Definitely Friday

This morning we were all a little bit slow to get going. 

I’ve been yawning all day.

This week has been exhausting.

When I found myself at the grocery store during hockey practise to grab a few necessities for the weekend, I ended up lugging in a sleepy babe. 

He woke briefly, so I sat him in the cart, and then he promptly fell back to sleep.

At the checkout, I asked if the cashier would mind scanning the chocolate milk while it was in the cart. 

The cashier thought it was so hilarious, she asked to take a picture. 

It’s been a long week. 

 

A Nuzzle

There are few things better in life then when a babe nestles into your neck and falls asleep. 

It's one of my very favorite things. 

 

Chiro

Today was a quick trip to the city to visit our favorite Chiropractor. She has been practicing many years and really knows her stuff when it comes to littles. Lily and Cooper are always so happy after their appointments. Cooper almost always zonks out immediately in his carset, ultra comfy because his body is aligned and well again. He has tight hips and it makes it hard to walk and sleep comfortably. He always feels way better after a visit to Dr. J!

 

A Winter Sundog

Lily and Cooper enjoyed hanging out together this morning after the big kids left for school! They snuggled on the couch and watched the blue jays at the bird feeder. We have about six pairs that hang around and flutter in for food. They love watching them come and go!

I was also blessed to catch this beautiful sight off my back deck this morning. It has been said that the sundog is an omen of strength, unity, and good fortune. For me, it is also a sign that there is a higher power at work in my every day life, a God who loves and cares for each of us personally. 

I read a quote recently from Elder Wong that said, "God is our Heavenly Father. He loves all of us. He knows our potential way better than we know ourselves. He knows not only the details of our lives. God knows the details of the details of the details of our lives."

Whenever I happen upon a breathtaking sunrise, a majestically pained sunset, a rainbow arched across the sky, or any other natural beauty, I can't help but feel inspired, filled with hope, and reminded of my cherished relationship with a loving Father in Heaven.

 

Cooper James: 12 Months

Another page on the calendar flutters away and I am left wondering where the time has gone. Surely the year has just begun? Gratefully, time slows when I have a babe snuggled on my shoulder. I can't help but pause and soak up the moment. 

We have enjoyed twelve months of Cooper James! A little late with the milestone photo (like a whole month late almost), but I had to snap it to complete the collection. He is running, can do stairs up and down, and has discovered his toys in fun new ways this month. 

He loves hard, as in, he loves to head butt, grab your face with both hands when he's excited and wrestle his big sister. He has the cutest, raspy belly laugh! 

He still enjoys snuggling and will happily rest his head on a shoulder if he's tired. He loves food and eats constantly! 

He's a total tease and will tug at blankets of pull on the vacuum hose and laugh as I try to vacuum. 

 

He's such a joy and we are so glad he's ours! Happy Sunday!

 

Saturday Sports

This Weekend Camilla went with the Varsity team to play basketball, and the boys had hockey Friday night and today. We loaded up the crew and headed to Sylvan early this morning to cheer them on! 

We always have to get there early enough for them to gear up, so there's a little bit of time to stretch our legs. Cooper enjoyed touring the lobby while Ollie followed him around and kept him from going through doors he shouldn't.

And when Ollie got tired of chasing him, Daddy took over for a few minutes before the game!

Mike has had fun helping coach the boys team this year! It's been a great opportunity for the boys to spend some extra time with their Dad!

The girls took fifth in their tournament!

I just love getting pics like these from our girly. She is full of team spirit and energy. I missed watching her play this weekend!

 

Farewell January

Today we enjoyed a quiet day at home. There was no school, but the house was quiet. Our big girl left for a basketball tournament before the rest of the house woke, and most of the boys left to go ice fishing with Grampa after breakfast. I've spent most of my week getting things in order around here and filling boxes with things we no longer use. Sawyer and Lily played together all day while I quietly sorted and tidied. By the time the early afternoon rolled around, I had pretty well cleaned every room in the house, and paused to snuggle Cooper to sleep. 

Watching a sleeping babe never gets old. The way their long lashes rest on their chubby cheeks, their soft little hands and curled fingers and toes. There are days I wish they didn't have to grow up!

After spending a few hours outside sliding, these two requested some hot chocolate. I had some whip cream left over from breakfast and they were quite happy with the whipped topping in their warm cups of chocolate! 

The day ended with baths while Daddy took the two big boys to hockey practise. 

 

Snuggle Bug

Back home, doing what I love!

 

Home

There's no place like home!

 

Final Night

My heart is about to burst as I sit and watch the children all lined up waiting for the Aqua 80 show to start. They came prepared to get soaked this time and made sure to sit front and center. It's been such an epic trip and I am so grateful we had the opportunity to connect and enjoy some special time with each of them this week. Their sibling bonds have been strengthened and it was fun to watch them grow and stretch.