Lodes of Fun Photo Journal

2010 Collages

2011-01-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Last year I started a tradition where I would do a collage for my favorite photos of the boys, 12 x 12, to hang in a frame outside their rooms. (Then I can also take it out every year and it will fit in a scrapbook for them!) I just made 2010's, so here they are:

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Revised Tradition #2: Our Christmas Tree

2010-12-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas traditions! Around here we have a lot of them, and I am going to try to be vigilant in posting them as they happen here this December. (I actually have a term end project due and I am very much procrastinating! As well on a side note, I will be going back to update you since May. A lot has happened around here especially with school starting and all.) The first tradition is going down the street to the local tree farm and picking a tree. This year, we didn't find one amongst the pre-cut douglas fir trees, but we cut one ourselves! It is not a douglas fir either, it is some other fir that I can't remember. It has smaller broader branches and needles. It fit comfortably in the back of our flex, just a little chilly the 5 minute drive home.

B sticking his candy cane through the gap in his two front teeth:

The tree is the one directly behind us:

Tradition #1: Shoe Boxes

2010-12-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is the second year we have done shoe boxes instead of our stockings for Christmas. This year, the boys were much better at the store and didn't ask to buy anything for themselves. We also buy a post card from here and put our family photo in there. They boys write messages to the child as well. It was so fun to sort the goodies we found and know that they are going to make some little girl or boy very happy!

See the link to Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse here.

B's Blog

2010-11-11T15:12:00.001-08:00

Check out Brayden's Blog for some happenings around October and November:
http://legostarwarsandbakugonohmy.blogspot.com/

Lexus "Letter H" Commercial

2010-09-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

See if you recognize the baby in the library!

Since when....

2010-07-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

do I post something that happened today, TODAY? Well... since there was this family from church that invited us to their farm on a beautiful sunny day with cool swings, an amazing trampoline, huge tennis court to ride around in...and adorable kids! Thanks so much for having us Bergen family; we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Bubbles

2010-06-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

We found this humungous bottle of bubbles under our sink given to us by Grandma D. The boys loved to empty more of it onto the pavement than into the bubble makers. Clay had to teach Ry to blow out rather than suck in. Ew. All in all a fun half an hour occupied.

B Busts a Groove

2010-06-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

B has just finished an 8 week community hip hop class. It was fun, but just a bit out of his skill level! Here are a few shots of some of his moves.

Ry showing Dad some of his muscle poses:

And pose! Curtain!

Happy Birthday C!

2010-05-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

It's this lovely girl's birthday! Guess where we went:

Ry was a little apprehensive as it was his first time bowling, so dad helped him out.

B was ready to play...watching his score!

Cool couch...silly boys!

Ry was so excited to get a balloon!

B had fun playing tag!

To those of you at the party... the link for the rest of the gallery is here. Password is the birthday girl's first name.

Things for Boys to Make and Do

2010-05-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

This Usborne book was a regular on our shelf from B's school library for at least a month. He had pages flagged on what craft projects he wanted us to do (Mom's boy or what??!)

This bookmark we modified to make it for his "How to Train a Dragon Book". I drew it and he coloured all of it. I thought it was a great teamwork project!

I love how it sticks out of the book!

May Day --Good Company--Bad Parade

2010-05-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

We went to our annual May Day parade in Fort Langley. It was a total bummer! It was half as long and not nearly as much fun floats! The Fullers, both sets of grandparents and the Locke's attended with us. Good company, so it makes for a good day!

Miss Millie always has a smile for me!

with mom and ...

with dad!

Junior...

Ry with his cool do...

and mom with both boys!

We always get this shot of them together every parade, every year!

The row of kids...happy with their free cookie!

Getting candy...the best part!

A Day at the Park

2010-05-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ollie joined us at the "blue park" at Mill Lake while his Mom looked at some art...

He and Ry had races down the slide...photo finishes!

So did B and Ry...not quite as close!

Then lil' C and her mom came to watch...

...and B came for a rest (Aren't his eye so green in this picture? I am so excited for them to change!)

Ry goofed off!

B climbed!

They both went on the swings (I love love love the top photo!).

Then off to Birchwood for some yummy ...you got it...bubblegum ice cream for the kids...

Chocolate for mom and dad.

(p.s. I am right here behind the camera;)

Tricks and Races

2010-05-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Ry showing Opa some of his tricks--standing on his training wheels...popping a wheely...

and falling (Dumb bike!)

...but getting back up again!

