Wow, it has been a whole year since I started this blog. As I was updating the picture of the boys on this blog it struck me how much they have changed in the last year and all that has happened. I am glad that I have this blog as well as hundreds of pictures to help remind me of the many wonderful moments and memories.

Well, the latest news is that we recently got back from Winnipeg and Quebec city after our Christmas vacation. The boys and I flew out on the 18th and spent two weeks there and Vincent flew out to join us on the 25th. The timing was nice since he was able to come out to Portage with us where our whole extended family had gathered. It was the first time in years that all the grandchildren and great grandchildren were there at the same time so my Grandma was very happy and many pictures were taken of this photo-op! I also took a video of Mathieu learning to fiddle with my cousin's boyfriend. The room was swinging!

Our visit to Winnipeg was wonderful and very very restful. It was great to have a break from the regular routine and I so appreciated having the extra and very willing hands to help me out with the kids. It is such a break for me to have all the help and such a wonderful experience for Mathieu and Gabriel to get to spend so much time with his grandparents, aunts and cousins. Mathieu, in particular, is a very busy man when we go to Winnipeg and very much in demand! He went sliding with grandpapa and his cousins several times, skating with Grandpapa, supper, snowmobiling and sliding with Grandpa at his cottage, the movies with Grandmama, sleepovers at Josh's, play dates with the twins etc. It is so cute because to him, Winnipeg is still the most magical place on earth and he is convinced that when he is bigger he is going to live their "when I am big like papa and married"

In addition to being spoiled with free babysitting and a built-in house keeper, I appreciated being able to get together with my special friend Cori-Lee ("one is silver but the other gold", a night out with my sister's, as well as a date night with my favorite husband...

After our vacation in Winnipeg (and yes, despite the cold, I can call it a vacation!) we flew to Quebec city for a family celebration on January 1. I didn't quite make it to the end of the evening as I pooped out about 10 and fell asleep on Francois and Isabelle's bed but a good time was had by all and great wine was enjoyed by most!

Yesterday, the "la vraie vie" began with Mathieu off to school and Vincent and I off to work. Today, I was home but took Gabriel to the doctor for his regular check up. And yes, the rumors are confirmed as Gabriel's head measure on the 97th percentile. So yes, big head do indeed run in our family!!! She also said that he has grown more in the last 6 months than other times in his development.