HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Victoria has a message for you. She was enjoying the first snow, when she asked Jim to record her message.




Special Thanks to Uncle Andy for helping me figure out the video embedding process.

Have a great 2007!

Merry Christmas

This past week has been a very eventful week. The Christmas holiday brought a flurry of activity to the Welch household. Between shopping, bringing bags into the house and wrapping presents, I barely had time to sleep. I did, however, discover where Mom hides the gifts before Christmas eve. I may be convinced to share my knowledge for a small price - We'll talk later.

In the mean time, here is another glimpse of "The Girls" at Thanksgiving.
Christmas Eve morning service at church was very special. Victoria's preschool teacher, Miss Shirley, read a story about the crooked Christmas tree - which was written by her husband years ago. Victoria loved the story, and loved having miss Shirley visit our church.

After The morning Church service, Victoria was jamming to the holiday sounds of the
Tran-Siberian Orchestra - while riding her rocking horse, and dipping a spatula into a can of sweetened condensed milk - with her shirt half off.

At this point, it was best not to question the wardrobe. At the Christmas Eve Service, Victoria was in her glory - right up front standing/sitting on the alter rail looking at the full congregation. It's nice to see she feels comfortable in church. If she continues this way, she will have no problem talking or performing in front of others when she gets older.

She also experienced holding her first candle.

Mom and Dad were up very late on Christmas Eve. I think they were waiting up for Santa, but I fell asleep well before he got here - and so did Victoria. She didn't even get to leave him Cookies and Milk because she was so tired. We fell asleep together in the chair next to the tree.

But Santa did come - and he left a lot of presents. Victoria had a great time opening all of them - including everyone else's. She particularly liked the safety scissors she got in her stocking - and insisted on opening all the presents with them. This made for a long day. Here are some of the highlights.

Kaela joined us for a short time on Christmas. I think it was a beneficial visit - she finally got the cars that she wanted.

But by far, Victoria has had the most fun engaging Grandpa in the play tent.

That's all for now. Can't wait until New Year's Eve. It should prove to be a fascinating evening. Until then, Merry Christmas from the Christmas Crackers.

And now for the recap...

In case you have missed any of the recent events, here is the quick recap...

First time on a real school bus at Uma's (Bertha's) 90th Birthday party.

Learning how to get dressed by herself (or sometimes undressed to go to the potty). Judging by her hair do, she was getting dressed after just waking up. Again, you thought I was the long haired fur ball of the house!!

Mommy, Can I lick the beaters?

The not-so-broken nose... After tossing her companions Ellie (the elephant, not to be confused with cousin Ellie) and Pooh over the razor wire on her baby gate, she scrambled over the top and lost her balance, plunging to the floor, breaking her fall with her nose. Even in her disabled condition, she completed her secret mission...to get into Mom and Dad's bed. {Honestly, we don't really have razor wire on the baby gate, but after trying to thwart her attempts of escape by stacking two baby gates, only to have her climb over the entire 4 foot structure in a matter of seconds, we just plain gave up on them altogether}

Playing in the leaves with Kaela (instead of helping with the tree limb and clean-up)











I never get to watch movies when they take me in the car.

"What, I like MONSTERS"

Mom's Birthday

Victoria's new friend, TJ Bearytales

(a little creepy if you ask me - but what do I know, I'm just a cat.)

!Vogue
Cutting the Christmas Tree

Victoria has become the little plumber's helper - complete with the Plumber bum.

You look Marvellous darling...

And now, I believe you are caught up.

Is it safe to come out?

Well, It's been a busy 4 weeks here at the Welch house. First there was Thanksgiving. The whole family went to visit family in New Jersey. Victoria refers to them as "the girls". She had a blast. She was doted over hand and foot by all four of the girls they stayed with. All Victoria had to do was hold her hands in the air, and miraculously, someone would pick her up and carry her around. It made for a bit of reprogramming when she returned home. Mom & Dad aren't nearly as responsive to the little one's whines.

While there, Victoria was introduced to the Piano that plays itself. At Victoria's encouragement, the Piano played "Do you know the Muffin Man" repeatedly for approximately 2 hours. If you didn't already sing this to yourself, you are probably doing it now. You're welcome - now you will have that song stuck in your head for at least two days!

This muffin man song - annoying as it was - was a step up from the serenade two years ago of the Mission Impossible theme at 1/8th the speed and inconsistent timing - performed by the up and coming pianist - Kaela. (Remember that name, you are going to be hearing great things about her)

Well, Since then, many things have been happening. I still haven't gotten a hold of Jim's camera to get more photos, but thanks to Aunt Lori, I have some pictures from Thanksgiving. Until I can cuddle up to Jim and swipe the camera from him when he is distracted, this will have to be the end of my post.

Enjoy the photos. (thanks to Lori, my partner in crime). PS. If Victoria offers you Marshmallows - Just say no!