Special Christmas Gift

In Bob's family this year, instead of exchanging names we exchanged families--so we bought for one family and one family bought for us. Our gift from Elizabeth, Don, Dani & Sydney was tickets for this magic show. We all went and Kailyn and Lukas loved it!! It was lots of fun!! This is the first time any of us has been to a magic show and we loved it. In Calgary, donations from the tickets go to support Muscular Dystrophy. There were dancers, a juggler/jester, a few magicians/illusionists and a comedian/magician. It was fun for all of us! Lukas loved Cody the Dog and his disappearing trick. Kailyn had a hard time picking a favorite. Bob and I enjoyed the whole show. To learn more about this wonderful group or for more shows and tickets click: Illusions

Thanks guys!! This was a great idea!

Getting So Big!!

Here is Lukas helping Auntie "Trissa" cut Bob's hair. It's a good thing she was there because Lukas' directions were, "Head up, Daddy--head down--head up--head down..." Thanks to Christa, Bob will be presentable for Christmas.

Lukas is getting so big--we tried on this pair of size 3 pjs just to see how they would fit--Sarah, Christa and I almost cried we were laughing so hard! These pjs reminded us of long johns. Lukas was so squished but he refused to take them off.

Sleeping Angels

Zoe & Kailyn take time for a little nap and a snuggle. Kailyn adores Zoe and loves having her around. She's a great little helper: she feeds Zoe her bottles, snuggles her & takes really good care of her.

Reindeer Kailyn's Christmas Concert

Kailyn and her classmates doing the "Reindeer Pokey"...this is very similar to the "Hokey Pokey" except they put their: antlers, hooves, nose, belly and tail "in". These kids were so adorable and loved to be on stage!

Seeing Santa

Here are Lukas, Liam & Kailyn with Santa at a local mall. Lukas wanted to go and ask for a Lightening McQueen and Mater for Christmas. In Kailyn's letter to Santa, she said she didn't know what to ask for because she already has everything! She did ask him for Lightening McQueen and Mater for Lukas and that everyone in the world would have a Merry Christmas. She's a very different little girl. I do have it on good authority that Santa will be bringing Lukas the "Cars" toys he's dreaming about.

Christmas Letter 2006

December 15, 2006
To our friends and family,

We hope this letter finds you all happy—our deepest apologies for being so terrible for keeping in touch. This season always makes me reflect on the family and friends we have spread through the world. There is something about Christmas that makes me redirect my focus on things that are most important…which is why Christmas cards and letters mean so much to me.

This year has been very eventful for our little family. This summer we had visits from Elizabeth, Dani and Sydney. It was wonderful to see them. We were able to get a family picture done with everyone!! It’s been several years since the last one. This fall we were visited by Bob’s Aunt Ann & Uncle Bob as well as Aunt Louise. Bob was also able to see Kerry and JD for a while on their lay-over in Calgary.

In June, Bob finally graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Biological Sciences and a degree in Geography…what can he do with that? (I know you must be thinking that because I was.) He is hoping to find a placement in an environment company doing anything from testing soil and water to planning and maintaining work sites. This summer we also celebrated Bob’s 30th birthday. We used Pedro (from Napoleon Dynamite) as inspiration for his party—partly because Bob looks Mexican in the summer and he’s a little strange like Pedro. We especially enjoyed watching him kick some “ass” as he tried to break open his burrow piñata. We also went to Winnipeg to celebrate some birthdays; Bob and is friends, Colin and Paul, all have birthdays at the same time and all turned 30. It was awesome to see so many friends: Colin & Alana, Paul & Bonnie, Sanjay & Candice, Aaron & Rachelle, Ryan and Tanya.

Kailyn started Grade 1 this year. She is a very bright and talented little girl. She is also extremely tenderhearted. One day, she was telling me that she befriended a little girl in her class that the other kids were making fun of. She said it wasn’t right and decided to not only be her friend but help her make friends with the other kids in class. She also has her signature curly hair but we have straightened a few times—Kailyn thinks she should have another name when her hair is straight because she looks so different.

Lukas is a bright little 3 year -old—he loves playing the computer and really good at it. He can log on to the computer, get on-line, find his favorite websites and maneuver through the games he likes to play. This spring, we had tubes put in Lukas’ ears and since then, he has been talking constantly. His favorite movie is “Cars” and he loves to play with any car, truck or train.

