My Pretty Girl

 

Wow, I have really fallen off the wagon when it comes to blogging.  Since I was "away" for over a month I figured I could upload a lot more pics (you know I have lots).  But after these two, I had already reached my max upload.  Looks like I really do need to figure out a new blogging plan.  Boo. 

 

I took these pics back in September.  Got lots more, just can't post them.

She Stands, Waves and has a First Word

 

Monday was a big day for little Lauren.  She stood up all by herself, using nothing to support herself.  She was just sitting on the grass and then up she went.  Amazingly, I had the camera right next to me (perhaps that's not that surprising) and was able to capture the moment. 

 

 

Lauren has also learned to wave her hands and say "bye."  Seriously, the cutest thing!  She also likes picking up the phone and says "bye" into the phone.  Heart melting.  It looks like this girl has places to go and things to say. Not bad for not even 10 months.

 

 

Sarah and Uncle Matt

Love this moment captured of Sarah and her uncle.  Looks like I can post pics again, yahoo!

Entered a Giveaway

Thought I would enter this giveaway at Miss Ruby Sue.  Feel free to check it out, here's the link, http://mymissrubysue.blogspot.ca/

Yep, I get an extra entry for posting this.  Here's hoping!

No more pics!?!

So it seems that Blogger/ Google won't let me upload any more pics since I'm using up all my free space. Boo.  I'll try again tomorrow and see if I get some more space.  Perhaps it's time for me to start thinking of making the move from Blogger to a better platfrom to support all my images.

Lovely Little Lauren: 9 Months

My mom is currently taking care of Sarah and Calvin for a couple of days, so I have Lauren all to myself.  One of my photo goals this year was to practice with backlighting, since the "golden hour," just before sunset is at out kids bedtime I'm never able to get out at this time.  Today I decided I should make it happen.  I was able to get a few great shots, but by the time the lighting was truly ideal, Lauren was done.  Oh well, I'm happy with what I got.  I think the top photo is my favourite photo of this little cutie to date.

It's hard to believe that Lauren is already 9.5 months.  Where does the time go?!?  She continues to be such a joy for our family.   She's eating solids well and actually eats most of what we eat already.  She can crawl really fast, walk along furniture and steps from one object to another. Walking isn't far off.  She continues to be petite for her age (similar to our other kids), but is healthy and growing.

Creativity

How do you cultivate anything but by putting yourself in the presence of it?
How do you cultivate a relationship with God but by being in the presence of God in all the many different ways that you can be in God’s presence?
It’s the same with imagination.
Go to the great cathedrals and stand in awe.
See the great paintings.
Hear the great music.
Read the great books.
Look at nature, which is, again, God’s imagination expressing itself in an infinite number of ways.
Then realize this isn’t just what other people have.
God gave me an imagination too… find a way that you’re supposed to express it.
Use it to the fullest to the glory of God.

-Daniel Taylor contributor to The Power of Words and the Wonder of God

I came across this writing the other day and appreciated it.  God created us all to be creative, some more than others, but all creative.   

Splish Splash

 

Bath time got a little wild tonight.  Thought I would snap a few pics of the madness, these make me smile.  These kids may be a little crazy but at least they're happy.

 

 

 

Take me out to the Ball Game

On Sunday afternoon we went to a Canadians Baseball Game in Vancouver, along with Dan and Andrea and their gang.  We actually had a great time!  There was a large area for the kids with bouncy castles, etc which kept them occupied and happy for many innings. 

A&W had $1 root beer floats which were a big hit with everyone!

 

Our littlest checking out the game.  Sweetness.

 

 

Our wild child (one of them)

 

At the end of the game the kids were invited onto the field to run the bases. Sarah took off right away but Calvin got a little scared and waited for daddy to come to the rescue.

So a baseball game doesn't need to really be about baseball.  It was about having fun together as a family with friends, playing, cheering, singing and just having fun. 

Chloe Turns Four

 

On Friday evening we celebrated Chloe's birthday with family.  It's been so nice living closer to family again.  Love seeing our kids playing with their cousins.  I brought my camera "just in case" and just snapped a few photos of the girls.  Love these.

 

Fun Times at the PNE

We got back from holidays on Wednesday night and went to the PNE all day Thursday.  he timing wasn't ideal but we knew that this was our only chance to go to the fair.  We ended up having a wonderful day!  We watched Chuck Wagon races, the Super Dogs, a Motor Bike show, etc. 

The kids loved the farmer for a day activity.  I decided to leave my dslr at home and just bring the point and shoot.  I haven't done that since last July (according to the photos on the memory card).  Boo to the quality but it was nice travelling light.

 

Seaside

After a wonderful time at Cannon Beach we packed up and headed down the road to experience Seaside.

 

We ended the afternoon with super tasty Tilamook $1 ice cream cones.  I really wanted to get a great pic of David and the kids.  Sadly, this is the best we could do.  Calvin even has ice cream in his hair.