family ties

Family Picture Time

We took some family pics with just us & some with the grandkids. Usually it's hard to get good pictures with kids especially when you have 2 of them, but with us Dad was the problem in most of the pictures we took as you can see.

The Balfour's family picture.

Regan is at the stage where she loves books. She'll bring the book to you so you'll read to her.

This one's for you Auntie Leila.

Decorating the Tree Night

Our tree decorating party starts out with pizza. Then Jake sets up the tree and then lays back on the couch to "supervise". Rob & Nyk tried their hand at putting on the lights and they did an excellent job. The rest is left up to Jacki, Dana and myself. Of course Ellie wanted to add her opinion as well. I think the tree turned out rather nice, don't you? Next we curl up on the couch to watch a Christmassy movie, unless you let the guys go get one.

Ellie's going for a wagon ride.

Our soother sucking painists playing their first duet.

Grandpa's Birthday

Grandpa had lots of help opening his gift this year.

"

Tool Man Jake" Jake got a new skill saw for his birthday and you know how men can be with new power tools. If your hand offends you cut it off. Wonder what Nathan did this time.

Regan loves to help load the dishwasher probably as much as Dana loves changing diapers. After dishes & bums are clean it's play time.

Rob's Birthday

In October we celebrated Rob's birthday. I think this was the first time we've been able to do that since he joined our family. Abby, Alex & Megan (my nieces & nephew) joined us for the celebration. The kids were getting a little bored waiting for dessert but it took a while to push the candles into a frozen ice-cream cake.

The grandkids are growing up so fast. It seems like yesterday they were newborn and now Regan is almost a year old and Ellie is close behind. Raya is going to be a big sister before Christmas is here. Wow! Raya with her mommy.

Where else would you like me to vacuum Nanny?

See my first tooth?

Ellie loves to eat, in fact you hardly know if she's had enough because she keeps opening her mouth as long as you offer her food.

Regan looks at Grandpa and wonders how he makes those faces.

Nyk is encouraging Ellie to play the piano & Ellie is fascinated by it.

Camping at St. Malo

Leila introduced us to Sudoku which becomes quite addictive. Abu loves to swim so we spent a lot of time with the dogs at the water. Also Puja was the center of attention wherever we went especially with the kids.

We play lots of games while camping. As you can see we're involved in a mean game of marbles. Jake also brings his bike and Leila is getting ready to go for a ride.

We always enjoy camping with Leila and her dog(s) She surprised us with an addition this year. This is her campsite.

We should play hide & seek. Nobody will think of looking for me in here.

Yard Project

Our project this summer was to build a patio and sidewalk. It was a big job and with some help from family we got it done.

Regan & Nana going for a swim. Regan was not too impressed.

Raya & Sarah(hard to recognize behind the goggles) having an afternoon of fun in the pool.

Sarah is like a fish in the water. Raya was amazed by how she would swim around & do tricks under the water. If she would hang around Sarah a little more I think she would be trying the same stuff.

Reading & relaxing after playing in the pool.

Devon & Jodie's Wedding (July 2006)

Sheldon is ready & waiting with his camera ready to get it all on film.

Here come the guys. We couldn't get a good shot of the bride from where we sat.

Time for the vows.

And now seal it with a kiss!

Abby loves to dance as you can see. It was so hot & humid but it didn't seem to effect her. Most everyone else did not seem very motivated to dance in the heat.