they learn early

Tony and I are about to leave on a twelve-day kidless vacation. Obviously Gwen has been feeling it these last few days. I took her onto my lap yesterday morning to explain what an adventure she will have staying with lots of different people ovr the next little bit and, through her tears, she (of course) asked me if we would be bringing her any gifts. I said certainly and, when I asked what she would like, she replied the usal toys etc. Then I asked if she would like something special like a necklace or a bracelet, she replied "No mummy, I want a necklace and a bracelet." And she's only (not quite) 4...

literally...

As our sleepy daughter as being tucked into bed the other night, she was wished "Sweet Dreams". She promptly replied "Okay, i'll dream of ice cream, and lollipops, and candy."

Recently, while on a short car ride, Calvin dropped something. Tony, when he heard, said "Uh Oh, Spaghettios (he's dating himself, I know). Calvin replied "Uh Oh, Daddy-os" thus making his first joke and cracking himself up. He still will say that, or mommy-os and start lauging randomly. My son is a card, what can I say.

Calvin in a rare motionless pose. Camera shy all of the sudden? Time for Dad to take more photos!

It's fall time! Leaves to jump in, roll around in, jump over, kick around, and most of all to make a mess. She loves rolling around in the leaves.

Anne and Maria are out to eat some breakfast! Very cute.

Gwen finds a comfortable roost, and smiles for Dad.

Calvin and others run through weeping willow tree's branches during our apple picking day picnic. It was quite the tree.

Pam and Gwen on the ferry to do some apple picking. What fun!

Calvin is quite cute when sleeping. He has a system. We put him down in bed, he collects a few choice soft cuddly stuffed animals, and makes a wall on each side. Then he takes his cow blanket, and cuddles it. After that, sleep time.

Ah ha! I caught her sleeping. She is quite peaceful when snoozing. I love my kids.

Elizabeth fails to realize that if she actually had breasts like Pam, she would be falling over all the time. She likes to dream...Pam's note: Thanks Tony for putting a photo of my bra out there for all to see. On ELizabeth's tiny frame it does look ridiculous...I hope on my somehwat not-so-tiny frame it looks a little more proportional.

Meghan and Dave in full dress. They will be married next year!

Patrick and the kids use all kinds of medium's for art. How about a head? Sure, grab your markers, and draw!

This flower is amazing. The 1st two years saw no flowers. Now it is flowering all the time. It is quite beautiful, isn't it?

Here is a frog at Uncle John and Aunt Ann's neighbor's house. We visited while on vacation in Toronto. Very cool.

Gwen was fascinated, and would have watched him "chalk" the superman all day if she had the oppurtunity.

This man is amazing. He drew a photo of superman with chalk right onto sidewalk in the middle of downtown Toronto. It is an amazing process to see.

Gwen, Alexandria and Elizabeth and I lay down for a snooze on the glass floor of the CN Tower. Looking at the curve of the tower is very cool. It looks like a giant slide.

Gwen and I look waaaaaayyyyy down at the CN Tower. Cool!

Mischievous isn't he?

Alexandria and kids have fun at the zoo. Let's climb this rock formation!

Alexandria tries out her sisters bra. We take these photos for future blackmailing opportunities but why keep them to ourselves?

Calvin has a good time in the jungle gym at Chuck E. Cheese.

Oh no! We have introduced our kids to Chuck E. Cheese! Thank God it is only in Toronto.

Maria is baptized! Hello cute baby.

Darryl and Chirs are married. They arrive in style at the reception (post-champagne).

Pam and I prepare for a wedding. Why note pose for a photo in our living room?

What a poser! If she catches me taking a picture, she automatically strikes a pose. Very cute.

Gwen has made her culinary masterpiece. It consists of: 80% candies 20% cookie. Mmmmmm....Any which way, this was a fun activity for the little ones at the NSB family party.

Calvin loves to ride the ponies.

Dimitri and Gwen give the see-saw a try.

Dad! I'm trying to sleep here!

Alan & Maurice got married in February. Pam and I hosted their post-marriage event in Montreal this July.

Jarrod and Stephanie visit Alan and us. Hey guys!

Calvin as the sack of potatoes. He is quite the character.

Alan & Maurice with the kids. Baby feet are so cute.

Maurice and Calvin go for a walk. Water parks are fun!

The Quizzical look is in! What a head of hair! Time to chop it soon.

Watching fireworks in the rain can be enjoyable. Block your ears, as it is LOUD!

Calvin loves to eat his PB+J sandwiches open-face (like Dad). But he tends to get a little messy.

The kids love to play with the water ball. Keep cool, and have a good time with one toy.

Calvin and Charlotte (Mike & Christina's) spend some quality couch time together.

Calvin is quite the character. He copies everything his sister does. Looks strange, but he loves to dress-up with his sister.

Calvin has this weird trait... he loves to put buckets on his head, and walk around. He takes the bucket off, looks for a path, puts it back on, and away he goes... he has been bumping into a lot of things recently... I wonder if it is related? :)

Gwen and Calvin love to play together (most of the time).

This is a fun picture taken at the St Lazare park. What a happy baby!

A glowing Pam enjoys the Paul Simon tribute at the Jazz Fest... no, she is not pregnant... just beautiful!

Gwen needed to have a snack before we went to Jen's wedding. Be careful... no stains please... ;)

Here is Gwen running around, having a good time.

These two beautiful dresses were made by Pam. They were stunning!

Here is our little flower girl. What a poser! She is adorable.

Ah! The Fecteau family (minus Calvin) all dressed up, looking good!