Ellie’s Directorial Debut

After starring in many movies, Ellie has now moved into a new position behind the camera. In her directorial debut, Ellie works on her cinematography style with hyper-realistic camera shake, fast panning, and unique, random camera angles.

In describing the movie, producer Troy Johnstone said “It is truly amazing.. its almost as if there was a three year old working the camera!”

A Berry Nice Day

Awhile ago we took the family up to Wetaskiwin to pick strawberries at Stevens Strawberries.
strawberry picking upick Wetaskiwin

It is a family owned strawberry u-pick.. and Naomi happens to be part of that extended family. So it was a berry picking family reunion kind of day. The kids were there helping pick berries (more like, helping themselves to berries..), along with uncles, aunts, and grandparents. Afterward we had a big BBQ and some good times visiting with family we don’t see very often.

Ellie "helping" grandma
Ellie “helping” grandma

Adelaine "helping"
Adelaine “helping” mommy.

Helping herself

Pickin berries

Gleaning

Adelaine

Heavy load

Mommy's little helper

Dancing for joy
Ellie performs The Strawberry Dance of Happiness.

Berry picker

The Red Prize
Ellie and her red prize.

Its Berry Red
Anticipation

family_reunion_Stephens_083008_008
Enjoying the fruit of our labour.
______

So, after all the fun of picking and the BBQ was over, it was time for work….

strawberries083008_055

Summer days

Spray
Since moving out to the country a few weeks ago we have been been trying to spend lots of time outside with the kids. A few times it has been hot enough to break out the hose to cool off.
Cooling off

Ellie really enjoys water and likes getting soaked. Adelaine is more interested in playing with the hose itself. Every once in awhile Ellie would pick up the hose, and then watch out! She doesn’t really intend to get you wet, but she turns around quickly to tell you about what she is doing and sprays you. Gotta watch the camera..

DSC_4609

Adelaine

Adelaine in their little play house.

We have also tried to get to the parks regularly. Adelaine loves the slides (slide is one of the growing number of words she has) while Ellie likes to get to the top and then chickens out. They both enjoy the swings quite a bit too.

Swings

Swing

In fact, all of us enjoy the park.
Everyone enjoys the park

They do also spend quite a bit of time inside too. Adelaine has discovered the phone and likes reciting animal noises that she knows to anybody who will listen.

Talking to Nana

And Ellie, well, she’s Ellie.

Funny Faces

More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnstonekids/

Them kids

I have a milk beard!
Ellie is facinated with my beard (this is Troy, by the way). She likes rubbing it and pulling on it. However, she does not like it when I rub her neck with it. Someone mentioned to her that she once had a milk mustache, which she quickly extrapolated into a whole beard. This is easier to create if you are intentionally messy to leave as much milk as possible on your face to create a beard (or “beart” as she calls it.) like daddy. So.. after every cup of milk she excitedly exclaims “I have a milk beart!” then giggles like a little nut.

Adelaine & Pappa
Adelaine is our little cuddler. She is the expert hugger of the family, giving them frequently and for long periods with her head on your shoulder.

Hugs for daddy

Unca Dew's B-day!

Unca Dew (Uncle Andrew) recently had a birthday and the nieces were on hand to help make it a memorable event.

Mischief Incarnate
This one is titled “Mischief Incarnate”. I think it is a self-explanatory title.

Adelaine has figured out where her nose and mouth are. So if you ask, she will show you by squeezing her nose or usually opening her mouth wide. This time she covered it.
Where is your nose?

Where is your mouth?

Ellie, our little tomboy, will bravely get up to the top of a slide then chicken out and not go down it.
Slider

Adelaine, our little girly girl, will push by her, and almost dive down any slide, regardless of size.
Slider

I guess having your tongue out increases the sensation of speed. After watching Adelaine go down about five times, Ellie figures it is safe and will give it a try.

ipod generation

A sign of things to come.. Ellie, part of the ipod generation. She asked to listen to her “train music” and “Larry Songs” (Silly Songs with Larry).

Back at home

Back at home with the family means its time to put up some new pictures.

Rain Rain, Go Away
Rain rain, go away…
Adelaine and Ellie looking out at the sandbox in the rain.

Bear (and Bunny) Hug
Bunny and Bear are Adelaine’s constant companions. She picks them up whenever you take her from her crib and she can often be seen walking around chewing on their noses or happily hugging them.

With Bunny and Bear

Our new dishwasher:
Cookie Dough Face
Ellie ‘helped’ mommy make cookies and then licked the beater ‘clean’.

Our Dishwasher

Sunhat
Adelaine with the sunhat