Evening activity...

We are so in the spirit of Christmas here at our house! The boys have been busy painting these awesome wooden ornaments from Costco - they came with paint, magnets, stickers, jewels and string for hanging!
They had a great time doing this while I made supper and after they ate tonight.

Not sure if we'll keep them all or give some as gifts...guess I'll see what the artists think!

By Gabriel

I've been meaning to do this for a while. Post pictures that Gabriel has taken with his camera.

So here they are!

G. JK to Grade 2

First gift

http://www.charitywater.org/pages/water4christmas/

Every day 4,500 mothers bury their children due to contaminated water. They are forced to sustain the lives of their family with a diabolical liquid that contains both life and death.

This lack of access to clean water is recognized as the leading cause of death in underdeveloped nations. And it just doesn't have to be.

For a fraction of what Canadians spend during the holidays, the whole world could be equipped with life-saving, clean water.

So we are coming together to trade consumerism for compassion and buy Water For Christmas. And we are starting in West Africa. We are united simply by a desire to keep our eyes open and hearts soft.

We believe that indeed a small group of committed individuals can change the world and in the process we watch our own lives transformed. All donations are tax deductible go directly to charity: water, who takes 100% straight to clean water solutions.

Each $20 gives 1 person water for 20 years.
20 years

Think about giving here first this year.

http://www.charitywater.org/pages/water4christmas/

Decorating!

We got out the Christmas decorations this past weekend. The boys had a blast looking at everything and putting it in just the right place.

Here they are rifling through the bins - 3 of the 4 we have! G. checking out a Christmas card and wearing his "Dear Santa I've Been Nice, Gabriel" shirt

T. and two of the many musical items we have for Christmas - I love it!

Decorating the window

The boys' stockings - handmade by their Grandma

Santa greets you as you enter the house

Thought this was funny

Love this Santa - and my name is on his list - yay!

Our bookshelf of Santas

P.'s stocking and my stocking - we've had them since our first Christmas living together! Pretty sure I got them at the dollar store as we had no money!

Our village that lights up. This year I incorporated my nana's houses and I am so happy. She always had a beautiful scene in her kitchen and I love that I can use some of her houses in our display.

We sure do love Santa!

Bought this on Etsy last year

And this one too - I love it!

Wreath's the boys made at S's house

Our Christmas books and other decorations - I love all of the stars

Light up snowflakes on the kitchen window

One of 3 advent calendars we have

So now we're really in the Christmas spirit! Today I bought the boys each their own 2 foot Christmas tree for their room - and tiny decorations. They'll be able to make it their own.

Bring on Christmas!!!!

Halloween Part 2

Last night was Halloween and we had a great time getting ready for it and trick or treating.
Here are a few pictures of our house on the inside...
A bat that T. made at S'sOur collection of things that light up

Spooky spider on our kitchen window

G. designed his own pumpkin this year. It turned out great!

While the carving took place, we snacked on orange popcorn...in an orange bowl!

T. was more of a bystander this year. Next year he'll probably help more

G. took his carving job very seriously. Here are the finished products:

Voltar (G's costume) - designed and carved by P.

Wolverine claws, designed and carved by P.

Jack o lantern, designed by G., carved by P.

Here are all 3 outside on our driveway with the candy bowl and the sign we put up every year

Heading to a house with bag in hand!

T. is excited about something he just got!

At Grandma and Grandpa's

Waiting patiently

G. checking out what he got

It was a windy, cool Halloween night, but the boys didn't mind and they had a great time! Now to enjoy all of the candy! YUM!