Syd's 3rd birthday

We celebrated Syd's 3rd birthday on January 16th. After dinner, we sang happy birthday and had a cake. Then Syd opened up some presents. Here's a short video of the birthday cake. Happy Birthday, Syd!

Flooring Update

Well, I've made it to the halfway point! I finished the tile in the laundry room today. I then grouted where the washer and dryer sit. This way, I can let that area set up and get them back in place ASAP (see photo of our kitchen below). I've created an expansion joint at the doorway going from the hallway into the kitchen. That's where I'll pick back up again. Here are a few photos.

Xmas '08 in the bag!!

Another Christmas holiday has come and gone. The anticipation leading up to the big day was intense this year, with Spencer being on the ball about what Santa should bring and Syd getting into it more also. We had been juggling our plans right up to the day before we left, as we were also heading to Canada to spend time with Christine's family. We toyed with leaving on Christmas Eve day, but that entailed (as we've done the past few Christmases) packing all the kids' toys in separate suitcases, packing wrapping paper and waiting until we got to Canada to wrap them. The reasoning behind this is simple. When we go to Canada, you must patiently wait your turn at the border to cross into Canada. When it's your turn, you drive up to the little booth and play 20 questions with the border guard. How many are in the vehicle? What are your nationalities? Where are you coming from? Where are you going? Why are you going there? How long are you staying? Any gifts? What's the total dollar amount? What's the most expensive item? Any tobacco, alcohol, or firearms? Then it's usually "Have a safe trip" and we're on our way. However, there's always the chance that you could get a overly diligent border guard who wants to search the car. Back to the presents. If they search your car and see wrapped gifts, more likely than not, they will unwrap them to inspect and then we'd have to re-wrap them. Hence, it's just easier to pack them unwrapped and do it all up there.

Well, this year we decided to spend Christmas morning at home. The kids are getting old enough to appreciate Christmas morning, plus we eliminate any potential hassles at the border. The one big item Spencer asked for this year from Santa was a set of Batman wings. Spencer's friend Jack in Canada got these last year and Spencer couldn't stop talking about them. So it seems Santa still had parts leftover to put together a set this year. Take a look at the short video below showing the Batman wings in action.

Here are some photos from Canada. We had a good visit with everyone, spending quite a bit of time with Christine's cousin's kids (Mikaela, Ryan and Adam). Their dad is sick with leukemia right now so Christine and I tried to help out Beckie (her cousin) as much as we could. We all know Bill is going to pull through!

Spencer, Syd and their cousin Riley

Syd, Ryan, Spencer and Mikaela

Ryan and Spencer hamming it up for a picture!