This is Mara's life

Our baby is 3. Our baby who loves whoopie cushions, the "jump-o-leen", dancing, talking on the phone, dress-up and now says "all right?!" after every sentence. Our baby who swims, rides her bike, dresses herself and goes to 'school'.

Kai: Mara, you're growing up too fast! Stop! I want you to stay little.

Mara: I can't stop Kai...(sigh)...this is my life!

3 guesses what she has worn for the last 5 days



New clothes from Grandpa D & Grandma N!


Backpack for school!


Even more new clothes!

The perfect pair

We enjoyed such an adventurous summer this year we were a little sad to put the camping gear away. Yes, it's general chaos and it's messy, loud and lots of work. But the kids explored various campgrounds with different sets of friends, they swam and they caught fish. Drew even got the chance to go ocean fishing and he caught 7 fish that we ate for dinner. We played in the tent while it rained (only once, thankfully) and we got stomach aches from late-night marshmallow feasts. There will quickly come a time when sleeping 5 in a tent will no longer be possible, or fun, and the kids will roll their eyes at the thought of it. Until then, Grant & I will hold out hope these kind of summers keep on coming.

The first week of school was a success with our seasoned pros in Grade 2 & 4. Mara has also switched daycares and is now at a centre which is much like preschool. Drew is trying hockey this year and both Kai & Mara had their first Highland classes this week - they even 'practiced' together at home tonight.

He wanted to look tough & intense.

The line-up of stuffies gives him away.

Now this is intense.

Gravitron? What's that?!?

There's nothing like a fair in the Zeller's parking lot to bring back childhood memories and rob you of every last cent. DK were big enough for many 'big kid' rides this time around and even had their first experience with the Gravitron (renamed the Starship 3000 apparently). Mara could ride a few rides with us tagging along beside her...but she didn't seem to mind.

Drew participated in his first school-wide track meet and thought he hit the big time when he found out it was held at a 'real' track, The Rotary Bowl. He placed 2nd in the 100m and 4th in both the 200m & 400m. His softball throw was impressive but unfortunately was not in the Top 5 against those big, bad Grade 4-ers. He's got his sights set on big wins next year.

Nana came for a visit mid-month and we took advantage of a beautiful weekend to splash around in Tofino & fly kites in Parksville. Mara splashed a little more than the rest of us and her naked bliss on the beach has changed her into a die hard nudest.

"Mara, let's go to the park!"
"Can I be naked?"
"No."
"Then, no thank you."

My bed is just too 'yumpy'

 "I am not Mara. Call me SUPERHERO GIRL!"

We are so privileged to witness 3 hilarious characters figuring out the world at their own speed and in their own way. Grant and I laugh ourselves silent in amazement of just how funny they all are. DK fight over everything but still manage to spend hours making forts and drawing together, Drew makes up his own never-ending jokes, Mara insists on wearing her Super Girl costume day and night and Kai video tapes herself singing her heart out to Justin Bieber. 

Last month we set up the studio lights in the living room so Grant and I could attempt a profile photo for our company website. Afterward the kids had their turn. Kai and Mara couldn't get enough, but Drew was not impressed.

He will laugh at this one day

 
Nana's February Visit

Their special tradition - taking sketchbooks to the ocean

We were thrilled to have Holly, Simon and William here for Easter. Unfortunately the weather was typical west coast rain for the most part - but that also made the evenings spent in front of the fireplace even more enjoyable. We hit Coombs, Cathedral Grove and Victoria. Drew and William wasted no time getting reacquainted and Easter Bunny Holly sure made the egg hunt an epic one for the kids.