Aaaahhh...weekends...

Mad Skills

This past week, I have become very aware of some talents my children posses.

First of all, Hayley can give the meanest glare when she's not pleased with something. You should see Jared when she busts out the ole "stink eye", he's practically on his knees begging for her forgiveness. I don't know if these pictures even really capture the entire essence of anger that accompany this face, but it gives you an idea.

Second, we love to blast the music and make our kids dance with us. They are willing participants most of the time. Last week, Carter made up his own new dance move and even thought of a name for it: The Grandfather Clock.

I have never been more proud.

Monkey Madness

You know those coupons on the back of cereal boxes for $10 off any Hasbro game? I used one to buy a game recently called Monkey Madness. It looked just okay, but hey it was free. My kids found it yesterday morning and begged me to let them play it. They loved it, and played it all morning long. Some friends came over, and they loved it too. Carter didn't even want to go to school, he was having so much fun. The compromise was he could play it again as soon as he got home. I took some cute pictures, they were all having so much fun together.

I like how Lucy's looking at Carter in this picture. Clearly, she's in love. And Hayley's glaring about something.

The verdict? Best $10 I never spent.

These two...

I know I've said it before, but my children get along really well. Like, ridiculously well. I love it. They have an awesome relationship and we are constantly amazed at how devoted they are to each other.

For instance, I have always taken them to lots of Playgroups/RhymeTime/Kids Programs. At these, there are a zillion other kids they could play with (including their friends!), but instead they are off by themselves, just the two of them, playing some involved game that only they understand. No fail, every time.

Recently, we had some friends over for a play date and the other mom and I heard a commotion starting in the toy room downstairs. As I walk in to break it up I see Hayley crying on the floor, and Carter standing over top of the other boy yelling, "Don't you ever hurt my sister again!", totally defending her honor. I had a hard time restoring order, when I was on his side with that one.

Also, for some reason my poor little 5-year-old is obsessed with who he should marry (to the point where he agonizes over it, despite my advice not even think about it for another, oh... 20 YEARS at least!). When he first started talking about getting married, he was convinced he should marry Hayley and was absolutely devastated when I told him you can't marry family members. He said, "...But I just don't love anyone as much as her!". I thought that was just so sweet.

Just a few things that I don't want to ever forget about them: They have inside jokes/songs/sayings that no one else can understand. They help each other with everything - making snacks, getting coats on, cleaning up, bedtime - everything! They love to watch movies and they each pick a character to quote every line along with. They play Puppy&Kitty, or Diego&Dora or Lightening&Sally - games with a boy and a girl. Carter gets Hayley out of bed in the morning and they always hug first. If anyone offers them anything (balloon, stickers, treat), they always make sure they get an extra to take to the other sibling.

They love each other so much, and we really love these two sweeties.

Dog Sled Races

This weekend was the 14th Wilderness Classic Sled Dog Derby here. We had alot of fun watching again this year. It was a gorgeous day, and lots to do.

Waiting for the sleds to come in...



These dogs are all so amazing. They are beautiful, and bred for exactly these races. They are so hyper before they start the race, jumping all over each other and barking like crazy. Then the race starts and they are all business, heads down and running as fast as they can. My friend Sherri took these last 2 pictures of all the dogs (Thanks Sherri!).

An Overview

Seeing the Jarmans one last time before they move to the Phillipines? AWESOME.


Attending Christmas parties? AWESOME.



Ugly Sweater Party? AWESOME.


Chritmas Eve (with a visit from Santa on the Fire Truck)? AWESOME.


Christmas Day? AWESOME.



Boxing Week in Sherwood Park with the Fam? AWESOME.



Spending New Years Eve at the ER with a broken wrist? NOT so awesome.

(*Warning, these next pics are NOT for the faint. So don't scroll down if broken bones make you queasy. Like Jared*)


Overall, still a great holiday season though! Hope you all had a good one too!