Beauceville!

So, after 10 years, Jonathan and I finally got our butts in gear and took a trip back to Beauceville. This is where Jon's mom, Marthe, grew up, and where most of her family still lives. We went for what turned out to be quite a large family reunion. Marthe has, I think, 6 brothers and sisters, and they have wives, and kids, and grandkids! I had a really hard time keeping track of everyone, but it was fun to get reaquainted with Jon's family. Michaela has only 2 cousins (so far) on my side of the family, but at least 12 first cousins, once removed, on Jon's side of the family. Except for three of them who came up from Washinton D.C., all the other kids spoke only French. Somehow they were able to communicate, and they even picked up a few English phrases. It was great for Michaela to meet more of her family.

Yummy

Michaela really enjoyed watching this caribou eat. I think by the size of the gaps in this fence that this animal is safe to be this close to, at least I hope so.

Feeding Time

We were lucky to be at the Ecomuseum at feeding time for the animals. The otters were thrilled to be fed, and after that we watched the racoons being fed, and the lady let Michaela help, throwing handfuls of food to them.

Yes, There Was a Fence!

Meow!

Here's another animal who was much more comfortable with the cold. I've never seen the Lynx out and about before. Yesterday the two of them were prowling around their enclosure putting on quite the show.

Nevermore

This Raven was just as curious of Missie as she was of it. Fortunately Michaela was wearing mittens, or she would only be able to count to 9 for the rest of her life if you know what I mean (The raven was cravin' for some finger to eat).

Enjoying the Cold

Here are two birds who really seemed to be enjoying the recent cold snap. Comparing the picture we took this summer, and the one we took yesterday, I'm sure they're hoping winter will last a little longer.

Brave Little Girl

Here's Michaela holding a snake. She loves snakes, just like her Mom does. Unfortunately we can never own one since we have several friends who have said that they would never visit if we got a snake. Oh well.

The Ecomuseum

Mom and Dad came down for a visit this weekend. We had a great time, and on Saturday we decided to take Michaela to McDonald Farm, like we used to do when we were kids. Unfortunately someone decided that having people just wandering around this McGill run farm gawking at the cows, wasn't such a great idea (Probably something to do with mad bird flu or whatever), so everything was all locked up. So, since we were already in the neighborhood, we decided to go to the Ecomuseum. We took Micah and Meghan there when they visited in September, but we'd never gone in the winter before.

Sleeping Beauty

Just some cute shots of Michaela sleeping. I am always amazed at how Michaela and Newt are together. She bugs him so much, and those of you who know him know he's a nervous cat, but whenever she's calm or sleepy, he senses it and cuddles up with her. It's really sweet.

Bath Time

This was just such a cute picture, I had to post it. Michaela LOVES bath time!

Welcome Home!

We'd like to officially welcome back our beloved camera "Cammy" after an extensive visit abroad, at Meghan and Aaron's. "Cammy" decided to stay in Kingston after Christmas, and we missed her terribly. She is back however, and hopefully she will decide to remain with us forever (or at least until we upgrade).

Two Peas in a Pod

We had such a nice time at Meghan and Aaron's celebrating Granddad and Uncle Rick's birthdays.

Pretty

Here's Michaela all dressed up to go to her friend Jake's 10th Birthday Party. Yes, Michaela seems to have a thing for older men! Actually she was invited to keep Jake's younger sister Stephanie company while Jake was playing with his friends.

What A Little Lady!

Here's our little jokester, fooling around with Mr. PotatoHead mouths. I think Michaela has her Dad's love for making people laugh.

Barbie!Barbie!Barbie!

What a House!

Barbie!

Mom and Dad got Michaela a Barbie house for Christmas. I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or Michaela!

Awwww!

I thought this was such a great picture of Caitlin and Sharon. That blanket was a gift from Josh and Heather.

Turtle Trot

Caitlin and Sharon gave Michaela a really cute purple turtle that she now sleeps with every night. Here she is dancing with it.

Cool!!!!

Micah got this cool Spiderman Scooter from Mom and Dad. I think Jon was a little jealous.

Battle!

Josh and Heather sent the kids costumes and toy swords. They were a big hit, and the kids tired themselves out battling each other.

Mr. and Baby Claus

Dad always wears that Santa hat and McGill sweater on Christmas. This year Michaela matched him.

Christmas!

Michaela looked so beautiful in the special dress Auntie Donna bought her for Christmas.

Stocking Time

Here's Michaela opening her stocking very early on Christmas morning. Jon and I were actually awake quite early and since I couldn't fall back asleep (at 4:30 am), Jon was good enough to stay up with me and play games till Michaela woke up at 7.

Gingerbread Men

We went to Meghan's on Christmas Eve. The kids kept busy making gingerbread men.

Snowball Fight!

We arrived at Mom and Dad's on Friday. Around supper time it started to snow. The snowflakes were so huge and heavy, we couldn't resist going out for some fun. Here are Michaela and Jon having a little snowball fight.

Dinner With Grandmaman

Marthe took us to Barbie's for a very nice Christmas dinner with Jon's brother Shawn. Michaela was very good, and enjoyed a pizza, and ice cream for dessert. Thanks Marthe for a great evening.

Look....Santa!!!!

For some reason, Michaela absolutely loves Santa, Even though we have never talked about him before. My friend Angie, who is an aerobics instructor at Good Life, volunteered to be our Santa, and she did an amazing job!

Merry Christmas!

Party!

On Wed. we had a Christmas party at our daycare. Here are some of the kids enjoying some special Christmas treats.

Story Time!

Wow, Presents!!

Michaela was in heaven when she realized that she was getting presents. Here she is opening a Fisher Price car garage. We set it up right away, and she LOVED it!

Lion!

Auntie Donna and Uncle Rick gave Michaela (among other things), a child's first sign-language book. Michaela really loved it, and we were all amazed at how well she imitated the signs Donna showed her. Here she is doing the sign for lion.

Done!

And it's up!

I think we got the perfect tree!

Picture Perfect

I just love this picture!

Way to Go!

Jon looks pretty proud eh? Seconds after the tree fell, Michaela pointed at that tree behind them and said, "That one". Sorry, Michaela, only one!

THE ONE!!!

We finally picked the perfect tree. Michaela loved watching Daddy cut it down.

Which One, Which One?

We took Michaela to cut down a Christmas tree yesterday.

Fort Fun!

After too many quiet minutes from Michaela's room (never a good sign), I went to check on her. She had built this little fort all by herself and was playing so nicely. It was adorable.

Fast Friends

Well Newt and Michaela are beginning to get along. When Michaela's not trying to wrap Newt up in a blanket or trying to force him to play with his cat toys, they actually get along. It's very cute to see them curled up together.