Summer Vacation has arrived! (sort of)

 Thursday was Dave's last day at work, and Friday marked him being officially ON Summer vacation.  Here Jesse and I sit.  Happy Daddy is home.  Tired and happy at the end of a long school year.

  Now, he goes away from Monday-Friday of next week for an intensive course in Anacaster, Ontario.  And so, I'm not letting myself TRULY celebrate summer vacation.  Next week is sure to be a doozy with the kids on my own all week.  Thankfully, I have some wonderful girlfriends who are taking turns giving me a break each day he is away.  So, I'm hoping 2 hours to myself away from the house will be a little energy booster each day.

The past couple of days have been a glimpse of what is to come in a weeks time!  Yesterday, we packed up in the morning, and headed out to Meech Lake.  Dave's cousin (who he hasn't seen in like 15 years) was visiting at her dad's cottage.  And so we were invited to spend the day swimming and chilling on the dock.  Of COURSE it was the one seriously wet and cold and heavy day of rain we have had in a week :(  But, we went all the same, and had a great gluten free BBQ and chance to  really "catch up" with Genevieve and her husband John.  They live in Scotland, and are enjoying a few weeks vacation.  Here are the cousins! 15 years later...

Today, we got some things done around the house, hit up Canadian Tire for a sprinkler, and spent some time at the park.  The kids are currently having a good and hard sleep, and they'll be waking up soon.   Janna and Robyn are STILL snotty and coughing a bit, and crying quite easily.  I'm really hoping they clear up and cheer up before Dave leaves next week.  Here is a good representation of their moods these days

..."ehhhh.... no PICTURE"

itchy nose and rubbing boogers ALL over herself

Dave has informed me he is ready to take on the summer bloggin' for the family.   I will probably do the odd post here and there over the summer, but for the most part, Dave will let you in on our adventures through his man-eyes.  LOL.  Rumor has it, he will be doing his first post later on tonight tonight.  You can follow our family over the summer by checking in on his link here:

http://apartment1004.blogpspot.ca

Have a wonderful summer one and all.  Thanks for reading. I'm out.

Genetic cravings and my cheesecake mourning....

Growing up, and into my university years, I always sided with the nurture OVER nature arguments.  Not that I didn’t think nature had a role, but I believed in nurture about 90 percent.  After having kids, I have recognized that nature plays a much stronger role than I had given it credit for.  As much as you DO and try to shape your kids, there are things that will just BE!  There are innate things that can’t be changed, and a child has an outward reaction to all you do.  You can provide the best circumstances and atmosphere possible for your desires for your child, but ultimately a child reacts and will DO and FEEL on their own.  (Now, I must put in a disclaimer here.  I believe that Jesus that can change any heart and any life.  He can do Any work in any person.  I am talking more about temperament and quirks in my blog today.)

A few years ago, I was astonished to learn that my mom and I have this same weird sleeping tendency.  She told me that at night, she NEEDS one foot hanging out of her bed without covers on.  I do this EXACT Same thing.  I like to be all covered up, but feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable until I pop one foot off the side of the bed uncovered.  I never saw my mom do this, or even knew about it.  How weird is that?!

As of late, I have my intense desire for food that my mom loves and craves.   Dave and I have remained faithful to our green drink.  But, I am actually really enjoying it and CRAVING it daily.  My mom always said she loved getting little bits of parsley from it and chewing on them as she drank it up. I get that! I do that.  Also, my mom has this orzo bean salad recipe she makes all the time.  It’s nothing fancy, simply the ingredients you’ll see in the picture tossed with a TBSP of oil and dash of chili peppers.   About a month ago, I finally got the recipe.  I made it once, and have made it a few more times since.  If it’s not in the fridge, I feel a bit lost.

The other craving I have had this week, is for a cheesecake my mom introduced me to a few years back.  It s a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, and it is TO DIE FOR!  I can never bring myself to spend the 20 plus dollars for all the ingredients because although I want a small slice here or there, I don’t want a full cake on the counter tempting me all week long!

