We've been back for awhile but...

I just haven't gotten around to blogging.  Not sure why but when I make a post, I want it to be GOOD.  You know, interesting, well-written and with good pictures.  This prevents me from posting which is just silly.  A friend of ours from B.C. emailed us last night asking if I was pregnant since she hadn't seen anything on the blog for awhile and pregnancy was the reason last year.  Oh Jemma, no I am not pregnant (thank goodness) yet I do have baby fever because Mr. B is growing way too fast.  But I'm glad you asked about the blog because this is something I really want to do and sometimes I just need a bit of prodding!

Here are a bunch of pictures from the kids & my recent trip to visit family.  They are not in any specific order but there is a caption for each one.

Cousin Anamarie made Benjamin a box to sit in while at their house. She had colored it with different colors for his entertainment and labeled it "B Box" so we'd all know what it was for.  It was so thoughtful of her and he loved it.  He also loved the rides he got when the cousins pushed him around.

My sister was able to visit at the same time we were, which was so great!  It's hard to live on opposite sides of the continent and so nice when we're able to meet in the middle.  Helena is a huge fan of Auntie Katie and she had a great time hanging out with her.  

We all had fun relaxing and playing at Grandma's house!

 

Papa is quite the playmate, as you can see.  He & Helena had one afternoon together while Mom, Benjamin & I went shopping.  When we got home, we learned all about their playdate (what Helena called it).  They both enjoyed their afternoon immensely.

Nani always has lots of fun activities to do when we visit.  One evening she taught Helena how to make pigs in a blanket.  Helena has requested to have them again!

Helena just loves spending time with cousins.  She & Sophia played at Grandma's one afternoon & you could tell Helena adores Sophia.

Dillon & Jack were very excited to meet Mr. B, their first boy cousin.  I am looking forward to the days when Benjamin is following their every move, just like Helena does her big girl cousins!

First Thanksgiving for me with the Screnocks, first American Thanksgiving for Helena & Benjamin.  The spread was amazing, Anika, and we all had fun.  This is obviously the kids' table.

We were in Bemidji during the annual Lefse Days at Ace Hardware.  How could we resist a quick stop?  Helena preferred the popcorn.

We went to McDonald's twice - had to play in the Playplace, as there are none near us in Toronto and it was so so cold outside.  Helena found some fun playmates in her Nani & her mom.  (We learned on our way back that all playplaces are being removed from McDonald's in Buffalo, New York, as they're seen a liability.  I have to wonder if this is the beginning of a trend...)

We always take walks when at Grandma's, whether it's just around the block or over to her friends who have chickens.  Helena's now old enough to walk Bailey by herself.

Benjamin's first snow came while we were up north.  He didn't seem too enthused about it but I did get a picture of him smiling.  So sweet he is.

Helena was quite the help shoveling the snow.  Once again, she & Papa were pals.  Another activity she loved to do with Papa was "watch movies".  If he was downstairs watching the news or watching a football game, she'd go downstairs and sit down, cover up with a blanket, and watch with him while sucking her thumb.  She loved to "watch movies" and my dad liked it when they snuggled while watching.

Uncle E promised to take Helena to the zoo when we visited, and he kept that promise!  We had a great morning seeing all the animals.  Helena's favorites?  The ducks.

Thanks for a wonderful trip family!