{A practice ride in the yard before we went}

Last week, Aiden, Caileigh and I went on a bike ride around 108/Sepa Lake. The kids thoroughly impressed me by being able to ride the entire 10kms. with determination, perseverance and joy. I enjoyed the experience so much that we picked up a child seat for the back of my bike and today the kids and I enjoyed the ride with Mikayla joining us. We also picked up a 2nd seat as we anticipate riding as a family next summer. I love spending time outdoors and being active and getting to enjoy this with my family is pure bliss!

Sneak Peek

Sean and I stayed up until 3:30am painting the house. Let's just say 6:30 came way too soon! We managed to paint the upstairs bathroom, kitchen, living room and dining room. We're still hoping to paint the entry way, downstairs bathroom, and our bedroom but we're taking the night off. Sean is golfing and I had my friend and her 2 kids over for dinner. Here's a little sneak peek of the upstairs bathroom (trim still needs to be painted white)............Pink is before/blueish gray is mid-process

Lac La Hache

Aiden's 6th

Today we celebrated Aiden's birthday. Sean and Aiden went out for a special birthday lunch. Aiden has been really wanting to try an ice cream float so they went to A&W for lunch and Aiden had the chance to try a root beer float. He loved it!

This afternoon, 8 of Aiden's friends (and their families) came over to celebrate with us.

Happy 6th birthday Aiden

{3 days old}

My first born son, you are turning six today. Your birth was surrounded by so much anticipation and our expectations have been surpassed ten fold.

You have an incredible inquisitive mind and you spend your days solving problems and answering your own difficult questions.

You have a knack for seeing a problem and trying to fix it.

You love to create and come up with new, better ways of doing things.

{1 year old}

You love to learn. You have a mind for math and you enjoy reading.

You want to become a famous songwriter but worry that it isn't happening quick enough.

You fully immerse yourself in your learning. When you were interested in rocks, we studied them for months. When you wanted to learn about India, we poured over books. You tell me that you are interested in History.

{2 years old}

You are sensitive and thoughtful.

You are becoming so serious at times yet you can be silly beyond belief.

You have a love for laughter and a flair for drama.

{3 years old}

You love to be active, play soccer and ride bikes.

You love spending time with friends.

You love playing Lego and will play independently for hours.

You want to learn to play the guitar.

You hope to have 10 kids one day and tell me that having kids is great fun.

{4 years old}

You are always looking for ways to help me out or ease my burdens. You often encourage me to rest and ensure me that you will take care of my chores.

You are an incredible help around the house. You do your own chores plus many, many more.

You love to be independent and make your own food, pour your own milk and clean your room.

You weigh 59 pounds.

{5 years old}

You are loved beyond measure

Happy 6th Birthday Aiden!

Look at what my self proclaimed un-handyman built yesterday. On his first day of holidays nontheless. Caileigh's bike is new and we picked it up in "the big city" yesterday as well.

Caileigh Bear

Caileigh Bear is a sweet, energetic girl. I love her giggles and hearing her say the most endearing things. Caileigh knows how to charm, "Oh Mommy, you look beautiful in your pajamas".

Caileigh and Aiden can almost always be found together. They share in adventure and they give each other the strength to tackle new experiences. Caileigh has the ability to create a safe, comforting environment for others.

I enjoy watching the relationship between Caileigh and Mikayla grow. There has been a shift in Mikayla's ability to accept help from Caileigh and they have been enjoying playing games that Aiden is starting to grow out of.

Caileigh is becoming a caring and capable big sister. Here she is about to comfort Alex who was mad about coming off the couch. "It's ok Bud, sisters here."

Caileigh loves her new found skill in bike riding. She enjoys riding around the lake and keeping up to Aiden.

Caileigh is not a morning person. She is always the last one out of bed and needs to take her time to wake up.

She may not eat much for breakfast but she is always ready for morning snack.

Caileigh loves to run, skip, hop, dance and anything else active. She also has a sweet tooth and adores chocolate and ice cream. She will always catch me in the cupboard going for a treat and suggest that we possibly share.

Caileigh loves reading and enjoys books about animals and adventure. Each night she reads to Aiden until she is too tired to continue. She is starting to read a recipe, follow it's instructions and bake simple baked goods with minimal help.

Caileigh also loves coloring and my fridge is full of evidence.

Caileigh is a clever, loving, soon -to- be Kindergardener and I am so glad she is ours!!

A few other things:

Weighs 42 pounds

Loves group activities like Sunday School and Library Time

Starting to read chapter books

Becoming helpful and cheerful with chores