Ry's showing us his racing skills... I love the last picture of him checking to make sure I am still watching him.

B's testing out the course for the race...

Go! (B's still in the lead and Opa's gonna get hit if he doesn't put down his camera!)

B makes the pass and Ry pedalling as hard as he can...

I guess running is faster than biking when you are three and your brother is 6!

My Mother's Day Prezzie (and the story behind it)

2010-05-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

I have had this mixer before believe it or not. Clay gave it to me for Christmas 2002. I decided that I would like to go to Paris instead so I returned it to the store. Clay saw it on sale again, so he got it for me this past Mother's Day... I don't really use it and don't know how to use it--any suggestions anyone??

...but this time, I will keep it...even if my grandkids get cookies made from it. "It's a life-timer".

The Hair Cut

2010-04-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ry wanted Dad to give him a mohawk, but his hair was so long for the clippers.

(Look at his cute belly and boys gauche!)

(He's reconsidering his idea...)

(It's hurting a little and he doesn't want any more hair in his eyes)

(Resorting to the scissors for a few bunches)

(Happy to be hair free and clean with a new hairdo!)

The Many Things to Create with Play-Doh

2010-04-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

B likes to roll his play-doh and make pizza. See his progression: pat, roll, make toppings and place them on top!

(B smushed his pizza and made a spider web)

Ry is more eclectic with his play-doh. He loves to make wurms (worms-not hair), cakes and sometimes roll it if B gives up the rolling pin.

Thanks Lyndsay for giving us that set oh so long ago!

No Naps = One Tired Boy

2010-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ry has refused to take a nap and we find him asleep in the strangest times and places. Like an hour before bed, driving in the car, at the dinner table, while reading a book in his room....here are just a few:

Our Family by Ry

2010-04-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, Ry has started to draw people! This is his rendition of our family:

Goofy Goggles and 3D Glasses

2010-04-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Just for fun and lol!

Skip-Bo with B--It runs in the family!

2010-04-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Do you see anything wrong with this picture? B wanted to play Skip-Bo with me so he set up the board. (Yes, we have the deluxe version that has the places for the cards to go). Looks like a typical game to me. He started with a Skip-Bo, so I got to go first. That's where the story begins...

After the first and second Skip-Bo, on his pile, I thought there was something fishy!

He had stacked the deck and put all the Skip-Bo's in his pile...

I guess I should've seen it coming since I did this with my grandfather while playing UNO at 3 years old. I am surprised that it didn't happen sooner!

Eater Monday Activity

2010-04-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

The boys decorated (with crayon) and dyed Easter eggs on Easter Monday. Ry just scribbled for a few seconds and was done. He was just tempted by the coloured bowls in front of him. B took his time and did a pattern. Even Clay and I did one!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the post you have been waiting 3 months for. Usually in July I am 6 months behind, so I am getting better at posting my stories here! We always take a photo of the boys on the stairs at Easter. Maybe because we are just heading out the door to go to church. They look so handsome!

B's eggs were Star Wars. Clay hid them quite tricky. Can you see the egg in the middle picture? B doesn't yet!

Ry's eggs were spiderman. We hid them lower so he could see him at his eye level.

We don't like getting our kids too much candy, so we buy them a bit of chocolate for their eggs, then some kind of toy. This year it was monster trucks.

So...this is what was in the box:

2010-04-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Handmade ties from the belle and the beau from etsy.com! I bought them for a dual purpose...for the boys for Easter, then for photo shoots as well! So fun!

Who says boys can't be handsome for Easter, too?

(This usually happens when they get together in the shot... otherwise they are great assistants making each other laugh!)

Happy Easter...stay tuned for the Easter Egg Hunt!

p.s. The Crate...

2010-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

I showed Ry this picture of when he was a baby and he fit so nicely into the crate. He found it the other day in my office, and showed me how he fits now when we were doing the "George shoot": (My boy is growing up so big!)

Ry and George...Always a Little Curious!

2010-04-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is George. He is a good little monkey, but always very curious. Sounds like there is a parallel! (I have been wanting to do this shoot with Ry for so long especially before he grows out of is George jamamas. Here's how it went.)

(Ry had been bugging me to take his picture, and I guess I waited too long, so this is how it started)

(Then he calmed down, and really was "reading" to George! He said to me, "Mom, I don't know the words!")

(Then he proceeded to do many a thing with him including:

putting him on his head...

...showing "Uncle Tummy!"...

(When I was a little girl, I had a rather large great uncle.

