Braces $$$

A couple of years ago Ashton had a retainer to straighten a few teeth that were needing to be moved for others to come in.  Since then some teeth that should be coming down by now still aren't, and he's lost the last of his baby teeth, so he's ready for braces

First appointment was lots of pictures and xrays.

Smile!  Ha ha ha!

Then last Monday we headed to the orthodontist to have the braces put on.  They've decided to just put them on his upper teeth first, with the bottom teeth following in two months.  They taught him how to take care of them and what he is not allowed to eat or drink.  He received a really nice electric toothbrush and all the tools he'll need to take great care of his teeth for the next two years.

The first few days were pretty rough.  The brackets tore up the inside of his mouth and his gums and teeth were sore.  He is doing much better now and seems to be back to normal.  It's astonishing how expensive it is, but I'm sure he'll have a beautiful smile

Traditions

A couple of weeks ago we got together with the Puzey side of the family for our annual chocolate dipping.  We had each made 3 batches of fondant and then got together to dip it.  It goes so quickly when we work together and it's lots of fun.  This year we made olympic cream, maple walnut, peppermint, coconut, cherry, vanilla and toffees.

Last chocolate of the day - out of chocolate!  He he he

My kids love going to the farm.  They had a great day playing with their cousins while we worked.  Fun memories being silly!

Scotch tape faces

After chocolate making later that night we left Ashton babysitting at Grandma's house and Jason and I headed into Lethbridge for the Valdy concert.  Mom, Dave, Char, Leah, Blake, Jared, Amber and Emry were all able to go as well.  If you don't know who Valdy is he's a Canadian Folk singer.

He was one of my dad's absolute favorite performers and I grew up listening to his records and dad playing and singing his songs on the guitar.  In fact I asked mom and dad to sing Valdy's song Renaissance at my wedding reception.

Valdy got on stage, just him and his guitar, and started singing and it was a song I knew and remembered well and this flood of emotion overcame me and I could not contain the tears.  Thinking of my dad, missing him, feeling like he was with us.  So many wonderful memories of my childhood.

Valdy really is a spectacular performer.  I love his rich voice, he is an amazing guitarist and his stories are funny and entertaining.

Once I got past the initial tears I loved every moment and could not stop smiling.  He sang all my favorites and new songs as well.  It was fun to sing along.  Such a great night!  It was so great Dave and Jared brought their kids to the concert.  Had I not needed Ashton to babysit we would have as well.  I think it is time to pass on my love of Valdy to my boys.  I love traditions.

Great Aunt & Uncle

Jason's sister Nicole's daughter Jessica (did you follow that) just had a beautiful baby girl.  Jason and I were able to visit her on Saturday.  We were sorry the kids were not with us they would have loved to have met their new little cousin.

So with the birth of this little one I am officially a great aunt!!  Crazy.

Here is sweet Braelynn.

I very much enjoyed some baby cuddles.  She is such a cute little thing. You seriously forget just how little they are when first born.

With Great Uncle Jason

3 Generations - Braelynn, Jessica, Nicole

We had such a nice visit.  Congratulations to Jessica and proud Grandma Nicole!

Toddler Quiz

On facebook yesterday I noticed a little toddler test.  Without any coaching you ask your toddler the questions and write the responses down.  I thought I would do it with Cadence.


Cadence - 2 1/2 years old

What is your name?  Cadence

How old are you?  10, then she said, me 2

When is your birthday?  You my mom

How old is mom?  ummmmmmmm

What is your favorite colour?  Pink

What is your favorite food?  Macaroni

Who is your best friend?  Admi (Adam)

What is your favorite animal?  Monkey

What are you scared of?  Lions

What makes you happy?  You, pandas, baby lions

Where is your favorite place to go?  Nani's house

What do you want to be when you grow up?  You


What a sweet girl!

Halloween 2016

I'm a little late posting about halloween but here it is finally!  Halloween came and went in a blur this year.  We didn't even seem to find the time to carve pumpkins.

Ashton dressed up as a ghostbuster.  His costume turned out awesome.  He made a proton pack, ghost trap, and utility belt.  They were much better than anything we could have bought.  All we purchased for him was work overalls.

Bowen dressed up as Darth Vader.  Star Wars always a favorite in the Atwood house.

Cadence dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.  I wasn't sure Cadence knew who Little Red Riding Hood is but she kept telling me she was going to Grandmother's house.  Apparently she's heard of her.

We took Cadence out to a few houses, then came back to hand out candy and the boys went out by themselves for a couple of hours.  Once the boys got home we put Cadence to bed and then watched The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - my favorite!

Happy Halloween!!