A Morning Out

 After all of the rain yesterday, we promised the kids that we would hit up the Legislature today if it was nice out. Camilla has been dying to go swimming, and this place is FREE! The pool was empty when we got there and the kids had fun wandering around. Since the older two are fairly independent, I didn't end up getting many pictures of them. They were always off across the pool, skipping on the stones and being buddies. Joseph stuck pretty close for the most part, but when he got away, he ran as fast as he could!

 He loved splashing and wandering around. This time he was a bit more independent and careful while he walked around which made my visit all the more enjoyable. I loved being able to snuggle next to my Mr. Stannix and watch the children play.

 Joseph also liked daring new heights and moving his tip toes to the very edge of a high ledge as if to dare me to get up and get him. He's at the age of pushing limits and discovering new things. Instead of getting mad at him while he jumps on the couch, I've discovered he stops quicker when I don't say anything at all. He likes to push my buttons.

I sure love these three blondies!

In Search of Joy

 This morning started out a tad on the gloomy side. I didn't get enough sleep and the weather was overcast. After we finished our morning chores I decided to take the littles for a walk in search of some joy! Neither of the older two wanted to bike which really surprised me, so we walked a slow pace and eventually made our way to the walking trail. The whole time I was trying my hardest to let the kids explore everything and pick all of the flowers they wanted. Life is so simple and wonderful sometimes. We cut through the soccer fields trying to ignore the mosquitoes as we went. Just as we neared the trail Camilla picked up the pace shouting, "I'm FREEE!" as she ran. I stayed back a bit with Joe while he picked dandelions and blew the fluff all over. 

 The walk didn't prove to be nearly as joyous as I'd hoped. Hyrum was doing a potty dance up and down the walking trail and needing to hold my hand every step of the way. Once in a while he would let go to pick a dandelion and gave me the biggest bouquet of flowers! When Joseph's legs got tired I gave him a piggy-back ride and he giggled in my ears the whole time. There is something so special about little hands touching your face and hair.

Once Camilla announced that she also had to pee, we turned around and made our way home. I snapped a few pictures of the littles on one of their "breaks". My camera hasn't been my friend lately but I still love this picture! When the bathrooms became more urgent, I lifted Joseph onto my shoulders and we quickly made our way home just as the clouds began to drizzle rain.

The Pea Patch

The children spent most of the late afternoon playing outside. We came in for a quick dinner and as soon as they were done they were back out again. The temperature was perfect today and reminded me that Autumn is on it's way. Soon it was time for Joseph to head to bed. I took him up, read him stories, and sang him his favorite songs. While I waited for him to settle I watched the children in the backyard from my bedroom window. Camilla was over by the garden raiding the pea patch with her little yellow umbrella thrown over her shoulder. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her pick away at the few remaining pods of peas. 

...And then I joined her.

Immunization

Joseph had his 18 month immunization today. Most of our afternoon at home has been filled with crying and snuggling my baby bump. Thank goodness for crock pots or we would be eating out for dinner tonight. I don't think I will be moving any time soon!

Hudkins Reunion: Part II

Sunday was a great day! After breakfast we all found a cozy place to sit in the hall to listen to my Gramma and Grampa's morning devotional. Grampa Hudkins shared his adoption story and I may or may not have cried for most of it (happy tears of course). I am so grateful for both of them and the examples they set. We had planned to sneak out for church, but felt strongly that we should stay and enjoy the wonderful spirit we were feeling together as a family. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and chatting.

 Joseph had to try on Great-Gramma's hat!

 My awesome Gramma did a few runs down the zipline.

 I also took a turn.

 And Joseph practically begged Daddy to take him for a ride too!

 Joseph had a lot of fun playing with Auntie Emma's boy.

 We assembled over sixty hygiene kits to help those in need. 

 

 I was able to catch a sweet moment between Mr. H and his Great-Grampa. 

 Mia and Camilla were pretty much joined together at the hip all weekend. 

 Gramma wanted to get some four generation pictures done and we also snagged a family picture with my parents and siblings.

 Immediately after pictures, these boys made their way to the pool and started jumping and splashing in the water. A lot of us got a good chuckle out of it!

 We then enjoyed some watermelon and sitting by the campfire for the evening.

Since we were driving home that night we let the kids stay up way too late! These two were pretty cute with their late night snuggle by the fire. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by family for the weekend and to learn more about my Grandparent's lives! Big thanks to my Aunt and all those who helped make this weekend possible!

Hudkins Reuinion: Part I

We arrived home in the very early hours of the a.m. Now that we are all caught up on sleep, the van is unpacked and the house somewhat organized, I figured I'd sit down for a few minutes and write a recap of our awesome weekend with family!

On Friday night after Mr. Stannix got home from work we loaded up the kids and drove to the Hudkins family reunion. Camilla was only a year old at the last reunion we attended and then we missed the next one because we were in Halifax. It was fun to get together with everyone, even though numbers were few!