I would stick my tummy out and say, "Uncle Tummy!")

..throwing him in the air...

...giving him big hugs...

...making a monkey face...

and going off to bed!

G'night little monkey... Mommy loves you (and your shenanigans!)

An Easter Surprise...

2010-04-03T17:20:00.001-07:00

Can't wait to show you what's in this box:

Okay! A sneak peek:

B's Magnadoodle Family Portrait

2010-03-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tubing at Hemlock...The second of our Winter Activities

2010-03-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

We thought since we didn't have any snow this winter that we would take the boys to Hemlock! We all had a blast and we will go back again soon!

(Ry sleeping on the way there and B pretending to sleep)

(B kept asking, "When will the snow be?" Well here it is!)

(Getting all geared up and checking out the routes!)

(Getting the tubes...off we go!)

(After our first run!)

(Ry going down with Clay...he loved it... especially the little jump at the bottom!)

(Ry's run all by himself)

(B went down probably twice as many runs as I did!)

(Ry making snow angels)

(The boys stuck in the deep snow)

Our family...

(Snow ball fight...the size of basketballs)

What a fun day! Next time B wants to try snowboarding...maybe I'll take another lesson with him!

Skating... Another Olympic Sport

2010-03-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

We went for a toonie skate on the Thursday of Spring Break! B was trying to learn how to do cross overs with Clay's strict instructions, Ry was skating and resting, skating and resting, while we were trying to keep track of where they both were! Fun winter festivities...

(No more pictures Mom!)

(B giving Ry some encouragement and some pointers!)

Cowboys/girls and Brides: Behind the Scenes

2010-03-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Megs came over to visit.

I had made headbands so I asked her princesses to try them on.

With four kids in the studio...this is what silliness happened behind the scenes:

Pretty Bride:

Daring Cowboy:

Yee Haw! (not sure what this is!)

Talking to Grammie:

Come again to visit soon!

Homemade (from scratch) Chocolate Cake

2010-03-11T13:01:00.001-08:00

One of my friends from school shared with me her grandmother's recipe for chocolate cake. It is the yummiest cake I have ever tasted, so I thought I would share it with you!

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2cups flour

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 HEAPING Tablespoons of Cocoa
Mix all these dry ingredients into a bowl.
Wet ingredients:

1 cup butter melted
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons vanilla
2 cups boiling water

Mix these wet ingredients QUICKLY into the dry ingredients with a fork.
Put in a 11 x 18 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Spank the cake to get rid of the bubbles.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until the toothpick comes clean.

(p.s. I have used these for really yummy cupcakes too or into a bundt pan for a different shape!)

Costco Fun Park yet, again--this time for Clay's B-day!

2010-03-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here we are yet again at the boys most favorite place. This time just it just so happened to be on Clay's b-day..

(A roller coaster like game...ride??!!)

Trying the point and shoot camera options...

(Ry's favorite motorcycle...which he will now ride ...he was scared of it 6 months ago!)

Happy Birthday dear Clay!

2010-03-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

This year has flown by with it's ups and downs...

and all WE can think to say to you is

THANK YOU...

For showing what it means to give to others less fortunate than ourselves...

For dealing with these things...

For teaching us something...or helping us out...

For our shared love of photography and taking pictures outside our comfort zone...

For doing things that you or the boys may not want to do...(even though later on there will be an appreciation for it!)

For helping us with major projects...

For your sense of humor...

For instilling a love of hockey into our home... and a sense of patriotism into our boys lives!

Being a kid at heart...and loving to spend quality time with us!

For being the most considerate, loving, caring, thoughtful dad and husband.

WE LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

May God continue to bless you!

Love,

J, B and Ry

Here's a story...

2010-03-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Here's the story of a lovely lady who had two daughters of her very own...

and they decided ...to invite some close friends ...

to a tea party just for her!

Happy birthday Mom! We love you and hoped you were a little surprised with your afternoon!

B at the Heat

2010-03-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

B's hockey team finally got to play at the Heat intermission--with the granparents, Auntie Trisha, Mom and Dad to cheer him on--he played great defense (especially good at lying in front of the net!) but lost as they were outnumbered in players almost two to one!

(Hawkey on the left, B on the right with the orange stick)

(B is the one on the ice in front of the goalie)

(B is to the left)

Downtown 2010 Olympic Sights in the Daytime

2010-02-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

Face stamped, Canada gear on and ready to head to Vancouver. Yes, we did drive and park right near the stadium. The kids wanted to take the skytrain, but I didn't want to wait for hours to get on an already full to the brim public transport!

B dancing to the street entertainers:
The crowds...they had to close much of the downtown streets!
This was covering one of the construction sites downtown--really cool!

Ry sleepy in the stroller!

This is the full shot of the canvas outside the art gallery! We met up with Dean and Steph for a bit to see the sights.

Ry doing some patriotic flag waving:

Watching some tricks with the snowboard/skiier on the trampoline just outside the art gallery. (Look at the trees in bloom!)

These lions are outside the art gallery on the front steps:

People by the cauldron--you had to fight to get to the front of the line:

This Christian punk band was playing right beside the cauldron. B was dancing to the tunes!

Mini Inukshuk (the BIG one is down by English bay--we'll take pics by it soon):
Bobsled in the mall

Mascots:
B had a "boring day" and his legs were "tired from all the walking". I hope he appreciates it when he is older that we took him down. Hopefully we'll be able to see the medals at the mint when we go during the paralympic games.

Downtown Storefronts at Night

2010-02-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

My friend Alyssa USED to do the windows for Holte Renfrew! This Alyssa is what they did for the Olympics...just for you! I loved taking them at night everything lit up!

Downtown 2010 Olympic Sights at Night

2010-02-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

These signs were all over the downtown area:

Clay and I ventured downtown--quite the show of patriotism!

Here is Harbour Center all lit up red and white:

Notice the bus "GO CANADA GO"!

Standing in the middle of Georgia Street (I think):

Count down to the Paralympic Games:

Crowds:

They covered up the front of the art gallery with giant flower canvas:

Robson square skating rink. There was a guy that was putting himself in a balloon:

More crowds:

This was projected on the outside of the building when we won the quarter final game in Men's hockey:

The outside of the Hudson's Bay company building (the outfitters for the games):

The official Canadian broadcasters for the Olympics:

Their outside news booth:

Just outside the international media center and the Olympic rings:

(the rings changed colour when we won a medal--Silver in Women's Curling!)

Our first view of the olympic cauldron:

What a fun, rainy night!

Newest Addition to the Wassen Clan

2010-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

Meet Graham! He came to visit the Wassen clan last weekend from Kamloops. So good to see this precious boy!

"Mommy"

Go Canada Go! (Thanks Auntie Trisha for the flags!)

Cheesy Paul! Yes, go Canada! (aka "Daddy" but kid at heart--thanks for playing "chase" or I mean evade with the boys!)
Auntie #1
(mia Auntie #2 in Saskabush)

Auntie #3
Great Auntie

Cousin Trisha

"Daddy" (dunno why he looks scared...)

4 generations!
3 generations!
Thanks for making the trek to see us Graham and family! He's a great little boy!

How Many Ways to Wear a Lulu Headband!? (and the faces you can make)

2010-02-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

(not too happy about this one...the proper way!)

Patriotism!

2010-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Showing our true colours...Clay stapled this outside! There are a few houses in our neighbourhood with flags, Inkukshuk lights and Olympic rings! Go Canada Go!

I found these on sale at Rexall Drugs...the boys have been asking for them and they were so expensive until now!

More Olympic festivities to come!

Spring Has Sprung...Already!

2010-02-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Look what's been awake for a few weeks!

The Long Awaited Reveal...The Finished Project

2010-02-11T22:29:00.001-08:00

From start...(Clay built the entertainment wall himself, planing each and every plank to make it smooth...lots of work, but so worth it in the end! You'll see!)

Our friend Aaron built the shelves...

We stained it all with this ebony colour...

We thought the wall would take a long time to stain, but it only took an hour!

To Finish ... (and it only took 9 months!)

The Torch IN ABBOTSFORD

2010-02-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

Abbotsford welcomes the Olympic Flame February 7, 2010! It was so exciting to see the torch pass by in our own town. It really made me think about the Olympics right around the corner just an hour away! It really is too bad the tickets are so much money. Maybe we'll head down for a few free events.

The Boys in their patriotic gear...

Waiting for the torch....B was so excited (but I think he really wanted to see the mascots that weren't there....bummer)
The first glimse of the torch...just out of focus on the right...

The pass...
B then exclaimed, "That was it? That was boring mom!" I replied, "One day when you are a daddy and have your own kids, you can tell them that you saw the Olympic torch live, in person!"

