Happy Birthday Oliver

It was another beautiful day! We woke early and got the kids off on the bus. Finley watched out the window as the bright morning sun poured in. I spent the day painting walls in the kitchen and making a quick cake for Ollie's birthday! 

Time goes by pretty quickly around here and we didn't get to dinner until much later than I had planned. By the time we got around to cake, the evening sun was pouring through the windows on the West side of the house, right into the dining room.

He doesn't technically turn two until Sunday, but with a busy weekend ahead and Daddy heading back to Strathmore Sunday afternoon we decided to do his birthday tonight. Watching him blow out his candles was a total heart melter. I loved the way he puckered up his lips each time he tried to blow out the candles. He was so excited when we sang to him!

After a bunch of tries, he eventually needed a little help from Daddy to blow out the candles. We sure love our crazy, blonde haired two-year-old!

I spy

 I spent yesterday and today back in Strathmore doing touch ups on the house and packing a few more boxes to bring back. I took the two little boys with me, and they've enjoyed playing together. When I pulled up to the town office I was greeted by these beautiful trees that brought a smile to my face.

I spy with my little eye something that is YELLOW! Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year!

Adjusting

 Despite the great day at school yesterday, we had a bit of a rough morning. There was lots of grumpiness and moodiness and rough mommy moments. The kids left to school after a big blow up, and no body was very happy. Just as Camilla made it to the deck, she looked back at me and burst into tears. She came running back and threw her arms around my neck, "I don't want to go to school, Mom! I have no friends!" My heart nearly broke for her. 

I spent the morning driving back to Strathmore to take care of a few things. The littles were left in the care of Gramma and Grampa. They spent most of their after school time soaking up the sun and helping Grampa pick tomatoes from the greenhouse. Thankfully Uncle Arland sent me a few pictures and kept me in the loop while I was away!!

First day of school

This morning the littles woke up early, excited for the first day of school! Camilla had asked for me to put curlers in her hair the night before and I was so happy to do that for her. She looked gorgeous this morning and felt great in her new outfit and curls. Uncle Arland and Auntie Naomi are still staying with us and it was fun to have them around to partake in the excitement! We had a big breakfast and then took the traditional back to school photos.

Seeing the three of them together makes me so happy. I am so glad that they are not going into this new school completely alone. Even though Camilla's grade plays on a different playground, they made plans to meet up in the field at recess and be together. 

It feels like her first day of grade one was just yesterday. I can't believe that she is already in the fourth grade! 

This boy was excited for the second grade! At meet the teacher I had overheard a few of the parents saying how lucky so-and-so was to have the teacher that Hyrum will have.

This is Joe's first year at school. He's most excited about riding the bus and learning new things! He has such a quick, eager mind and I think he is going to really enjoy school this year!

We were excited to have Daddy here for the first day (and Uncle Arland who snapped a few pictures). We all walked down the laneway to the bus stop and waited together.

A few minutes after they left on the bus, we hopped in the car and drove in to the school. Joe wanted us to meet him there and help him find his new classroom. Joe and Hyrum are right across the hall from each other which is so perfect! When we got to Joseph's classroom we were surprised to see a few kids from church were in the same class as him and sitting just a row of desks over. It was such a tender mercy and made Joe's transition so much easier than it might have been. After the boys were settled into their new classrooms, we walked across the school to Camilla's class and said good-bye. She was super nervous about making new friends and felt a little bit lonely. They were all on my mind all day long! They arrived home excited to tell us about their days.

Farewell Summer

Back to school preparations are in full swing around here! We've got the signs ready for the first day of school and all of the school supplies labeled and put in backpacks. The littles are excited (and a little nervous) for their first day and ready to make new friends!

I've been busy painting away. Mr. Stannix helped me finish up the nursery and even though we won't use it for a few months, it's such a relief to have something ready and in order.

We've really enjoyed having family in town this weekend and we are eating up the Summer skies and evenings by the fire.

It's so nice to have a few moments to just relax and unwind amidst all of the crazy changes that have been happening! We played a few fun rounds of Mafia, and the kids are really starting to get the hang of it. The stories never disappoint and some of us are really good liars. Ha!

Cooking smores is always a great way to say farewell to Summer!

Families are Forever

 Today miss Camilla shared her testimony in sacrament meeting about the eternal nature of families. I felt the spirit as she testified simply that "families are forever". I am so grateful for this knowledge and the peace and comfort it brings. I know that I can be with my crazy family forever, and that makes me happy!

We passed by a gorgeous field on our way home and I couldn't resist a few pictures! Finley was not in a cooperative mood and just decided to run away, but here is the rest of our crew! Happy Sabbath!

Hello September

 As we wake we can't help but notice the chill in the air as the furnace turns on. The leaves are changing, the sweaters have come out, and school prep is under way. We are excited to enjoy family this long weekend and bask in the sunshine. Welcome September, we're so glad you're here!

Days of Summer

 We have so enjoyed our Summer days! It's hard to believe it's coming to a close. Soon the routines will begin and school will resume and I will only have two little people at home with me during the day. That will be weird! Until then we are soaking up as much of this sunshine as possible and enjoying our time outdoors.

Ollie absolutely adores being outside. He is happiest when he is surrounded by trees and grass and piles of dirt. I love watching him run around while the wind blows through his whispy hair.

 The green house is still producing like crazy. We get baskets of cucumbers almost every day! Mom has been making jars and jars of pickles and my pickle monster, Finley, is quite excited about it!

We picked the last of the berries off the trees this afternoon with the kids. They love getting up on the ladder and filling their buckets.

Even though this kid is small, he keeps up pretty well with the older guys! He made me laugh so much when he ran to a nearby tree and (with a lot of effort) managed to get his pants down and undo his diaper. "Pee Tree" he kept saying. I think he's been watching his big brothers a little too closely. His cute little bum cheeks and pants around his ankles was the funniest thing to see. They finished off the evening playing derby cars in the sandbox. The sun was starting to set, but the weather was warm. They were having so much fun that I really didn't want to call them in for bed. Instead I watched from the kitchen window as they played and laughed together. I hope one day they will realize how lucky they are to have each other.

Farewell

Today was such a long day. My body aches and I am emotionally exhausted. The morning began with back to school haircuts for the boys. They both looked so grown up when I had finished. Their hair was super long and needed a good trim. What a transformation!

Afer their baths we quickly went to the store for a few more boxes. We then dropped thank-you cards to the primary teachers who have influenced our kids so wonderfully these last few years. As I stood on the Payne's doorstep and thought about how they taught Hyrum a few years ago, and how patient they've been with my crazy Finley this year, I found myself in tears. I thanked them for their service, she hugged me tight and I quickly wiped the tears away.

Next, we had a playdate lined up with a friend who secretly invited some people from our ward to meet us at the park for a visit and picnic. As I pushed Fin on the swings and looked over at the seven or eight incredible women and the 40+ kids laughing together at the park, my heart swelled with gratitude. We have been truly blessed here and it is so hard to leave. It was nice to see everyone and to be able to say good-bye!

The little boys both went for a nap while I scrambled to pack some things and stuff the van full of boxes. The big kids tidied the basement while I did dishes. We got away a few hours later than I had hoped and still had a few errands to run.

With school around the corner we had to finish up some last minute shopping before heading out. I drove through downtown Calgary at the start of rush hour to make it to MEC. We decided to buy the kids good quality backpacks this year that would last them for more than one grade. We barely made it out alive and everyone was getting hungry. Traffic sucked all the way across the city and the kids were all picking on each other the entire time.

I definitely lost my patience a few times and my throat hurt from shouting. When we finally made it to the mall, everyone went pee, apologized and braced themselves for one last store. The older three each picked out a back to school outfit for the first day and had fun trying them on. We grabbed a bite to eat nearby and squeezed back into our over-packed van and finally left the city at 7pm. I had really hoped to be in Rocky by that time, but oh well!

The drive was long and I was so tired. We came inches away from hitting a deer and no one slept for the entire 2 1/2 hours. I was sure grateful for my mom who served me by putting jammies on little boys and helping with bedtime. Dad made me some toast for a tomato sandwich and we chatted way too late. I tucked into a cozy bed, next to Camilla who insisted on sleeping with me and enjoyed listening to the rain as I fell asleep. The room was pitch black and silent aside from the gentle sound of rain drops. I was able to once again feel peace and assurance. All will be well!

Fishing on the Lake

This afternoon we loaded up the boat and the four oldest children and went to the lake. We are savoring this last bit of time with Daddy before he goes back to work on Monday, and cherishing slow Summer days before school starts. It was so fun to just anchor the boat in the lake and spend a few hours fishing. 

The oldest three are quite the experienced fishers after their canoe trip this last week and they had all kinds of advice to give. Camilla kept saying "Grampa says you catch a fish when you least expect it!" This statement was totally true for Mike. Just a few minutes in he managed to catch a giant Northern Pike. We all thought he was kidding when he shouted, "I think I caught something!" 

 We all enjoyed snacking and experimenting with different kinds of lures. The red devil and the Canadian Wiggler weren't as lucky as the Five of Diamonds.

 A few minutes later, Mike managed to pull another whopper out of the lake. Grampa got the pliers, the littles stood tall on seats and "ooo-ing" and being grossed out as they watched. Our boat smelled of fish.

 After everyone had their fill of fishing, the big kids jumped on the tube and we made our way back to the boat launch. I thoroughly enjoyed the golden glow of the sun reflecting off the water as I watched the tube weave in and out of the wake. We made our way home for baths and dinner and then enjoyed playing old school video games before bed.