After we arrived, unpacked and set up camp, we all went down to check out the zipline. Daddy caught a nice sized frog and Camilla named it Douglas. She played with it for a little while and then released it back where we found it.

Daddy took Hyrum down the zipline a ton of times!

Joseph also got in on the action and giggled his pants off the whole way down. It was pretty darn cute!

The little second cousins spent most of their time on this cute little playground. Joseph learned pretty quickly how to climb up and got so good that he could even do it with a cookie in one hand!

On Saturday a few of the men-folk had an awesome game of horse shoes.

Grampa and Mr. Stannix both managed to get a ringer!

A few of us enjoyed being spectators. Joseph clapped and exclaimed "Yay! Yay! Yay!" every time he thought something awesome happened.

The location was so fun and rustic. I especially loved this front deck and since Mr. Stannix was looking so handsome, I couldn't resist a picture!

There was a lot of playground fun! The swings were a huge hit!

My heart totally melted when I wandered over to check on the kids and found Hyrum pushing his buddy on the swings.

After some afternoon water fights this little dude was due for a new outfit. 

Then he pulled me over to the swing set for a little while.

Love these two cuties!

I had a nice visit with my mamma on the front deck.

And it was super great to see my sis again!

After dinner my Dad organized a hair fight, it was epic.

Love my boys and my Gramma!

When the sun started to set we got our littles ready for bed. Tenting proved difficult for the first night and Camilla and Joseph didn't fall asleep until almost 11:00PM. Eventually I gave up laying with them and left the tent. I came back a few minutes later and listened outside while Camilla sang "I am a Child of God" and "Hinges" to Joseph to try and help him sleep. It was pretty cute! I love her little singing voice!

Hyrum got to have a sleep over in Gramma and Grampa's cabin for the first night, but loved sleeping in the tent the next night!

Joseph ended up stealing my mat, so I slept on the ground the first night. Not the best sleep I've had in a while, but I did sleep!

Little Baking Boy

 "What are we making Mom?"

 "Oh, Cookies? YAY!"

Nightmare Before Christmas

Last night I had a really bad dream. It was Christmas morning and snow covered the walks outside. I was the first one awake. I came downstairs and turned on the tree lights only to realize we had forgotten to wrap the gifts! The children woke up seconds later and a deep sadness filled my heart at the realization that they would be walking into the livingroom only to see that there were no presents, and no stockings. Mike came down with them and we couldn't believe that we had forgotten to wrap the presents! I went upstairs and lifted a blanket that was hiding a few little gifts under a desk and discovered that we had only bought presents for Hyrum. To make matters worse, my parents were spending the holidays with us and would wake up to no Christmas! Mike and I whispered for a few minutes about going to Walmart, pretending Christmas was actually going to be tomorrow instead of today. The children went outside to play and my parents reassured us that this was completely normal and even happened to them a couple of times! That's when I heard Joseph clunking around in his room and woke up. I may have let out a little laugh as I climbed out of bed. Can you tell I'm a tad stressed about having a Christmas baby? Goodness.

Today I had my monthly visit with my Midwife. All three of the children joined me and behaved very well. I love the little room where these visits are held. I sit on a big couch while Camilla and Joseph squish on a chair to my right and Hyrum plays with toys at my feet. My midwife sits in an office chair by the window in the corner and we just talk for a whole half an hour. Camilla told her all about how she likes to help with the laundry and dishwasher and my midwife was almost in tears laughing at the comedic way that Camilla describes everything. We went over my ultrasound results and talked a bit about nutrition. We finished off the appointment by checking my blood pressure and having a listen to baby. I stretched out on the couch with Camilla standing at my head, Hyrum by my tummy and Joseph climbing up over my legs. One of them got to turn on the doppler and then they each took turns helping her find the heartbeat. Joseph was so excited when he heard the racing heart and I will never forget the look on his face. It is such a great experience going to these appointments! I love that the littles can be involved with baby and be excited too!

Camilla drew me the cutest picture today of our family. I think she made Daddy look very handsome and I love the way she drew my baby bump.

Monkeying Around

 Today we enjoyed a nice afternoon bike ride over to a little pond. We watched a mommy duck while her babies followed all in a line. The children would giggle when each of the ducklings would take a dive under the water, following their mother as they swam. When we got home we sought shade under the tree in our front yard. It was hot out! The older two enjoyed monkeying around in the tree with a little help. It wasn't until we came inside for a homemade smoothie that I realized there was a heat advisory for Edmonton. Oops. Still, it was nice to get out and enjoy nature a little bit!

Making Note

Things have been crazy at the Stannix's. There's never a dull moment as we navigate our way through each Summer day exploring and enjoying the warm weather. Sadly, the blog has gotten a tad neglected and I haven't taken many pictures as of late.  Usually while I'm making dinner I will glance around the kitchen to survey the damage from the day. Baking dishes line the counters, the peanut butter is still open from lunch, crumbs dot the floor and craft supplies is scattered on the table. Without that Mr. Stannix of mine my kitchen wouldn't look nearly as awesome as it does at the start of each day. Sometimes something as simple as washing the floor or doing a few loads of laundry is all I manage to get done between playing with the kids and making sure everyone's bellies are full. Sometimes after dinner I will throw a handful of marshmallows in front of Joseph just so I can enjoy my dinner before I wipe him up.  It's all about survival around here! I am super grateful for those moments in the day when things slow down a little and I am able to jot a few funny things down and enjoy my kids on a different level. They are so fun and getting so big!