Airplanes

2010-01-31T15:39:00.000-08:00

There's always some kind of airplane floating around our house whether it's paper, remote control or in this case kin'ex.

Ry wants an airplane bedroom, so we found this cool book at costco with a model cardboard airplane. Clay put it together. Ry just wanted to play with it....

The pics I made for his bedroom.

Thanks Auntie Krista for the cool airplane pics from the airshow!

Peek-a-Boo

2010-01-31T15:37:00.000-08:00

After Ry has had a nap, this is his usual routine. You can hear the small pitter patter of feet, but only see different pieces of him peeking around the corner!

Hangman?

2010-01-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

B is quite the little speller. He brings home his spelling tests always perfect with the bonus words correct as well. He came to me today and wanted to play hangman. He already had one set up. This one I made for him! Where did he learn it? From the lunch monitors at school (not the teacher!).

Bathroom Tiles

2010-01-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

You know what this mess means? Yep! The tile is getting done in the bathroom. It was a difficult job as the room was so small, but well worth the hard work. Looks great, Clay!

Lego Fanatic: Star Wars Style

2010-01-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

B wanted to change up his room to Star Wars--Clay has the sheets and quilt vintage from when he was a kid! With his birthday and Christmas money, he bought a mini lego millennium falcon. He read the directions and with a little help from Clay, he put it together in one afternoon!

Shred aka "Exercising"

2010-01-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

I recently put on the SHRED video by Jillian from the biggest loser. It is not something that I do everyday as recommended, but something to give variety to my workout. The boys thought they would give it a try. They could barely lift the weights and were so tired after 2 minutes!

White Blankie

2010-01-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is Ry's white blankie. It has been lost for a few weeks, so he is so happy to have it back.

He feels the soft spot wrapped around his one finger and falls asleep!

Organization! Wendy this is for you!

2010-01-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

We had all the kids colouring/crafting supplies in bins in one of my kitchen cupboards. For Christmas, B got this caddy. It fit everything and more. The boys can pull out a drawer of crayons to colour with, for example, sp easily and simply! (p.s. My label maker was also handy and now that B can read--he knows how to find things!)

It also fit so nicely in our kitchen--exactly the depth of the cupboards! Yay!

Renos--Before the Deadline!

2010-01-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Our powder room on the main floor has been icky for some time now. We finally found tile we liked for the floor. It is 8 x 12 --so very rectangular. Can't wait for Clay to put it in. We also bought new trim --baseboards and door casings. I'm painting those today. Also, Clay finished the bits left on the hard wood floor. This year has been productive already!

Monster Jam-amas!

2010-01-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it, Megs? These pics are from last night! (I am trying to keep up in this new year!) Clay cleared the studio and the boys were having a monster jam with their remote control vehicles. Clay was chasing them with the monster trucks and B was trying to jump over them! They were so sweaty and wired up they didn't want to go to sleep!

Home Decor

2010-01-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Alot of home renos have been happening in the Lode household. Here is a sneak peak of something we've been staining...

I went to IKEA over break and found a REAL wood table. Clay was putting it together and giving me some drama.

We also changed around some pictures...here's what you will see when you walk in our house now:
As promised here is the final framed hung collages of the boys just outside their room.

Phew!

Ready!

2010-01-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Ready and waiting to go to school Mom! (Shot from the top of the stairs.)

Water Playmobile

2010-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Ry got the playmobile set for Christmas. His favorite was the motorcycle (of course!), but he kept asking me when we can spray the water. The fire engine and the helicopter have squirters that they hopefully won't figure out to fill and spray everything! Summer time toy!

Which Hand is it?

2010-01-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Ry: Which hand is it?

Mom: The left one! (He shows me the right)
Mom: Then the right one! (He shows me the left)
Mom: Then where is it?
(Here!)

Hip Hop

2010-01-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

This is Ry's rendition of some "hip hop" moves. Maybe next September he will try out a class along with his other aspirations of Soccer, Hockey, and Baseball ....

B in the Studio

2010-01-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Every year we try to do a photo shoot around the boys birthdays. B got this cool hoody at Costco, so we thought we would try it out. He was for some reason, super serious, but Ry was being so goofy, we finally got the smiles and laughter out of him. The first two were my favs.

