The Dentist

Cary and I took the kids to the dentist this week.  Last time we went Garrett wouldn't even sit in the chair so this was a step up.

 Both kids got a ride in the chair.  Garrett insisted that Kelsey go first and she was happy to oblige.

 Checking out the mirrors. 

The kids loved the water sprayer and "Mr. Thirsty" (the suction straw).  The hygienist put Mr. Thirsty on their arms and before she knew it both kids had their shirts pulled up and she had to show them what it would feel like all over their bodies.  Both kids left with 3 toys each, a new toothbrush, and all they had to do was open their mouths for about 10 seconds each.  I wish my trips to the dentist were that fun!

Owls, Owls and more Owls

Ever since Garrett found the remains of an owl pellet in our backyard he has been very interested in learning about everything to do with owls.  We drove him out to Ladner today to the O.W.L. Rehabilitation Society where they take care of injured birds of prey.  He was thrilled to see a wide variety of owls including a Snowy Owl, Barn Owl, and a Great Horned Owl.  As a bonus we saw falcons, eagles, and a pair of Turkey Vultures (which he says aren't very pretty to look at).

We also decorated his room using pictures from an old calendar I had at work.  I can't imagine sleeping under all of those owls staring down at me but he seemed excited.

Storytime with Kelsey

I love reading Moo Baa Laa Laa Laa with Kelsey.   I've coached her a bit on the ending. 

Here's a cute video of Kelsey counting. She counts everything right now and always says the same group of "numbers" (a term I use loosely).

 

May Moments

I can't believe that May is nearing an end. The kids have been busy as usual and are growing up so fast. Kelsey is a non stop chatterbox. Her favourite sayings right now are:
"I do it myself!"
"I happy now!" This is usually said after some crazy and unnecessary outburst.
"I hit Gare. Sorry Gare."
She is still absolutely in love with her Giraffe and Teddy but has added to her list of favourite things. She will not go to sleep without Giraffe, Teddy, her blanket (large), her baby (with a huge hard plastic head), and a pewter rocking horse bank. It's crazy. It's darn near impossible to console her while she is holding all of these things and if that horse lands on my foot one more time I'm going to lose it.

Garrett loves imaginary play right now. We set up boats, forts, rocket ships, and picnics daily. I have sometimes eaten a pretend picnic, built a fort, and gone fishing in a boat full of all of his stuffed animals before 8 a.m. He's finally starting to play with Kelsey which is a real treat. I overheard this conversations this morning.
"I love you so so much Kelsey. Do you love me?"
"I love you Gare."
"I'm going to take care of you for ever. I'm going to teach you to say humpback whale. First you say hump and then whale."
"Humpback whale," replied Kelsey.
Less than 3 minutes later....."Mom!!!! Kelsey hit me!"
Sigh.....

My artists.

Listening to a little music.

Buying yet another monster truck.

Garrett loving his floor hockey.

Bag lady.

Hanging out in the fort.

Loving the Aquarium with Gran.

Science World fun.

Checking out some cool snakes.

Outdoor School Open House

We had a great day at Outdoor School in Paradise Valley today. The weather was perfect and the kids got to explore a fish hatchery, farm, and a Bighouse all in one afternoon.






The kids got to release salmon fry into a stream. Garrett even carried one down to the stream in his hands but the poor thing got dropped a few times so we felt the net was safer (the fish was fine and happily swam away).



Kelsey got a try too.

Kelsey loved the baby goats. This one was two weeks old.


You can't go to Outdoor School without visiting the ever so smelly pigs. Ick.

Garrett got to hold a baby chick in the farm lab. He took his job very seriously.

I'm not a fan of stuffed birds but thought this photo was cute.

We had to get a classic bighouse shot. The kids enjoyed the indoor fire but Cary and I couldn't get them out of there fast enough. Too many kids walking around with hot bannock on sticks.

As usual, the highlight was throwing rocks into the Cheakamus River.

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter! Phew...what a fun and busy few days. On Saturday we started the day off with an Easter egg hunt that turned out to be more of an Easter egg collection in West Vancouver.

Kelsey caught on pretty quickly. She loved helping herself to the eggs.

We then spent the afternoon setting up our new playhouse with Daddy and Uncle Dean. Garrett was a big help :)

The finished product. The house is awesome. Thanks for the help Uncle Dean!

We then had a delicious dinner at Grandma Debbie's and Michelle's. The cousins had a blast playing together.

Lots of laughs!

On Sunday the kids blessed us by sleeping in. We had to wake up Garrett before Kelsey dug into all of the Easter loot.

Garrett's face shows his excitement. "Look what the Easter bunny brought me!!"

Kelsey's first Easter egg find.

Examining their loot.

Getting ready to go to Gran and Grandpa Jerry's house for Easter egg hunt #2. Garrett carried this basket around all day. Cary took him out for some errands in the afternoon and he dragged the basket with him everywhere he went.

Looking for more treats. What lucky kids!

"Now where did those eggs go??"

Happy Easter!

Spring Break Cruise

Well another family vacation has come and gone. We flew to LA and took a four night cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. We're calling the vacation more of an adventure instead of a vacation as we met with a few challenges keeping the kids entertained on the cruise ship and sleeping in the same room with both kids coughing incessantly was a drag. We did have some fun though and here are a few of the highlights.

Here is one reason why we didn't spend a lot of time in the dining room.

Garrett loved the day at Catalina Island. He didn't want to leave the beach.

Playing hide and go seek on the top deck mini golf course. This was a highlight for me.

A little entertainment for the boat. Garrett walked around the cruiseship playing his drum and drew a lot of attention. So cute!

Walking around Ensenada. It looks relaxing but Kelsey insisted on touching everything and in Mexico you don't want to stop for a second or it looks like you want to buy something. She's definately going to be a shopper. Yippee!!!

A big highlight for the kids was the endless supply of ice cream. Messy but yummy.

Garrett was quite the golfer. He actually did one hole in 3 shots.