6th birthday by the way.  She sure is growing up .....

And these are the action shots from Cadence's holiday recital.  We didn't have very good seats ... someone forgot the day the sale started ... We ended up in the nosebleed section.  Good thing I brought my big lens!

We did have snow for about 2 days and my little bear pitched in to help!  It is currently raining and I don't mind one bit!  Sure would like to make it north BEFORE the snow really flies.  Sadly, flurries and squalls are predicted for the 3 days we've targeted as possible travel dates .... good grief!

Congratulations to our French Award winner for November.  Bravo Cadence ... we are so proud of you!

Cadence participated in the Advent celebration as a reader;  she was one of the 'Believers'.  She also managed to get in on the choir action.  It was a lovely evening to enjoy some community school spirit.

I'll save the rest for another day ... soon ... real soon!  Before you know it, there will be Santa photos!!!!

Not a Minute to Spare!

There was a lot planned for this weekend ... too much in fact, that someone actually had to send her regrets to a couple of birthday invitations.  

Things kicked off with one of our most special visitors, Didi, and dinner out ... YAY!!!

Saturday began with our usual routine, gymnastics, but was followed by a birthday party for a friend at BP.  Pizzas and sundaes and crafts ... oh my!

And then ... the organized chaos ensued!

Our cousins arrived and the traditional Christmas festivities began...

The girls got started with their gingerbread houses under the supervision of Auntie Marnie,

while Uncle Dave worked on the tree with mommy's trusty assistant!

Some busy elf, made sure dinner was cooked and drinks were continuosly shaken, stirred and poured!

The girls did a fabulous job of decorating their homes and EVERY elf pitched in to ensure the tree was beautifully 'trimmed'.

The elves were fed, the kitchen was cleaned and Christmas entertainment (The Grinch and Charlie Brown) were provided.  A few elves, who will remain nameless, managed to enjoy some time in the tub with a stogie.

On Sunday, our tired little elf was up early for her dress rehearsal, followed later in the afternoon with the recital.  Once again she rocked the show!

We are so proud of our tiny dancer!

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas ...

And we can't wait!

Thank you again ... all you little elves!  We could not have managed without you!!!