Ballet Lessons

Claire had her first ballet lesson this morning. Here she is all dressed up.  Might I say I love the head-band?  She looks soo different because you can acutally see her whole face - just beautiful!

So we weren't allowed to stay in the dance studio because apparently it would "distract the dancers" so we had to wait in the hall and were called in 5 minutes before class finished to see the dance they learned.

When we were called in and the dance started, Claire stood there frozen, fingers in her mouth.....nothing, haha.  Oh well, she looked super cute!  We still have 9 more classes to go!

Happy 5th Anniversary

Was I surprised by Anthony's posting, yes.  Pretty good sneaking this one by me.  It was really sweet and I also got something from here!

We went out to dinner at the complex where we had our reception at, and Anthony ordered the seafood platter I have been complaining for years about not being able to eat on our wedding night given we were so busy running around.  It was just as good 5 years later.

So many great things have happened these 5 past years.  We can't wait to see what the next 5 years have to bring.  There are 2 things I can say for certain:  we will love each other just as much as we did then and we will not have any more children!

Swimming Lessons

The kids all started swimming lessons again, first Isaac, then Jacob and then Claire.  They all did really well today. 

Isaac still has some areas to improve, but there are no major concerns.

Jacob was a fish in the water, splashing and laughing.  He cried when he had to come out.

Claire was sooo anxious to get in the water too, which was awesome.  I was worried I wouldn't be able to get her to go in, given she's in preschool level 1 now and she goes in just with the instructor.  I also wasn't allowed to stand on the deck, so I had to leave her to go to watch overhead, where they have stands.  It was nerve wrecking not being able to be so close, but she made us so proud!  She co-operated and even floated on her own at one point!

Overall a very good morning and they were pooped afterwards.  Let's hope this continues over the next couple of weeks!

Five years ago today..

On September 29, 2007, I was standing at the front of a church watching you walk down the aisle in your beautiful wedding dress. Watching you with your son in hand, I just knew I was making the best decision I would ever make in my lifetime. Five years later, I feel just as strongly as I did on our wedding day, if not more so!

Since then, we have welcomed two lovely children into our household who bring us a different joy and happiness that makes our home a wonderful place. You've been a rock in our family, making sure the household operates like a well-oiled machine while simultaneously putting a lot of energy into your career and other volunteer duties. You show us all how much you love us and always put others ahead of yourself. On this occasion, I would particularly like to thank you for being a wonderful wife as you never lose sight of the importance of our loving relationship as a married couple.

Happy 5th Anniversary Phetsamone. I love you!

Anthony

Happy Birthday Anthony!

Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to get a cake or anything this year.  I've been busy at a conference for work.  I did however give Anthony a coupon to purchase a new receiver.  He was quite happy about that!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today we had the family over for Grandma's birthday.  Here she is with almost all the grandkids.

This was the best picture we could get.  I don't even remember why Claire was upset...it's just normal!

We bought her her own cell phone (for when she is travelling on Wheel Trans) and gave her over a hundred spring bulbs, as she loves to garden.

She didn't waste any time and planted them the same day along the side of the drive way.  Claire happily helped.

We can't wait to see these come up in the spring!

Baby Haven

My cousins came to visit today with their new baby - Haven Joanie.  She's a chunk and a half!  Claire held her (supported by grandma) for a bit.

That look on her face is sneaky.  Please don't ask for one!  It's not going to happen....

And here's big sister Rylan Lee.

Two daughters...wow, the thought of 2 Claire's just scares the bejesus out of us!

Jacob in Boots

First Day of School!

I can’t believe it’s the first day of school already!  Isaac and Claire watching some morning cartoons before heading out.

Posing in their uniforms.

And backpacks.

After dropping off Isaac, I walked Claire to school.

She walked the whole way carrying her backpack all by herself.

Waiting outside her classroom to meet her JK teacher.

We were happy to see that her friend from daycare was also coming to the school.  Drop-off at the new daycare was great.  All signs show that she is growing up.....we hope!

African Lion Safari - Part 2

They had a great water area for the kids.  They all had so much fun.

Isaac and Claire going down the slides.

Whee Claire!

No matter how old he gets, Isaac will always be a young kid at heart.

Jacob had lots of fun running around.

A group picture.

Sun-bathing.

They loved covering the water spouts.

Especially Jacob!

After the water park, we got some ice-cream.  They were soooo huge!

Someone missed their nap, so he was falling asleep as he ate.  Going...

going...

 going...

gone!

 While Jacob slept, we took Claire to the bird show.  This is a bat.

Claire was intrigued by it all.

One of the parrots.

It was our first visit and we will definitely go back again.  We did not realize you could bring in food so we will pack a picnic next time.

African Lion Safari - Part 1

We took the kids to African Lion Safari today.  This was our first visit and were pleasantly surprised.

A group photo before heading in.  Jacob blinked, so let's try that again.

Claire:  I don't want to take another picture! 

And ofcourse, Jacob blinked again.

Waiting for the bus that takes you through the safari.  We weren't driving through in our own van.

Jacob being entertained by Isaac while waiting for the bus.

All aboard!  Grandma and Isaac sat together.

And ofcourse, I had the princess.

Jacob sat with Daddy.  They were good seats.  Look at the lion!

And more lions!

And more lions!  The lion king is under the tree.

A really fat baboon.

Some goats.

Giraffes.

Elk and Bisons.

After the safari tour, we quickly ran to see the elephants bathing in the lake.  Jacob moved fast.

I made it, yeah!



There was a big crowd so Daddy had him on his shoulders.



After the show, we went to have lunch.  As the kids waited, they amused themselves with this pole.





After lunch, a peacock came over and they followed it away.