Music Festival

Julia and her school participated to the Porcupine Music Festival last week. Julia was, as usual, very nervous. She was telling me how in our family it is Kelden who likes to sing but that she is shy and doesn't like to be in public.

Of course, she did fine.

After their performance, one of the judges came to tell them what they had done well and what they had to improve. They received A ++

They also won the trophy for best francophone choir Grade2 and under.

I'm not sure there was much competition in that category, but still ! Well done Julia !!!

Skates for Zack

Since his siblings have so much fun skating, we knew Zack was jealous so we bought him some Bob skates. That way, Keld doesn't have an excuse and can come on the ice with us.


Getting ready to follow his brother:

Ready, set, go !!

Let's try not to fall like Kelden...

...by holding on to Papa:

As you can see, he really liked it, with his Dad. But his dad can't be everywhere at the same time.

A good thing Maman and Julia can stand on their own (even if just barely).

I think Zack actually likes skating even more than his siblings :)

Family Day, Part 2 : Grandpa Bruce's Birthday

Today is Grandpa Bruce's birthday but we celebrated on Monday.

Grandpa chose Chinese food and chocolate cake (good choices!!)

I think he had a good time !

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bruce !!!!

Family Day, Part 1: Ice Fishing

The ward had planned an ice-fishing activity for Family Day yesterday (as fishing is free that day). It was my first time and, although I am not into fishing at all, I really like being outside for a reason and enjoy the members'company. You see them?

Keld isn't into fishing either, but he loved digging the holes. 

Kelden too (don't be fooled by his expression).

Then you prepare your rod.

And then, you wait.
Both Julia and Kelden tried to hold the fishing rod for a bit (like two seconds).

They didn't stay long, but it was enough to send good vibes so Uncle Jim could catch a fish from that hole.

Poor Aunt Tina didn't have that much luck although she was more patient than we were.

After an hour outside, we went in to have some lunch.

Then, Uncle Jeff and his mom took care of Zack while Keld and I went snow shoeing.

Again, it was my first time and again, I really liked it. In a couple of years, when Zack is in school, I will be able to go walking outside all year round !

It was a really nice Family Day, and the party had only just begun...

Valentine's Day

For Valentine's day we went to the school to have lunch with Kelden and Julia. Kelden had been asking me to come eat with him since Kaitlin's mom had come...Keld didn't have much time but he got to eat pizza as it was pizza day.

Julia was very surprised to see us, especially her dad. We brough her to Kelden's class (they were watching Franklin's Valentine's day so it was a bit dark.)
I was quite proud of Kelden. He wrote a card to each person in the class + the teacher + the assistant (=20). He wrote the name of each person and his name as well. Good practice. He also made 3 cards at school.

The mouse card is from Julia. It is the shape of a heart when it opens. Here is Julia with all she received:

And here's Kelden:

They had to share with Zack of course:

He likes candy too !!

Report Cards

We got the report cards and had the teacher interviews last week.
According to her teacher, Julia is perfect, which is why she can't understand why Julia still cries very regularly asking to go home. "I even gave her my teddy bear the other day," she said to me.
Julia is a good student, learning well. Here she is, reading her scriptures at night.

Kelden cries less but complains almost every day too. His teacher was very impressed with all his progress. He didn't know anything before starting school and can now recognize his numbers and all the letters they've learnt, although he knows the sounds of the letters better than their names (which is all right, she said, since that's what really matters).
She told me that he used to be very tired and would sleep. He doesn't sleep any more she said, but gets suddenly very tired...when it's writing time! He is still struggling with writing, still not sure which hand to use. His teacher said she tried to practice with his right hand until Christmas but, seeing no progress, she is now trying with his left hand.  It's hard, he's always switching hands.  

In this video, it does look like he is better with his left hand, but I could have taken another video 10 minutes later where it would have been the exact opposite!

And what about Zack? Well, yesterday was our first day with no accidents !

Of course, I can't say he's fully potty trained yet, but I hope we're on the right track !

Zack's First Haircut

Before:

During:

After:

Happy Birthday Uncle Dave !

Since her dad chose one of his favorite cakes for the last birthday, Julia decided it was her turn for this one. I'm not sure Uncle Dave would like it but it might remind him of France. It reminds me of my family since we used to have it, let's say..maybe...once a week? It's like an Angel food cake, cut in two to put jam (Keld, who doesn't really like that cake, actually says it's a waste of our homemade jam) and it's covered with chocolate (there has to be some chocolate somewhere). Then you can put fruits or anything you want on top. I asked Keld to make a D for Dave.

I still don't have "my" computer, but I do have pictures of the birthday boy hanging in the house:

We hope he was surrounding by friends and family again today for his special day!

More Winter Fun

Thanks to the Wellness Committee at the City, the employees can enjoy free skating and free swimming. Unfortunately, the swimming is almost always booked on Sundays. But not skating ! So we went to practice. My kids need lots of practice...

It's not like it's in their genes...

They much prefer sliding.

Yes, Zack loves sliding too. He didn't like, however, sharing the front seat with Kelden...

Poor Keld, they're heavy...

They can't wait to do it again!