All I want for Christmas is my front tooth

 This front tooth was loose for weeks. It made me a bit queasy to watch this goofy face:

 Finally daddy was able to pull that front tooth. Her toothless grin melts my heart. And the slight whistle when she talks... what a doll!

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving 2012 was a 3 day event for us. I spent all day Wednesday making pies with Mary. Thursday we had some of my family for Thanksgiving dinner. Friday we had some of Todd's family for Thanksgiving dinner. It was great to be with family after living away for so many years.

 Our little Sara grew up this Thanksgiving. We sat her at the table so that her younger cousin could have the high chair. She hasn't let me feed her ever since.

The Friend publication

Michael has always been a frequent 'Friend' magazine reader. At the beginning of 2012 he noticed a question corner that caught his attention and submitted a response. We watched for a couple of months to see if his response would be published and then we sort of forgot. Our 'Friend' subscription still isn't regular after our international address change, so I was looking at my parents November 2012 issue when I flipped the page and saw my sons cute face! It was an exciting moment for our family.

One of his friends brought the magazine to school and his teacher read his response to his school class. He was also recognized in Primary. Way to go Michael!

Swim team

Our love of swimming started in Australia and continues today. Our oldest boys have joined a local swim team. They practice three days a week after school. They have a swim meet once a month. Here they are with their game faces on before a race:

 Every time I watch them race, I am grateful to our Australian swim instructors who helped them so much in such a short time. Last minute encouragement from big brother:

 Proudly showing the ribbons they received from two of their meets.

Good on ya mates!