Ella and Karis' Bike Parade

Yesterday we had a bike parade to celebrate the girls' birthdays. It was a beautiful day and the girls loved decorating their bikes and parading around the park.

Karis has been trying to show her age on her hand, but it is hard for her to put 2 fingers up.

Three amigos.

Last night Karis slept in her big girl bed for the first time. She was very excited. She started her day by bouncing up and down in her crib saying "I'm 2, I'm 2, I'm 2" and ended her day by getting tucked into her big girl bed by her big sisters.

Never more excited to go to sleep :)

Happy 5th Birthday Ella!

Our sweet Ella turned 5 today! Last night before tucking her in we told her that when she woke up in the morning, she would be 5. Around 10 pm last night, Spencer had to get something from the girls' room. Ella heard him come in, sprung up in her bed and said "I'm 5!". Spencer said "no Ella, it isn't morning yet." :) 

I love how excited Ella gets about birthdays. Now we are on countdown mode to party day and Karis' birthday!

Ella woke up to a gift from Dadda and Momma - a homemade card and some new shoes!

We also had our traditional cinnamon bun birthday breakfast. Complete with 5 candles :)

"Now that I'm 5, I can just put out my whole hand when people ask how old I am. But Momma, will they think I'm waving?"

Our friends, the Reed's came over with some gifts for Ella and Karis. Thanks friends!

And the Teeters stopped by with some birthday cupcakes - thanks for making this a special day!

We went to the park for our second picnic dinner in a row.

And Ella finished the day doing one of her favorite activities - biking around the park. Our neighbor gave us her old bike and so Ella now has a big bike and can go quite fast on it :) 

Yesterday morning the girls helped me make Spencer breakfast. Poor Ella woke up sick and so she and Spencer spent the morning at home (on the couch with a bucket) while I took Karis and Juliette to church. Ella bounced back quickly though and we enjoyed a Father's Day picnic in the park.

Happy Father's Day!

A visit from the Lanthiers!

Our friends, the Lanthiers, were visiting from Laval this week. It was such a blessing to have them stay with us for a few days.

On Tuesday evening there was a BBQ at the Wiens'. It was great for our church family to hear about what ministry is like in Quebec.

And the desserts were delicious!

Last Tuesday was our last ballet class and also bring a friend day. The girls were very excited to have Frédérique, Sarah, and Karis join their class. Karis has been wanting to be in the ballet class the whole year - so this was very exciting for her!

Juliette did a great job of helping her little sister.

Last week we had France day at preschool. The kids ate crêpes and paid in Euros. I combined this with my yearend wrap-up for French tutoring. The combination was a veteran move.

Juliette helping me with baking while her rag curls set.

Last weekend Ella and Juliette had their big ballet performance. They did such a great job! We hope to get some video posted soon.

Juliette is on the far right and Ella is near the middle (mostly interested in posing for the camera).

Belly Update

                           I am now in the third trimester - 27 weeks along! The baby is making lots of movements, my belly is getting bigger every day, and we are excited to meet our little one.

The girls love feeling the baby kick and have so many questions to ask.

Karis is already sporting her "big sis" shirt :)