Well, today is Dave’s last day of work.  He has his annual staff and family BBQ at the Principals BEAUTIFUL house and yard out pas Manotic tonight for supper.  We go with the kids each year, and it’s always pretty fun.  They have a trampoline and play structure, and huge field in the backyard where a pile of kids are playing soccer.  Chuck BBQ’s and everyone brings something to contribute.  We were signed up for dessert this year, and I decided what a great time to make this cake.  I will get one slice of my delightful cheesecake and share the love with everyone else.  Well, here is the cake after cooking and cooling last night- still in the pan.   It still waits to be released from the pan, and topped with fresh raspberries, a raspberry liquored sauce in a pretty pattern, and doused in some curly white chocolate shavings.  I will do that this afternoon.  It will be stunning.

However, my heart is sad today because Robyn and I aren’t going tonight L  She is still super snotty and coughing and carrying a mild fever.  There are tons of kids at this shindig and some NEW babies, and I just don’t think it would be fair to expose the snot machine to everyone.  Also, the event is pretty much at her bed time, and she is super fussy nearing her nap and bed times with this nasty cold of hers.   The baby needs her rest.

So, I am looking longingly at my cheese cake, and SERIOUSLY considering just cutting a slice out of it and keeping it here for myself!  How tacky would that be for Dave to take a beautiful cheesecake to an event with a huge hunk out of it?  Kind of funny actually... I think I might J  Well, that’s all for now.  Laundry needs in, breakfast cleaned up from, and I don’t know how long Jesse and Janna will be entertained by their current activity.  They have found a box of cards and notes, and are loving looking through them all! Thanks for reading.  I’m out!

colds and a quiet morning at home

I feel like I don't have a ton to blog about today.  The kids and Dave and I, are all sick with a yucky cold.  Sore throat/headache/coughing/ sneezing/ runny nose/congestion/ body aches and pains. It hit Jesse first on Sunday (we noticed a runny nose, fatigue, and he kept saying his mouth hurt) .  It's odd, but Jesse is like our "weather vane".  He always seems to get hit first with whatever is going around.  And, Janna always seems to get it last.

Well, after a couple nights of bad bad sleep, I'd had enough.  Last night at 10:30 (after the kids both not being able to fall asleep) we drugged them!  Benadryl and advil, and out they went!  They all woke up today in decent spirits after a good sleep.  However, they are usually pretty good in the morning.  It's as the day goes on they tend to lose it when they are sick.  So, fingers crossed.  I feel like death, so I hope the good attitudes continue.

Currently, Janna is reading book after book to herself on a big comfy chair.  Jesse is talking to his nana on the phone.  Robyn is playing with some toys.   She is really into exploring EVERYTHING lately.  She wants to touch and taste everything she sees.  She is more squirmy in being held, and getting quite vocal.  However, it's all pretty happy most of the time.  She has also started crying when I put her down for her naps or bed time.  She has gone 7 full months (since a brand new baby) with barely a peep when I put her down.  The other kids would often nurse to sleep, OR cry it out for 20 minutes or so.  Robyn has always gone down Wide awake, and just laid there happily until she fell asleep.
Now, it seems she realizes that mommy is leaving.  As soon as her body touches the mattress she BURSTS into dramatic tears.  It only lasts a few minutes, usually, and she pulls herself together and then goes to sleep.

Here are the monkeys, and myself this morning.  I put on lots of makeup, and a pretty colored shirt to try and, " look alive" today. it's SO HOT and humid, that my hair is curling!

3 big likes!

Well, history has been made today, folks.  My husband WOKE up 2 of the kids from their nap time because he was excited to take them in his brand new bike trailer for a ride!  I don’t know if I’ve seen Dave this excited about something before, but after church and lunch today, he rushed out to Canadian tire to pick up a bike trailer that had gone on a great sale.  He’s wanted one of these for a few years now, but we finally made the plunge today.  Here it is all assembled, and Dave takes it for a spin around the block before adding the kids in!

Dave gave up his 2 hours of freedom to pick up the trailer, assemble it, and THEN wake up the kids to take them for a ride.  Jesse is psyched, and although Janna was half asleep, she was excited in her own groggy way.  Perhaps it was the big purple and pink helmet she got for the event?

