Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go.

Jamie was away with hockey for the weekend so I decided to pack up the kids and head to Stickney. All week long Adrian was obsessed with the idea that I was going to pick him and Vivian and Barkley up after work on Friday and drive straight to Grammy and Grampy's house.  One "Max and Ruby" movie and two bowls of cheerios and fruit later and we were there!

Adrian enjoyed doing 'guy stuff' with Grampy like riding in his truck (it is not often he gets to sit in the "front seat") and working around the garage.  We also made our annual hike up the side hill to see the 'Big Rock' and 'old car'.  Oh he had so many new questions/observations about the old car this year.  Where last year everything was in the form of 'Why...' this year he pointed out all of the missing pieces and wondered aloud where they could have went.  Ah the difference a year makes.

Vivian was very excited to explore a whole new set of corners, cupboards and closets.  That is her favorite thing to do at the moment, second only to eating.  She likes to pick up random objects and carry them around for a while.  I changed her bum on the floor and she picked up the dirty diaper and carried it over to the cupboard where Grammy keeps her garbage can without prompting.  I can see her learning more and more everyday!

 First time with a fork... and sphagetti at that!

 Helping Grampy in the garage.  Filthy and loving it.

 Our annual hike to 'the old car'. Plenty of new questions this year about why this car is in the woods.

Brrr.... a little too chilly for bare feet.

I do love having backup for diaper duty!

Partners in crime.

Who knew Vivian was an old pro with a straw?  Not me.

"Umm... what are these Mommy?"

A little panicky because the ironing board was pinning her Didi down.

Sugar Bush

I finally got my first trip to Kings Landing today!  It was Adrian and Vivian's first as well and we all enjoyed it immensely. It was the ever so popular Sugar Bush weekend and I thought it was the perfect event for our family outing this weekend.  Adrian was a bit disappointed that the 'Sugar Bush' didn't involve a plant that grew candy (I kid you not) and kept asking where the 'Sugar Bush' was.

We started with a nice breakfast and made our way out to the village.  We got a wagon ride down to the farm by the river and Adrian was SO excited he literally could not walk anywhere.  With big rubber boots on he kept tripping and falling and his knees where all bruised tonight in the bathtub. The animals in the farm were a hit, even with Miss Vivian who is just starting to learn her animal sounds.  It was good practice to hear them 'live'.  I had never seen wooly sheep before so I thought that was neat and Jamie got bit by a pig.... haha... sorry hun but the look on your face and the pigs was priceless (it didn't break the skin... I hope he doesn't get the swine flu... lol).

All in all a great day with the family and a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of Spring.  Adrian can't wait to go back.

Food... anyone see food?  Not patient when we are hungry.

 Wagon ride!

 "Hmmm... what kind of trouble can I get in with this"

Cute cows.

Adrian didn't believe us about what this place was used for.

Sitting in a sleigh.

Sampling 'candy on the snow'.  Oh so messy but fun.

March Madness

I know everyone here in NB is thinking the same thing but what an unusually gorgeous month we are having.  We are trying not to waste one moment of the nice weather because around here you just never know how long it will last.  As such I am trying to plan special activities for the weekends and get us out as a family to enjoy them.  Adrian really seems to enjoy exploring the trails around Fredericton and especially enjoyed our trip to the walking bridge downtown.  Vivian loves her stroller but if you stop moving she immediately wants out.  Another sure hit... the market on Saturday morning... but I think Adrian just knows it means good food!

Jamie's cousin Jake sent this to Adrian... he doesn't really get that you don't have to chase it even though it is remote controlled.

 Adrian and I were messing around but it just struck me that this is the first photo where I thought Adrian looked like me.  Poor boy. (-:

Hold on tight Vivian!

Vivian loves the bathtub these days.

Why is the creepiest baby doll always the favorite?

Fabulous February

Despite this little fit of bad weather we really can't complain about this winter. I am loving the mild February, especially since I have a 10 minute walk to my new downtown work assignment. 

I love the above picture of Vivian.  Not only is it adorable but when I said "say cheese Vivian" she responded with a very clear 'Chhhhhh' sound.  She sure is practising her sounds lately. Just based on her personality I can tell she is going to be a little chatterbox.  She chatters already and she doesn't know how to talk yet.

 

Adrian has finally taken to playing outside. We made this lovely snow man but he just didn't think that the arms looked right so he insisted on changing them.  After this we 'biked' to the park and back (meaning he pedaled when it suited him while I pushed).  This is becoming a more regular occurance and I am already appreciating that the park is only 200m from our house (especially when I am pushing a trike and a 3 year old).

 

 

 This could be wishful thinking but I really am convinced that Adrian and Vivian are going to be best buddies.  They already play together and if one of them is missing the other one is constantly on the look out for their return.  That being said Adrian has a tendancy to come on a little strong at times which makes Vivian screech while Vivian likes to take Adrian's puzzle pieces and run which drives him nuts. Heh, nobody's perfect!

 

 

Poor Vivian is a little under the weather.  She is having problems sleeping as she can't breathe through her nose.  I am trying to get her to 'blow' but it is a hard lesson to learn I am afraid.  When I put the Kleenex up and say 'blow' she just makes the noise with her mouth.  Funny but not effective.

Life is good on Springwater Lane.... now

I do apologize for my lack of blogging.  It has been a crazy few weeks with a bout of food poisioning (me, not the kids thank God), followed by my knee surgery and a week's worth of the flu.  So blogging has been low on the priority list as we are just trying to survive.  Everyone seems to be back to full health again so that is good and my knee is doing very well.  I hope to be running in a few weeks!

We are settling into our life as a family of 4 with a working Mom.  Our routine is pretty established and both of the kids are okay with it now.  Vivian is loving her babysitter and goes to her without heistation every morning and Adrian is enjoying school and learning so very much.  He is already writing some of his letters and can identify most of them and some numbers.  He even does French class; it is quite amuzing to be sitting at the dinner table and have him bust out in a round of 'Bonjour mes amis, bonjour'.

I had the most lovely experience today that gave me a glimpse of what my future holds, I hope.  Jamie and I were sitting in the living room drinking our morning coffee while both kids played together with their toy kitchen.  It was so peaceful to chat with my husband and laugh with the kids.  Adrian and Vivian are really starting to play together now and it is still a bit strange to witness.  Adrian actually will call her to come play and she comes very eagerly.  Adrian can get a bit too pushy at times but believe me when I say for the most part Vivian can hold her own.  She is a tough cookie.

Speaking of tough cookie, Vivian had her 12 month shots last week.  I was so dreading them as I am not a fan of needles to put it mildly.  We went into the office and immediately heard a baby whaling who did not relent and I had a sinking feeling in my stomach as the 12 month needles are some of the worst apparently.  Miss Vivian had 3 needles in different spots and barely made a sound let alone cry... I was in awe!

Here are some random pictures of the past few weeks.... enjoy!

Riding Adrian's bulldozer with her old friend 'didi' on the back

 

Sharing cheerios on the couch.

 

Playing in the park on a sunny Saturday afternoon

 

'Feeding herself' apple sauce and yogurt

 

Very, very proud to be helping Daddy paint the dining room (yes, purple!)

This is how Vivian invites Adrian for a little tickle

And he takes the bait every time!