(p.s. For those photographer friends out there, I was playing in the studio with my 50 mm 1.8 lens and low light)

{the silliness comes out when his brother's about}

Happy Hair Cut! How the Mohawk Came to Fruition

2010-01-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

While I was putting away Christmas decorations, Ry was awfully quiet. I went up the stairs and found out what he was doing:

This was his reaction to his "hair cut" (all smiles). When I asked him, why he did it, he replied, "Because I wanted to ...it was in my eyes!" A few weeks ago, B got a hair cut and we asked him if he wanted one, but he said he wanted to keep it long. I guess he changed his mind.
This was my reaction to his hair cut. I was in shock, not really knowing what to say--whether to laugh or get mad. All I said to him was, "Wait here" and I went to get the camera.

Then I asked him where he got the scissors. He replied, "From your bathroom, mama". So I walked into my bathroom to look for them and couldn't find them! He showed me on the floor of my bedroom where he had cut his hair. These scissors aren't the dullest paper scissors, but the sharpest, pointiest in the house as you can see!

Clay wasn't home, so I called up my friend and sister-in-law who are hairdressers, and knowing my luck neither was answering their phone. My neighbor was home, and she cuts her husband's hair all the time, so we went over there. We had to put hair clips to hold it onto one side so we could shave it! Since it was already cut, I decided to do a mohawk. I've always wanted to do this, but never had the guts! I guess it was decided for me!

Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T17:43:00.000-08:00

We spent our New Year's Eve at Mirelle and Aaron's this year! The boys had lots of fun racing in the hall and trying to give Jaelyn hugs. We even got a game of kids Sequence in!

Kaija's fun-ny parents! lol;)

Happy 2010 everyone!

Cho Cho!

2009-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

I went to IKEA this past week and picked up a train set for Ry. He played with one at one of his little friend's houses and loved it.

Yearly Tradition

2009-12-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

Every year for Christmas, the boys get a game. This year Ry's game was Sequence for kids! Something he could play with out needing to read! Here is our first go at playing!

Just Because Ry asked me to!

2009-12-29T21:01:00.001-08:00

After I had finished B's collage, Ry asked, "Where's mine Mom?" So I decided I would do one every year for each of the boys to frame outside between their bedroom doors. I'll post a picture when they are done hanging on the wall. (The time is picking the photos, once that is done, it's so easy with the new Stampin' Up software!)

Chrismas Break means Hockey Tournament!

2009-12-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

Papa Ken coming to watch and keeping Ry occupied...

Timbits of course!
Another spectator from Seattle...his first time in a hockey rink...Reed!
...that's what little boys are made of....

Boxing Day -Christmas #5

2009-12-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas number four commenced with opening of presents, then playing with presents, then playing with cousins, then eating a yummy dinner. As always it's always about the kids!

{Ry thinks, "Hey she has a drink too! I wonder if she will put it down, so I can get some more?"}
{"I am being a good boy Mommy!"}
{"Do you want to trade? Mine will taste better than yours!"}

Please, no more eating!

At the Lode's Christmas #4

2009-12-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

The dinner...(YUMMY)

The cool one..watchin' the movie...
The checkin' the facebook one...

The gamers...

The ornaments...

The look of ...what is this...

...yes I want to play with it!

The end result!

At home in the Morning Christmas #3

2009-12-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

In my family, my dad would always read the Christmas story before we did anything, so we carry this tradition on to our family. Then we open our stockings and presents together as a family. This year instead of stockings, we did the Operation Chirstmas Child shoeboxes.

The Truck collage, I made Clay from the boys for Christmas.

Thanks Liz for this delicious Christmas morning breakfast!

Ry got a skateboard from B, so after breaky he of course wanted to go try it out. There aren't many places that have a bright, warm sunshiney day for Chrismtas!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T15:08:00.001-08:00

May your holidays have lots of blessings--from our house to yours! Stay tuned for our "holiday" letter!

Wassen Family Christmas (Eve) #2

2009-12-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

(Prepare for the onslaught of photos!) We always dress up for Christmas Eve service and get a photo by the Christmas tree:

The boys scoping out the presents...
Ry's job--the cleaner ...
Ry wanted to help everyone open their presents...

We always go in order and open presents one by one. Ry was telling each person whose turn it was..."It's YOUR turn now!"
What is it?

New Canada gear from Auntie...

Air hockey table...

Happy Presents!

Birthday Extravaganza!

2009-12-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

B had a fun-filled 6th REAL birthday! We had a quick visit to Castle Fun Park and then off to Red Robin for his yearly birthday dinner tradition.

Here he is with his FREE Sunday and "Happy Birthday" song.