So, here I sit in a quiet house as the baby sleeps, feeling very spoiled.  We thought this purchase would be a great investment for years to come.  Dave really wants to keep biking this summer to stay in shape, and so we thought it would be a nice thing to work into our routine.  Dave gets exercise without having to do it during the hours when the kids are sleeping.  The older kids are entertained, mommy gets a little break, Robyn gets some one on one time with me.  It’s so good all around.  So now, I sit here and wait to see if they like it.  I think the reaction will be positive :)

Speaking of likes, we hit up a pool party yesterday with our small group peeps, and Robyn LOVED the water!  She was really trying to swim and pumping her legs and SO thrilled the entire time.  It was a slightly chilly first dunk in.  I wish I had her reaction on camera.  She looked totally alarmed and annoyed- but took a deep breath and did her best not to cry.  As soon as we did a little twirl with her, she was as good as gold.   It seems like just this past week, she has really been taking on lots of new things.  She can sit up decently, and loves to ROLL all over the place.  I don't think she'll be as fast to crawl and walk as Janna, but not as slow as Jesse.  Dave thinks she'll be an early walker.  He guessed 11 months, and I guessed 13.  We'll see

The final “like” I will mention is that Janna and Robyn are sharing some clothing these days!  Can you believe it?  I always pick out clothes for the girls on the weekend, but Dave will actually dress them.  Well, lately he’s been mixing up what I have put out for each of them, and so we just go with it!  Yesterday, Janna was sporting a pair of 3-6 shorts and a 3-6 month top intended for Robyn.  When I laughed at her(and Dave) and mentioned that was supposed to be Robyn’s outfit.  Janna recoiled and glared at me something fierce.  She bunched up the shirt from on her chest, and said appallingly, “MINE! Mine shirt! Mine clothes!”   Oh 2 year olds.

 Well, I should go and enjoy this peace and quiet with a cup of tea and perhaps some chocolate. I just wanted to touch base as I am going to be doing a big blogging push over the next couple of weeks so I get my fill before Dave takes over the second week of July. Thanks for reading. I’m out!  

ANNUAL JUNE BEACH PICNIC!

Well, I am going to try and get a lot of blogs in over the next couple of weeks before Dave takes over the blogging role for the summer.  This is the third this week? Not bad.  Maybe I'll even squeeze another one in tomorrow.

SO, every year that Dave has been teaching, we have our own little, “summer is coming” picnic at Mooney Bay Beach.  It’s always some beautiful afternoon in June.  I spend the afternoon packing up a supper and a huge bag of beach necessities.  The kids and I pick up Dave right at 4, and enjoy our visit to the bay as a family.  It’s always an exciting time, as we know that several more visits will be in store shortly. 

yesterday seemed like a good day to do it.  I’ve been feeling a bit down the past couple of days, and with a forecast full of RAIN next week, yesterday was the day.  Each year the packing takes a bit longer with more kids, hungrier mouths, and increased mobility.  But I got everything packed and ready to go and we were on our way by 4:30.

Fifteen minutes later, when we got close to the beach, we realized some major event was going on.  Shoot.  My friend told me a few weeks ago that the weekends are crazy busy IF there is an event going on, and always to check it out.  We drove into the parking lot to discover it blocked off by a cop, who informed us the dragon boat race weekend was happening.  Nobody was allowed in to park unless you had a special pre purchased pass.  He directed us to the closest parking.  Well, the closest parking was a few kms away.  With the 3 kids, 3 bags, and NO stroller.  We figured that this walk would be too challenging for everyone in the heat, PLUS the beach was insanely busy.  Dave took charge and said we should just hit up another beach near our old stomping grounds on Carling.  Brittania is the name.  I agreed, and we hoped that the traffic would be bearable to get up into town and across the highway.

Well, what should have been a 15 minute drive, took over an HOUR!  The traffic was slow moving at 5, and the kids were so sad.  "BEACH! GO!"  Janna kept hollering. Jesse was whining, " I just really want to be at the beach now"  I was probably in the most despair, as I imagined Robyn needing her bed by the time we got there, or the beach being NO good.  We hadn't ever been to this beach before.  Dave kept up the positive energy in the car, and we were SO happy to finally arrive.  The crazy thing is, this beach is only actually about 10 minutes away from our house.  But it's in the opposite direction than the other beach, and so we sort of did a loop-d'Ottawa to get there.

It was a beautiful area! The kids had a blast.  Jesse actually ventured all the way to his WAIST in the water on his own having a blast, where last year he just wanted to do sand castles on the shore line.  Janna went all the way in with Dave, and had SO much fun.  Splashing him and climbing and kicking her feet.  Robyn and I watched most of the action by the edge of the water.  She was sort of neutral about the waves lapping around her lower half, but VERY interested in the water.  She couldn't keep her eyes off of it, and would occasionally reach down and try and scoop it up.  Everyone had a great time, and it was worth the hour plus in traffic!  We got home and got all the kids in bed just in time for my friend Kim to come by.  She hung out while Dave and I got out for a date.  What a great Friday!

