15 months

15 months is an age for exploration and discovery.

Each day the boys take every advantage given to them to see the world around them.

They are tireless.

They are united.

They put a smile on my face.

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

{Alex}

{Jordan}

A few other things:

*1 nap and 1 quiet time each day

*Strong and fast

*Extremely good natured and easy going

*Experimenting with tantrums (throwing themselves on the ground and "fake" crying)

*LOUD

*Love to drive cars and make the sound effects

*When asked, "how are you?" Jordan will answer, "good"

*Love to give kisses and hugs

*Jordan has teeth 8 teeth

*Alex has teeth 7 teeth

*Jordan weighs between roughly 30/31pounds

*Alex weighs between roughly 29/30pounds

We've been taking every opportunity to enjoy these last days of summer like weather. I love autumn and it's anticipation of cozy indoor days curled up with a warm cup of coffee. It seems that summer came so late this year that I am not quite ready for the cold but I hope I can embrace it when it comes. It is inevitable.

It seems that it has taken us some time to fall into a comfortable routine. There have been so many variables to consider but we seem to have found a schedule that is working (for now). My days are long and hard but I am realizing that hard does not have to mean bad.

Life is hard, but it is plenty good.

Sean is away on a four day management retreat. I think he is having a fabulous time and he even mentioned a helicopter ride! We are having a great time too. Walks and bike rides, treats and sleepovers. Perfect combinations for joy filled memory making.

I am thankful for the many blessings around me.

I am tired..... yes, but I am happy....... absolutely!

Caileigh proud to receive her end of the year soccer medal!

Aiden devastated at the loss of his soccer game.

We have completed our season of soccer and are finished until next May. It will great to have the three older kids all playing soccer next season. They are all looking forward to it with great anticipation.

Aiden and Caileigh have both started piano lessons and have been enjoying it. I love seeing them develop the discipline of hard work and daily practice. I hope this is something that they will continue over the years.

Traffic Jam.

I am toddler, hear me ROAR!!

{Jordan}

An update on Alex: It has been over 2 weeks since Alex hurt his hand and it is really starting to heal. We were at the Dr. on Monday and he was pleased with the progress. There are some areas that are 3rd degree burns and that is the area that is taking the longest. We change his dressing everyday, more times when he decides to take the bandages off himself. We have taken to taping a sock onto his hand and this helps. Having the use of one hand hasn't stopped or slowed him down in anyway. I'll go see the Dr. again next week and hopefully we can look at leaving the bandages off soon. Probably another week or so. I have been documenting the healing process with pictures but I will spare the visual. All in all, our little Alex is doing a great job

It is always nice when your kids surprise you, in a good way.

The kids read a lot of books that deal with characters who have adventures independent of their parents, so on Tuesday when Aiden asked if he could sleep outside in the climber, I agreed. To be perfectly honest, I didn't think the kids could do it. My dear boy struggles with sleeping in his own bed and we find him in the living room or our room each night so I figured it was a safe bet. Well, I was perfectly surprised when by 9pm Aiden and Caileigh were sound asleep, outside, in the climber! We ended up moving them into the motorhome around midnight and Sean slept out there with them.

I guess it is just a good reminder to not underestimate our kids. They can do so much once they set their mind to it!

As a side note: the reason I didn't sleep outside with them.......I was too scared!

I love library day.

Mikayla's Job

The kids each have morning chores. Mikayla's job is to put away the cutlery. She takes her job very seriously and does a tremendous job.

Who wouldn't want an adorable "cutlery put awayer"?

Barkerville 2011

Wednesday morning we woke up bright and early and drove to William's Lake to pick up Sean from the airport. The kids and I were tired having been up late having a "sleepover", however, we decided to keep driving north and spend the day at Barkerville!

We arrived around 12:30 and spent the next four hours exploring all that Barkerville has to offer. Before we set out, I quickly took the girls to the bathroom. I came out to find Sean surrounded by a tour group visiting from China. They were thrilled to see the blond hair, blue eyed kids as well as twins and five kids in total. They took turns posing with us for pictures! It was a funny scene indeed and we couldn't help but laugh with them in their enthusiasm. I wish I had gotten a picture of it with my camera!

The boys watching the horse carriage go by.

The horse carriage.

Root beer floats!

A game of marbles. This was really enjoyable and we bought marbles so we can continue to play at home.
We chatted with the people of the past.

We left Barkerville at 4:28pm. After a long day with NO naps, everyone was pretty spent by the time we started driving.

This picture was taken at 4:30pm

4:33pm

4:34pm (The first time we've seen this in about 3 years!)

4:37pm

Not Mikayla though. She thought her time was better spent calling, "Mommy" over and over and over and over.............

The kids woke up as we arrived in Quesnel and then we spent the next 2 hours listening to crying and screaming.

A great trip but happy to be home!!

Sean, a story in pictures.

Fall Fair

Aiden and Caileigh participated in our local fall fair this year. They were delighted to discover that they had won ribbons and money! Caileigh won $8 and Aiden $7. I hadn't told them that the events would be judged and emphasized the enjoyment of getting to share our entries with others. I guess I won't get by on that explanation next year as they are already planning and hoping to win the big bucks!!

Aiden's collection of 10 rocks......no prize

Aiden's lego creation.......3rd place

Aiden's unusual garden grown potato.......1st place

Aiden's watercolor painting......1st place

Caileigh's pressed flower picture.......1st place

Caileigh's family portrait.......1st place

Caileigh's watercolor painting........2nd place

Sean also spent some time in the dunk tank and we had a blast dunking him repeatedly. He was dressed to the nines in his suit so it was pretty comical. I was upset with myself for forgetting the camera. My bag was packed by the door but I forgot to grab it!!