Christmas

Other than struggling through a few bouts of sickness, we have had a lovely Christmas. We were able to spend time with my parents on Christmas Eve, and saw both the Hansen and Walter families Christmas Day. It was a long day (Piers managed to last until about midnight) but the kids were fantastic. On the gift front, Piers is now the proud owner of a beginner drum kit, and I the owner of a heavy bag for boxing. The Hansen household just got a whole lot louder ;)

New camera

For Christmas, Daniel and I bought each other a Canon G7 due to the fact that our old camera had the LCD screen smashed in. It's certainly no digital SLR, but we're both having fun playing with the new options and external flash.

Halloween

Piers, clearly, was Spiderman (of the muscled variation). Freya was a "superhero ladybug."

Three years old

Freya's third birthday was on the 9th. Here are a few pics from the celebrations...

Take that, villains.

Piers had his face painted as Spider Man. He didn't quite get the web shooting finger action right the first time.

Hymers Fall Fair

We spent a beautiful day at Hymers Fair with the Marchuks. Perfect long weekend weather. Freya got her face painted as Sparky the Fire Dog.

Our proud little graduate

Piers & Freya,
Freya & Auntie Jessi

..and more randomness

Random contribution from Piers. Daniel was giving him a piggy back ride, having lots of fun, when Piers said:

"I like headed daddies."

As opposed to the non-headed daddies I guess. Good to make the distinction. Go figure.

Completely Random

A random, out of the blue conversation at the dinner table the other night:

Freya: You guys are not a bird feeder.

[Pause...blank stares.]

Me: "You guys are not a bird feeder," is that what you just said, Freya?

Freya: No. You are a coconut.

Jacuzzi & art class

Piers just finished a 4 week art class at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Freya was quite interested in seeing what Piers was up to. We were staying with my Mom that weekend while my Dad was away, so she joined us for art class as well. The other highlight of our weekend at Meme's house was the jacuzzi tub. Lots of fun in the bubbles...that is, until Piers almost suctioned his finger off.

...brought to you by Freya

Another bellowing moment, this time Freya's turn. She was upstairs in the bathroom tonight yelling quite loudly. I was out in the hallway and couldn't make out what she was saying. I walked into the bathroom and there she was, standing in front of the open toilet, yelling the same thing, over and over... "FISH...COME BACK!"

(Not even going to hazard a guess on this one...)

Have a nice day

On Valentine's Day, as we were all getting ready to go out to the car, Piers made his way out the door first. He was standing in the middle of the front yard yelling at the top of his lungs. He was bellowing so loudly that I couldn't decipher what he was saying. It sounded something like, "AAAHHHHJAAAAYAAADAAAAAAA!!!" (If you spend much time with Piers, you'll be well acquainted with this type of noise.) Not wanting to disturb the entire neighbourhood, I rushed outside, touched Piers on the arm and said, "Piers...what on earth are you saying?" He replied, "I just wanted to tell everybody to 'Enjoy their day!'" Well, I couldn't really fault him for that, now could I;)

Daniel's brothers, Peter and Eric. Undoubtedly talking about sailing.

Linnea's Birthday

Piers and Freya's cousin, Linnea, had her 5th birthday the other day. Hard to believe I have a niece who is 5 years old. Flying time.

My highschool friend Melanie (was McCallum, now Bradley) was over for a visit last night with her husband, Drew, and baby, Parker. I could not believe Parker's immediate boldness and energy. No hesitation to come to me or play with the kids. Great to visit with them.

Piers and his favourite tow truck.

Freya is becoming quite good at posing for the camera these days. She didn't used to like having her photo taken at all, but seems to have warmed up to it quite nicely :)

siblings

A spontaneous shot in the hallway today...

engrossed

I love this shot of Freya and her cousin, Mila. They were both dressed in their brand new night gowns (made by their Gran) and were completely absorbed in Lego for quite some time.