Happy Birthday!

Birthday time has hit the Kearl home again. Just this past Saturday we threw a big Princess birthday party bash for the girls. I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed with having to entertain 10 excited princesses. I was thankful for having friends and family to help contribute to the festivities. We had the girls Aunt Rachelle and cousin Josie to come and do some face painting (Which I think was the biggest hit for the girls). With making our very own princess wands and cracking open a pinata the girls seemed to really enjoy having everyone over to share their special day.

Christmas '08

This year's was a great Christmas. We were able to spend a lot of time with family, which came with lots of laughter, food, and all around good times. Not much more that we could have asked for. On the 24th we had my family over for the annual Claiter family dinner and gift exchange. Scott hooked me up! After watching the kiddies open their presents Christmas morning, we traveled to Cardston to spend a couple of days with Brad's family. The kids always look forward going to great grandpa's house. We had a good time lazing around with family, going for sled/quad rides, playing some gool ol' fashion pond hockey, and came oh so close to coming home with a stray farm kitten. On the 27th we continued with our "new" tradition of going to the Ramada Hotel in Lethbridge, complete with an indoor water park. The kids, or maybe I should say Brad and Ava, had a blast racing and chasing each other down the slides. Kaitlin and Braden much prefered the hot tub to the regular (cold) pool, but who could blame them?! I have a ton of pics of the good times, but here are just a few. Enjoy!

Christmas Letter

Here is the Coles Notes version of the goings-on at the Kearl household in 2008:

Ava: This was the year Ava graduated from mama’s girl to school girl. To no one’s surprise, Ava made a smooth transition to kindergarten and is enjoying having lots of friends, though her teacher has had to move her so she wouldn’t talk so much. Sounds about right.
Choosing baseball over soccer, Ava played her first season of organized sports. Not unlike her old man in his day, she isn’t much of a powerhouse at the plate, but compensates with speed and fielding prowess.

Kaitlin: Kaitlin is still very much a mama’s girl. This is evident when she can’t stop sobbing when Jenn has to step out of the house for more than two minutes. Should I be offended that she can’t stand the thought of hanging out with just me?
It has been enjoyable watching Kaitlin develop into her own personality, outside of
Ava’s shadow. She is our little brain trust and enjoys learning and helping with Ava’s homework.

Braden: Braden is quickly making the move from baby to little terror. He is now very much a little boy. He loves to climb, throw things, eat, and annoy his big sisters. That all said, he is a joy to have around and loves to smile, laugh and give loves.

Child # 4: ...Just kidding!

Jennifer: Being able to cherry pick Stacey’s dayhome clientele has worked out really well for Jenn, as all the kids get along so well. Though it may not be the most favourite thing of hers, she does run a fine dayhome and the kids love her.
Our kids love that she regularly does crafts with them and pretties up their hair and nails (yes, even Braden). Of course, she is equally eager to have herself pampered when Ava or Kaitlin feel the need to play hair dresser.

Brad: Work is work. After wrapping up a recruiting system implementation project, I was promoted to the role of HR Business Advisor for PC’s North American Natural Gas operations. While it has proven to be a challenging transition, I am excited for the opportunity and eager to get my hands dirty in labour relations.

All in all, it has been a good year for our family. We ain’t perfect, but close enough!

May you all have a Merry Christmas and productive New Year!

Love, Brad, Jenn, Ava, Kaitlin and Braden

Visiting Santa

Oh the joys of having to wait in line to see Santa! We were fortunate enough to be able to have Santa and the little women come for a visit to our ward Christmas party. Of course we just had to get up at the crack of dawn to see him at the mall too. The kids are always thrilled to see him and it never seems to get old. Awww to be a kid again :)

Happy Halloween !!!!!

We had a great Halloween this year! The weather was awesome and the kids had a great time trick or treating with their cousins. Brad and I really enjoyed watch all of the excitement they had getting dressed up and of course with all of the candy! I was amazed at how many people really spooked up their houses. There was everything from big screens with spooky pictures on them to smoke machines and talking witches.
Here are a few pics of our Halloween adventures: