Corn Maze

Today we took the littles to the corn maze for some fun. It was a much needed day away from home. This last week has been filled with lots of arguing and fighting, so I was thrilled to see them all happy and getting along again. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed every minute of our time! I love how it can feel like Fall all week and then all of the sudden go up to 24 degrees. I made the littles dress in Fall clothes and they were totally cooking by the end of our visit.

 Our first stop was the trampoline. I was glad we came early because our kids pretty much had the whole thing to themselves. Joseph loved bouncing around with his brother and sister. I had someone comment how good Joe was on his feet for such a little guy. It's only because he has two older siblings to keep up with! After one crazy bounce off the edge, he learned to sit on his bum to slide off. 

 Watching Hyrum bounce from one end to the other in his barefeet with the sunflowers swaying in the background filled me with so much joy! 

 Pure joy.

 I also loved hanging around with my main man for the day. We've got one more week with this guy before he leaves to Calgary and we are all going to miss him so much! As we watched the children all playing independently around us we couldn't help but be grateful for this stage of parenthood. It's so nice to have independent kids and non-stressful outings. We are going to enjoy it until baby comes, and then we are going to enjoy having a newborn to snuggle and love again too.

 The entrance to the maze had this awesome giant rocking chair. Since there was no lineups we took our time hanging out on the chair and snapping pictures.

 The sunflowers were to die for!

 Again, this chair....hilarious!

 Camilla, Hyrum and Daddy were pretty quick on their feet, so I got to hang back with Joe-Joe. Those cheeks are oh so kissable still!

 Beauty all around.

 The best big sister ever!

 This little guy totally melts my heart!

 After being lost for a little while we had some tired legs. The boys took turns getting shoulder rides from Daddy. Joseph refused to smile for me. Such a serious boy sometimes!

 He had to take a few minutes and feel Daddy's whiskers. 

 While the older two went back to the trampoline I watched Joseph on the slide.

 "Ooo-Hooo!"

 Camilla remembered these karts from last year and was so excited to ride them! 

 Joseph had a hard time waiting his turn, but had fun when we finally got to ride!

 Even Mr. H was able to peddle his way around the track on his own!

It was such a fun visit, we had a hard time leaving. I snapped one last picture on our way out. I love how it captured each of their personalities. They really need to stop growing up already!

Kicking off Kindergarten

 Auntie Emma took our little lady out for a "school" themed photo shoot. They turned out super cute! While Mr. Stannix and I were looking at them, we both couldn't believe how big our little girl has gotten! She loves learning and we are excited for Kindergarten this year!!

Little Joe

Yesterday afternoon amidst all of the craziness I noticed Joseph was being far too quiet. Camilla went to investigate and found him in the upstairs bathroom brushing his teeth. His socks and pants were soaked by the time I took him out. I'm sure he could have sat there all day if I'd let him!

Kindergarten

Here we are in September all ready! This year is just flying by! Miss Camilla has started Kindergarten and is so excited to learn new things. She has already made her way through a few workbooks this Summer and really enjoys it! We have decided to homeschool her for Kindergarten since I love having her around so much and also because we will be traveling back and forth to Calgary to see as much of Daddy as possible while he's away for training. Even though she has been working hard at her school for a few months already, I thought it would be fun for her to pose for a "first day of school" picture. 

 We love this little lady and her love for learning. She is already such a smartie and I can't wait to watch her learn and grow this year!

Labour Day

 Our Labour Day was pretty low key this year. We hung out at the Acreage for the day and relaxed. After staying up way too late playing Nerts and Sevens the night before, we were all moving kind of slow! We enjoyed the cooler weather and the off and on sun-showers. After some pancakes for breakfast haircuts were given. 

 I let Gramma tackle Joe's blonde locks since I need a little more practise keeping it long. Daddy watched closely making sure Gramma didn't go too short.  

 She did an excellent job! Joseph sat super still the whole time. 

