I don't remember having anything ready or making preparations for Kevin's birth. But I must have been somewhat organized, b/c I don't remember lacking anything. One thing I do remember going out to buy was this outfit. If you didn't know what you were having, you were supposed to buy a green or yellow outfit so that it would work for either. Well we chose green and it is actually still one of my favorite outfits and one I am proud to have Konnor wear 13.5 years later.
This is the "going home" outfit and has been used for all the kids.
I wish I had better pictures of most of them, but alas . . . .twas the day before digital cameras.
We are super thrilled, excited, and thankful to introduce to you . . . .
Konnor David
February 26, 10:41am
8lbs 15.5oz
We are all madly in love with him and enjoying all the wonders of a newborn.
We are all doing really well and even getting sleep!
Kylie came with Jonathan to pick me up from the hospital. I thought we might have to appease her after giving her another brother instead of the sister she wanted SO badly, but she is proud as punch and has not yet had a negative thing to say. That may of course change in 5 years!
All ready to go home and meet the rest of the clan.
Meeting Kevin and Kade. They are quick to check him all over. Why are his fingernails purple?!!
The general consensus is that he looks like Kade. The photoalbum agrees!
Karter was pretty happy too . . . he has spent a bit of time with us over the past few days and has done well (though I can see he will be a danger and will need to be watched!) He is always quite ready to head back to Opa and Oma's though. He might be sad when he actually has to live here again;)
Relaxing. It's been quite quiet here which I am trying to enjoy . . . the calm before the storm!
We praise God for this wonderful gift and for entrusting another child to us.
Back in the fall, we had determined that maybe this was the year to try a backyard rink. We would not be travelling at all during the Christmas holidays and therefore a bit of backyard entertainment might be welcomed. Well . . .it didn't quite serve as entertainment during the Christmas holidays . . . except for right at the end and then on the snow days that followed . . . but it has been a grand source of entertainment, energy burning, and even a bit of work ethic thrown in since then!!
Hard to imagine but this is the 27th of December when we started the project. Yes we did have a mild Christmas didn't we?! We were hearing reports of DROPPING temperatures and knew it was now or never.
So it was NOW . . . even though we forgot to laser it in the dark to check out how level (or unlevel) the yard actually was. But alas, it was daytime now and so we (Jonathan) charged on full steam ahead.
Of course, he didn't work alone . . . Karter LOVES helping Jonathan and if Jonathan ever goes out to the shop to organize, clean, or work . . . you can be sure Karter will be grabbing his boots, hat, and mitts too . . . whether he has been invited or not!
Anyhow. This was a bit of a learning curve year as our lawn is actually quite unlevel as we found out. Our one end was overflowing and the other end was dry. Some modifications were made, but we were (and have been ever since) glad for a quick freeze and no thaw. Once it was frozen and we finally got the last corner somewhat covered with water, it was ready to be enjoyed.
All four kids have spent hours and hours out there. Some days I tie and untie skates an awful lot (it's been cold!!!) but it has been so worth it!
Karter is never one to be left out, and will even head out there on his own when the other kids are at school. He has probably benefited the most from this rink!
Kevin and Kade (and once again can't forget about Karter) have also had to do their share of rink maintenance . . . .shovelling, shovelling, flooding, shovelling, flooding, and more shovelling. It's been very good for them!!
The rest of the pictures are from Thursday night hockey. This is one of the highlights of the week for all four kids. They keep learning and being challenged and it is really good for them!
Karter
Kevin and Kade
Kylie
Kevin and Kade love to tease Kylie about her "inabilities". She has "graduated" to the big kid rink for drills etc. and once in while for the game too. They don't like it and love to tell her she isn't good enough. I think it just makes her more determined to prove them wrong . . . and they are wrong! She can hold her own just fine . . . and she loves being coached by her dad :)
Believe it or not, there has been life and events since Niagara Falls. It was actually kind of a quiet December though. We were not bored and had lots to do, but we certainly weren't scurrying around from one event to the other -- which was nice! We got lots of family time in, I crossed numerous things off my "list of things to procrastinate on", and so I think we did well.
We ended November with a volleyball tournament for Kevin. The team did fairly well but were eliminated in the first playoff game.
Tournament days are always exciting and fun days!
The next day was career day at school.
Kade dressed up as a Coast Guard -- which is what he has wanted to be for a few years now.
He won the prize for his grade:0)
Kylie dressed up as a teacher -- which she has also wanted to be for a long time . . .and I could totally see happening if she doesn't get scared off by the long years of education!
The best part for her was the high heels (which of course is MANDATORY for a teacher!)
Kevin was an electrician and like his father, left just enough time for the necessities in order to make the bus and therefore had no time for picture :)
Kylie and I.
One of the reasons we didn't send out a Christmas card . . .
Kevin and Karter in their matching pj pants.
Kylie, Karter and I.
Some Christmas around here . .
Love having both stockings I can proudly display and a mantel to hang them on!
LOVE this picture!!! Kade and Karter reading together.
Kylie and her new doll.
A few other December highlights I want to remember:
Supper and bowling with the VanDykens
Christmas Day dinner and hanging out with some of Jonathan's family
Stockings on Christmas Day
New Years Eve with Dan and Sarah and Mike and Jenn
Going to hear the Messiah in Woodstock
Christmas Program at church
A green and fairly warm Christmas
My side of the family Christmas dinner at Carrie's. TOO much food. But OH so yummy!!!
New Years Day at the gym with all of Jonathan's family . . .Karter and Mason pulling the fire alarm and then later after the firemen had left turning the stove on . . . trouble!! Supper at Swiss Chalet for Sarah's birthday.
