Happy 2nd Birthday Alex and Jordan

Summer Visitors #1

The Zalinko's arrived and the kids wasted no time running off to play together.
 It warmed my heart so much to see everyone get along so well.
Rachel and I enjoyed cups of tea and conversation.
 It was a whirlwind of activity but every moment enjoyable.
 The kids (and I) were really disappointed to see our guests depart and we're looking forward to next time.

{A bike ride to the lake for a picnic.  What a crew!}

{"Jaxon the fearless" attempting every jump that the big kids went on! What a bundle of non-stop energy!}

{There was a lot of communication done through walkie talkies}

{Our budding scientists learning about water filtration}

 {So much fun seeing themselves on the iphone}

 {Caileigh's boy friend (a boy that is her friend.....don't get that wrong!)}

 {A tired end to a great day.......I think we all felt a little like this at the end but I know I didn't look so cute!}

I just finished tucking Mikayla in and I told her that she was "too precious for words".

"No, I'm not", she replied, sounding a little put out. "I'm three precious for words!"

It was great to spend time with friends.  Even though they don't live close to us anymore, they will always be welcomed with open arms.  We miss them!!

Watson Camping Trip 2012

We arrived at the campsite around 11 this morning.  Immediately, the kids got right into bike riding, running, digging, running, climbing, running, swinging, running,  and exploring. 

 Did I mention running?  

Alex and Jordan hit the ground running and did not stop.  After what seemed like hours I remember checking the time and feeling shocked and slightly horrified by the fact that it was only 1pm!!  The plan was always for me to bring the little boys home at bedtime and for Sean to stay with the older kids.  (The boys aren't at an age where they settle well for sleep with any type of distraction and not to mention the fact that they would start the day off early and would be ready for action!)  They managed to make it until 4pm at which point I brought them home and kept them busy until bedtime.  I was surprised that despite their lack of nap, they still took some time falling asleep.  So now, here I sit in a quiet house that feels strange without the older kids.  

 I am thrilled that Sean is getting an opportunity to spend some special time with the kids and I know that they will be having a blast. 

 I can just imagine Sean and the older three sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows.  I also heard plans of a bedtime swim (brrrrr), fishing in the morning and sugary cereal for breakfast. 

 The boys and I will head up tomorrow and see what the day brings.........

Yesterday marked the completion of running club and softball.  For running club the kids participated in a cross country run, some sprints and a tug-o-war.  At the end we all shared snacks and the kids received certificates.  We felt so privileged to have a canadian record holder to be running the classes.  I think the kids learned a lot and although they didn't always enjoy the hard training, I think they were proud of themselves to complete the course.

For the last softball, the kids each played a game and got to have a water balloon fight at the end.  Sunday, we'll attend a game and barbecue where they will receive a medal.  A great end to a fun season.  Both kids are eager to play again next year and seem to have enjoyed it even more than they did soccer last year.

Kamloops 2012

We had a great time last weekend in Kamloops.  We only went overnight and it was the perfect length hotel visit with 5 busy kids.  Sunday we spent the morning at the Kamloops Wildlife Park, participating in the Safeway Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer.  We participated last year as well and enjoyed going back to hopefully make this a yearly tradition.  Nanee and Bupee joined us on our trip as well.

The bears were a favorite.  Such playful little(ish) grizzly cubs.

I love this next series of Jordan.  Both boys loved the train ride that we ended up going twice.  The first time, Jordan was making the funniest expressions as though he wasn't quite sure what was going on.  After awhile, both boys were saying, "train.......drive.........train........drive........."