Spring has sprung!

In the kingdom the thought of Spring has made a few little bodies busy! Or should I say busier? Prior to the snow melting, the girls thought up a new way to keep busy and keep moving: They put their little brother in one of his dump trucks and took him for a spin around the house. Dominic loved it! He was so good, enduring many collisions with furniture and walls. But now that he is a bit older, he is doing a lot of the driving himself.




Dominic has become quite a little boy full of activity, expression and personality. Although the words are slow to come, he understands everything. He loves to run, play and get into cabinets and drawers. He has learned how to assert himself and hold his own with his sisters. Hitting and screaming have become part of his repetoire as well as tantrums. He has learned from the best. Time outs have had to be used as a simple no is not very effective anymore. I am thankful he still loves to cuddle and his clearest words are "mama" and "dada." Check out one of the many dings he has suffered from his many adventures. Actually, this one was at the hand of his sister Chloe who shut a door in his face. She didn't want him to follow her anymore and thought the best way to keep him out her stuff was to but something between them.





Dominic isn't the only one growing. Chloe continues to be active and a bundle of energy. We jokingly call her our cross between Dash from the Incredibles and Tigger. She never sits still. They call her the "Powerhouse" at gymnastics. She can hang from the rings in position twice as long as the other 3&4 year olds and just blows them away with whatever challenge they are doing: bars, trampoline or climbing activities. Although her fourth birthday is over a month away, we need to break out the size 4 pants as she is starting to look like the flood is coming. Her hair has finally reached a length that many cute styles can be done. She, however, doesn't leave them in for long. At least I was able to snap this picture of her.



Renee too is changing fast. With baby teeth falling out and new ones growing in, it is easy to see how big she is becoming. She continues to make great progress at school and is reading well beyond her age level. She is however struggling with attention issues. Renee simply finds other students' work and business much more interesting than her own. Some nights we have more homework than others because she didn't finish it at school. She often has to miss part of recess to finish other tasks and the bus driver has had to speak to her often as well. Recently Renee's class put on an "opera" version of the short story "Tiki Tiki Tembo." Renee was an "aunt" and had a speaking part at the end. She was quite proud of herself and so were we. It was simply adorable!




Easter came upon us quickly. I was lucky enough to find matching outfits for the kids. They looked adorable. After our rough attempts at church this year, we knew that our previous mishaps were not an excuse to miss Easter morning mass. We arrived 15 minutes early to make sure we got a seat only to find we were stuck in the back of the Narthex. The place was "hopin'" Even though there was a lot of people, father called all the children to the front. In charge of Chloe, Renee led them up to the altar. We couldn't see them. However, we did hear Chloe get reprimanded. When they returned Renee told us that Chloe got in trouble "on stage." Apparently Chloe found one of her pre-school chums and they excitedly hugged and jumped interrupting Father's blessing of the Eucharist to tell him they go to school together. He had to separate them. Well, at least we made it, survived and they looked cute!

Enchanted holidays

Like our holiday cards, this "new blog in the New Year" is a bit late! Thank you to those who keep checking faithfully hoping for the update as promised by our Christmas, er, holiday cards.

The holiday season started like most: Chilly weather, the fall of snow, and the hunt for the perfect tree. Like years past we went to a local tree farm to find that perfect tree. We particularly like this tradition as it is reminiscent of the scene in Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation and always sets the tone for the Christmas season. We also enjoy going to this tree farm as it is much like one stop shopping. For the price of a good tree we also get a visit with Santa and there is no line! Our visit is finished with warm apple cider and candy canes. The girls have grown to love this tradition like us. This year we decided to go late afternoon rather than first thing in the morning. Big mistake! We arrived to find out that Santa had already left his cute little visiting house for the day. The girls were devastated. We deliberated whether or not we should just come back the next day but we already had plans and that would mean trying to squeeze too much into one day. Also, we had been asked to pick up a tree for my parents and my brother was coming home the next day to help my mom decorate. Luckily we found out that a local community center was having a tree lighting ceremony later that evening and Santa would be there. Whew! The Santa problem solved! So we began our search for the perfect tree. Halfway through the hunt the girls decided they needed a potty break. On our way Renee found a beautiful tree. We left daddy there to stand guard of what she later nick named her "pee pee tree." At second look, mommy wasn't so sure but by that point Dominic had had it and Chloe had lost interest. it was cold! Thank goodness we had found meme and pepere's tree first!

We packed them in the truck and quickly brought the trees home, shoved some food in our faces and headed off to see Santa. The girls were first in line but neither one of them would sit with Santa. From a distnace they whispered their wishes. Renee another American Girl Doll and Chloe a Rockin' Guitar. Daddy tried to put Dominic in his lap but he began crying before his tushy even hit Santa's velvet pants. Oh well. No picture with Santa this year! At least we got one of them "around" him. After our encounter with Santa we ran into a college friend I hadn't seen in years and her daughter. Of all places, and all people, it was Santa that brought this chance meeting!

