This past weekend we enjoyed a visit from Auntie Misty.  There were stories read, games played and a special birthday date for Mikayla.  And of course, lot's of fun sledding down hills, and trekking back up mountains.  A wonderful time was had!

We've made a few changes over the last couple of weeks.  I set up a new bed for Mikayla, in Caileigh's room.  I was then able to pass on Mikayla's toddler bed, to the boys and get rid of their cribs.

The boys love their new set up and because they aren't having any quiet time during the day, they are falling asleep quickly at night.

{note: there are no blinds because they destroyed those too!}

The difficulty with the girls is that we have the earliest riser, paired with the latest riser.  Both girls are extremely tired and mornings have been a little rough lately.  I've always enjoyed having a little bit of time in the mornings before the kids get up.  I like to have a coffee (yes, I'm back on it and loving it!) and read quietly from a book or devotional.


That brings us to this morning.  The older three had been up since the crack of dawn arguing and having difficulties with one another.  I got up and was trying to quietly have a cup of coffee with my devotions.  Every few minutes it seemed that someone needed something.  I was starting to realize that it wasn't going to happen this morning.  I looked up to find Mikayla needing me again!
I gave her a questioning look and she responds, "Mommy, when you're done with your commotions, can you get my breakfast?"


I think "commotions" is the perfect word to describe our new morning routine:)

I'm currently reading The Hobbit to the kids.  I worried that it would be too scary for them, but they absolutely love it!  Even the little guys sit through some of the readings, as long as there is a plate of food in front of them.  As a result of this reading, the kids have been re-enacting the adventures in almost everything they do.  They camp out together on the floor in Caileigh's room.  They call each other by their Hobbit names.

Over the last two days we have spent over 4 hours in The Valley.  My little hobbits and dwarves, climb trees, forge trails, and lose themselves in their imaginations.

I get to soak in the sunshine and beauty and feel thankful for my five little blessings.

A gift last night

Sean has been having a difficult time getting our home rink to work.  He's going to try a few more things to see if we can get it going, but in the mean time, we headed down to Sepa Lake.  It was my first time being on a frozen lake.

The kids had a great time and we're hoping to go weekly!

My little monkeys

{Jordan/Alex}

Alex and Jordan enjoy Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder but perhaps it is most fitting that they really like Curious George.

These two are never at a shortage of mischievous things to do.  Recently, using a toy hammer, they managed to crack their light switch in two.  You couldn't turn the light on or off in their room because the switch was so damaged.  Sean took the time to change the switch and then last night after they were tucked into bed, we heard loud banging.  They had managed to break the second light switch by using a plastic bucket!!
Since writing this, they have also broken the light switch in the play room.

(It must be noted that all hard objects have now been removed from their room.  )

As a result of all this mischief, plus another major unmentionable mischievous act, they have been banned from quiet time. It seems that they just can't be left unattended at this time.  The result, is an even busier household that takes no breaks.  I've been brainstorming some other possible ideas so I'll have to try some of these ideas out soon.

The boys have "happy go lucky" kind of personalities.  They giggle, smile and seem to find joy in so many little things.
Without prompting, they always say "thank you".
They are LOUD.  When they get excited (which is often) everything comes out as a high-pitched shriek.  The pitch has the ability to pierce through your ears to your brain.  The result, is not pleasant.

Several times a day, Jordan comes up to me with a huge smile on his face and says, "Me Happy!"  He especially said this a lot on Christmas morning.  I love that he has such a happy outlook.
Jordan also likes to play baby.  I have to carry him around and he says, "na. na. na" and giggles the entire time.  He adores being babied.
When Jordan counts, he says, "one, two, sick, eight".
He weighs roughly 36 pounds.

Alex loves to touch.  When he wants my attention he puts his hands on my face to turn me towards him.  He also loves to put his arms around my neck or rub my back when I hug him.  A few have commented that he is quite the ladies man.  While Gramma was visiting, he picked up her arm and was kissing it up and down.
He loves castles.  During mealtimes he will stack his food on top and then announce that he has built a castle.
He weighs roughly 35 pounds.

They love books and I've read, "Are You My Mother?" many times each day.
They love colouring and playing with stickers.
They are both potty trained. (except for nights)
One day, back in December, Jordan decided on his own that he was ready, and he's never looked back.
I can't believe after 7 1/2 years that we are nearly a diaper free home!!

The are my two, sweet, 21/2 year old monkeys.