Family Swim

 This afternoon we hit up the pool for family swim. We ran into a few friends which made it even more fun for the littles! It always stresses me out taking everyone to the pool. The older three are pretty self-sufficient, but the younger three are busy and I have a hard time keeping my eye on them all and making sure they don't drown. Sawyer has a lot more fun at the pool now and was mostly content to sit in the floaties and be pulled around the pool.

Ski Trip

 A few weeks ago Camilla brought home a ski trip form and begged me  to volunteer. I totally caved and put my name down. While I loved hitting the slopes as a teenager, it had been a really long time since my last ski and I wasn't sure that I would remember how! I anticipated this day with great excitement (and fear). I drove myself to the ski hill while Camilla opted to ride the charter bus with her friends. She had a great time and I enjoyed the quiet drive sans kids. 

When we got to the hill I froze my fingers off before we even got started, handing out lift passes and zipper clips to all of the grade five students. We made our way inside for a quick orientation and then downstairs to the rentals where we got everyone fitted and recorded their equipment numbers. 

 While the students were at their lesson, I slowly made my way over to the bunny hill to see if I remembered how to ski again. The employee at the t-bar laughed as I shared my fears and wished me luck as he sent me on my way up the little hill. I sat at the top for a few minutes working up the courage to go. I wasn't sure if I'd remember how to turn without wiping out. Then I took a deep breath and just went for it. It was so exhilarating! Faster, and faster I went down the hill. My face pretty much froze off by the time I reached the bottom. It felt good to be alive and do something fun! 

 

 After a few more runs on my own, I peeked in on the lesson to see how my girl was doing. She was bored. As soon as they were allowed to leave she pointed at the t-bar and said in a completely serious tone, "I want to do that." She had zero fear and couldn't wait to get on the hill. 

We doubled up and rode to the top (after a tiny wipe-out at the bottom). Before I even got my mitts and poles adjusted, Camilla took off straight down the hill! 

 I spent the rest of the day keeping an eye on her and a little group that I was assigned to watch over. I helped a lot of kids get their skis back on at the halfway point and was sometimes able to catch a glimpse of my girl sailing down the hill on her skis. She was so fast that by the time I made it to the top, she was already coming up on the t-bar again. 

 We loved watching people ski as we ate our lunch in the lodge and even caught the ski team doing some back flips and jumps. When our group was all warmed up, we headed out for a few last runs before it was time to go home.

 It was such a fun day with my girl and now I can't wait to hit up the mountains for a real ski!

True Canadian

This morning we decided that it was a good idea to do school in our jammies, with a pup on our lap! Finley is loving this new book and catching on so quickly! I can't believe I taught the rest of the kiddos to read without it! I am so excited to use it with the next ones coming up.

During nap time we headed into town to get the oil changed in the van. While that was getting done, we walked across to Timmies and had donuts and hot chocolate. I chuckled as Finley sat beside me, still in his Pj's, eating his donut. I couldn't help but think how Canadian he was!

Being the fourth child, Finley really enjoys when he gets one on one time with us and I try really hard to make it a priority. He talked my ear off for the entire half hour that we waited and I loved every moment!

We were blessed with the most beautiful sunset to finish off the day. I couldn't help but reflect on my blessings and feel extremely grateful for the life we lead.

Knitting Needles

This teeny little sock took me all day to knit! It's the first knitting project I've ever made. While I funbled with the double pointed needles and watched video tutorials, I couldn't help but think of my Gramma. Every year my Mum would trace our feet and mail the pictures to Gramma in Ontario. When Gramma and Grampa Purdon came to visit in the Summer, she would bring us each a new pair of socks that fit perfectly. As I worked, I imagined all of the things my Gramma might tell me. Would she help me find an easier way to hold my work? Would she laugh at how tight I was knitting and crack a joke? It was nice to do something that helped me feel a little bit closer to her. I learned a lot and can't wait to make socks for my own littles now!

Warm Syrup

We are finally getting back to a normal  rhythm again after the Winter break. We began the day shortly after 6:00am and have been moving at a slow, steady pace ever since. The house smells like fresh bagels and warm vanilla syrup and my heart is content.

Sunday Snapshots

 Today brought....

 A post church nap in the carseat

And a fun game of Ticket to Ride with all the littles and Grampa.

Date Night

We have had some incredible storms roll through here the last couple of days. Even though Winter is cold and dark, I enjoy the cozy feeling of being tucked safe at home with those I love while watching a good snow storm.

After tucking the littles in for the night, Mr. Stannix and I snuck out for a much needed date night. After a busy Christmas break, It was nice to spend some time with just us! I am grateful to my parents who are always willing to keep their door open and listen in case someone needs something while we are away!

The food at Cucinas never disappoints! We always get the dumplings.

We were able to talk about a lot of things and enjoy a quiet evening away.

New Oven

I am pretty excited about my new oven! We enjoyed some delicious Banana Muffins for breakfast today!

The big boys are turning into huge eaters and I pretty much have to double or triple everything I make these days!

The afternoon brought us to the library where Sawyer discovered the perfect sized couch for him! He would not leave that spot the entire time we were there and maybe cried a lot when it was time to go. This age is so fun.

Brothers

These boys are looking far too grown up lately! They get along so well with each other and I love listening to them talk after I tuck them in at night.

Sawyer's First Haircut

 Today I gave all of the boys a haircut to start the New Year! I even worked up the courage to give Sawyer his first hair cut. His hair was starting to get in his eyes and cover his ears. 

I've known for a while that he needed it, but I desperately loved his long baby hairs. I did a quick trim on the front, around the ears and across the back and called it good.

 Then he went for a nice, long afternoon nap, looking more like a little boy than a baby.