Twins, Isobel's ballet recital, and her birthday party:

Violet renamed herself Lola (or at least that is how she refers to herself now) which we have decided suits her.  She is a little monkey, getting into much more trouble than Isobel ever had a chance to.  She likes to colour, read books, play in the play kitchen, dance and sing to music (she loves the Rockband Daddy got for his birthday!) and most of all to eat.  Her talking is coming along really quickly now, mostly food related, but with short phrases ("where book go?") and lots of repeating. 

 

Bella continues to love her ballet class and is looking forward to the final performance n June.  School is going well for her, she got straight Bs on her last report card, and is loving most parts of it, although reading is somewhat of a struggle.   Since she takes after her RaRa, outdoor activities are an important part of her day, so we are glad spring is here, although she did love skating on the rink across the street again this year!

 

We have been lucky enough to spend lots of time with friends and family this last couple of months, including some parties and playdates with the Allens (top left), a visit with cousin Ariel who will be moving to Toronto in the fall (top right), and two occasions to celebrate Great Auntie Ella's 90th birthday, with 3rd cousins Kallan (middle left) and Garrett (middle right).  That's us with Auntie Ella and her boyfriend Kurt and daughter Dayle, Mummum & Tammy (bottom)

 

We have had a fantastic Christmas; quiet, laid back and filled with great food, gifts and each others' company. We were all blessed with wonderful gifts, including the usual stack of books for Iain and an assortment of clothes, books and "business accoutrements" for me. Isobel got exactly what she wanted, skates and books, as well as some clothes, art supplies and tickets to the Nutcracker on Sunday! Violet was showered with more toys than she could imagine, all very exciting, and a rocking moose, which she was on and off of all day.

We had a nice visit with the Boyds on Tuesday, then spent Christmas Eve afternoon with Mummum and Tammy, and tomorrow we go to a Boxing Day party at the Macostas. And of course we look forward to our usual New Years event a the the Allens! As well, for an extra treat, Iain and I get to go off to Toronto for a night out on our own next week, which will be the first time since well before Violet was born. So we will be busy with friends and family, the perfect way to spend the holidays. Although we are of course missing the Henderson/Cardinall side!