KolaNuts

We decided to open round 2 of gifts on Christmas Eve morning, so the kids would have time to play with their new toys.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarke came over for a dinner of traditional meat pie. After a nice time together, we went to church together for the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Christmas morning was relaxing at home. We missed church, since I wasn’t feeling too good. In the afternoon, we went over to Sebas and Naomi’s and had a nice time with family, enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner, and round 3 of gifts. Sadly, I didn’t take any pictures there, but here are two pictures of the boys in their Christmas outfits.

Our mall changed their Christmas decorations this year. Instead of Santa’s village, they now had a carousel ride with reindeer and sleigh.

We took the kids for a ride.

This next picture is us sitting in the sleigh looking up - there is a mirror in the ceiling, so I took the picture through the mirror.

Adrian wore his Santa hat almost every day. They were allowed to wear it at school, too, as long as they wore a snow cap under for outside.

Adrian had a PED day one Monday in December. PED standing for “pedagogical” - like a teacher in-service day. Yeah, for a long time, I thought they were talking about pet days.

We were supposed to have friends over, but plans were cancelled. Although a bit disappointed, it ended up being a great day…a great crafting day.

I’m not sure how we started, but it became a big mess…one of those messes I don’t mind.

We pulled out cookie cutters and traced shapes on foam. Then decorated.

Louis’ creations

Adrian’s creations

Cheese!

We hung them up in our kitchen. I love the uniqueness of each one!

******

Part two.

The day wasn’t over. My cousin had shared this link on facebook and we went right to making handprint snowmen ornaments.

Yes, I know, Louis’ hat has braids on it. Don’t worry, we cut those off shortly after. They were from a day long ago when Pierre and I dressed up as Santa & Mrs. Claus for Halloween one year. We thought it was funny; didn’t seem like anyone else did, though.

Here’s how the boys play the Wii (well, sometimes).

And a “cheese!” from Eli.

Have a cheese-y kind of day!

In the evening was the children’s Christmas concert at our church, called

The Great Christmas Giveaway.

The children worked hard and it was a beautiful performance.

And, of course, we are especially proud of Adrian for singing!

He’s always loved watching these concerts. I remember specifically one time (maybe he was 3?) that he sang the songs at home for a while after.

I couldn’t wait for him to be old enough to be a part of it himself. He was unsure at first, but that quickly changed after the first practice.

We got the CD of songs and listened to them just about everyday in the car. Even Louis & Eli knew parts of the songs!

Adrian was also Joseph for part of it. He did not have to speak, just play the part.

Enjoy these videos!

Saturday morning started with a delicious breakfast of eggs, fruits, yoghurt, mini cinnamon rolls, and cheesy bread. Yummy!

We then started opening gifts. (Yes, a couple of days early but since we are the only ones that are opening gifts for St. Nick’s, we figured we would enjoy it on a relaxing Saturday rather than on Monday, Dec. 5th.)

Adrian had bought a few gifts for his brothers and himself.

Pierre got an apple…the clue to his gift.

The boys got a joint gift from us…

…the Wii!

They tried out Mario Kart.

Okay, so I played, too.

Adrian slowly made his way closer and closer to the TV.

They spent the rest of the morning in pajamas (Adrian & Louis did) and played with their toys and the Wii!

Grandpa & Grandma came to visit last Friday.

It was so great to see them again.

Adrian & Grandma played a game to see who would laugh first!

As you can see, the boys had a lot of fun with them.

So I posted the November album y-day and realized I’m missing some pictures.

In Nov., we had a portfolio meeting at Adrian’s school. He showed us his classroom, his desk…and his portfolio. Here are some pages I scanned from there. Enjoy!

October and November albums are up and there are some pictures in there that I haven’t posted before,

like this one

and this one.

So, go check them out.

Click here for October.

Click here for November.