Friday, November 26, 2010

Keeping Busy

The month of November remains busy until the end. Since returning from California, the girls have been battling their seasonal allergies, sinus infections and generally not feeling, eating or sleeping well.

Adley bounced back quickly and began an extended class at preschool. She is enrolled in the Rockin' Artist class which allows her 2 extra hours a week for art projects with her favorite teacher from last year and a new friend she met this year. More stimulation, more socialization and Mommy will spend the extra two hours running errands. That's a win-win situation especially during the winter months when its too cold to go outside to play.

Cana remains on several medications to improve her breathing and we are waiting for the real cold which will keep the seasonal allergies at bay. Until then Cana is toughing it out, and despite waking up at night, and eating less, she can still keep up with her big sister. Cana started walking in October and has been steadily gaining speed. She will be running soon and she is particularly adept at changing directions.

We attended our church service on Thanksgiving Eve and then enjoyed Thanksgving dinner at the home of cousins Rocky, Deb.

Now, as the weather is turning colder we begin our preparations for Advent and then, Cana's first birthday in only 2 weeks. We look forward to a busy Advent season with a Hymnfest at church, Adley in two Christmas programs at church and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services here at home.

Watching a movie...

...and making supper.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Our Girls

Clockwise from top left:
"Reading is one of my favorite things!"
Meeting Stephanie
Using Grammy's phone to dial story-time at the library
Hanging out with Great-Uncle Lou
Using helium balloons to walk?
More phone calls
Laughing with sister
And a new Christmas outfit modeling session

Clockwise from top left:
Making sister laugh
Posing in my new outfit from Trader Joe's (just kidding, but that's what she told everyone)
Talking with Uncle John-John
Playing with Grandma's pumpkins and the mice - I can hear Cindarella now...
Face painting and petting zoo at the Fall Festival
Watching the Wizard of Oz
Eating the last of Auntie Mallory's birthday cake.
Posing with the letter from Daddy - thanks for the stickers!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Two Frauleins







And a photo shoot with Paka...


...and Grandma...

...maybe.

One last look at these cuties.
Thanks for saving these dresses Grandma!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Paka















Grammy















Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse in all her glory.

Ready to go find candy with Grammy.

Mommy's homemade Minnie "ears."

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Uncle Jeff & Auntie Mallory

Adley and Cana were able to spend a lot more time with Uncle Jeff and Auntie Malory this trip. They came over the day we arrived and Cana showed them just how quickly she can grab full coffee cups. Lesson learned, right? :)

Adley attended one of Auntie Mallory's preschool classes on Monday which gave them a chance to bond. (At least I hope so). Adley had a great time. Mommy watched Uncle Jeff move the fish tank to the new house and to help with the moving out of the apartment. Grandma had the hard job - entertaining Cana.

The girls, after their dinner at Auntie Mallory and Uncle Jeff' new house.
Adley got a tour of the fish tank and told Uncle Jeff all about her fish - Nemo.
No, we don't have a fish. Go figure.

Dinner on the patio - smoked ham and potato salad.
A regular picnic and it was delicious.

Dinner by floodlight.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Cousins

The whole family.
Mike and Maggie from Colorado
Ruth and Chloe from LA
Stephanie, Ronnie, Kara, Isabella & Savannah from Washington
Lindsay & Nicholas from Texas,
Mom, Dad, Jeff & Mallory from Sacramento
Uncle John from Alaska
and us from Chicago


First cousins and Second Cousins
(minus Scott - we missed you in these photos)

Adley making friends with Nicholas.

Adley and Cana making friends with Nicholas.

Kara making friends with Tango

Izzy, Savannah and Adley
Adley was promised cousins and cousins she got.

A quick photo before saying goodbye to Stephanie and family.

Scott arrives - more family photos.

Michelle, Ruth and Lindsay and four bundles of energy.

Finally, a photo with Nicholas and Cana (almost) looking at the same camera.
They're only 3 days apart. Gotta love those December birthdays.

Our last chance to play with Chloe before she left for home. And Pixie and Juneau too!