I have also been busy; I was working for a salon as the retail manager but this took me away from my family too much. While I enjoyed working I need to be home more. I am still debating about going back to school. I would really like to finish a degree in English with a creative writing major. I’ve kept myself busy helping my sister, Christa, with my new little niece, Zoe. Zoe’s not quite a month old. I’ve also been trying to keep our blog updated with pictures and news. We’ve had lots of babies born this year in our extended family, all their information is posted on the blog. If you have a chance, check it out: http://www.cbcondron.blogspot.com/ .

We wish you Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!
Love: Cheryl, Bob, Kailyn & Lukas

Zoe's Party

Big thanks to everyone who was able to attend Christa and Zoe's party:

• Ashley, Kendra, Heather (C), Amber, Alicia, Jessie, Amanda, Tara, Brenda, Kati, Tanya, Wanda, Allyson, Heather (W), Steph, Desiree, Sarah, Claire and Mom

Zoe Elizabeth

Zoe Elizabeth was born November 22, 2006 at 12:23 am to Christa and her boyfriend Devon. She weighed in at 6 lbs 6 oz and was about 18 inches long. Christa had a long labor but a VERY quick delivery. Zoe was delivered by a Nurse Connie because the doctor couldn't make it...Christa pushed for 20 minutes before Zoe was born. Mom and Baby are both doing well and are expected to be home tomorrow.

Halloween

Lukas as Dash Incredible--although, with his snow suit, he looks more like Mr. Incredible!!

Kailyn as an indian princess--big thanks to Grandpa Fraser for making this outfit for her. He made her a dress, boots and poncho. With talent like Grandpa, Halloween will always be a huge success!!

End of an Era

Last week I resigned my position at Chatters to explore other options--before having Lukas, I was attending university to become an English major with a concentration in creative writing. I would love to go back and finish--school was an awesome experience for me. Things are also very busy for me at home. Both Kailyn and Lukas are very happy to see me. I am very excited to have a life and see all the friends and family I've been missing for the past year and a half. Thanks to all those who have been so supportive...

Liam "The Brain"

Can you spot 10 differences between the two pictures? Liam has a striking resemblance to "Brain" from Warner Bros. Pinky and the Brain. I guess we can't all look like someone famous--Lucky Liam!!

Christa's Count Down

My baby sister, Christa, is expecting her baby in about a month...we finally convinced her to have her picture taken & show off her tummy. Doesn't she look awesome! She thinks she's going to have a girl--they've picked out Zoey for her name. I'm still working on getting her to use my name too.

Work Conference

I had the opportunity to fly out to Victoria for a conference for work. I am the retail manager for Chatters Canada at the McKenzie Towne Location. I was loaded with information to help me in my job and was able to meet with owners and managers from all over Canada and the US. One of the things they focused on was our updated website: http://www.chatters.ca so go check out what I do and the company I work for. They have deals on products, beauty tips and information on our company.

Amanda's Baby Shower Invitations

My friend Claire and I are throwing a baby shower for Amanda and her daughter, Saeryn. We decided instead of throwing the traditional shower with cheesy games that we would throw a Pamper Party. This includes a couple of massage therapists, pedicures and our best friend, Bernie (Bernard Callebaut--making an appearance in the form of a chocolate fondue). These are some pictures of the invitations we did up for her. I have to admit that Claire's creativity in Saeryn's name on the invites is stunning. She is so artistic.

Notice how it says, "Too Sweet"

on the bum of the diaper in a watermark? Yeah, I thought that looked so cute...

Kailyn

Kailyn has grown so much in the last few months. She has out grown so many of her clothes. She seems much older than 6 when you talk to her--she is a very thoughtful and kind little girl. There is a little girl in Kailyn's class that the other kids tease and make fun of--Kailyn has taken in upon herself to make this little girl feel special and be her friend.

Tia and Kailyn are the best of friends. Kailyn is 4 months older than Tia--the two of them have had lots of fun growning up together. Kailyn totally adores Tia and loves to talk to her on the phone. When I ask Kailyn what she wants to do, her answer is always, "Can we go see Tia?" I love that Kailyn's best friend is her cousin.

