Weekends are never sedate and restful around here lately. With Sean here already Saturday afternoon we added the den Otter family. As a birthday present Xinny wanted to come over and teach the kids more about Chinese New Year. We had a great time visiting, playing and of course learning. 

There were red envelopes filled with stickers (always a favourite), that they were told in turn to put them under their pillows for good luck. I think the younger two are still confused as to WHY they are putting them under their pillows but they all did. And then there was some snacks… special fried pastry sort of things that are supposed to represent cleaning out the house with the frying (they were made by Xinny’s dad). And some candies… she left us with some special dried fruits and crackers. All very special. 

Xinny then helped each of the kids draw their name in Chinese characters. She actually came with sheets with all our names, our last name and some interesting words. I love the look of the characters and I think for Christmas I will do a banner for each of the kids. These were done on red paper as that is the colour of paper you use during the Chinese New Year. 

Echo and Izaac are already fast friends… well until he leans on her to give hugs or a kiss and almost knocks her over. Izaac was 11 months on Saturday and weighs around 27 lbs. Echo will be 1 1/2 on the 13th of this month and is 17 lbs. They are such extremes and absolutely ADORABLE together. I am looking forward to when they will be able to chat together and hang out. As it is they were doing rather well sharing toys and playing, though Echo laid claim to Xinny for a cuddle and Izaac was less than enthused. 

We have already begun planning to go visit the den Otters at their home in March. I am hoping we can get back to our old pattern of every other month going to visit. That part is on its way here and once we have this 4th repair on the coolant system we are hoping to have a lot more freedom of travel. 4th time has GOT TO be the charm! Right??

Xinny left me the supplies to make more characters… the brush pen and the ink. I am actually hoping to create some more myself… I love the finished look and it really does seem to be something I could create myself. I may just go back to her with a list of words in the end. But first I have my family to do up! 

Xinny brought some clothes for the girls as well. I could not resist putting Echo in one Sunday!

Sunday means Sunday School. This weekend it was the twins’ turn to be sung Happy Birthday to. They each got a bracelet to bring home. Something they were SUPER excited about.

It was craft Sunday and they all made bookmarks! Very sweet!

As it was the twins’ birthday they got to play Minecraft for most of the day. Ken has some printed out source sheets for them and everything. There were remarkably few fights and apparently a lot was accomplished. 

Of course there was the slurpee trip. It was Ken’s turn and he bought them larger sizes than I tend to buy them so they were doubly happy!!! And of course we bought a third one so that the other two and myself had a treat as well.

There was our traditional cupcake and song, though Ken bought the wrong cake mix and the Angel Food just didn’t turn out. BUT the kids were thoroughly entertained by the odd snack and loved the icing! 

(she) Chris stopped by with some fruits and vegetables as she was in the city this weekend. AND some special soap for Trinity!

It has been a weekend of birthday and visiting and joy. A very much needed beginning to our February. Next weekend is the party at my mom’s, the following our cookie party and then the last weekend is (he) Chris’ birthday. February (weekends) was all booked up before we even ended January.