We spent a few hours out in the garden pulling potatoes and carrots. Camilla loved helping Grampa dig potatoes! Joseph loved raiding the pea patch with me. Yum! It was sure nice to escape the city and relax for a few days with people we love!

At the Homestead

 We are spending some long overdue time at the acreage this weekend. Camilla has been excited to go for over a week and even made up a little craft all on her own to help her count down. Each day she has been pulling a piece of paper with a number written on it from her wall to keep track. 

When we arrived Dad was working in the garage and my Mamma was in the garden pulling fresh carrots. Not long after we got there Joseph tugged Daddy's hand and asked in his jibber-jabber for a wheel barrow ride. 

After that we wandered up to check out the raspberry patch. It's near the end of the season so it was pretty slim pickings, but we did manage to get a few handfuls each. 

Ah, the good life.

The neighbor was up picking and let the littles take a turn on her pony. Camilla was in heaven! The grin on her face was so priceless. 

Hyrum had his cute little smirk on. You could tell he was excited, but he was so excited he didn't want to show anybody. They loved it!

I had been secretly wishing for one last storm this season, so when I saw the clouds rolling in I got a little excited. It started with sun showers and we even got some nice thunder and lightning. While I was visiting with my Grandma in the kitchen she pointed out this awesome double rainbow and I ran for my camera.

So excited!

I finished off my evening with a slice of peach pie and some visiting. Even though I'm all grown and have a family of my own, there is still something special about coming home. 

Twenty-Three Weeks

This morning the littles and I went to visit the midwife for baby's monthly check-up. We waited for only a few minutes in the cozy waiting room before my midwife came to get us. The children played at my feet while we chatted about anything and everything. We went over everything from my bloodwork and ultrasounds and also talked nutrition for a little while. She was so sweet and patient with the children and even let Camilla talk to her for a good five minutes. Near the end of the appointment she had me stretch out on the comfy couch so that we could listen to baby's heart beat. The children always love that part! They each got a special job and she even let them listen to their own heart beats after. Now Joseph points at his chest and says, "Baby, baby, baby". Super cute. Baby's heart rate was around 145bpm.

After our appointment we loaded up in the van for the short drive home. Joseph ended up falling asleep not long after we left. When we got home I gently unbelted him and snuggled him into me. He wrapped his arms around my neck while I carried him in to his bed. I love when that little guy sleeps on my shoulder. He smelled of fresh laundry and peanut butter sandwiches. 

After Joseph was tucked in for his nap I went to the couch to put my feet up for a few minutes. Camilla joined me shortly after and asked if she could feel the baby. She felt a few good kicks and her giggles were priceless. These little moments are some of my favorite!

Personality

This kids got personality, that's for sure!

Sweet Dreams

Today I listened to Joseph sing away after putting him down for a long overdue nap. I waited for him to settle before I went downstairs. When all was quiet I opened up his door to peek in. He was resting peacefully on his bed with one hand under the pillow and his favorite book snuggled under his arm. I stood at the door for a few minutes and then went in to kiss his cheeks. I couldn't help but stay in his room and admire him sleeping. This little guy is just so busy now, it's not very often I get to admire his long legs, chubby curled up fingers, button nose and perfect complexion.

It was one of those moments where I wished time would just stand still for a while. He is growing so fast these days! He learns a new word or two almost every day and loves to tell me these super long stories in his jibber-jabber. Seeing him so still made my heart so full of love!

The Last of Summer

When I woke up this morning the house was pretty chilly.  Our windows stay wide open and fresh, cool air fills our home all day and night. I went downstairs with the boys and poured them each a bowl of cheerios. Once everyone else was awake we made pancakes. The hardwood was cold on my toes and they were almost frozen by the time we made it upstairs for morning chores.

Throughout the day I breath in deeply and excitement builds inside of me. As we walked around exploring the trails, we noticed the leaves on the tops of the trees are now a nice shade of yellow. Fall is almost here, but we are still hanging onto the last of the warm, lazy days of Summer.