Following on the theme of comparing photos from Jesse’s last 4 years, I will do the same today!

JUNE KICK OFF MOONEY's BAY 2010

2011

2012

2013 at Brittania Beach

all ready to go...

we made it!

testing the water

so Jesse and Janna:

watching her siblings. 

all done. We'll see you again soon

ODE to Jesse! What you are like at 4 years old

Well, Yesterday was a very eventful day for the fam jam.  Jesse had his preschool graduation concert, AND it was his 4^th birthday.  We all headed into a gymtale in the later morning, and enjoyed some songs, stories and the wee ones getting their diplomas.  Jesse took the whole thing very seriously, and most definitely grasped the concept that there were a hundred people staring at him.  He was certainly more reserved than last year, when he did the whole graduation ceremony with myself leading it.

After a good play outside, lunch, and a later nap, the moment Jesse had been waiting for finally arrived. Supper/cake/and gifts.  Jesse got to choose whatever he wanted for supper, and his request was pepperoni pizza and peaches.   I actually forgot to serve the peaches!  But- Jesse was quite excited for his cake, and so forgot all about it.  I thought I had a better supply of cake making ingredients in my pantry, but was rather surprised yesterday afternoon to realize I really had barely anything!  The resulting cake was a rather hilarious one, but we all enjoyed it!  Aunt Katie was over for supper, and so we had some gluten free cupcakes as well. This year, we decided to coach Jesse on “present opening etiquette” before he dove into the gifts.  He was instructed to always 1. Read the card first and slowly  2. Thank the giver of the gift  3. Hold up the present high to show everyone while saying WOW afterwards.   He did pretty well at following said instructions, but his reaction to some undies from daddy was quite hilarious.  It was the most monotone and serious WOW I ever did hear and he held them up sort of frozen and staring into the distance.

I wanted to blog about what Jesse is like at 4 years old.  I find myself unable to recall many details ALREADY of Jesse and Janna’s first few years, and so think a good tradition would be to blog about them each on their birthday.  So, to begin, I asked Jesse’s  these questions this morning, and there were the answers.  All quite accurate based on my observations.

Jesse’s Favorites:

Superhero: Spiderman

Sport: Soccer

Game: Pirates

Show: Berenstein bears

Book: His school bible

Breakfast: Honey nut cheerios

Lunch: Tuna melts

Supper: Toast???

Dessert: Ice cream

Color: Blue

Person: Bus drivers???

Music: Veggie Tales

Toy: Lego

Jesse is still a very sensitive and talkative soul.  Sometimes this can be exhausting on the heart AND ears, but we just love him for it.  You always know exactly what Jesse is thinking because if he hasn’t said it- it is ALL over his very expressive face.  Jesse feels things deeply, and is quick to empathize with others.  “ Poor Robyn” he will exclaim as he rushes to her every cry and need. Similarly, he feels bad when Janna gets in trouble, BUT has made a great punching bag for Janna and her funny little sense of humor.  She knows how to push his buttons, and enjoys teasing him and getting a reaction.  Some of his best friends, also can be found playing little tricks on him, like turning off the lights, or locking him in a room.  I think it is because of his tremendously emotional reaction.  It’s hard not to laugh sometimes as he laments,  “Oh mom...that was just SO terrible, that made my heart SO sad when my best friend said that to me!”    On Jesse’s progress report from Nursery school, one of the comments was that “Jesse always consoles an upset friend.” A\and That he is extremely patient with all his class mates.  That makes us pretty proud.

Despite his easily conjured angst, Jesse is a pretty happy kid, all around.  He wakes up at 6:30 am most mornings and we hear him singing and talking and chattering away to Janna in the most chipper of spirits. Janna is usually trying to sleep, so is glaring at him, with a stuffed animal hugged over her ears.  As I am making breakfast downstairs, Dave goes in to get Janna out of her crib and tells Jesse he can come downstairs.  Every morning I look forward to the pitter patter of his feet splashing down the steps, and monstrous thumps as he tears down the hallway and into the kitchen.  “HI MOM!” He beams and leaps into my arms like he hasn’t seen me in a year.  We have a bear hug and short snuggle, and I feel so lucky to get this treatment each and every morning. What a fantastic start to my day.

