Plugging away...

A year later and we're still having some behavioural struggles with Malcolm. Perhaps it's the excitement of the holidays that triggers things for him, but lately Tracey and Roger look beaten some days. They try their hardest to convey the right message, but often times it's still not enough. This despite bringing home the most excellent report card to date. It's flabbergasting to both Roger and Tracey what the teacher writes about him, cause it's a stark comparison how he can be at home. We're still dealing with outrageous tantrums, we're still dealing with less than kind behaviour toward his sister. Most days when they are getting along, it's just a matter of time how long it will last. These days especially there are outbursts, screaming, hitting and even growling. We'll all be glad once they finally outgrow it. At least that's the hope we all have going forward. Again, to quote his report card:

"Malcolm is a calm, patient, conscientious, friendly boy. He has settled into the class and he has made friends. Malcolm is well liked by his classmates, and he is also a good role model for them."

Can this really be the same kid who fusses about the smallest thing? We're perplexed to say the least.

 Here are some random shots from the past few weeks.

The holiday season.

Well the holiday season is upon us, from the full squares on the calendar things are booking up quickly. From the sound of things, the ugly Christmas sweater party was a big hit, with delicious food, great company and some really amazing sweaters. A lot of effort was shown by many of the party participants. Lisa and Steve took first prize. It's been pretty hectic around the house with the tree, lights and anticipation slowly rising. Malcolm especially loves it all. Hopefully, it won't be a repeat of last year with "Orange Box Gate". In fact, he has been a lot better lately. Despite their unbridled excitement, we just all hope they understand the meaning behind it all. The importance of family and giving. I think Roger and Tracey really try hard in instilling important core values. Next on the list are more parties, the Christmas Train and the imminent arrival of St. Nick. For everyone who follows this blog, friends, family and strangers alike, happy holidays from our family to yours. We wish you the very best from the bottom of our hearts.

Melody's Birthday

Our little girl turned four years old last week and she couldn't have been more pleasant. We had a princess party on the weekend with many princes and princesses in attendance. Roger and Tracey brought in their friend Jenny to paint some faces as well (Melody absolutely loves facepainting). It's certainly a milestone to remember for Miss Melody. It's a big transition from being three to four, this time next year she would have already finished 3 months of kindergarten! I guess the biggest relief has been potty training success. Despite Roger's reservations of Melody actually being able to do it, she's been very, very successful. That's not to say it wasn't a stubborn transition, but now we're in a good place. Every kid is different and we can certainly see that comparing both kids. Now on to Christmas.

Dinner Club

It's been a while. We've been super busy. November is definitely non-stop with both kid's birthdays, parties to plan and Christmas just a little more than a month away the social calendar is filling up. Roger has been busy making arrangements for Help-Portrait on the 30th as well. Hard to believe that it's already the 5th year in operation. Roger has been appointed the photography lead so he's responsible for more of the planning. He's also got a few photoshoots sprinkled in between. Suffice to say it's a busy time of year. This year's BCCH event was a roaring success too. So many smiling faces and happy parents. The dinner club had a chance to resurrect their night out, this time around Tracey found an awesome deal called the Endless Meal. Kristen prepared a fantastic meal for the group with many delectable dishes. The week before that, it was Auntie Sue's birthday at Zefferelli's. That's two nights that Roger and Tracey have been able to go out without worrying about the kids. As evidenced by the pictures a great time was had by all.

Happy Birthday Malcolm, you're 7 hurray!

From October 31st onwards things are pretty busy with the family. Tracey and Roger are prepping for Halloween and the kid's birthdays. This year Roger and Tracey rented out a gym and let Malcolm decide who was going to come. I think all the kids had a great time. From what I hear the great big foam pit was the highlight I think. Halloween was a raging success. Thankfully mother nature was kind and the rain had missed the evening of the 31st. Last year it was so wet! Anyway, let's let the pictures do the talking. Here are some images from the past few weeks.

Pumpkin Patch we meet again.

Another year, another visit to the Pumpkin Patch. We've had a stretch of dry weather the past couple of weeks. Really the fog has been pretty thick, but no rain to speak of. There are concerns that we'll get dumped on for Halloween though and that will be terrible for the kids. Here are some pictures from the Pumpkin Patch, the kids were pretty compliant this year.

Whew!

Roger's computer has been out of commission and luckily he got it back yesterday. That thing may be on its last legs, so far the mother board, circuit board, hard drive and now video card have all been replaced. From the looks of things, the LCD monitor is going next. There is some yellowing (which doesn't help photo editing), but the technician told Roger that there is no way to tell how long it's going to last. The family has not put up all the decorations in preparation for Halloween. I think the front yard looks great, with the addition of another blow up pumpkin, spiderweb and giant spider it looks super spooky! In light of the good weather the family even got together to have a quick photoshoot in front of the house. With the reward of Menchies dangled in front of them, the kids were very good. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to know that they fight as much as they do. Here are some images from the weekend: