On the Horizon

BIG CHANGES are on the horizon for the Stannix Family! 

Stay tuned...

An Autumn Walk

This morning after we dropped Camilla off at school we headed to the river valley for some exploring. The weather was perfect and the boys loved the freedom to run and explore after a busy week at home. I forgot how much I love the river valley and the sliver of peace that can be found in the heart of the city. 

The moment we walked down into the forest paths we were surrounded by wild flowers, birds singing, squirrels chattering, and the soothing sound of the creek. It was just the relief that I needed after being tense and stressed all week. I inhaled the scent of Fall and let my stress melt away as I exhaled. The boys ran ahead, collected sticks and explored the little offshoots of the trails. Hyrum enjoyed picking directions when we came to a fork in the road and always picked the high, windy trails. 

While the boys hunted with their "bammers" I soaked in the beauty all around me as the sun flickered through the brightly colored leaves. We took to our morning with a nice, slow pace and as we walked I contemplated life and the changes that lie ahead. 

I loved watching Finley's eyes light up as he explored his surroundings, touched the dirt, and crunched leaves between his fingers. When Finners got tired of sitting on the ground and riding in the stroller, I swung him onto my back and he snuggled right in to take in his surroundings from a new vantage point.

Part way up the trail Joseph's walking stick became a broom stick accompanied by some crazy sound effects. I so enjoyed watching the boys catch the falling leaves as the wind blew and shook them from the trees above.

The simple life is wonderful!

Strawberry Blonde

Oh my I wish time would slow down! I'm so glad I get to kiss these cheeks all day!

Bonding

Camilla is loving school, though we had a few tears tonight! She feels like she is missing out on things at home, and even said she missed me, which of course made me tear up too! It's been interesting seeing the dynamics slowly shifting in our home as the boys spend more time together playing and Hyrum embraces his role as big brother. Joseph is no longer a third wheel and the noise level has doubled! They have so much fun together and I can't help but be filled with joy and happiness as I watch them.

First Day of School

We have been talking about the first day of school for quite a while around here so that our first day would go off without a hitch. Over the last couple of days I have asked Camilla countless times if she's excited, or nervous, or ready. She was always excited and couldn't wait! Last night she made a special request for dinner and then we had a special Family Home Evening, ending with special back to school blessings from Daddy.  The evening didn't quite go as planned with little squabbles and distractions and I'm not even sure if the kids got anything out of the lesson.  Before bed I asked her again if she was excited, and she told me all about her plans for the next morning. I realized that instead of prepping Camilla, I should have been prepping myself! I was not okay with how excited she was to be away from me all day. I wished I could put a stop to this whole school thing and just keep her home with me for one more year. It seemed like this whole going to school ordeal was ending up being more of a life changer for me than for her. She was totally fine with it all while I was aching inside because my little girl was growing up. 

When I woke this morning to nurse Finley I could already hear whispers coming from Camilla's room where she and Hyrum were busy getting things ready for the day. She had picked out her outfit the night before and was all dressed and ready nice and early. I got in trouble for packing her lunch for her because she wanted to do it all herself, we'll see how long that lasts. She let me do up her hair, grabbed a sweater and stuck on her new shoes. She shared a few worries about not knowing how to read enough words, and not knowing who her teacher is, but I reassured her that she will learn and probably love her teacher. I made sure to grab a picture on the front step before we left, and then we all loaded up in the van.

Daddy was kind enough to stay home for a bit this morning so that I could take Camilla to her new school without the other kids in tow. We got there nice and early and met her teacher before being shuffled outside to wait with the rest of the grade one's and their parents. I had cried enough last night that I had nothing left to cry this morning!

As we walked into her classroom she recognized a few friends from soccer. She excitedly hung her backpack and lunch box up on the hooks and her teacher assured me she doesn't dismiss the students at the end of the day until she sees the whites of their parent's eyes. When it came time to leave Camilla hugged me extra tight and hung on for just a few seconds longer than usual. Then I kissed her quick and marched my way out of the classroom as quickly as I could.  As I rounded  the corner to the hall tears stung my eyes, but somehow I knew that she would be okay. 

The boys keep asking where she is and I keep glancing at my watch, counting down the hours until we pick her up! I'm sure I'll get used to it after a week or so. If it is this hard for me to send Camilla to school, I don't even want to think about how hard it will be when she grows up and moves away. I already feel like a piece of my heart is missing. I can't wait to pick her up and hear all about her day!

Peace & Quiet

One of my favorite things to do is watch the children interact. Seeing Joseph playing kindly with his baby brother this morning melted my heart!

And He's Off!

 Finley is on the go and pretty much everyone around here thinks it's the cutest thing! The kids get so excited when he starts to move and they always call me to watch. Hyrum giggles when Finley quickly takes off army crawl style after a wanted toy. This little guy is so content now that he can get around and explore. My very favorite thing is watching him squirm across the floor to my feet and beg me to pick him up with that toothy grin of his. Time flies when you're having fun!!

Apple Pickin'

This morning we drove down the road to a dear friend's to pick her apples. Judy has known me my entire life and it's fun for me to bring my kids and hear how similar Camilla and I are. 

When we pulled up her pet deer was hanging out on the lawn munching the apples that had already fallen. 

Oh this girl! I can't believe how big and beautiful she is getting!

I may or may not have really enjoyed climbing into the tree!

The kids did this with Gramma and Grampa a few years ago when we were in Hawaii. Camilla is the only one who still remembers and made sure to bring a hat just like last time to catch the apples. It was pretty fun!

Some of the Perks

We have really enjoyed our stay at the Acreage. There are many perks including sleeping in, pancake breakfasts, freedom to run, fresh eggs, bed time tickles from Grampa, and snuggles with Gramma.

Tyrrell Museum

 Today we ventured out to the badlands to enjoy a day at the Tyrrell Museum with Gramma and Grampa. Our first stop was for ice cream at a favorite country corner ice cream store. I enjoyed a cheery cheesecake ice cream cone and the kids all got tiger like Grampa.

 I asked them to smile for a picture and I got these hilarious poses!

 

 I got to drive down with my Mom and Camilla, and the boys all drove in the van. It was nice not to worry about crying, fighting, hungry children for the drive. Finley was a champ and only screamed for the last 15 minutes until the boys pulled over at the welcome sign.

 We all went out for lunch together and then made our way to the museum for the afternoon. The kids thought it was pretty cool! I was impressed that the displays were fairly kid friendly for our busy Joe. It also helped having one kid per adult.

 Joseph was Grampa's buddy for most of the day and had fun listening and learning.

 Hyrum loved discovering and learning.

 When Finley got tired of the carrier the older two took turns.

 These two are such good friends! It will be so different when Camilla is off to school!

 Love these two!

Camilla and Hyrum had been saving their money for a while now and were really looking forward to getting something from the gift shop. I was quite proud of them for paying for it all (or most) with their own money. Hyrum had a tough choice between a dino teddy and a dino light up sword, and after some tears (because it was such a hard choice) and a change of mind at the till he ended up happy with his choice. It was a great learning experience.

We arrived home late in the evening and put our sleepy crew to bed. Even the adults were tuckered out, but it was a great day!