Umm... No photos

Hey everyone. What's a blog posting without any photos? Well, this is one. I had a few minutes and I thought I would write a little update.

Since April (the last time I blogged!) too much has happened. We spent some time up at the lake this summer. Eric got a great tent-trailer for us so I am better protected from the noises I hear at night. The kids did really well, considering the water and steep dropoff into the lake. It was a cool summer but we got some swimming and fishing in. Anders turned 3 in July. He had his first real birthday party with two little friends. It was very cute and he was so excited.

This fall has been busy. I can't remember why right now, but I've been working a lot and been tired. We're expecting a baby boy February 26th. We've had lots of firsts. First thefts, first piano recital, .... We have another nanny with us right now. Her name is Casey and she is from New Mexico, USA. The boys like her a lot and they also enjoy her fiance Francois. Yup, she's getting married March 20th. By then, I should have had our baby and be home again. We've had tenants in our basement since August which has been fun for the boys (there are 3 boys close to their age). We've learned a lot through this experience.

Konrad is enjoying French Immersion this year and learning a lot more French!!! Very exciting because now he understands some things we say around the house. He's also able to read. I catch him studying his multiplication table posted beside his bed before I turn out the lights. And he's learning piano. He's also starting jiu-jitsu this winter. Anders is learning to be an avid fisherman as well, LOVES his books and animals, is very affectionate and can stay in the lines while colouring. These things are important to kids. Actually, Anders knows the notes on the piano almost as well as Konrad since he's present for daily practices.

We had a busy Christmas. I worked through the holidays so there wasn't much 'down-time'. Actually, it nearly killed me. There's also been the transit strike in Ottawa for over a month which means I need to leave half an hour earlier (6:45) to avoid spending 1.5 to 2 hours on the way to work. It's been inconvenient for us but I really feel for all the people whose livelihood is threatened by the lack of transit. Urghhh.....

Friends came over on Christmas Eve and we ate lots of good stuff (thanks to the Lee Wen family and Kaicy!), sang carols and played music. We were to host the Jakob Family Christmas but Grandpa Jakob broke his leg mid-December so Eric's parents weren't able to make it. Everyone else came, including my parents. Once the dinner was over, things were relaxed. On the Saturday, we took the boys ice-fishing up at the lake. They each caught a prize trout which we enjoyed for dinner the next day. New Year's was a bit quieter than usual - we had some friends over for a relaxed evening. No one else was working over the holidays so I was trying to be social in the evenings and effective at work during the day. Not something I can manage very long.

Right now, we're at Eric's parents place for a couple days while Eric worked in the area. Ken and Wendy had a baby girl Thursday and we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby before we leave town to return to Ottawa. Congrats Ken and Wendy!!!