through his eyes

Blaise is in a stage that if you ask him a question the answer will be 'I don't want to'. So when I asked him this morning if he wanted to go to the conservatory; you know the answer. We lucked out since the Christmas decorating was completed yesterday; we took in the lights and poinsettias.

A quick tour for you, with our tour guide:

peek-a-boo

'a HUGE yellow flower (picture arms waving on each side describing just how large it is) with twinkling lights over there'

'pointy Christmas trees'

we saw 2 turtles eating
Blaise: 'that's Nick eating dirty lettuce'
me: 'how do you know that is Nick?'
Blaise: (a look of confusion, one arm raised in question) 'that's Nick eating, or that's Bella eating, it's Nick'

As we were leaving the lady at the desk told us that on Sundays they are open til 9pm so we could see the conservatory in the dark all lit with Christmas lights. Blaise has decided we have to go (amazing how one's view can change, isn't it?).

christmas w/grandma and grandpa

Smiles from ear to ear,
jumping up and down,
not able to sit still.
Is it really here?

A special 'early' Christmas
to spread the cheer.

Gifts open, hugs all around,
time to play,
and that was only 'Part 1'.


Ambrose ready to build his new wood coin bank

Blaise showing off his 'lefty' baseball glove
(this one he will have to grow into)

scenes of thanksgiving

paperwork cleanup

play time

watching our youngest cousin

carving the turkey

kindergarten prayer service

This morning we went to the Kindergarten prayer service (along with the entire school - grades 1-6). Ambrose's class is on the right side of the risers and they have been rehearsing for 2 weeks for the service. During the service prayers were recited, songs were sung with hand motions and Ambrose had a petition to read. His petition was: 'for bikes and cars, thank you God'. They ended the service with a celebration in his classroom. Too cute!

gingerbread display

Almost 100 creations graced the halls of the George Eastman House. Tiny hands wanting to touch, eyes wide, mouths watering wanting to get a small taste. Anyone who wanted to could submit a creation, professional or not. The detail, the imagination, the time spent was simply amazing. What a delight to take in this exhibit with our grandparents this past weekend.

the grinch

horses in the barn

Ambrose and Blaise checking out the displays

Candyland

Taj Mahal of gingerbread

snow angels

my favorite

cousins

A trip to Strong Museum, hockey game at the Blue Cross Arena and good old fashioned fun running around outside until the cops came. What? Did you say the cops came? A 'concerned citizen' saw the boys up on grandma's roof and called the cops. They came to the house to investigate . . . I wonder if it makes the Police Blotter.

Either way the boys had so much fun playing with their cousins, can't wait until Christmas when all 12 (almost 13) will be together.

Miss Margaret, trying on a hat at a craft show

Toby, Henry, Max, Blaise, Eli, Margaret and Ambrose

camping weekend

celebrating . . .
six candles to blow out
flashlight play in the tent
movie night - Bugs Life
read books using head lamps
smores
hike in Corbett's Glen

six

Six.
Independent.
Caring.
Creative.
Helpful.
Intelligent.
Innocent.

What a joy, as his face lit up after school when he saw his 'campsite' cake. In lieu of a party this year, Ambrose decided we would go camping. This weekend we will be pitching a tent and . . .
(you will have to stay tuned for more details)


campsite cake

birthday boy receiving phone calls