no more babies

I called Cody this morning with the official news, we no longer have any babies in our house. This morning I was laying in bed waiting to hear Elliott talking or crying; notice for me that he was awake and ready to start his day. It was getting late and I heard nothing, at least nothing from his room. Yup, he was downstairs in the playroom, trying to get the door to the kitchen open. He got out of his sleep sack, climbed out of his crib and down the stairs. Further to that I have been looking at him this past week, really looking at him and I see no more baby signs and hardly any toddler signs. I'm almost thankful he's slow on the talking front so that I have a little more time to adjust and say good bye. I loved you babies.

As for Kate she's happy, happy, happy. Summer has been so eventful and fun and this week she has the attention of her Grandma Sherri. As well as happy, she's getting so smart and funny. Though it was not her intention she made me laugh last night at story time. For those who know it and to set the context, we were reading, There's a Nightmare in My Closet when she announced, "Mama I want a gun. I won't pop anyone, I'll just pop me." A cry for help? I'm thinking perhaps a slight misunderstanding on her part, but I'll add it to the Christmas list.

We haven't taken any pictures since Grandma arrived except this one with the kids' new London Games Mascots from Aunty Rhonda and the gang.

Happy Monday everyone! CAKE

to the beach ... finally

We have had a gorgeous summer this year and many beach worthy days. I have to admit it though, the beach and the logistics around it, intimidate me and give way to a fair bit of anxiety. As such I haven't taken Kate and Elliott there this year. Yesterday however, Aunty Candace and the cousins (Dayna too) decided to drive to New Brunswick to spend the day with us at Parlee Beach. It was super awesome. The trip to and from the car admittedly were a little heavy and cumbersome but not that bad.

So, five hours and fifteen snack times later we had had a grand beach day. Thanks again for making the trip over the big bridge guys. Let's do it again soon!

 First up - sand castles and moats.

 As always Lydia is our fearless volunteer. She hardly got any sand in her eyes as a reward.

 Snack #13.

 Poor E was heading in the direction of the car saying"home, home." Aunty was strong and kind and took him for a sleep to put him down and it worked like a charm.

Sleeping beauty.

 Carter and his lady.

Back to back for snack #14.

And this is my beauty shot for the day. Not sure how I achieved it but I like it.

In other news, 2 sleeps until my Mom comes to visit. Excited!
Happy Thursday y'all. xoxo

10 tractors later

Elliott and I had to make a quick stop at Home Depot this morning to get a garden hose. Ten tractors and 55 minutes later we were able to make it through the checkout. Elliott is in love with tractors, trucks even the steering wheels on all park equipment. And I'm in love with his huge smiles and sound effects.

Happy Thursday from a rainy but warm NB.
AJ

loving the long weekend

The Jorgensens joined the Smiths (Ben, Megan, Reese and Morgan) this Canada Day long weekend at their family cottage for camping, water activities and much merriment. The weather and setting were absolutely perfect and the kids have asserted that they are big fans of camping. Papa and I had a pretty great time too.

 The cable ferry crossing to the cottage.

 Baby Morgan chilling out.

Ahoy Ladies.

What a great Papa.

 Love this photo - huge smiles from the girls and a bit of a grimace from their pusher.

 The daddies and their girls heading out in the kayaks.

 Serene?

Please don't judge us and our insanity: dogs, wind, kids and early evening fireworks on the beach.

Even Finnegan had a great weekend; it turns out he's a great swimmer and lover of Drake.

 Cody and his fan base watching him getting prepped for kayak fishing. Unfortunately no fish just a sunburn.

Kate winding down on the drive home last night.

Thanks Ben and Megan for hosting us! It was awesome. And happy birthday Canada - we love you.
CAKE

trail blazers

The kids and I had a great start to our day: Cody's cousin Autumn, her husband Andrew and their daughter Anna had stayed the night, so we all had a visit and breakfast together. The kids and I have never met their cousin Anna so it was a very special visit. She's 14 months; happy and lovely.

The break from our schedule unfortunately made the day feel very long. That or it was the beverages that I partook in last night. Anyway, for something new, after E woke from his nap, we packed up and headed to our local Dobson trail to take in some nature and burn some energy. It was just what we needed. The kids were instantly enchanted. They have been before but apparently have no memory of past visits. We ran, threw rocks, sat stream side, pet passing dogs and generally had a wonderful time.

 All the wonders of the world.

 Me and my pals.

 Making faces.

 Hanging and swinging.

We have a rule in our house - the dirtier you are the more fun you must be having. Kate showing off her fun side.

You totally can't make it out but this is a photo of Elliott who we had to leave behind because he would not stop throwing rocks into the stream. The tactic didn't work... I did have to go back and force him against his growing will.

As the long weekend approaches we're planning on camping at least one evening with some friends. The kids are totally "with it" these days and I think they'll have a grand time. Hope all of you have some great Summer plans too.

All our love and thanks again to the Marchbanks for making it over the big bridge to see us!
xoxo CAKE

i love the whole world

I wanted to share a couple more snippets from Montessori's Closing Ceremonies on Wednesday evening. I think one is sweet but the other is a little sad.

Kate making her official entrance along with Charlie. I believe Kate and Charlie are the youngest students at the school.

This morning Kate was walking around like a lady (as seen in the video) in her Cinderella dress. She then instructed me how to curtsy like a lady or bow like a gentleman. Unfortunately we missed out on video-ing her curtsy after she received her certificate. It was subtle but darling.

So Kate was in Toronto for the last week of classes, that's when I believe the kids learned all their songs, because Kate didn't have a clue. Too bad because we love the whole world too.

Happy Friday and Mom Happy Birthday celebration this evening. Wish I could be there to join in the wine and cheese. Mmmm. aj

casa dei bambini

Tonight we attended Kate's closing ceremonies for her first year at Montessori. It was a wonderful retrospective and celebration of these tiny peoples' achievements. It is amazing to see these 3, 4, 5 and 6 year olds proper and proud; gratifying to say the least.

My 2 favourite highlights: seeing the formal student promenade to their seats and the songs. Some crazy person put Kate directly in front of one of the microphones. Which, she probably hit or leaned into 6 or 7 times - I'd say half accidental and half purely experimental - all completely disruptive. Oh, one last favourite - watching Elliott make a 2 and a half year old buddy to run up and down the theatre aisle with.

Anyway it was great and called for a post ice cream celebration. That and it was still like 33 degrees at 7 tonight.

Pre-show giggles.

 The boys in pink.

Her first of what we hope to be many walks across a stage, diploma in hand.

 Kate suffering from all the photos.

My fam.

Congrats kiddo! Can't wait to see what you'll be up to 365 sleeps from now.
xoxo Mama & Papa