Jesse loves using his brain, and is often found doing puzzles.  He can do 64 piecers now, and we were so happy to get about 5 new ones from different people for his birthday.  He also loves looking at books, or piecing together lego.  He ADORES stories, and always asks for made-up ones from me.  He is also a great story teller, and his adventures are epic and hilarious.  This year, we went through a reading curriculum for preschoolers that started with books heavy with pictures.  As the year progressed, the pictures slowly decreased.   He is now able to sit and listen to a story maybe 15 minutes long with just one or 2 pictures for the entire thing.  His little eyes will look up into the air, as he is imagining all the words I speak.

Jesse loves his friends and sisters, and spending time with people.  Every day he wants to know who we are going to see OR who is coming over.   “ I just love them SOOOO much,” he’ll declare.  He is less interested in running errands or being out and about as he used to.  But, he loves to have people around, or go “bisiting.” 

He is turning into a great little helper and always eagerly grabs things for me, helps me tidy-up, or entertains Robyn if my hands are tied up.  He has a few chores that are his regular daily responsibility, and has done well to remember to feed the dog, clear the table after meals, and tidy his room before bed time.  He is also quite interested in “rescuing” and “saving.”  He helps Janna up when she falls down, or races off to grab the fly swatter if a bug is buzzing around her.  He really is sort of a second set of hands- and it’s wonderful that he is so joyful about it.

Jesse is finally spending a little more time doing creative things.  Not a whole lot more, but he does now like to color pictures, but only ever likes to use one color on a page.  He fills in all the lines, and then will continue to color outside of the lines until the entire page is one color.  HE is pretty proud of this, which is pretty cute.   HE also loves doing connect the dots and mazes in coloring and fun books.  I’m pretty sure of the dozen coloring books we have, most of those puzzles are completed in there.

Jesse likes to know what is going on and what the plan is for the day.  Everyday he needs to know the whole run down for the day, including things like what we will be eating for lunch, etc.  He WOULD like to know the rundown for the next year I am sure, but the farthest I will currently entertain is the day ahead.  He has my organizational spirit, for sure.  And I beam when I see him line things up, make patters, or simply tell Janna the plan for the day.  

He is like Dave, in that he LOVES to teach.  He was CERTAIN that at his first soccer practice he would be teaching the boys and girls soccer skills.  He likes to sit Janna down beside him and explain concepts to her, or read her books.  He also likes to teach Robyn the ways of the world, and I often hear him saying things like, “And when YOU grow up Robyn, you will get to have a birthday, too. Like when you are 4.  Here is how you count to 4. 1-2-3-4.  Like that.  Ok?” 

Jesse loves to be outside.  He spends a lot of time on his trike/bike/ and now scooter, motoring around.  He likes to pretend he is daddy, and will role play this often through the day.  I go along with it and will ask him questions like, “And what did you teach the teenagers at school today, Dave?”  His answers are always quite comical though entirely sincere.  Some more recent examples are, “I taught the boys and girls how to build a tower of blocks.”  Or, “I taught the boy s and girls how to ride bikes with training wheels”  Or, “I taught the boys and girls how to play guitar for a concert.”  Jesse seems to think that everyone grows up to be a daddy.  He will often say “When I grow up to be a daddy, I am going to go to work, too.”  However, he also has told Janna, “ When YOU grow up to be a daddy, you will....”  And Robyn has also been told when she grows up to be a daddy she can eat better food.   Yikes, I hope my girls aren’t crushed when they realize they will never grow up to be daddies.   Jesse loves to ask his daddy about his day at work over supper time.  “ Dad- how was your day at work?”  Is always the first question, followed by, “ And what did you do at work today?”  And then he’ll ask Dave about a dozen times, “ and what else?” “and what else?”  “and what else?”  I actually think I learn the most about Dave’s Day by Jesse’s persistent questions.

Jesse is very persistent.  He is a great listener and a good – good- kid, but he will ask a question over and over and over.  Or try and spin things to maybe get his way.  He is into the question why, as well as ALL of the others.   What I really enjoy about Jesse, though, is that he really listens to your answers.  He has a great memory and will bring up events that happened when he was 1 and 2 that we have never talked about.  Such as, “Do you remember that Big Scary Dog that was at Rebecca’s house?”  My friend’s sister who we only visited once when he was one.   It’s pretty crazy, actually.  I’m interested to see if he’ll keep this great memory of his.

