Rhys's Birthday Weekend

I was a little worried when we were getting close to Rhys's birthday party this past weekend. My kids have seemed to be constantly sick at one point or another for the past few months, either both or alternating turns, and some of the guests I had invited were really new friends, some only a few weeks old. I had chosen this year to also keep the guest list small. It was a tough decision because we are so lucky to have many friends with little ones close in age to our children. But really, at this age, Rhys didn't understand what all the hoopla was about besides it being a big play date with cake at the end. I made my calls the night before to give fair warning that my kids still had a few sniffles and I so appreciated those who still ventured forth to help make it a special day for our little guy.

For once, boys were the majority - Brea was the only girl - which made it really nice for Rhys to be able to pal around with "the guys". He knew something was up when he had to stay home with Mommy instead of going to the pool with his big sister but it wasn't until the cake showed up that he knew it was for him. Rhys loves cars so there was no way I could resist getting him a Cars themed birthday cake. In fact, when I placed the cake on the table he climbed up on the chair and tried to drag it off to get a better look.

SO excited about the cake!

Our Birthday Boy! (Brea opted out of the photo op.)

Waiting for a piece.

 

E enjoying his treat.

After the cake, the kids had the chance to go outside for a ride. We had mentioned to the parents that both of our kids have recently really taken to biking and we had hoped that seeing others their age rolling around might help build their confidence. Boy, did they have fun!

An awesome shot of K motoring on his bike.

M trying to put a stop to all the biking shenanigans.

Enjoying his time out on the road.

At the end of the afternoon, our little guy was tuckered. He had a wee snooze and when he awoke, I just had to try him out on a gift from our good friends the Scharfs. We actually dressed the kids out and walked over to our neighbours who were working on their deck to offer them an extra hand :o) They thought it was pretty cute.

The funniest little get-up ever! Thanks Uncle Owen and Auntie Kari!

Cake pictures?! Forget it! But I'll be a Black and Decker Girl for sure :o)

 It was a memorable day and so much fun! Thanks everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Sweet Boy!

Dear Rhys,

I can't believe it has been two years since Mommy and Daddy rushed in the van to the hospital and I wasn't too sure I was going to make it on time. You have kept up that excitement and it's always a special day with you seeing what new things you will discover next.

This past week, you have gotten more and more confident on your bike and it is so sweet watching you follow after your sister. I am so proud of you lifting your feet today - you'll be gliding like her in no time.

Your smile lights up my life and your infectious giggles are the cutest thing ever! I love how your little arms can have such a strong hold as I lift you up into a hug and you cuddle right in to my neck.

I was worried when it seemed like you were never going to get around to talking but your voice is taking flight and new words are being uttered with each day. I know you love your cars and trains by the sound effects you love to give. I love that you are so in love with basketball like your Daddy that you have to keep one in bed with you to sleep.

Your character is making itself known more and more each day. I know that you can be stubborn as anything but you also show such sweetness it can take my breath away. I can't wait as you grow into you to see how you shine through and I hope you will feel that you can count on me for guidance and love always.

Happy 2nd Birthday my Sweet Little Boy!

I love you,
Mommy

Baby visits

We are so lucky to have friends with babies or who will be having babies so I can get my fix. Apparently, my kids like to have their fix too as you can tell by these pictures from a few recent visits:

Brea's first time meeting Baby E

Rhys was so excited and proud to get to hold the baby, I'd never seen him scramble onto the couch so fast.

I want to ride!

Brea has gotten too tall for her Strider bike but has not yet mastered a balance bike so we got her a slightly bigger Norco and passed the Strider to Rhys... boy was he excited!

He is so much more confident than Brea ever was. It definitely helps that he has watched her and knew what he was getting into. At first, Brea was reluctant with her new bike since it was a few centimeters too high for her to be comfortable but she seems to have grown in just a few weeks time and it fits about right now. Since both of my kids are learning to ride and watch Craig zoom around them, they have asked about me. So I got a bike... and had my brother remove the pedals. I'm proud to say I am finally learning how to ride a bike! Just like the kids'! It's been slow going and I had to get a more comfortable seat but I think that with having our daily practice, I'll be at it in a few weeks time - that's my goal at least. I'll let you know how it goes.

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy's new hobby

Craig has a new hobby, after the kids' bath, he plays with Rhys's hair.

He's also tried a pretty decent Astro Boy but I wasn't near my camera and Rhys mashed it pretty fast. Gotta invest in some styling gel for kids :o)

Brea moments

Brea has been practicing of late and developing some skills. I was thrilled to be presented with some art a month ago that she had made and wanted me to take to work. This happens quite often for Daddy since he has a great big wall where he has her pictures and work displayed in his class but I'm not often the recipient of such stuff. The most spectacular part of the piece was the signature of the the artiste herself! Brea has been writing her name more and more frequently now but I'm proud to show you her very first attempt:

She has also been into creating patterns of late with bits of things she finds. I walked in on this on our living room floor one night after putting the kids to bed:

All I asked for was a smile

Brea has a mini-me who's name is Rhys. He follows her around and copies everything she does. If Brea asks for something, Rhys will thump his chest and holler "Me!".... meaning, you better count me in on that too.

If Brea is playing with a toy, he wants it. If Brea climbs on the couch, he does too even though it's twice as high for him.

Brea's been funny for the camera lately, whenever I ask for a smile, she either grimaces or opens her mouth really big. So a month ago when I asked for a smile since they were playing so well together this is what I got...