Kitchens, Little Chefs, and Funny Kids

Apparently, the funniest thing going these days is closing you sister in the "'fridge".  Avila shuts Bella in and shrieks with laughter.

And sweet Bella plays right along, indulging her sister over, and over, and over again.

Chef PeterXavier received a six week cooking course for Christmas.  This evening is his first class and he has been asking since he got up "Is it time yet?".  He dressed himself . . . can you tell?

Creating Art With Kids

The other day, Andrew took the two "big" girls on a date, so I was at home with PeterXavier and Avila.  Avi quickly went down for a nap, so PX and I had a couple hours to ourselves.  It is rare that I get to hang out with just him.  We cooked up a nice, yummy lunch and then sat down to a project.



I am really intrigued with the idea of repurposing found objects. These shells were collected by Grace at my parents cottage a few weeks ago. The beauty of the inner part of the shell was calling me! So PeterXavier and I took our the hammer and broke those shells to bits.

My quality control man ensured that each piece was strong.  (He was loving this!)  And then we took out the Dremel and drilled small holes in the tops.  Viola!  Shell beads!

 

So pretty!  Such potential!  And such a fun time was had creating together.

Self Incrimination

This is a picture of my dining room table.  I love my table -- it's one of my favorite pieces of furniture.  It is heavy and sturdy, just perfect for a large and rambunctious family.  But do you see those markings?  Carvings, actually.  Will that little boy ever learn to, at the very least, carve someone else's name??  Silly, silly little boy.

Campfire Mass

Tomorrow night, Christopher's scout group is having a campout at my parents cottage.  Since the campout if from Saturday to Sunday, we have arranged for Father Jeff to come say Mass for the boys.  I was explaining this to PeterXavier, who at first was horrified at the notion of having Mass somewhere without a steeple!

And then he horrified me when he proposed we roast marshmallows during Mass!

Oh sweet little boys!

It's a Tough Job, But Somebody Has To Do It!

These cuties made it down the aisle and immediately fell asleep!

And Now We Are FIVE

  

(Brand-new baby boy!)

Oh Sweet, Mischievous Middle Child.

 (Age 1)

You Have Brought Laughs From The Very Start

 (On his Second Birthday)

 Always a Little Man,

Always a Little Monkey!

 (Summer, Age 3, At Oompa's Riverfest)

With a Grin That Lights Up a Room

And an Always-Goofy Attitude

(On His 4th Birthday)

Bringing Laughs to the Everyday

 (Welcoming a New Baby Sister!)

And Gaining Joy From Every Moment 

Happy, Happy Birthday, Fifth Birthday PeterXavier!

We Love You!

Parties, Potties, and Potty Parties!

Over the weekend, we went to a Bar-b-que "contest" at are neighbors house.  Coincidently, my sister was asked to play music for the party.  My neighbor didn't know we were sisters, he only knew how well she can sing!

The party was cold and rainy, but still really fun.  PeterXavier won the contest!  His daddy makes the best bbq, but he wins the most votes.  That kid can really play a room.

After the party, Annie and Martin and the girls came over to play for a bit.  And too use the little pink potty.

It was a fun time!