We came home and took out the egg nog and began decorating the tree. It is so difficult for the queen to let go of the out come and have patience with the royal children's decorating skills. In the end the tree was beautiful and no rearranging was done while they were sleeping, I swear!

The same weekend Renee and mommy went to their first American Girl Doll Tea put on by the York Rec Department. Held at the York Harbor Inn, this girl and doll only tea was every girl's, including Renee's, dream come true. The Inn was beautifully decorated, the food delicious and the whole afternoon simply delightful. The girls ate, held their tea cups just so, made crafts associated with the time period of their dolls, and learned to be ladies. The girls dressed in fancy dresses and their dolls matched too. It was well organized and fun for both girl and doll. Renee loved it. I served as the event's official photographer and my pictures were used in the town paper. Here are a few of Renee and her doll.

The next weekend a terrible ice storm hit and we lost power for several days. Although beautiful outside, the ice caused a lot of people, including ourselves, a lot of damage. With no electricity our sub pump doesn't run nor can we flush the toilets. The end result: lots of water in the basement, the loss of some stuff and a house that smelt like a port-a-potty. Mike went all over NE in hopes of finding a cord to match the generator we borrowed but ended up coming home with another generator. It was so cold in our house that we spent some time at my parents who did have a generator. We were out of school for two days. Four days total of no heat and power. We were greasy, cranky, and tired people at the end of the ordeal.

In the meantime we tried to get that perfect Christmas card photo. After seeing a few of our friends' cards, maybe we'll use some of the out takes instead next year. What a headache! Getting Dominic to sit still was hard enough when one is a natural poser and the other thought smiling meant thrusting her chin forward and making her eyes bug out of her head. In the end I believe we managed a pretty decent shot. Maybe professional ones would be easier. I just enjoy trying to get that perfect shot and trying to be creative.

Next came Dominic's first birthday. It is hard to believe the prince is already a year old. The day of Dominic's actual birthday we took the kids to Portland's Narrow Gauge Railroad for a ride on the "Polar Express." What an adventure!

It was a very snowy afternoon and travel was slow going. We actually missed our train and had to wait to board another. It was very cold and snowy. The kids were not impressed with the weather and were in a bit of shock until the train pulled out of the station. Chloe was mesmerized by the trip and Dominic took it all in with wide eyes. Chloe watched out the windows and Dominic was engrossed in his cookie and hot chocolate.

Renee noticed that one of the elves happened to be her school librarian and was very attentive to the reading of the Polar Express story.

Everyone got their ticket "punched" by the conductor and enjoyed delicious treats while listening to the music and the story.

The next day, on a day between two storms, we held Dominic's first birthday party. The weather and flu kept many people away but all in all the party was a success. Dominic enjoyed his cake and was our only child to eat his/her first birthday cake with a utensil. As you can see from the pictures, a spork did not keep him any cleaner! The cake was green and covered with little trucks. Dominic's next few poops were also green and his little bum was too! It took a couple of days for both to return to normal color.

After Dominic's birthday we began our Christmas celebrations. As always we spent Christmas Eve with family friends. Julie came over during the day and helped the girls make cookies.

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Skip proudly showed off their new grandson Jayden at their annual Christmas Eve gathering.

The food was good and the time enjoyed. The kids were sufficiently wound up and ready for Santa's visit. That evening Dominic took his first steps and hasn't looked back since. All slept well that night. Well, sort of! The girls came in to wake us at 1:30 a.m. excitedly announcing that Santa had come. We sent them back to bed but they were back before 6 a.m. We were done opening presents and ready for Meme and pepere by 7 a.m. After opening more presents we gathered our things and made our way to Rockport for a celebration with Michael's family. We took the time to pose for a family portrait with Michael's grandmother (age 99) and her brother (age 90) front and center.

The kids loved seeing their extended family and the chatter of family was energizing. It is amazing to see how fast everyone grows and where everyones' lives are headed. New babies, new marriages/engagements, new adventures, old stories and old family members made the experience worth all the stress of traveling.

Christmas continued with presents and time spent with family. The girls were very excited to spend time with their soon to be cousin Addison and their Tante and her fiance Ross. Of course the kids were sufficiently spoiled by love and wonderful gifts (Tante has great taste and Grandmaman and Papa very generous). We weren't sure how we were going to fit everything in the van to take home.

The holidays brought new developments: Teeth lost, teeth found and first steps. Dominic went from a tentitive few steps on Christmas Eve to Running by New Years Eve. He was quite proud of himself. Now there is no stopping him! Look out Renee and Chloe!

This year we spent New Years Eve at home. It was snowing yet again, and Daddy went out and picked up Chines food. We gathered around the coffee table to eat and watch "It's a Wonderful Life." The girls LOVED the food and the movie. A good time was had by all. We are looking forward to a wonderful and hopeful 2009. Keep checking for new posts and updates!

