The Hunt for the Perfect Tree

We had the best time hunting for a Christmas tree in the woods. Our friends, the Moon family, took us to their favourite hunting ground and we spent the afternoon on the prowl. After finding the tree we built a campfire and roasted hot dogs. This was also the moment that I discovered that my camera had opened up and lost it's batteries!

Getting Ready for Christmas

I love that next to the Nativity set are some Medieval figures and Gabe's Lego Enterprise!

And finally, some cuddles on the couch. We're slowing decorating the house - a little bit here and there every day.

John turns 5

Card and Lego from G and G Rene!

His very own scooter!

Movies from G and G Meng!

Yummy cake. John chose a cake from the Cake Bible and help make and decorate it.

We went to the skate park to try out John's new scooter.

Disneyland - Day 1

We're here!  Our first day was picture perfect. Gorgeous weather, shortish lines, and a great time!

Almost got John's face in the picture!

Gabe, trying to pull out the sword in the stone. Guess he isn't the long awaited king.

Our very first ride - John was terrified. Oops.

Birthday Trifle

Richard's birthday is always a busy day with our parish feast day but we managed to have a "big breakfast" between Matins and work and a birthday tea with trifle before heading to Creston for Vespers.

And we're still enjoying trifle two days later! Yum!

Day at the Lake

We spent a fabulous day at the lake yesterday. The lake was incredibly high:  

This is the lake in spring when it is always lower but usually only rises to that very faint green line.  This year most of the roads are flooded and the water is up to the trees - which makes for fabulous swimming. 

John caught a lots of crickets and a butterfly:

and took some pictures:

Some other kids found a turtle and brought it over to show us:

Swam and swam and swam:

And enjoyed the sun:

The Kids' Super-Duper Awesome Double Marble Tower!

Camerawork by Lily Rene, introduction by Gabriel Rene, stunts by John Rene...

Busy Week

We've had a busy week....and not a whole lot of pictures to show for it!  Too busy for the camera, I guess.  The highlights include Gabe losing his first two teeth!  Here he is sticking his tongue through the gap.

Lily got her ears pierced.  She's been waiting a long time for this!

We spent a gorgeous afternoon at Horseshoe Lake. Swimming and relaxing. Completely forgot my camera on that outing. We came home to camp in the backyard as the lake was so high many of the camp spots were gone and the mosquitoes were horrendous.

I sprained my ankle - but I'm not showing you pictures. Yuck.
John rediscovered the joy of playdough.

Afternoon at the Lake