Jungle Jack Hanna

Owen was tired, but still had a wonderful time with his mom, Auntie Pam, and me at the Jack Hanna show at the BCPA last night. So many amazing animals on stage, including a cheetah, penguin, owl, two-toed sloth, and this cute civet cat Joel got to meet before the show.

Jack was a wonderful guy. He stayed around almost an hour and a half after the show to sign autographs for all who were waiting.

Maya stayed at home with some sitting help from our good friends the Merrills across the street. Amazingly she fought going down until we got home. Owen went straight to sleep when he and Amy returned at 9:30, and Amy was just finishing with Maya when I returned an hour later.

They are both still sound asleep at 8:30 this morning, a rare feat for our house.

Gotta Dance!

A LEGO creation update ...

This has been the big doings around here this week.

From this police LEGO set ...

Has emerged this LEGO Police Space Shuttle ...

(And, yes, the cargo bay door opens.)

Merry Christmas, Part 2

We extended the holidays through the entire week this year, getting together with Nana and Grandpa Aalberts to celebrate Christmas over the New Year's weekend. Aunt Lorie and Jason, who at 18 is now the tallest cousin of us all, joined us. It was a fun visit that included some presents, stomping through the snow, and sledding, despite the seemingly sub-zero temperatures. The visit also gave us a nice time to share some special time with Mom and Dad as Mom continues to recover from her surgery, treatments, and a persistent virus that has her still feeling worse than we would all wish for her ...


The presents were fun. Maya enjoyed many more books and some more babies to add to her brood. She's a great caretaker of all her little ones, cuddling them and always making sure they have what they need in the way of blankets, pacifiers, and clothes.





Owen's Christmas was all about LEGO's. He got several new sets which (see below) we made quick work at assembling.

And of course there was lots of time for hugs and play ...

We were all very thankful for a wonderful Christmas and the family that made it possible.

Just as we were thankful for whatever moments of peace could be found on the car trip home ...