Back up n’ at ‘em
Hello everybody,
Well, after going through a round of most everybody being sick, we are all back on our feet again, and ready to take on this darn winter weather! It is a lot of work to pack up all three kids in their winter gear to get out, but we do love it (although it is too cold for walking…we’re having -26 weather the last few days).
Last weekend, as Karen’s post says, we went to Edmonton to celebrate her birthday. The kids enjoyed visiting with their aunts and uncles, and we had a great time acting out our ‘murder mystery’ and going out for beers (we changed out of our costumes, for any of you who were starting to get concerned about our sanity). The following day we headed back to Edson because Rory was invited to his first birthday party! His friend, Campbell, turned two, and his parents invited about 5 other 2 year olds and their families. We had a great time, and since then Rory can talk about nothing other than, “Mambell” this week. (It helps that this family also goes to our play group, church, and we shared a babysitter this weekend, so Rory saw his friend a lot). We’re looking forward to Rory’s second birthday, and I’m sure my parents are too because we will be visiting them when it comes around! I have a feeling he’s going to be spoiled rotten!
Breanna 
Stevie
Yes, he’s shaved that beard off now!
Ian and I have been keeping busy with our sports and me with my music and volunteering as well. Our calendar for December is already nearly full with all of the Christmas parties/get togethers that are happening. But we are looking forward to all the festivities. We are really blessed that while our kids love their routine, they do amazingly well when we throw something new at them! Our church held a silent & live auction to raise money for our church roof (it’s leaking) this Saturday. Ian volunteered and I willingly spent our money 
We raised $11,000! So, that’s all for now. Other than, you guessed it…more snow .
Brent and Ian showing off their fashionable shoes
The Vander Veen sibs (this is at Shaun’s house - Theresa’s boyfriend)
Playing with Rory
November 27th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Ian and Helena, your kids look great and we’re looking forward to meeting them sometime. We really appreciate the updates that you and many other families post on this site. We may not always post comments, but we check the site a couple of times a day.
November 28th, 2006 at 10:08 am
Yes, we too check the site regularly. Your kids are very cute. Love the pictures! We’d love to meet your family sometime.
November 28th, 2006 at 11:36 am
Awww…are they ever cutie-pies!! So, when are you going to make it down for a visit? December doesn’t sound like a busy month for you guys
Why not spend Christmas here? We’d LOVE it!!
November 28th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Hey, looking good! The shoes, I mean. Where did he get such a lovely set of pumps? No, really, the pictures are so nice. Even though we haven’t met our great neices and nephew yet, it sure is nice to get to see them with you in the pictures, and the little stories that go with them make it even more fun. We might have to move the next family reunion up a year or two so we can see all the new additions to the VanderVeen clan.
November 29th, 2006 at 7:33 am
Good luck with that leaking roof. You guys do sound involved and busy. Nice pictures too, and I too cannot wait to meet all our new additions to the family. Next reunion should be a lot different, lots of little ones to enjoy, Uncle Ype
August 1st, 2009 at 1:47 am
The pictures are really very well shot…The whole family looks really rocking..The babies are cute while the parents look marvelous…There’s nothing better than having a party under the same roof for a family…