Juliette's 2nd Birthday

We went down to Vancouver for Juliette's 2nd birthday party. Mom drove down with me a couple days before to help get things ready. Darren hoped on the greyhound later in the week to join us. Juliette was so excited on her birthday, we had been telling her about the party all week. when she finally saw her balloons, she would not let go of them for anything! She walked around all day with them trailing behind her.

She loved wearing her sparkly dress and would dance around putting on a show.

Joan is famous for holiday decorating, their house was perfect for entertaining. It was wonderful to have the grandparents, family and friends together for this special day.

It was nice to see Heidi, Allen, Deven and Lola looked so cute with her little Dora hair cut.

Juliette just loved playing with her big cousins.

Danny even showed us some of her cool gymnastic moves. Juliette thought it was so great she tried doing a head stand herself.

Grandpa Joe holding Virgil. It was great we had a chance to see him between trips up north.

Little Sara just loved playing with the hanging ornaments.

Juliette opened so many great presents from everyone, Including all the 2010 Olympic mascots, an animal farm that she just loves, books, clothes, a little shopping cart and a beautiful blue satin designer dress.

In between presents she patiently waited for the next one to be handed to her, balloons in lap of course.

cousins Justin and Danny reading one of her new Dora books.

Juliette had a butterfly theme party this year. Her cake was butter pecan. It took 7 hours to make, Iam getting quicker. Mom, Dad and Joan were great consultants in the construction process.

Its hard to believe that 2 years has gone by already. Juliette was happy to have a little brother to share her special day with.

Virgil passed out with all the excitement of the day.

If Juliette could have 2 wishes it would be balloons and blueberries!!

Christmas Spirit

We all went up the mountain with Bob and Doris's family to pick out our Christmas trees. It was a cold day but this didn't stop the kids from having a great time on their sleds. Virgil and i waited in the vehicle most of the time as he did not like the cold.

Getting in the Christmas spirit, I did a little baking. This gingerbread Santa's sleigh is an advent cookie calendar counting down the days till Christmas. I hope Justin and Dawson's braces hold up with these hard cookies!

Juliette couldn't wait to get in on this excitement. she decorated this beautiful snowman all by herself.

I had fun with the cookie exchange this year. There were 5 of us participating. this is such a great idea, you get all your holiday baking done and gives you an excuse to get together with friends.

Virgil's baby shower

At almost 2 months old, Virgil was the man of the hour at his shower. He showed up at Rona's ready to be snuggled by all the oowing and awing women.
It was so nice to see Haike and Wolf, who when he wasn't sleeping had a huge smile from ear to ear.

Mary Jane had a couple of thinking games prepared for us. Her teaching skills kicked in immediately! It was alot of fun and there were prizes to be won.

The kids had a blast playing together, while Virgil slept most of the time.

There were so many great gifts for Virgil, including his own Santa suit. It will make a cute picture for Christmas.

Mary made Virgil one of her beautiful turtle quilts.Yvonne snuggling with Virgil

Great Aunt Deana saving him a little dance.

.
And at the end of the day, it was time to kick back in the swing and reflect, with a good thumb!