*those* days

I'm having one of those days.  Where nothing is going quite right.  The kids can't seem to get along for more than 3 minutes at a time.  No matter what I try, I am unable to distract Silas from Sophie's tower.  Because really, what is better than a tower, just waiting to be knocked over, when you're 2?  Well, maybe a train.  A real train. Unfortunately, we don't have one of those in our backyard...

So instead, I googled free printable scavenger hunt cards, made a list (because our printer isn't working), and sent the big 2 off while I nursed Si to sleep.

45 minutes later-success.  Happy big kids, excited to show off their loot,

a sleeping toddler,

and a hot cup of coffee.  It doesn't get much better than that.

Just me...

...and my brother.

Festivals, food and fun!

We have been enjoying the summer things around our city!  We went to the Heritage festival yesterday and the kids all really enjoyed themselves.  And really, what's not to enjoy?  Food, music and dancing.  Caleb loved watching the knights but his favourite part was something I never thought I would ever hear him say-tasting all of the food and finding out which country it came from.  He has come a long way from the 3-year-old who ate cheerios for supper every single night.  

I spent most of the time trying to explain to Sophie why she couldn't just climb up onto the stages.  I explained that they were for the performers and that she could dance in front of the stage while she was watching them.  So she did.

Silas danced too.

But then, when we were watching the dancers from the Congo, someone lifted Sophie up onto the stage so she could dance with the dancers.  A little hesitant at first, it only took her a minute before she was shaking her hips.  She didn't love dance when she was in it and I think we've figured out why-ballet is not her thing.  She needs to take African dance!

Of course, whatever Sophie gets to do, Silas wants to do to.  So after 5 minutes of this-

We let him up too.

And what was Silas' favourite part?  Not the dancing.  Or the food.  It was the bus.

Because is there anything better than taking the bus when you're 2?  

A tisket, a tasket! What's that in your basket?

Raspberries and Cherries filled their baskets!  I was pleasantly surprised when Silas appeared to be actually filling his basket!  I thought he would just pick a berry, eat a berry.  Or maybe steal from Sophie.  But no, he actually picked about a quarter of a basket of berries!

And then he tasted one.

And another...mmm...

And that was the end of that.  He finished off the basket and then ate as he picked.  They probably should have weighed him before and after the picking.

If you give a Silas some milk...

...he will want some chocolate to go with it.

He will put his hands in the cup so he can get the most amount of chocolate all over himself.

Mmm...chocolate.

And when there is no more left, he will look at you, with this shocked expression, when you tell him he can't have any more.

What do you mean, it's all gone?!?!

Beach Time!

We recently got back from our holiday at the beach.

We were lucky enough to go with some great friends of ours and I have come to the following conclusion-it is absolutely fantastic going away with another family!  The kids had built in playmates for 10 whole days and it was wonderful.  All 5 of the kids got along extremely well which meant less squabbling between siblings.

 It was a relaxing week sitting next to the water....or as relaxing as you can get with a toddler.  

So, maybe relaxing is not the right word.  But the weather was perfect and everyone had so, so much fun.  Sand castles were built...

...ice cream was eaten...

...and Caleb and Sophie practiced their swimming.

We were lucky enough to get a place close enough to the beach that we could walk.  Or bike.  Silas is quite the little cyclist now.  He can't keep up with the big kids yet but he is getting there.  If only he would stop getting distracted by trucks.  And dogs.  And puddles.  And other bikes.  And people.  Yes-if only he would quit getting distracted by every single thing that he spots, he would not be far behind Caleb and Sophie at all.

And the best part about the beach?  Apparently, it's a very good place to nap.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

And just like that, Caleb is nine.  It does not feel like it was nine years ago that he was born.  Or that it was six years ago that he started playschool.  Or four years ago that he learned to ride a bike without training wheels.  In september, he will be in grade four.  Caleb keeps telling me that he'll be in division two and on his next birthday, he'll be 10.  Double digits.

It goes by so fast.  I remember when Caleb was born.  He was the first baby to be born in my extended family in a while and he was loved.  But wow, did he cry.  During the day, he was content.  He liked being in the stroller and swing.  He was happy as long as he was moving.  But at night, or when he in a room with a lot of people, he would become overstimulated and cry.  And cry.  And cry some more.  Ryan used to drive him in the car at night.  Every night.  Just to get him to sleep.

But he outgrew that.  And now, he is a happy and easygoing nine-year-old.

He's still sensitive.  And a little bit quirky.  But he's kind-hearted and empathetic.  And I think those traits are most important of all.

Caleb learned to read chapter books this year.  I think that is so important to note.  Less than 2 years ago, he didn't know all of his letters.  He couldn't label them, write them or make letter-sound connections.  And now he's reading chapter books.  And best of all?  He loves it.  He is asking to stay awake to read.  He reads in the car.  Caleb is proud of himself.  And we are so, so proud of him.

So happy birthday, Caleb!  You are my favourite 9-year-old ever!  I know you are anxious to grow up but please, just enjoy being a kid for a little bit longer.  And keep being the wonderful kid that you are  ♥