As much as Jesse talks and feels, he is genuinely concerned about how other people feel all the time.  At the end of the day, Dave usually does Jesse’s bed time routine, but then Jesse asks for me to go in and say good night.  I crawl into bed with him and we’ll snuggle for a minute and then Jesse will ALWAYS ask, “ And how was YOUR day mom?”  I’ll tell him how it was overall, and then he asks questions like, “ And what did you do during my nap time?” and “How do you think Janna and Robyn liked their day today?”  HE will keep going and going asking me questions while we enjoy a snuggle, until I cut the poor kid off.  It’s my favorite time of day with him, for sure.

Well, this bragging blog, would not be complete without a list of Jesse’s DISLIKES.  SO, here are a few of his LEAST FAVORITE THINGS at four years old:

Big dogs

Mushrooms and potatoes

Getting dirty hands

Bugs – although he is getting much better

Not being able to explain himself

Getting his head wet

Having to go grocery shopping

People not acknowledging what he has said

Meanness

Mommy counting when he is being slow

Daddy having to so school work on weekends

Janna refusing to play with him

Scary things or suspense

Anyways- That is a glimpse of my 4 year old GEM.  Happy Birthday Jesse, I love you.  Here are a few pics to leave you with.

A few days old

ONE YEAR OLD

TWO YEARS OLD

3 YEARS OLD

4 YEARS OLD

Thanks for Reading! I'm out. 

Father's Day Weekend with the Smiths

It’s been a quieter day hanging around the house after a very eventful past few days.  Although, I should have done more work during the day with the kids, as I have been cramming in lots of chores tonight, and laundry STILL did not get folded.  Each day I leave it, the scarier it becomes, and the harder to tackle.  I know that laundry is one of those chores that most people enjoy MORE than the others.  But, I really like it the least.  Give me a toilet any day over folding!  It has been since Saturday since I did a fold. So, I have a 3 day build up, soon to be 4.  Yikes.  

Anyways, y parents drove from NB to Ottawa on Saturday to visit for the weekend.  My mom works for the Fairmont hotels as a home based sales agent person, and so she gets killer deals on all Fairmont hotel reservations and services and food and the like.  SO, her and dad drove to Montreal and stayed there Friday night in the Voyagers Inn?  I’m not sure if that’s the name.  The Fairmont in Montreal, anyhoo.  On Saturday, they finished their trek into Ottawa to enjoy a few days in the Chateau Laurier.  My brother Josh and his wife, KL, also came up from Toronto for the weekend to visit. 

They all arrived Saturday afternoon at my place and we all caught up, had dinner, got out to the park, and split ways in the earlier evening.  Dave and Josh got out to see the new superman movie in 3D.  Kari-Leigh (who is due in just 2 weeks) went back to her parents place to rest her poor tired pregnant self, mom went back to the hotel to crash early, and Dad came back to my place after dropping her off with Donairs for he and I to watch the Hockey Game.  It was great that Boston won J

Sunday morning, we told Dave to sleep in for a little Father’s Day starter gift, and I tried my best to keep the kids quiet for him.  Three hours later he joined us for some presents, hugs, and cookies, and we packed up for the drive downtown to the hotel for Sunday brunch.  My parents, as well as Josh, KL and her family all gathered to stuff ourselves silly with the most delicious all you can eat brunch buffet.  They had such an amazing and scrumptious assortment of everything, and several chefs on hand whipping up custom omelettes or waffles and serving piping hot lamb off the bone, etc.  It was so yummy!  I couldn’t believe the kids lasted for a little over 2 whole hours in this environment.  But- they were awesome, and with lots of hands to pass kids around to, it was not overwhelming in the least.  All the bacon, fresh fruit, and pastries I kept putting on their plates certainly helped as well.

After lunch we took Robyn up to my parents hotel room, and Grammie stayed with her for a nap, while Dave and I took the kids for a swim.  It’s been since right before Robyn was born that we have gone swimming with the kids, and it’s always exciting to see the changes that 6 months can bring in a young child.  Janna LOVED the water.  She beamed and kicked and squealed non-stop the whole time we swooshed her around, and kept asking “Down please.”  We didn’t have life jackets for them, so obviously declined this request, but she was so fun to play with and watch.  She would jump in off the side and into my arms with the happiest grin imaginable, and  I  felt so good about my decision to put her in swimming lessons this summer.

