Christmas 2009

What a great Christmas it just was. We were so excited/worried about getting the kids to sleep that we forgot to leave snacks out for Santa and his reindeer...luckily they helped themselves and left us a note explaining what they had done. Also, those carrots came out of my garden and the bottle of beer in the top left corner is a home brew - just so everyone knows. Santa does things right! Thank you to everyone for your huge generosity - we are very appreciative!

This is what the kids woke up to and the effect the whole thing had on Maddy!

Santa left yet another note for the kids letting them know that he wasn't able to fit the trampoline in the house...he also tied a string to the letter and had the kids follow it outside to find out what exactly he had left. The kids were jumping on the new trampoline before 7:00am! I'm sure the neighbors loved us for that!

The kids opening presents

Random Bacarella Photos

Hi everyone,

Well, as I said in an earlier post, things have been busy around here. Talor and I are now enjoying summer break, we have been to the beach once, and we have made it through birthdays and Christmas. The New Year will be here in a few days and chaos will start all over again. We are looking forward to our trip back to the states in June and have that too gear up for - AFTER we enjoy the warm weather and summertime fun. We hope you are all doing well and enjoy the updates.

- Layla being Layla

After arriving home one day when we were unable to take Maddy with us and finding her soaking wet, Talor and I thought we would make her a dog house to protect her from the elements. It's nothing fancy, but it works. We will be painting it soon and will be painting "Maddy" along the top under the roof. ALSO, as you can see in the picture below, the kids love it. If you look closely you'll also see them with a bag of cookie dough as they hide from us and have a little snack!

Talor has finished his year in kindergarten and had a party that we were able to attend towards the end of the term. Here is a picture of his class and also one of him holding a pig when the farm came to his school earlier in the term. He had been attending kindy three days a week BUT we found out recently that he is moving to the big kid group and will be attending FIVE days starting next year! He's very excited!!

- Talor and Layla playing at the park

- The family - Talor is wrapping a present for Layla...he was so proud of himself and did a nice job!

Talor's 4th Birthday

A few days after Layla's 2nd birthday, we were celebrating once again with Talor's 4th birthday. I am not sure where the time has gone, but our little boy is turning into such a big guy now! He opened a bunch of presents on the morning of his birthday and then received a shock that evening when Aunt Amanda and Uncle Rowan showed up with a home made Go-Cart! It was a hit with the kids, and even Aunt Amanda had a turn riding it down the drive. Thanks to everyone for your generosity and for making a 4 year old feel VERY special!

We also celebrated his birthday the following weekend with Shell's extended family. Talor got a ton of gifts once again and had a blast. Thanks go out to Nana for making a cool dinosaur cake - just what the birthday boy wanted!

Layla's 2nd Birthday

On November 23rd Layla celebrated her 2nd birthday. She got an oven/stove play thing from us and was very lucky to receive a home made dolls house from her Aunt Amanda and Uncle Rowan as big presents. She was also very spolied by all of her other grandparents and aunts and uncles, so thank you all very much!

We also had a very nice birthday party on the weekend before her birthday where quite a few relatives came over to celebrate and spoil her. Nana made the cake and it was a huge hit! Layla had a ball and enjoyed her day!

Thanksgiving 2009

Hi everyone,

I know that it's been a while since we posted anything, and for that I apologize. Things have been good here, and very busy. Here are some pictures of this year's Thanksgiving dinner. Shell and her family cooked a beautiful meal and everyone came to our place to eat and watch the Lions lose (luckily I have a DVD of the Lions v Packers from about 3 years ago - unfortunately the score was too similar to this year's). Regardless, it was a good night and a fantastic meal! A huge thanks also to Rowan for bringing the Budweiser - it was a little taste of home. Happy Thanksgiving (belated).

Maddy the Fox Terrier

Well, after a month or so of serious looking, we have added Maddy to our family. As my mom says, it's fitting that she arrived with us at this time of year seeing as though we have a knack for adding members to our family every two years around Thanksgiving. Regardless, Maddy is a 4 or 5 year old, mellow fox terrier who seems to be adjusting to the craziness of our lives so far. She is very sweet and cuddly and she loves going on walks with all of us. Now if only she and Lola would stop messing with each other...then we'd be all set.