Autumn in the Enchanted Kingdom

I can hardly believe how fast the Fall has come and gone. What a glorious fall it was: The weather was beautiful, the leaves gorgeous and our royal engagements plenty! The kids settled into school and our normal routines but not without making life interesting. Of course the paparazzi captured every moment of the royal family's special moments on camera.

Since the weather was so wonderful, we took advantage of every moment we could spend out side. Renee mastered jumping rope and the monkey bars at school while Chloe spent a lot of time trying to skate. Sir Dominic quietly watched from the stroller while his big sisters tired themselves out before diner and homework each night. Inside, he toddled around in his walker eventually learning he could also push things around with him often against the protests of his big sisters.


In September Princess Chloe took her first trip to the dentist. No cavities! She was such a good little patient. The girls were side by side and although their mouths were full of instruments, they still were able to talk to each other and kept the hygentists very entertained! As you can see, Princess Renee has lost more teeth and her new ones are beginning to arrive.
Dominic changed a lot this fall. He began toddling around in his walker quite well. He has also learned to pull himself up and walk holding on to things. He is a master of standing in his crib and in no time will be walking. He also has had 4 double ear infections to date and is in the process of cutting 5 new teeth (one poked through already). He is also not sleeping well, thus neither are the king and queen! He is all smiles and his eyes are full of mischief. Dominic claps, squeals, and waves. Mama, dada and hi are some of his words. He still loves to cuddle but prefers to be on the move. Such a royal love...

On the school front lots of interesting and fun adventures are happening. Renee has become a reading maniac. She so enjoys to read! She reads to her sister, she reads to her brother, she will read to whom ever will listen. It is truly amazing to see her progress! She recently finished a whole chapter book.
Chloe continues to enjoy Pre-School and dazzle them with her boundless energy and spirited personality. On her Brigance screening she scored very well. She would have done even better except the teacher is only allowed to ask questions a certain way and she must take the child's first response. When asked "What does Miss Kimmie call you?" Chloe promptly answered "Little Meatball" which is true but the answer the test wanted was Chloe Carbonneau. So Kimmie could not give her credit for knowing her name! Hah! She also shortened her teacher's life by a few years by pulling one of her breath holding spells. Chloe came to before Kimmie was able to dial 911 but she left quite an impression on all, including her classmates! Later that afternoon at lunch one of her little chums leaned over and asked her "So, were you really dead or just playing?" to which Chloe responded "I was just playing."

The king and queen continue to be busy not only taking care of the royal subjects but in their work endeavors as well. The king continues to travel when not working from his home office. He is missed terribly. The queen is as always behind in correcting and tired at the end of a teaching day. She has also taken on becoming an independent consultant with Discovery Toys. Hopefully it will give her an outlet and a chance to have something out side of work and her kids. Visit her site for more info!
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/STEPHANIECARBONNEAU


The fall also brings crisp Macintosh apples to New England. We are fortunate enough to live just 2 miles from a small farm and orchard. Uncle Gary joined us for our annual trip. His muscles and patience were much appreciated! Of course the kids did more eating than picking but isn't that what it is all about? Dominic even joined in the taste testing by sucking on the cores of the apples everyone else had finished. Yum! The kids took advantage of the old farm equipment and decorations posing for the royal photographer as often as they were asked. It was a successful trip and lots of apple sauce and apple pies were made later that weekend.







Another weekend we joined friends Lisa and Skyler for a trip to Pumpkin Land. Yet again, the weather was beautiful, the scenery gorgeous and the experience delightful. Pumpkin Land had so much to do and the kids truly enjoyed themselves. There were huge slides, jumpy houses, bales of hay to climb, zip lines, a corn maze, decorations, fair type food, hay rides and pumpkins to pick. We spent the whole day and left very tired. We will definitely go there again!




We took our pumpkins home and carved them. The king helped his royal daughters trace designs onto the pumpkins. Renee picked an intricate cat while Chloe chose a look a like face. Daddy then spent a good portion of an hour cutting out the girls designs while mommy scooped out the guts and roasted the seeds. When all was said and done, the pumpkins were lit and to our delight they were fantastic. Next year we will do this again but we will certainly allow more time, have more patience and be prepared for some work. The girls were so pleased with their Jack-0-Lanterns!

The fall festivities continued with Halloween and trick or treating. There was no shortage of magic or super powers in our enchanted kingdom. Renee was Wonder Woman, Chloe Super Girl and Dominic was Yoda. Although the girls were the ones to get candy, Dominic got caught with his hands in goods! Too cute!

As the fall comes to an end and the Christmas season approaches. We wish you a warm holiday season full of God's wonder and love. We certainly will be blessed and busy! We can't wait to share our holiday with you....