The Rhones: June 2009

Grace's Golden Goodness Cake

Grace totally made up her own recipe for this cake. All by herself. I was a bit(O.K. a lot) worried that the cake would be awful - sort of like the "Strawberry Surprise" Felicity tried to make when she was only 3 years old. *shudder*

I had nothing to worry about. This is a great cake. And it really goes well with whipped cream and strawberries. (Felicity, I hope you were paying attention!)

Doesn't this look delicious? The kids had this for breakfast, as Grace made the cake just before bedtime the night before.

How is it, Emma?

Thanks for breakfast, it was amazing, Grace!

Feeding the ducks

Here we are at Quamichan Lake, which is quite close to the school.

Show us how it's done, Gracie.

Some of the other kids (party-poopers, if you ask me!) decided to stay in the van and read.

Look behind you Trinity.

"A swan can break a man's arm, you know." Has anyone else read 'Adrian Mole Weapons of Mass Destruction'? No? Never mind, then.

Happy Easter

Easter morning is always so great.

Chocolate bunnies for breakfast!

Trinity looks very elegant in her new scarf. She is all ready for church.

Trinity and Grace are checking out all the pretty Easter eggs. Auntie Zaza sent a really cool Ukrainian decorating package for the eggs.

Thank you Auntie Zaza.

Aren't they nice?

Happy birthday, Thomas

Thomas is eleven years old!

Wow, Tom, you sure are surrounded by a lot of girls! 6 sisters and your cousin Emma!

We had a family birthday party for Thomas, since his birthday was the day before Easter, but a few weeks later he had a rather chaotic party here with some school friends.

Thomas got some Star Wars Lego sets. As a result, Thomas spent the next week or so in his room, building everything.

Good Friday

Trinity's kindergarten teacher asked me to come into her classroom to see Easter picture that Trinity drew.

Mrs. Saunders was so impressed. She said she has never had any of her students draw the crucifixion of Jesus, and she has been teaching at a Catholic school for many(many) years.

I was impressed, too, especially at the INRI at the top of the cross. *sniffle*

After the Easter break, Trinity drew another Easter picture. This one is the Resurrection and is very joyful indeed! I love you, Trinity.

April Fool's Day '09

I had such a lovely birthday. As you can see, Gregory really spoils me!

Check out these beautiful flowers sent to me from my sister.

This was great. Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne.

Delicious dinner. Salmon, polenta, etc...

Gregory keeps the whole family amused.

Right, Felicity & Eva?

For dessert, I made chocolate mousse. What a perfect day. Thanks, everyone.

First Communion

Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.

Heather & Grace in their pretty white dresses.

Thomas is one of the altar boys.

The altar boys receive communion first. Thomas is on the far left.

First communion for Heather and Grace.

Congratulations!

The girls each got a little angel. Heather's angel is holding a bunny, Grace's has a red heart.

so.good.

Prepare to drool.

BBQ salmon

Homemade bread

Mashed potatoes

Scallops. All the kids gather around for the "show" when Gregory fires the scallops in the pan with some liqueur.

Saucy scallops.

Spinach & tomato salad with fresh basil and bocconcini.

Voila. dinner is served.

Clever girls

The kids did really well in the music festival this year. Heather & Grace each won a prize for voice. I can't seem to find a photo of the girls singing, but here is a cute musical picture, anyway.