Happy Birthday Alexa!

Today brings a special day... Alexa's 2nd birthday!! Of course, like all mothers time has flown by so quickly. And our little girl is of course growing up.

This past weekend I decided to potty train her. And actually she has done really well. I followed my old psychology instructor's 'program' that he told us about in college (remember Shauna!!) we spent all weekend pretty much at home in the living room, with some juice, toys and the little potty. Long story short- as of day 4 she did not have any accidents!!! YAHOO!!! I am feeling a bit sense of relief in a way, although, I am preparing myself for a few accidents along the way, but maybe, just maybe, I really won't have to buy diapers again!!!

Anyway, our little girl is becoming quite the little lady. She is SUCH a daddy's girl (well most of the time... she does still love me... when he's not around!!!). She is talking a lot more, although I think we're the only ones who can understand her! She is still very independent and loves to do it her way... but mostly... she is still so funny. She makes us laugh countless times EVERY day! She is a very goofy kid, and I'm so happy to have 2 kids that just love to make us laugh!

I love you Alexa, you are a ray of sunshine in our lives!!

better late than never....

We were in Lunenburg, NS at the beginning of June with the kids. We had a great day ... we took a horse and carriage ride to go through the town and see the historical sites. The kids had a lot of fun. This lady came out with a carrot to feed to the horse!
The kids at the Bluenose boat!

We went puffin / whale watching, which turned out to be somewhat a bust, although we did enjoy the boat ride. We didn't see any whales :(

Shaun was watching diligently!!

They both thought they were special to sit in the captain's seat and watched for any wildlife!

I don't know... do you see any puffins??? I thought I saw some, but when I came home, I realized these are different birds completely... oops! There were puffins, but I didn't get any pictures!

Probably the best part was the seal colony... there were a lot, and they were very curious! Alexa thought they were pretty funny!

In a mood...

wow... I can't believe how grumpy I am. I don't get like this very often, and I think I may be a 9.5/10 grumpy ... it has been all day too... bummer! Nothing serious going on just an annoying thing happening at work, and it has thrown my whole day off. I couldn't concentrate on anything else at work,so I feel like I didn't get anything accomplished, which doesn't help matters.

The good news is that it is Friday. I am now debating going to Moncton with a friend for a few hours (and maybe indulge on something- not sure what yet... a chocolate cupcake or a drink of somesort???) or to go to the gym and 'work it off'. I want to get rid of all this negative energy before the weekend is here, as I don't want to 'be in a funk' all weekend. The smart thing would be to go to the gym.... hmm wonder what I will end up doing?? I'll let you know...

The Joys of Summer

Summer on the east coast has a lot of yummy things to do... :) There are a few orchards near our home, and along with the apples, they usually have fruit / vegetable gardens too. Heather had a great spur of the moment idea after we took the kids to see Ice Age for Shaun's birthday, so we stopped and picked strawberries... They were at the end of their season, but SO SO yummy! I will have to remember to go again next year, and also take the time to go this week and get some peas.... oh and then there will be raspberries, and blueberries galore... time to stock up!!

Heather, Savannah, Shaun and I

Party time!

Shaun has been very excited about having a birthday party... all week he has been asking for the party to start. He wouldn't let me decorate his cake for a surprise and insisted he should help me too... so here is the end result. I think I have redeemed myself from last years 'chicken' (aka fish cake!)
The weather has turned around here, so the kids could eat outside (yeah for me!) ... but they enjoyed it too!

Savannah and Gracie painting (that ended up being a good thing to allow the sugar to wear off!!)

He was excited to FINALLY be able to eat his cake!! (and play with the dinosaurs on it that I bought.... he just couldn't wait to play with them... all week!)

He was kind of grumpy for parts of the day, but overall he had a great time, and was glad to have his friends with him!

Our little man is 5!

At 7 lbs 15 oz at birth he was still so tiny.... and always so precious. He was a very good baby, a very goofy toddler, and still a very goofy 5 year old! At 43 " and 40 lbs, he is a lot bigger, but he is still my little boy... and I love him so much.
We had a small celebration July 5 for his birthday at home, and then I took him to see the new Ice Age movie with his friend Savannah. We will have a bigger 'friends party' this coming weekend, once his friends are back from vacation. Although it was small, I think he had a good time today!

A new bowling set from Grandma Dovie...

Let's play! ... Wow there's a rare serious moment for Alexa... maybe she'll join the bowling league!

It took a few tries..

...but he got the knack in no time!

I know it is very cliche, but I really can't believe how fast time flies. Shaun is 5 now... and I can't believe the time has gone so fast. I always remembered the 'grown ups' saying how fast time flies, how life gets so busy when you are older etc, but I guess we really don't understand until we are in that place for ourselves. I now understand what they were saying. I always try and treasure every moment we have with our children, as I know all too well they will be grown up before I know it, and want their independence (although Shaun continues to insist that he will always live with us, that he NEVER wants to have his own house/ family etc)... we'll see about that!!

Jamaica!

Ok- I know I am very slow at getting pictures up... sorry! It has been an extremely busy week since we've been back! We are still recovering from our great vacation !

Shaun with his 'froggy' on our balcony!

Climbing the Dunn's River Waterfalls. Shaun walked up mostly on his own... he is getting pretty brave!

Alexa went up part way with Andrew, but then stayed with mom and dad for the last little bit. It went from the beach up 960 ft... it was a lot of fun!

Alexa took some time to warm up to the water... not until the end of the week did she decide it would be fun and ventured into the pool/ ocean/ waterslides with us. She had a lot of fun when she did!

June 24 was Mom and Dad's 37th wedding anniversary, so they renewed their vows. Way to go Mom and Dad!!

Alexa did enjoy the beach and the sand, so many hours were spent making sand castles!