Two children; two smiles

Elliot has decided to grace us with some real smiles today - that's right , verifiable, non-gas-induced smiles! Here he gives mom a big one.
Rachel on the other hand has developed this new "camera smile". Whenever we point the camera and say "smile", this is what we get. VERY photogenic. 

some recent pictures(2)

Christmas morning family photo.

Rachel and Elliot on Christmas morning.


(below) Sorcha and Rachel hold Elliot on Christmas day.
Rachel and Dad at the Nature Museum... encountering the natives. 

Some recent photos (1)

Rachel and Elliot demonstrate the "dual starfish" on our kitchen floor.
Jeanette with both kids in the new double stroller we're borrowing from our friends Rebecca and Jonas (thanks guys!)

Rachel enjoying The Diner -- a new restaurant on Wellington St. West


(below) Rachel and cousin Sorcha playing piano together at Aunt Gloria and Uncle John's place. 

A couple of nice family shots

 

Ascension Christmas Pageant 2006

Some scenes from this year's installment of the nativity play we do every year -- directed by Dennis, who questions his sanity every year.
(top - a group shot)
(middle - the sheep, shepherds, and innkeepers follow the traditional sheep-rope)
(bottom - Sam the pig. This year we had barn animals in the stable for the first time. And yes, we know that a Jewish barn wouldn't have a pig in it, but maybe the innkeeper was a gentile...


 

Tableau around the manger

2006 Ascension Christmas Pageant. 

Angels and sheep

The annual Ascension Christmas pageant happended on Sunday, and as always, it was lovely mayhem. In this pic, Rachel (at right) is ministered to by an angel named Poppy. 

Rachel and Elliot - two thoughts on "floor time"

Okay, so Elliot hasn't *quite* taken to the concept of "floor time" -- one of the many ways he's already a very different child from his siter. 

Authentic Ottawa cuisine

Here's Grandpa Van Staalduinen at our local French Fry wagon with Rachel in the stroller. Yes, that's Rachel under those blankets. It was cold.

Mom Van S with Elliot

Grandma Van S spending quality time with Elliot. Dennis's Mom and Dad came down for the weekend, and seemed pleased to finally welcome their first gradson -- after 5 wonderful little girls.

Proud grandparents

Nana and Papa Rule with their two grandchildren. Rachel, sit still!!!

Our glamorous little family

Sleep deprived or sleeping. Broken hand. Manic energy. Mild attention deficit (that
's Dennis). And of course, the poopy diaper check (Rachel was poopy too...). It's all glamour here at the Van Ruleduinen's place.