Madeleine's First day in Grade One

Madeleine was very excited to ride the bus for the first time. I think the novelty has worn off as we come to the end of the first month of school. She enjoys school and seems to be adjusting more to the long days. It is hard to see her go and know it will be so long for her. She has also begun piano and swimming. She is a busy girl, and still finds time to help me bake! One of her favorite activities (there is usually some taste-testing going on:)

Birthday #4 for our boy Justin

This past Sunday we celebrated Justin's 4th birthday. I have been looking at his baby pictures and thinking of how much has happened since his birth in Vancouver. We are so grateful to have this happy, sweet, active boy in our family. He brings so much happiness to our family and really livens it up.

On Saturday we went mini golfing as a family for the first time. Justin golfed like he was playing hockey. It took him a while to ease up and tap it and not whack to ball. He had a good time and had a hard time leaving each hole. We let a few couples play through while we tried to explain the reasons we couldn't stay at one hole for as long as we wanted.
Sunday we had a few friends over and tried to have the requested birthday dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers. The BBQ had worked the night before, and wouldn't you know it, we could not get it to heat up. We thought it might be because of the strong winds so we moved it to the garage. No luck getting it to the needed burger temperatures. Two hours later we had dinner. The poor kids waiting to eat.
Monday night we had over Uncle Neil, Auntie Dawn, Uncle Jody and Aunt Peggy and Anya. We shared a wonderful evening with them and remembered again how indispensable family is. Thankfully we didn't have a repeat of the dinner fiasco from the night before.

Long time...

I have been waiting to download all our photos over the past two months and then wanted to post some on here. Well, we do not have anymore room for photos on our hard drive and need to purchase an external hard drive. So, sorry there has really been nothing here in a while.
Madeleine began grade one a few weeks ago. It is a long day 8:20 to 3:30. The first week we were both having a hard time adjusting to it. It seems we have such a short time in the evening to catch up and let her have fun. She seems to be enjoying school and meeting new kids. Madeleine began piano lessons two weeks ago! This is a first for our family. We are renting a piano as we decide what we will get. She will also begin swimming this week.
Justin is in gymnastics and loving it! He is such a monkey. He will also begin indoor soccer in a couple of weeks. He is an amazing big brother to Austin. I am enjoying our time together at home.
Austin began walking this summer and is loving his new freedom. He is just as happy and fun. He is so quick to laugh and such a joy.
Eric is working in Raymond. It is a busy life but a good one. Always learning something new.
I have begun a strollercise class three days a week and am realizing how much I have to do to really get in shape. Running and these classes will be a good combination I think.