Camilla is so grown up lately. She is such a big help and loves both of her brothers so much! We recently moved Hyrum's carseat to the back of the van because she really wanted someone to keep her company back there. She is so good about helping him get in and out of his seat so that I don't have to climb back. They will often hold hands while we go down hills and talk non-stop. She uses the word "Ma-zillion" to describe a lot of things. She will say something like, "Mom! There's a mazillion mosquitoes out there today!" When I ask if I've told her yet how much I love her she replies, "You've told me that a mazillion times!" She also says "snook" instead of "snuck". "Sorry Mom, I just snooked a cookie," she will say. Sometimes I will come up to tuck her in and find her dressing all of her teddies in her t-shirts so that they can have jammies too. She is really excited about the upcoming family reunion and has been trying to keep her room extra clean until we leave. A few nights ago she came down and told me she had made a bed on the floor so that she didn't have to mess up her bed. "Don't worry Mom, it's really comfy! But, don't tell Daddy, I don't want him to freak out! He will want me to sleep in my bed so I have good dreams." I went up to check her late and she had fallen asleep with a little blanket folded as a pillow and a light baby blanket over her legs. It didn't look all that comfy, so I put her on her bed and covered her with another (much larger) blanket, just so I wouldn't mess up her freshly made bed. There's also been a few times this last month where she's gotten dressed after we tuck her in so that she doesn't have to do it in the morning. She makes me laugh so much!

Hyrum is getting more independent each day. He can now go to the bathroom without a stool or potty seat (this is huge people)! He was also pretty proud that he could wash his hands without a stool. One night before bed he was driving his car through the carpet and said, "Look mom! I'm dwivin' through a field!" He also likes to play tricks on me and tried to make me think that he peed his pants. He giggled pretty hard while telling me it was just the spray bottle. "Psway....b-b-b-b psway," he said as I tried to help him correct his pronunciation. He loves to pray and asks every single time if it's his turn. It ended up being quite the argument between the older two, so now we've assigned each person a day and that seems to work pretty well! His prayers are getting pretty long these days and always so thoughtful. Nature still fascinates him and he is constantly chasing bugs and exploring outdoors. I'm pretty sure his "love language" is touch, and when I forget that, he quickly reminds me by rubbing my arm at dinner or giving me random hugs throughout the day. Even at three years old, he enjoys his snuggle time. I love his tender little heart and desire to do right.

Joseph is such a big boy now! I looked at him probably a hundred times today and said, "You are getting so big! Please stop growing!" Then I would scoop him up and smother him in kisses while munching his chubby cheeks. This boy continues to be an early riser and some mornings I wake up with him at 5:30am and wonder how I'm going to find the energy to make it through the day. When my eyes first open I am greeted by his smiley face and then he clicks his tongue a few times to let me know he's hungry for breakfast. It doesn't matter what time we put him to bed, he is almost always up before 6:00am. He usually enjoys a full bowl of cheerios before the other two make their way downstairs and manages about three breakfasts each morning. He's starting to talk a lot but still has some funny words for things. He calls a fork a "bok" and a spoon a "bok". When something is finished he will exclaim "Bug-guck!" which means all gone. He has also adapted this "Bug-guck" to be anything he doesn't quite know how to say. He is obsessed with buckles and it takes us twice as long to go places these days. He still can't work his seat belt, but he sure spends a good chunk of time trying before he lets us just do it. He loves when we accelerate or round corners and will always say "Wahoo!!" Sometimes when we are driving he will wobble his head around and say "whooooaa, whoaaaaaaaa". He hums for his car sound effect while he lies on the basement floor and drives his toy cars around. One day I asked someone if they could do something and Hyrum jumped up, raised his hand and shouted, "Me!" Joseph proceeded to mimick him a hundred times because we all thought it was so funny. Throughout the day he will come to me and say, "Daddy muck" which means "Daddy's at work". He still puts his finger on his nose when he says, "Shh" but I'm sure he will grow out of that all too soon. Whenever Camilla puts his baby dolls to sleep he will look up at me and say, "Shh". He loves babies lately! We had friends here this weekend with a little baby and he was fascinated. He liked to pat the babies head and give kisses. Watching him do these things makes me all the more excited for our little one to arrive in December! He's going to be such a good big brother! He sings himself to sleep lately and I love standing outside his door listening. Often Hyrum will fall asleep long before Joseph and we will walk in to find Joe standing above Hyrum's head or sitting on the edge of Hyrum's bed looking out the window and singing to himself. It's pretty cute.