Happy New Year! *gag cramp*

Well the flu that I have had since a week before Christmas is still with me. I saw the clinic doctor yesterday who said "it's either viral or bacterial" ordered some tests and sent the results to my family doctor, who is so busy, by the time I get an appointment in his office I probably will be done with this. And then he'll say "yep you were sick. You had XXX." Or he'll say "yep you were sick. You didn't have XXX though." It doesn't change the fact that I am not feeling well now.

I am finally posting our Christmas pictures tho. Hooray for small accomplishments.

We went to my dad's on the evening of the 23rd for some dinner and visiting with my dad's friend Adrien and also Granty Penny and Gruncle Ron. Notice the snowflakes on the wall above the "fireplace". My dad has maybe 200 unique hand-crafted paper snowflakes that he painstakingly made over about 20 years, 70's to 90's.

Adrien helping Anya and Hayden figure out how to make that happy meal toy fly.

I love my dad's tree. This is the morning of the 24th, our family Christmas day. (and Hayden's birthday too)

Rounding the kids up in their matching pj's for the photo.

Of course, some of them were more difficult to make sit on the couch. Sage needed to be held. Looks like he's developing quite the ab of steel! I only just noticed in this photo.

Opening some presents. Or explaining why you can't just rip all the paper off all the presents. This was Elora's present and they all wanted to help rip.

Playing dinky cars together like matching cousins should.
Our Christmas morning. Not many photos because I was feeling rotten.

We discovered that Tilly is a size 2T. Much to her chagrin. This was a few days before christmas.

Feel the squishing suffocating love. You can hear Tilly saying "oh god".

Have a Happy New Year everyone. Stay safe. Don't drink and drive.

Happy Birthday Vanessa!!

Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To youuu!
Happy BIRTHDAY dear VANESSSSSSAAAAAA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOO YOUUUUUUU!!!

(and manyy mooore...)

stomach flu christmas

sorry for no blogs or pictures.. I got stomach flu on the 24th and haven't felt like doing much. it's mostly better.. just lingering nausea.. or is that hunger? I can't tell. either way, yuk.

Merry Christmas

To all and to all a good night!

Hayden's Pictures

Jake and I gave Hayden and Anya Sesame Street cameras for their birthdays. Here's some of Hayden's artistic views.

Photos of the Birthday Party - my set

So. Pine Ridge Ranch. Ponies. Cake. Presents. Family. Friends. Pictures. Here you go.

Brothers in law confer about bbq strategies.

The two ponies. You can see the BIG pony is quite a bit taller than the TINY pony.

Pictures in the cold = lots of timing required with regard to breathing out.

And I thought snowflakes from the Snowman photo shoot had made spots on my lens, but upon further consideration, I believe the dust particles in the air (floor of sand) are reflecting the light.

Jenny and Frenchy and their son Keegan.

Outdoors.

Brave Anya was the first to ride the pony.

Hayden on his way to the Tiny Pony.

Everyone patting Tiny Pony's nose.

Go Hayden! Go Hayden!

Yay for me in the picture too!

Apparently there's dischord between Pine Ridge Ranch and where we went in October for pony rides, Wagon Wheel Ranch because they never use helmets. I think the two factions are like the Jets and the Sharks.

Hayden prematurely blew his candles out before we could sing.

But then he got the timing right :)

Three Pink Girls and a Purple Aunt

It was a cute little cabin. Outhouse only though, around the corner round back. Cold. Clean. Too scary for Hayden.

Sandy is signing "pig" by accident I think.

Chris and Wendi

One of the cool presents Hayden received.

Checking out the cousin's present.

A big thank-you hug for Poppa/Grampa for the movie Peter Pan.

Jenny and family had to leave before presents. This is them opening yours Keegan! note the extreme happy expressions. well, Hayden's expression is visible. Anya is excited but hidden.

Me, Penny, Carol

Awww more thank you hugs.

Sage is trying to see what's in this box. A truck.

Anya wrote this birthday note ALL BY HERSELF. I was thoroughly impressed.

Jake and loot.

Thanks to everyone for all their help and for coming out on such a snowy day! I know the kids had a great time because of you. Lots of love all around!!!!!