We're going to this tonight.

You should too!

I'm almost done my Christmas shopping, which is a great feeling. The only big thing left to do now, is to build a train table for Eva's wooden tracks. It should turn out great, I'm pretty excited. We're going to build tunnels over some of it, and paint the table pink, and install it so it attaches to her wall, and can be clipped upright when she's not using it. It's all about practicality.

For little Katy-Kaitlyn, I wasn't sure what to get her. My original plan was to get her a riding toy, but then I realized it wouldn't be any fun for her because Nich is very touchy about his hardwood floors (which are not hard wood at all, but in fact a very soft wood that dents at the slightest touch) and would never let her ride on them.

So, I was at Toys R Us, and spotted the Classic Cabbage Patch Dolls- you know, the ones with the yarn hair- I bet you had one- I think everyone I know had one.

Anyways, I showed it to Kaitlyn, and she got the biggest grin on her face. Then she grabbed it, pulled it up to her mouth, and tried to eat it. Which is baby sign language for "I want a Classic Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas, Mommy!" She's so cute.

Have I mentioned yet, that I am so excited for Christmas?

One of the biggest perks of living in Canada (besides health care) is that there is no rule as to when you are allowed to start decorating for Christmas. I take full advantage of this, and take my decorating cue from Starbucks, who officially declared it Christmas last week.

So, we scored a $20 Christmas tree on Craigslist, hauled the Christmas decorations up from storage, and went crazy. Oh, and we had to dress kids all Christmas-like too..

Eva was thilled about the "big socks", and had to try them on.

While we were decorating, we also had Christmas music on in the background. She loved the song "Santa Clause is coming to town"-she danced and got all excited that Santa is coming to town- even though I am pretty sure she doesn't even know what that means.

She also helped put ornaments on the tree...

Birch Bay is beautiful, we had a great visit. On my way home, I decided to take the "scenic route", and followed the coastline most of the way home. That was a gorgeous drive. I really need to start taking my time in life. I'm always in a rush, especially with two kids in tow. There is always someone that needs to eat, nap, pee, drink, play, or sit in a time-out. But, I'm slowly learning that I should just take my time and enjoy things like scenery, and not always be in such a rush to get where I'm going.

I am so overdue on posting pictures, it's not even funny. Life is pretty busy around here. I'm not complaining, just explaining (hey, that rhymed!) why I haven't posted pictures from my Mom's birthday, Nich's birthday, our Vancouver trip, and a visit with Nich's Opa. But, I need to get on top of it, because another big adventure awaits us tomorrow: me and the girls are packing up and heading out to Birch Bay to hang out with Christi and the boys. So without further adieu, an onslaught of pictures (brace yourselves..)



Happy Birthday to Nich (11 days ago....)!! He didn't want a present from me, just a date night (so we went and watched horse racing, so fun). But, I couldn't let a birthday go by without any gifts, so I made him an edible present. A 5-layer Oreo Fudge Ice Cream cake. He was pretty stoked...


And I was stoked to help him eat it...
As was Eva...

We just got back from a mini vacation in downtown Vancouver. We stayed at the Wall Centre - which is one of the tallest, most beautiful buildings in Vancouver. Eva was reeeally excited to be staying in the "Tall Tower", and got lots of enjoyment riding the super-fast elevator, and playing in the pool.

We got to see Chelsey and her Mom, which was pretty fantastic. We also took a trip to the Stanley park aquarium, spent lots of time in Chapters, ate lots of yummy food, spent a little time shopping, and had a fun movie night (watching Kung Fu Panda).

It was great, but we are all pooped. As Kaitlyn pretty much does not sleep at all when sharing rooms are involved. She's a super light sleeper, so if you roll over, sniff or snore...she's awake and screaming.

So, I have pictures, but no energy to post them. Maybe later....

We named her Kaitlyn, and the plan was to call her by her full name until she grew into a "Kate". But, then she somehow got tagged with the nickname "Katy-Kaitlyn", I think from a song I made up that went something like this:

Katy-Katy-Kaitlyn