Another year another Mother’s Day, another wonderful photo opportunity. 

We had church first. The younger 3 sang during service.

Children’s sermon

Then a great photo op on the bench out front. 

Our next stop was the normal photo haunt for us – the lane at the end of the road. It is a lovely spot in spring summer, and even occasionally fall. I do believe Gavin took the photos of Ken and myself. Oldest to youngest. 

We had our normal afternoon/evening on a Sunday and then the whole family was off to Chipotle. It was a lovely sunny day.

Honestly 5 of the best things in my life are the ones who call me Mom. Thank you Ken for being the other half of our parenting team. 

February is NEVER a calm month. We start off running with birthdays – Emanuel on the 3rd, the twins on the 5th, their Nana on the 7th. Then it is right onto Valentines’ Day. Luckily this year Chinese New Year was in January, but we still seem to rush right through February year after year. As an additional plus, February marks the beginning of a membership at the Science Museum.

Of course first things first… the twins are TEENS! And lovely Emanuel 11… where did the time go? You can read a recount on these special moments HERE.

We spent lots of time at the YMCA, in the pool, in classes…

At club.

Trying out Yoga!

There was indoor soccer to watch – our godson Anthony.

We even managed a dinner out.

We decorated t-shirts.

By Gavin

Emanuel, Zander

Trinity

Echo

There was plenty of homeschool completions to celebrate.

We even had a Flat Stanley visitor.

The choir sang.

We crafted.

Had dinner with the Schwartz family.

We even managed to start some painting around the house. First room tackled – Emanuel’s!

Enjoyed our Pizza Hut reading program reward.

It was a chilly, busy, love filled month. Just like February always is with this not so little family!

Surprise Surprise… I am almost current! Woo! Well, October is Halloween (of course), and Ken’s birthday (39 this year!) AND Canadian Thanksgiving (yup this Canadian girl still celebrates).

We started off the month with a trip to Home Depot.

Visited a pumpkin patch with a lovely group of friends.

We all got a little sunburned after so much time in the sun.

We visited the Schwartz family for a bonfire and shooting off of rockets.

Spent time at the Novak’s.

Anthony

And had them over to our place as well.

We met Chloe, Anthony’s girlfriend.

Enjoyed all the colours of fall.

We learned about bats and made our very own cave in the cabinet.

We found plenty of time to do crafts and worksheets and learn as best we could.

We celebrated Nathan’s birthday at a super fun trampoline place.

Sang in the choir at church.

We spent time at the YMCA – swimming, working out and club.

I crocheted whenever I could.

Early Christmas present for my sister in law – a cupcake blanket

Cowls

And we snuck out on the warm days.

Cleaning the van.

October was a lovely refocus of our time. Lots of friends and family and quiet celebrations (we had take out for Thanksgiving, nothing fancy).

Snoopy

Lovely hair by one of the girls who run cluby

So enjoy the photos and the memories as I work my way to current and we currently wrap up 2016.

Playing Magic

Doing her own hair.

Fishing for letters

Sneaking out for coffee at Caribou.

Sunset

Ready for dinner out