December Edition

Well, it's official. I don't really blog anymore! I have so much to say that I can't seem to put it all into tangible thoughts that are worth blogging! But we're enjoying life, and we've been busy! I know that what you all want to know about is the kids, so here is a little update on their lives.

James

James loves preschool, and the fact that he is now four. He usually introduces himself as James Kennedy Plett, "and I'm four now". While on vacation recently, I told him it was Tuesday and he was mortified that he was missing preschool! Thank goodness we didn't miss any actual days of preschool! He is still into playing with Disney Cars toys, and when he didn't get something related to that at Christmas he would very openly express his disappointment. He did get a few new cars and trucks from the collection, and plays with them every day. His favourite show on TV is Cat in the Hat. He loved being in Maui again, particularly getting to see his cousin Emily and catching geckos. He complained every day that we went to the beach, but then he never ceased to have a BLAST once we got there (he would have preferred the "three deep pool" which he means to say "three foot deep pool"). James is struggling with listening, and that's been our latest thing to really crack down on. He is still having a hard time eating a variety of foods, so if you have any suggestions - please send them my way! He loves to play his Vtech Mobigo as well, which was a toy he got for Christmas - but mostly for on the plane and in restaurants. He astounds us with his abilities, especially to remember things, and his absolute love for numbers. The laughter around our household is usually also related to James - and either something he's created, something he's said, or experimentation with a new word that sounds far to advanced for a four year-old. James recently overcame a fear of going to Heaven when he was told that our yellow house with purple doors would be there, and that it could have a built-in waterslide. The only thing he still isn't sure about is why Jesus is invisible. This dude is hard to get a picture of these days - he's so busy, and isn't too keen on being in photos.

Rayya

Our little sunshine never stops making us smile. She is so easy going, pleasant and makes us laugh with her bright, super happy personality. She now is officially walking - and has experimented with high speed walking, as well as jumping. She is slowly beginning to talk more and more - though often her "babble" comes out sounding just like what we think she might say in any given situation, which makes us think that she might be communicating more than we give her credit for. However, there are a few things we do know that she says clearly, which are hi, bye, Mommy, Daddy, James, kitty, puppy, yes please, and apple. Rayya makes friends wherever she goes - and smiles at nearly everyone she meets. She is best known for comments about her blonde hair. Apparently seeing such blonde hair is rare! She loved being on vacation in Maui - and we can't think of any time on our trip that she was unhappy or even discontent. This is a good thing, because we have another trip coming up - where she will be walking down the aisle in front of her new Aunt 'Cedes (Mercedes). Rayya is attached to her soother and favourite blanket, loves teddy bears, babies, puppies and kitties, and giving big hugs! She is always happy to greet us with a squeal - even if we've only been gone for a few minutes. Rayya enjoys playing with our play kitchen, James' cars, and pretending that various items are telephones. It's easy to capture Rayya's pretty smile - because she loves the camera, and is always happy to say "cheeeeeese" whenever she sees it.