Then someone from church rented out ARC, so we went for our FIRST ever family skate! B had so much fun chasing people and getting rides from all the older kids. He even got to push Ry around in the stroller.
Ry is just learning how to skate, so he practiced his skills too!
Here is Randy "elvis" Frisky singing Happy Birthday to B.

6, six, seis, zes, seks,

2009-12-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

WOW! What a year it has been--can you believe my boy is SIX! B is in grade one and reading chapter books, and is doing hard math like 100 + 100. This year he also learned how to ride a bike with out training wheels, roller blade and skate enough to play hockey! B is quick to pick up other sports, but he would rather be doing other things. He loves to draw, colour and create projects with whatever treasures he finds. He loves LEGO. He loves to listen to music on his ipod shuffle. Lego Star Wars, Batman or Indiana Jones are his games of choice on the X-box 360. He loves to play board games or card games as long as he can win, I mean, have "fun"! He is a sensitive kid and loves his little brother, friends and family dearly. What a great big brother he is! (What fun the boys have playing nicely--interspersed with yelling matches on who had what toy!) B, Mom and Dad are so proud of your creativity, sportsmanship, and hilarious thoughts you come up with. Yo Yo Dawg, Happy Birthday! We can't wait to see what you will learn this year!

Wassen Extended Family Christmas #1

2009-12-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

This was Wassen Christmas/B's Birthday/Opa's Birthday all in one!

High School Christmas

2009-12-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

We had great fun going to my high school friend (Locker partner), Janet's house, for a Christmas party! It was so much fun as all of us have two kids each...come to think of it that means they outnumber us, but we are bigger than they are!

Happy...
Crazy...
Happy ...
Crazy...

Snacks (with that Guy that Dresses Up in that Red Suit)

2009-12-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, here goes...."We don't believe in Santa Claus". There. I admitted it. We tell our kids that it is just a guy dressed up in a suit; however, we still go to snacks with Santa and we still do stockings...they are just from us. We want to show them how much we love them, not some random guy they think brought them presents! Mock all you want.

Here is the boys crafting at the Snacks with Santa at our school....

Ry petrified of the old man...(Last year he sat on his lap?)
Wide eyed at the "quad with a trailer" (he says) for his present.
B sitting on his knee...

and opening his much requested backagon (sp?)

So cute!

Happy Holidays!

O Christmas Tree...

2009-12-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

With December 1st falling on a weekday, we were a little late getting our Christmas Tree this year. We went to Ledgeview Christmas Tree Farm and with our luck it was the ONLY day in December that it snowed!

A few days later we started to decorate the tree, all for it to fall down that night. We needed a new stand and nowhere had them! Shimming it up, it worked for this season!

Mini Trees

2009-12-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

Grandma Marlys got these mini trees for the boys for their rooms and helped them make ornaments to decorate them! So fun!

Have Yourself a Happy Little Birthday...

2009-12-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

The girl group originally from NV Baptist Church tries to get together for everyone's birthday through out the year. With such a busy fall, we couldn't find the time, so it ended up being in December. I found this cute idea on a blog I watch, so I decided to make cupcakes and try it out. Here's the end result....

Thanks girls for a fun-filled evening...it never seems like we are apart, even though we don't see each other in months!

More Mostaches and Cupcakes

2009-12-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Just a little fun with the boys!

Halloween: Super Hero Style!

2009-10-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

The boys as you can see are superheroes for Halloween this year. Fully made from things we found around home because none of the stores had the size that would fit them!
B carved his own pumpkin this year and thanks to Erin, Ry was able to make Spiderman from his pumpkin using Mr. Potato head parts!
"Trick or Treat!" We had at least 300 kids. We always know how much candy we buy and we were empty and had to put out the sign saying we had none left. Welcome to Auguston!
Our neigbour's decked out house!

Ry is 3...For Real Now!

2009-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

If you noticed...last year I made the mistake on Ry's cake saying he was three. Well, now he really is. Dressed in his new Olympic gear from Papa and Grandma D we shot some pics in the studio...after his party!

Ry had a few friends over to commemorate his special day!

Including the neighbour's dog Rudy!

Ry wanted a motorcross cake...so his big thing is the bikes falling in the water on the video game!

One of his buds is 2 months older than him and we had never really done a photo shoot with them....here was our chance and they totally made it worthwhile...hamming it up for the camera!
Happy Birthday Ry!

Happy Birthday Ry Ry!