Jesse was another story.  He was pretty cute and funny too.  But mostly because of his white-knuckled grip he had on Dave’s neck the entire time, and sheer panic of any movement faster than slow-motion.  What a kid.  Perhaps he really won’t ever like water.  But- this is a necessary life skill I think- and so we’ll keep working away.  Dave had him giggling and kicking his feet by the end.  He didn’t stay in too long, though.  He’d hop out and snuggle with grand pere who was watching on the sidelines.  Of course, when he got out, Janna wanted out.  But then she’d want back in.  So she’d come back in the pool and after a few minutes say in her squeaky little voice, “ Want Pere” So in and out they went.  At one point Dave and I had the pool to ourselves and I actually got to swim and float and dive.  I love swimming.  It was like being a kid again - for 15 whole minutes J

After the swim, we left the hotel and came home for a quick- late afternoon nap, and then were delighted by the ‘rents bringing by Chineese for supper.  My mom had joked that the theme of the weekend was going to be eating and relaxing.   And it was! And it was aweome.  After dinner and the kids baths, we had a chance to sit and actually talk and laugh without interruptions.  I felt VERY lucky to have such great parents with me on Father’s Day- and such a great Dad for my kids- In Dave.  It was a memorable day.

 The next morning we got a chance to hang out a bit more before they had to leave, and I immediately felt so sad as they left the house.  It has been almost a year since seeing my mom, and about half since seeing my dad.  I haven’t been to the Maritimes now for 11 months- which is a record for me!  I usually travel to NB a few times a year on my own with the kids, as well as the summer with Dave.  But with Robyn’s birth, and then the winter months, and now having 3 so young, it just wasn’t happening this year, and so it will be a full year before I return!

We are very excited for the summer approaching.  I did some more marking for Dave tonight, and as the stacks of tests dwindle, the lighter load that summer brings is palpable.  I can’t wait!  I am also excited for Dave to tackle the summer blogging for us when he is off of work.  Last summer he did a full blog post EACH day, and it inspired me to be a little more on top of blogging when September rolled around.  I did pretty good at first, but my consistency has waned.  Dave will take over for the summer for us, and it’s always fun to read his perspective on the day.

Well, I must get to bed.  WE have a big day tomorrow with Jesse’s preschool graduation and concert in the morning.  More importantly, it is his 4^th BIRTHDAY!  And so I will need to be totally stoked about it all day.  And fancy up the house for his choice supper/cake/gifts happening in the evening.   SO, that’s all from me.  Thanks for reading. I”m out! 

June and Jesse's 4th partay

This morning the kids were all a bit grumpy.  I was quite pooped from Janna being up a couple times in the night, and then Robyn deciding 5 am was a good time to start her day.  The mixture of grouchy kids, some housework desperate to be done, and a tired mama is never the best combo.  So, while I felt like just flopping on the couch and pretending I was asleep for the morning, I decided to plow through just the most essential housework, and then get my little ducklings them out of the house to see if it would change their spirits.  So, we packed up a picnic lunch and off to the park we went to put in the morning.  

It was a good choice, and the kids were very calm and content at the park.  We were the only souls there, until a group of 5 teenage boys burst into the scene running wildly onto all the play equipment and very quickly began a strange sort of game of tag?  They looked like grade 11 or 12 boys from a nearby school on their lunch break.  Jesse, sitting in the sand with his shovels and pail,  with a new superhero cape excitedly got up and hopped onto the structure with them.  I was pushing the girls in the swings and trying to figure out the game these guys were playing.  Jesse, was, also mesmerized, as these 2 nimble asian boys were like RUNNING across the tops of the monkey bars and very quietly perching on the very tops and sides of different things at odd angels.  Jesse played for a while, but after getting bumped into a few times, went back to playing in the sand and watching.

It was very odd because they would all be so still and slow moving, and then it would be frantic and chaotic and everyone would be running and diving and tagging, and then it would be still again.   Finally, I had to go over and ask what this game was.    I was given all the rules by this one guy, who said it was called grounders.  And the key thing I had missed was that the person who was IT- had their eyes closed the whole time!  So...the other guys would basically hide in odd places while the poor blind-it-boy tried to find one to tag.  But then there was some strange rule about when people got in the sand and on the ground.  Anyways- it was entertaining, even if they did dominate the ENTIRE play structure from being used.