This is a pretty accurate portrait of the two of them having fun...

Lukas' James Dean Look

Lukas is so photogenic...but it is really difficult to get him to behave when we try to take pictures. He has always looked so cute in his pictures--I think the credit should go to our photographer, Jenn Kwasney. She taken all his pictures from the time he was a baby.

Jenn took this picture of Lukas when he was a couple of months old--it's one of my favorites!!

Liam & Kylie

Liam & Kylie look so cute in this picture. Liam is 18 months and Kylie is almost 2 months. My sister, Sarah, has her hands full!!

Cute Kylie

Kylie Marie

Kylie Marie was born on August 23 (and shares her birthday with her Uncle Bob) to my sister Sarah and her husband Kurt. She weighed 8 lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long. She joins big brother Liam.

Kylie sleeping after a long day.

Kylie has hair!! This is a new concept to our family--all the other kids were bald!!

Family Pictures

Kailyn, Bob, Lukas and Cheryl

Kailyn, Cheryl, Lukas and Bob

(top l-r) Jonathan, Peggy and Bob

(bottom l-r) Elizabeth, Kelly and Heather

This is the first picture we've done in 4 years--this is all of Bob's family...his Mom, his 4 siblings and their families.

Girls Night Out!!

THE GIRLS

Amber and me with my cute spray on tattoo...

(l-r) Deanne, Amber (one of my friends), Starr (one of my friends, Amber's sister and the one who planned our evening out), Christa (poking her head above Starr), Christa (Amber and Starr's sister), Heather (another friend) and WONDERFUL, LOVABLE, CUTE...ME!

Christa, the Goof, in the limo. This is one of the few moments she is holding still. She kept us entertained by yelling, randomly, at passing pedestrians and hanging out the window. She kept everyone laughing and the limo rocking.

Girls in Egypt

Uncle Jonathan "fixed" this picture from Kailyn's birthday. It was so nice to have Sydney and Dani here for her party.

Country Cousins

Dani and Sydney usually reside in Baltimore, Maryland with Elizabeth, their mom; unless they are visiting Todd, Alicia, Zerrin and Brynne in Camp Pendleton, California or Utah. I suppose, to them, Calgary is a small place and we are the country cousins. Lukas sneaks in as Kailyn, Dani & Sydney pose for a picture. This is at the Great Canadian Barn Dance in Hillspring. These cousins haven't seen each other in two years...since we were living in California. They've all grown so much since then. I can't believe how tall they've become. It only took a few minutes before all the kids were running around together having a wonderful time. This has been a blessing to spend some time with them again.

Kailyn's Birthday Party

This year, Bob and Kailyn decided to do a "Nile Party". This means Kailyn and her friends dress up like Egyptian Queens, we play games and eat cake and go swimming. I had absolutely no faith in Bob, whatsoever. I couldn't understand why he didn't try to sway her into having a "Pony Party" or a "Barbie Party". But, Bob did an amazing job!! The girls looked great and they had so much fun.

The Graduate!!

I couldn't be happier--Bob finally finishes school--I get to see him walk across the stage. He definately looks good in the robes and hood.
This has been a LONG time coming!! Bob finally graduates from University of Calgary with a degree in Biological Sciences and a degree in Geography.



Our family (Mac is taking the picture) come to see Bob walk across the stage. Cheryl , Bob, Kelly, Heather & Mom.

Brynne Isabella Quackenbush

We've have another addition to our family: Brynne Isabella Quackenbush was born on Saturday, May 27th. She joins big sisters, Danielle and Sydney and big brother, Zerrin. We are so excited for the Quackenbush family!! She is 7lbs 11oz and 19 inches long. She is currently sporting a conehead (mostly bald) but has blonde hair. Mom and baby are both well and Todd was lucky enough to listen in from Camp Fallujah and hear her first cries over the phone. Congratulations, Alicia and Todd!!

Nate's Big Day!!

Nate and Richard

In our church, when a child turns 8 years old, they decide if they want to be baptized and become an offical member. Nate chose to be baptized this last weekend.

N8 - his birthday was on May 5 and he just turned 8!!

Tianna (5)

L-R: Ben (12), Connor (10) (holding Izsak?), Kelly (22?) (holding Lilla - 19 months), Nate (N8), Tia (5), Reece (3)