A Budding Artist

Garrett was very excited about painting on his new easel today. Thanks so much Grandma Debbie and Michelle.

What a masterpiece!

Such concentration.

Playing with Play-Doh. I cut out cute animal shapes and Garrett chopped them up into pieces. Sigh...

Christmas Day 2009

Merry Christmas to all! It has been a very busy and fun filled few days. Lots of great food, company, and of course presents. Thanks to all Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins for the amazing gifts. Both kids were spoiled rotten and so were Cary and I.

It took some coaxing but Garrett finally checked out the contents of his stocking.

Bella looking stylish in her new bandana.

It didn't take long for Garrett to get the hang of the whole gift receiving part of Christmas.

Kelsey snuggling up to her first of what I'm sure will be many dolls.

Wrestling with Uncle Dean.

Christmas cuties.

All partied out and ready to head home.

Bright Lights

Well after a long day and no naps we were brave enough (or should I say crazy enough) to attempt a ride on the Christmas Train at Stanley Park. Dean and Meghan where nice enough to go early and get us tickets. From the look on Kelsey's face below you can guess how much she enjoyed herself.

Kelsey stopped crying during the ride (thank goodness) and was quite taken by the lights.

Aunty Megs, Uncle Dean, and Garrett cuddling up on the train.

Garrett is loving the snow and has added the word to his ever growing vocabulary. New words this week include snow, toast, bear, boots, Christmas tree, cow, and blue.

Cousins

Garrett, Kelsey, and I spent a fun day in Ladner with the Robbs. The next two photos will show a clear example of the difference between boys and girls.

This is Jessica and Kelsey having a quiet discussion

about their favourite toys and recent books they've read.

This is Garrett and Andrew having a screaming contest. Need I say more?

How many toys can you possibly fit into a tunnel?

Santa Claus

Garrett, Gran, and I went to see them turn on the lights at the Park and Tilford Garden. Santa was there!!! This is Garrett's embarrased face. He wasn't sure what to think of Santa. After he got off his lap he just stood there and stared until we dragged him away.

CHOO CHOO!! Does it get any better? A big man

in a red suit AND a train.

Grrrrr...The giraffe didn't have a

chance. Kelsey was out for the kill.

Random Moments

Kelsey likes to fly on Mommy's knees.

Check out these thighs!

This is Garrett 'nursing' Teddy. When I'm feeding Kelsey

in the mornings he will often find Teddy, pull up his shirt,

and patiently wait for him to have a drink.

Can you imagine sleeping like this? Notice that his head

is resting on two other monster trucks.

Cozy cousins. Both Kelsey and Cruz are incredible

droolers which explains the bibs.

The next Tony Hawk??

Garrett spent a great deal of time today practicing his skateboarding skills. He mastered amazing couch jumps and demonstrated skill while skateboarding across the kitchen floor.

Such concentration!

Kelsey watches her brother and is worried since he isn't wearing a helmet.

You give the boy a piece of chicken and he won't eat it. You give him a whole drumstick and he eats the whole thing right down to the bone. Who knew?

Fun facts about Garrett

1. Garrett loves most food but if he doesn't want to eat something you just have to give him some dip. Almost any type of dip works. Last night he dipped steak, potato, sweet potato, carrots, and Nan bread in sour cream. Yummy!

2. Garrett doesn't just sleep with his beloved Teddy anymore. Most nights he sleeps with his two Monster Trucks, 2-3 balls (usually of the large rubber variety), and up to 7 stuffed animals. He also insists on having his drink and he has to be covered by two blankets. If his feet become uncovered or he can't find a certain animal he will call for assistance. Once he's all hunkered down next to his toys he will say, "Bye Mommy or Daddy" and will promptly fall asleep.

3. If Garrett sees something he likes on TV he will say, "Look Teddy," and will turn Teddy's head towards the TV. If he hurts himself he will often want even more attention and while sobbing will say, "Look Teddy, look puppy, look baby...WAHHHH!!!"

Garrett and some of his bedtime pals.

Trick or Treat!

We had a great Halloween this year. Uncle Dean, Aunty Meghan and Ballerina Bella came over to enjoy the festivities and eat our leftover candy. Garrett went trick-or-treating to 5 houses but had more fun watching the 125 kids who came knocking on our door. Kelsey was quite happy napping most of the evening away.

Garrett's first attempt at trick-or-treating.

Ballerina Bella. Doesn't she look thrilled?

My first attempt at blogging

After some pressure from grandparents for some recent photos and some Mommy guilt about not having time to scrapbook, I am going to copy my sister-in-law, Lori, and try to keep a blog. She promised me that this was easy so I'll give it a try.

Garrett helping me change some batteries.

A smiling Kelsey.