Christmas Eve at the Tripone's house

It must be obvious that I have had a busy winter since I am just updating my blog with Christmas photos. We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at my brother's house. Sandra and family were there, my father and his wife, Lidia's parents. Plus, all the children! It is such a delight to be around so many children...Dylan had a ball.

After dinner we played an Italian card game (don't ask me what it is called). Dylan won $5.

At some point the children escaped to the basement for some ROCK BAND fun.

The final family Christmas photo.

VELO - Frankentrike!

Despite having a double-car garage, I have not been able to park my car at home for over a month. Why? Because my husband, the mad scientist, has been locking himself in his garage workshop until the wee hours of the morning every night while working on his latest Frankentrike...the next generation.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Andrew's latest (and greatest) invention...the VELO-FRANKENTRIKE!

As some of you may know, Andrew has been lusting over the velo-mobiles ever since our visit to Holland. Unfortunately, they are very very costly. And, there are waiting lists for up to 2 years! So, as always, Andrew thought he could build one. This will be his "winter" trike to help him commute to work through the hard Canadian winter months. Press PLAY for video.

Getting in and out of the beast is not too bad. Press PLAY for video.

Grey Cup

Every year, Andrew's Ryerson buddy Chris has a Grey Cup party. He has been maintaing this tradition ever since the Ryerson days. This year was no exception and Andrew and I joined this gang for chili, beer and football (don't ask me who won as I don't know)....I go for the company!

Dog Sitting

I am grateful to have a wonderful babysitter for Dylan after school. So, I was happy to return the favour when she asked if we could care for her miniature Pintzer dog over the weekend.

This gentle little creature was a delight to have around the house...but what alot of work! You quickly forget how much constant time and attention a baby or a dog can demand from you.

Dinner with Friends

We had a lovely home-cooked meal with Karen and Richard. This was a good time for us as Richard was recently released from hospital without any complications. It was the first time we had seen them since camping this summer and we hope it won't be as long until the next time we get together!
Father and Son

Another Niemeyer!

Imagine my surprise when my "baby" cousin announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child in April! Congratulations to Edwin and Sharon....I can't wait to see the next generation.

Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en night was the usual bustling time in our neighbourhood. I had purchased 400 pieces of candy and by the end of the evening I was scavanging from Dylan's loot to service the steady stream of children at our door.

We started the evening with a Hallowe'en party after school for 5 of Dylan's friends.

We played the old classics of Tangled Web...

and wrap the mummy.....

Dylan was dressed as Darth Maul from Star Wars after daddy carefully applied the makeup..

Daddy, himself, thought of a last-minute costume with the help of our toilet seat and a little scotch tape...Can you guess it?

Hint: The Canadian Dollar going down the toilet!

Our neighbours were able to display the latest addition to the family...Jack (1 month)

I loved this costume by our neighbour Pearce. It is Michael Phelps and his 8 gold medals.

I served eyeballs to our neighbours (shooter glasses filled with green jello and a lichee with a piece of red licorice for the pupil). Ohhhhhhhhh scary!

Rock Band

We went to my sister's house for dinner. The children took this opportunity to play the Wii Game "Rock Band" which is a combination of karaoke and instrument karaoke (play VIDEO).

Needless to say, Andrew and I had a great time watching these budding musicians.