Big Sister

Katelyn wanted to help feed Erik one morning.

Which I loved. I want her to grow up to love to "help".

Even if it's a messy experiance. It is worth it.

Though, Erik had enough by the end.

Seriously, there was yogurt all the way to the couch. And if you've ever been to my house, you'll know that it is a looong way from the high chair to the living room.

I guess, yogurt can fly. :)

But, it was good. :)

James' Birthday!

My James' birthday was on Monday this year! Hooray!! Our day off. :) So we started the day off with the traditional breakfast in bed.

 And Katelyn was right there, to help daddy with his food.

 We met Rob and Mark for lunch, at Tucker's Marketplace in Burlington. The birthday guy got his dinner free, and we had a good time.

Then, our little family took off for a hike - but we got lost for an hour, and when we eventually found our way, it started to rain. :) So, the camera stayed in the car, and we went for a short, refreshing walk between the drip-drops of some raindrops. :)

Then we did some price-checking at a grocery store, and then made our way home.

Back home, James and the kids did a quick "treasure hunt" for a present while I made supper.

 And then a birthday "cake". :) Ice-cream between cookies, covered with whipped cream.

Time didn't allow for a gourmet dessert, so this worked well in a pinch.

Opening presents. :) And like any good child, Katelyn loved helping James open his gifts.

Another year, married to a wonderful man. I love that I can celebrate his birthday with him. :)

Ladies Prayer Breakfast

Our church has both a men's prayer breakfast as well as a ladies prayer breakfast a couple times a year. This fall, the theme was apples. There was a fun apple craft, apple delectables (like the cake pops below) apple verses, and the idea of fruits of the spirit.

 Steph and the yummy and rich cake pops - made Mrs.Wiggins.

 Stephanie was one of the speakers. She gave her testiomny, and did such a great job.

 Steph is one of those women who are just real, and encouraging.

Cathy also gave her testimony, which was really neat.

I'm thankful for all the godly women we have here, and who take the time to spur us younger ones on for Christ. :)

Matt & Amanda's Wedding

We went to Matt and Amanda's wedding in November. It was an evening wedding, and very lovely.

 I just love cakes. :)

 A skit, done by Corinne (groom's sister) and her husband Gideon. It was pretty cute. A depiction of how Matthew drives with Amanda.

 The happy couple.

 We were asked to sing, "We Will Fly" for the reception.

 Ben - the M.C. had a contest for the men on both sides of the family: seeing who could assemble a chainsaw the quickest! The Dyck side won. :)

Us two, at midnight. :)

Makeup Time on the Bed

This is how I found her:

 The little rascal, now has a preoccupation with mommy's makeup. It was doomed to happen, but I preferred it not to occur on mommy's white bedspread. :)

Alas, as it usually happens with beginner's, the lipstick doesn't get only on the lips...or even the face...:) Katelyn was pretty happy to have it on her face, and from then on, "lipstick/lip gloss", is one of her most favorite things. Now, she is only allowed it, if I give it to her. :)

Daddy and Erik having "a moment".

My Family's Second Visit

At long last, I am starting to catch up. :) It's almost been two months since I've really been here.

And it's been a whirlwind around here. I've been taking a photo editing course, taking sometimes 2-3 family portrait sessions a week for over a month, editing them, trying to keep up with house work and my little family, and of course the other normal things in life. And in all honesty, I didn't do it all well. I pushed myself a little too far, (the meltdowns and exhaustion were a good proof of it) and the family and the house, was put on hold. James and I knew it would be like that for this time, and he was very sacrificial; but, we both agreed, that I wouldn't commit to so much again. :)

At last, things are quieter, and I'm thankful. So, now to catch up, and hopeful be more faithful in our little family blog. I do have a ton of fun pictures to share. Not all of them (if any, really :) will be well taken - or edited. Over here, it's still a bunch of snapshots of our family life. I have to makes sure I keep taking pictures, even if they don't always turn out great. It's still capturing the moments.:) And that's what I want to remember. (in case you didn't get it, that's my disclaimer!)

Now to catch up:

The beginning of November, my family came for a second visit - on the way home from PEI - on their music tour. I got to have them with me for a couple days, which we all enjoyed so much.

 Walking to the Windmill - us three sisters. 

Grandpa pulling Katelyn in our "free" wagon. :) My dear mommy took these shots.

 We were at the Windmill, when Nelly was surprised by Rob with her very own car. :)

 She was pretty happy!

 Auntie Charissa and the squishable.

 After a fun afternoon of girl shopping, we celebrated Anne-Marie and James' birthday, with a special supper. (they both were born on November 14th)

 The special ice-cream cake that mom and dad got for all of us from Dairy Queen. A real treat!

 James made the banner. :)

 His new hat from sista Annie.

Opening presents.

 On their tour, the girls were given these vintage glass baskets by a elderly man.

So, Katelyn and Charissa "modeled" them for us. :)

 Saying goodbye. One last airplane ride from Grandpa.

 Hugs and kisses.

 I hate goodbyes...just seeing these pictures is making me have some tears...

 One last shot of the family before they leave for Alberta.

And the white van begins another journey.

(do you see the hands waving from the windows? :)

Seriously, every time I see a white van with a matching trailer, I do a double-take, and think of my family out west. :) I

I love how Katelyn really got to know and love her Grandpa and Grandma, and her two aunties so much more. She knows their voices well too; everytime their songs come on the ipod, she says, "Grandpa and Grandma". She's right too, most of the time. :)

Now, we'll look forward to the next time, we're together....

Ten Months!

I know...I'm late.

He really is 11 months by now.

But, in my defense, this picture was taken at 10 months, so we're all good. :)

Erik's Latest and Greatests:

-Climbing stairs. All day.

(But he doesn't know how to get down, and has a healthy fear of falling. :)

So, up. and. down. I go. All day. :)

-Four Teeth

-Loves to play with balls and cars

-Took his 1st steps November 21st.

-Has a hard time sitting still for a picture :)