Yes, once again, the yearly missive full of news and the goings-on of our family. Don’t you look forward to this each and every year?!
2008 was a busy year for us—lots of changes for our family. Early in the year, we put our ol’ dog Tilly down as she was getting old and had health conditions that were impacting her life. We miss her and will always remember what a great dog she was.
Another big change was that we bought a new, and bigger, home! Please email me if you need our new address. We moved in June and were most thankful for the acquisition of central air conditioning! The boys did not have to switch schools as we made sure to move within our school’s bussing district. It has been something to get used to—making lunches and meeting the bus, but it is worth it to continue attending our school (it is a great school). We also got a trampoline at the end of the summer—the kids love it—even Jacob jumps on it—loves bum drops!
Another highlight of the year was a visit from Peter’s mother, Jean! We were not able to travel to Sarnia, ON this year (hopefully summer of 2009!) so she came out west to visit us and see our new home. She took the family photo of us (at Beaver Creek near Saskatoon).
Aidan turned 9 years old…and grew at least a foot! He is almost up to my nose now, and our feet are the same size. Yikes! He loves playing basketball, soccer, swimming and playing video games on his DS and the Wii. He is also in Cubs and is the Keeo for the local Beavers group. He is currently in grade 4 and enjoys school—especially recess!
Eliot turned 6 years old this year. He is a wonderfully quirky boy who loves doing imagination role-play games. He also likes soccer and is in Beavers. He is currently in grade 1 and truly loves everything about school. He is a very quick learner and is amazing at math! He also like the various video games we have in the home, but is often found jumping around on the couch instead of sitting and playing.
Jacob is soon to be 2 years old—my, how time flies! Our baby is no longer a baby anymore—he is a walking, talking, colouring, jumping, dancing, “Jacob do” little boy! He loves doing whatever his older brothers are doing and will often yell “mine!” when he gets ahold of any of Aidan or Eliot’s toys (e.g. light sabers, Wii remotes, Pokemon cards, Bionicle and Lego bits). He is another very bright little boy who keeps us on our toes. He loves his miniature animals and Little People characters, Blue Clues, Wiggles and music of any kind.
Peter has been keeping himself busy at work (Cover-All Building Systems) and has travelled to various places in Canada and the States, even England and Germany, with work. I really don’t know what he “does” at work—whatever it is involves sitting at a computer and beeping on his blackberry a lot… He is also a Cubs Leader and coached Aidan’s soccer team in the spring.
I am still at home with the kids—they still are their own full-time job! I am also still involved with La Leche League (at both the local and national levels—lots to do—leading meetings, telephone helping, editing, also helped plan a Health Professional Seminar in Saskatoon) and our school’s parent council. I used to be involved with our local Canadian Parents for French chapter (helping to organize French activities for children in Saskatoon) and have recently taken on the newsletter editing for our new Community Association. Right now I am feeling thankful for the Christmas holidays and the respite from school lunches and other extracurricular activities.
Soon we are off to my parents to celebrate Christmas with all my family (parents, siblings and their spouses and children). Nineteen of us stuffed into my parents’ home—it will be chaos, but a good time. We will also visit with my grandmother and various aunts and uncles and cousins. It’s too bad Peter’s family doesn’t live closer—it would be so nice to see them during the holidays—have to wait for the balmy summer weather, instead of the minus 30 weather we have been having here in Saskatchewan.
We wish all of you the warmest of blessings for the holiday season and all the best in 2009!
Love from the Smithen Family
Merry Christmas~~Happy Hanukkah~~Blessed New Year
This picture of the boys was taken in the summer. We have since bought a lovely RED corner sofa for the living room - very striking!
Another from the summer - hard to get "mommy and her three boys" all in one picture together!
This is a really cute one of Jacob!
No comments:
Post a Comment