2009-10-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

My baby is three today! I love the many faces he has especially involving his dimples. I love how he is so cuddly and always wants to find his soft spot on his blankie. I love how he thinks there is a monster under his bed that scares him and he needs me to come check to make sure it's okay. I love how he wants to always go in the back yard and play in the sand or ride bikes, his skateboard or rollerblades. He wants to play hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer...and any other sports he can think of. I love when he prays the same prayer, "Dear Jesus thank-you for this food. Help Daddy be home." (at any meal or before bed). I love that he thinks crashing his video game motorcycle in the water is hilarious. I also love how he admits to farting with a sly giggle. I love how he always wants to wear comfy pants, not jeans. I love how you and B play tug of war and always want to hug each other. Ry we love you so much! You are such a big boy! Happy third Birthday to the exact minute!

The Flyer

2009-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Auntie Jo always has the coolest gismos at her house. She brought this out and the boys had a blast (especially Dale) making it fly really high and not getting it caught in the trees or on the neighbour's roofs!

Annual Apple Barn Tradition 2009

2009-10-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

We dawned on the apple barn one crisp october day. Getting there early is the way to go!

Ry seems to always be grouchy...maybe it's all the people.

B not wanting his picture taken and me bribing him to then smile...
Fun on the jumpy pillow!

Who's in that rabbit hole?

Look who's growing....every year we take a picture by the growth chart...

Picking the perfect pumpkin can be hard...

especially if you are three and want to pick up every pumpkin in the patch!

Goodbye until next year!

"Hockey"

2009-10-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is what ends up happening. RY loves to practice his slap shot, while B loves to make the net a fort. My son through and through!

Out With the Old, In with the New Tear

2009-10-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is my first car from 1998! It was a great car. Clay used it as a commuter car for 3 years now, and it was on it's last legs. It needed new tires and the gear box and busted through the floor...among other things. We traded it in for our new 2006 Honda Civic 4 door through the scrap it program. $750...goodbye!

On another note, we have a new addition to the family! Here is Clay's 1951 Chevy pick up. It has some things to fix to get it registered in Canada, and it had some issues getting into the country, but it is safe and sound in our garage. Hopefully, we will be able to take photos with it in the summer!
{This was Clay's Christmas present from the boys. B drew the picture in the middle and I framed it for him}
{Ry's shennanigans on the way home from the states--no words to describe it}

Ry's Many Sporty Talents

2009-10-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

While B was at hockey, mom and Ry went out in the "back alleyway" for some sporty fun!

{Ry's tricks}

{Trying rollerblades}

{Fun with the skateboard}

Grade 1...sigh

2009-09-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

I just found these photos on some random memory card! Yeah to those once were lost, but now are found!

B showing me how to count at circle time.
Sunflowers!

See mom! I went to Victoria in the summer. (He drew the parliament buildings).

B's Picture

2009-09-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

B has sure inherited my artistic ability of being able to copy a picture...here is an example of something he drew this week:

Walk for Autism for Autism Speaks 2009

2009-09-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

We always have a blast at the Walk for Autism. This year it was held at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver. They have tonnes of fun stuff like a jumpy slide and batting cages set up for the kids. There always is fun too when there is lots of room to run and wrestle!

Chillaxin'

2009-09-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

watchin' the kids play and the cars go by on our front porch...funny guy!

School...Grade 1! Believe it or Not!

2009-09-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

My boy is in grade one. Can you believe it? Time flies! My best friend Liz has a picture every year with her siblings on her front porch the first day of school. I decided I would do this too! Is he ready? Totally! Am I ready? It's hard to believe that my boy can read and write and do Math and sit in a desk all day! Have fun bud! Mom is proud of you! (Ry had to get in on the action even though he isn't in school yet;)

Science World Freestyle

2009-09-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Souper!

2009-08-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with my 50 mm/ 2.8 lens during lunch:

~August 2009

Where oh where?

2009-08-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

I went to check on Ry during his nap. This is what I found (or didn't find):

~August 2009

The Eagle-The Mountain-The Park

2009-07-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

B's photography skills:

Tip of the day: Make your children go to the bathroom before you trek up to the park. Estimated play time: 15 minutes

~July 2009

3-D Fun!

2009-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

We went to Mission Silver City to see Ice Age 3-D Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Ry kept taking his glasses off (or they would fall off because they were too big!). A cute movie!

~July 2009

Gingerbread House a little late...

2009-07-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

We bought the gingerbread house kit at Costco and we were so busy at Christmas, we decided to decorate it when things died down.

Ry loved putting the candies from one bowl to another...

~January 2009