Saturday Night with the Stelpstras and Smiths

Here is Mrs. Judy reading Stephen's new book to Stephen and Asher before bed.
Stephen opened his present and went back to his toys right away. He loves playing at Uncle Jake and Aunt Donna's house. We will miss them when we move back to Ontario!
Zachary is reading a story to Stephen.
Here is Stephen opening his first Christmas present from the Stelpstras.
The three boys together again. Zachary is reading The Nativity to Asher and Stephen. The boys love playing together and seeing each other at church. What will happen when we move?

We were able to spend Saturday night with some close friends. First we went to the Stelpstras for dinner. Donna and Jake always do a good job of keeping us fed! We have appreciated their hospitality and love over the past 2 1/2 years while we've been in BC. Hopefully they will come and visit us in Nigeria!!
After dinner we went to the Smiths, our former landlords and present friends, so the boys could play together and we could play games. It has been great getting to know Brad and Judy and the boys over the past 2 1/2 years as well. I can't believe how much they have grown since I babysat them!!
When we move to Ontario, who will we spend our Saturday nights with?

A beautiful sunset on snow covered mountains

We took these pictures on the way to Abbotsford Saturday. It was a beautiful sunset and the snow covered mountains were amazing. How can people say there is no God?

More snow pictures from the "big" storm

The view of our backyard from our deck.
The view of our front yard and driveway from the living room window. How do you clear a driveway full of snow without a shovel?
The pond in front of TWU after the storm.
Stephen had a blast with all the snow. Here he is sitting in it. It was a good thing that I went and bought him a toque and mitts the day before the storm hit!

Stephen likes to read to Eddy the Elephant

Stephen loves to read stories. Most of the time, its Mom and Dad who gets to read them to Stephen. We are trying to get Stephen to read the stories himself. He has a select few that we read over and over again. For those who are interested, Eddy the Elephant was Jono's elephant when he was younger!

School's cancelled

Well, because of the weather all classes at TWU are cancelled for Monday. It's great because Monday's are my busiest days at school. I have two assignments due today, but I guess I can't hand them in.

I'm dreaming of a whilte month before Christmas

Out here in Vancouver, BC we're having what they call a "snow storm." I'm sure most of you know what they are, but in our three winters here we have never seen this much snow. Our neighbours across the cul-de-sac have a four-wheeler which they were using to pull sleds around on. Stephen was very excited when they asked him if he wanted a ride. He's the one in the blue coat who looks like he's laying down.
In some of these pictures Stephen doesn't look too happy, but actually he really enjoyed the snow. We were outside all morning and then for a couple hours in the afternoon. We made a snowman. The snow was pretty good for packing, but it didn't roll too well. But the snowman turned out okay. He has chalk for a face and a crown that Stephen made in Sunday School for a hat.
Apparently it's supposed to continue snowing for a couple more days. I wonder if classes will be cancelled tomorrow...

It's snowing!

Its still November and its snowing in Langley, BC. I didn't think it was supposed to do that here. Stephen wants to know why its falling. We definitely have crazy weather out here.

The lovely pregnant Janice

Here are a couple pictures of Janice with only one month to go in her pregnancy. Stephen is also turning out to be quite the poser. He insisted on taking a picture of him kissing the baby.

Stephen in the bath

One night Jono told Stephen that if he was done on the potty it was time for the bath. While we were in the kitchen Stephen decided he was done on the potty and put himself into the bathtub. He didn't seem to think anything was wrong when we checked on him.

Pumpkin carving

Daddy and Stephen got to do some pumpkin carving with the pumpkin that Stephen had picked out. He really liked
blowing out the candle in it.

Vacuuming

Stephen is actually afraid of the vacuum, but if he can push it "by himself" he's okay.

Stephen's new trick

Stephen has started to take his shirt off in bed. Somehow he manages to get both his arms up through the neck of his shirt. We found him one night with his shirt down around his waist. What a kid!

Birthday Picture

Well, I finally got a couple pictures of Janice from her birthday meal. We went out to classy Kelsey's. Janice got a free desert (which I got to eat most of).
Stephen didn't get to eat any of it (poor guy), due to his allergies.

Happy Birthday Janice

Two days ago was Janice's birthday. Make sure you all write this date on your birthday calendars for next year. Anyway, being the absent-minded person that I am, I forgot to post. (Sorry, Janice.) Fortunately I did have presents for her. Janice, I hope you had a good birthday.

Weaver Creek Salmon Run

Saturday's beautiful weather continued through today so Jake and Donna took us up to Weaver Creek, a Department of Fisheries place. At Weaver Creek they count salmon that come up the river. They have a booth that sits above the water. It was very neat to see these big fish, jumping up the rapids. Many of them were quite tired and a lot of them were dead, but there were also many that were still alive and kicking. The sign said that 841 Sockeye and 3 Chum had gone through the gates that day. Since the run has begun over 28,000 had gone through and of these, 19,000 had died.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

We had such beautiful weather this wekend that we could not stay inside. We went with Matt and Zita and their children, Hannah, Tamara and Noble, to Golden Ears Provincial Park. It was very fun and we had a great time. Stephen and the girls collected a lot of big leaves. We even brought some home.

Potty Time

Just wanted to let you all know that Stephen spent some time on the potty this week... And he actually managed to earn some candy!! Unfortuantely he still also likes to pee in his diaper.

Visit with Garry

A good friend from Korea came up to Vancouver to visit his brother who is studying at Regent College. We were able to make it to see the two of them and were treated to a delicious meal. Stephen had a great time playing with Garry and Mark. It was awesome to catch up with a very good friend.

Its that time again .... haircut!!

In the process of the haircut. We forgot to take a picture of the finished product. Sorry, I guess you will have to check our next update to see what it looks like!
Funky hair!

Stephen did really well as mommy cut his hair. He was watching "Nemo" on Daddy's computer. He doesn't mind the whole process until it comes to trimming the hair by his ears. That didn't go so well this time so hopefully no one looks too closely at his ears!

We tried underwear!!

Stephen tried wearing big boy underwear on Saturday. He lasted for an hour or two but then made a large puddle on the kitchen floor. He loved the freedom of not wearing a diaper but was too busy to pee in the potty. At least he didn't pee on the carpet!

A beautiful autumn tree

Thanksgiving Weekend

Tamara and Hannah on the train ride.

The neat thing about this park is that there is a train. Here is a picture of Stephen on the train before it left the station.

We think Stephen has a new friend. Thanks, Tamara, for making sure that Stephen was ok all day!

Stephen loved to play on the motorcycle. Watch out Uncle Matt and Uncle Kris! He's gonna try to ride your wheels next summer!

Here is Matt playing on the digger in the small playground.

On Thanksgiving Monday we went to Bear Creek Park with the Merritts. Here we are enjoying our lunch in the sun.

We spent Thanksgiving Sunday with our adopted family out here, the Stelpstras. We enjoyed a great afternoon with them. Stephen and Donna went to the park. Jono hung out with Bryan in the TV room. We even got in a game of Euchre before the big meal. Thanks for the great food and fellowship Stelpstras.