I got the kids home and down for an early nap, and am just making up my daily TO DO’s for the week.  There is so much to look forward to in June!  I know that, for Dave, it’s crazy time with all the marking and end of the year commitments.  And so we tend to sort of miss him.  But, we have preschool graduation coming up, my parents visiting this weekend for fathers day, and Jesse’s birthday!

We actually had Jesse’s birthday party with his friends yesterday afternoon.  We invited some of his little buds and their siblings to a nearby park to play.  We brought along a piñata and some cupcakes and just had a real easy going afternoon.  The kids and I started making the piñata middle of the week, and I thought they would love doing the paper mache, and it would be a good craft activity.  Well, they did NOT like getting so sticky, and so I ended up doing most of it while they watched! I think I did one coatting too, many, because the piñata was unbreakable by the kids! Although, one little guy, did a mean job smashing it repeatedly while screaming, “THIS IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!!!”  Too funny.  We had to have an adult crack into it (after it was too heavy and broke off it’s string).  I have learned a lesson for next year.  Smaller piñata...less coats...string reinforcement... aluminum bat.

It felt strange to watch the kids playing on the structure (with all their younger siblings) and realize that 4 years back they were all just babies at our house celebrating Jesse’s big day without ANY siblings in tow. Here is Jesse, Ewan and Naomi at his party 4 years ago.

And here they were yesterday tackling the pinata and cheering each other on

   

Anyways, it was a good day, the weather was perfect, and Jesse had such a wonderful time with all his friends.  Here are a few pictures.

We have a busy week with lots of friends to see!  We ended up being hermits last week with the girls eye goo issues. I felt a bit cabin feverish at the end of the week, and so I am happy this week is looking decent for weather.  I LOVE JUNE!  Thanks for reading. I’m out.

Soccer, sun, and the splash pad 2013!

Today has been a summer-ish feeling day.   Jesse had his first soccer practice/game this morning with daddy, and I stayed home with the sleeping Robyn and to spend time with Janna.   We have Jesse signed up for soccer this summer, and Janna for swimming.  It’s during Robyn’s morning nap time, and so it will be a way for both of us to get some good one on one time with each of the kids.  Dave gets to hang with Jesse at soccer, while Janna and I bond at home.  And then he will take Janna to swimming, and Jesse and I will have some quality time at home, together.  We are noticing, lately, how much the kids absolutely LOVE getting this one on one time with us. 

Jesse had a great time today.  Dave said he was a good sport, and still discovering his competitive spirit.  When he wanted to chase the ball, he did really good at it.  But, for him to take the ball away from someone else, is a pretty foreign concept  “Which sort of made Daddy proud” Dave explained to me.   We’ll have to work on him knowing it’s ok to do this in a soccer game.   We both guessed he would enjoy soccer, but he has never been super competitive, so guessed as much.  This is just fine with us.   Jesse was HUNGRY after soccer and super tired. 

The kids were all sitting at the table (quietly zoned out) as I was making lunch.  We had to keep them awake until nap times, and then everyone had a good snooze.  Dave and I included.  When we all woke up, we decided to hit up the splash pad for the first time this season.  We had a little over an hour before a friend was coming over for dinner.  It was fun to bustle around the house getting a bag packed, water things on, sunscreen applied.  Times 3 of them!  It felt like the summer, when most of our afternoon plans were sporadic like this.

Well, Jesse has never been a water fan, and every year, we HOPE this will be the one.  In the van ride, there, Dave was like, “ this will be the one.  He’s gonna love it.”  I was not so sure.  Sure enough, Jesse was hesitant, and didn’t get wet!  Here are the kids scouting out the splash pad:

Janna goes in

Jesse watches..........

Janna goes in further...

Jesse moves farther to dry ground...

 

Dave tries to coax Jesse in...

Well, Jesse went in and out among the TOTALLY dry areas a few times, and that was good for him.  He had fun on the play structure! Robyn just went with the flow. Happy as a clam.  Are clams happy?

After a good BBQ supper with a friend, the kids are down.  They each went down without a peep after a busy day.  It’s pouring rain, and Dave and I are just waiting for a friend to come and hang out so we can get out for a DQ date.  Summer is coming.....Thanks for reading. I’m out!