Milestones in life

We hit a big one this week!  The beginning of school years for us!  Chelsie headed to preschool quite eagerly.  Tuesday was open house/meet the teachers and today was her first day of class.

She was VERY excited (as you can see-this is breakfast time today)

and had a lot to tell me when she skipped outside afterwards.

One funny tidbit:  "Mommy, my teacher read a book about mommies and another book about daddies!"

"Oh, that sounds nice."

"And she said the mommies and the daddies do the same things.  There was one page where the mommies fixed a loose button on a teddy.  And I said, 'my daddy doesn't do THAT!  He probably MADE the button loose!' "

I heard a similar version from her teacher :D  I'm sure a group of kids this age can be highly entertaining!

 She's growing up quickly!  Especially when you see her snuggling her littlest cousin, Gavin :)  Isn't this sweet?!

 And a special gift from a very special auntie :)  Thanks, Auntie Carolyn!

 We'll leave you with sisterly snuggles.  Like any sisters, they have their fighting moments, but the loving moments are still more and so wonderfully sweet.  Enjoy your day!

the scene in the kitchen

I love this picture.  the half done cream puffs, the fingerprints on the microwave, the big sister watching the naughty but brave little girl, the laundry in the background.  Daily life as we know it.

Some pictures require no words.

Summer part 1

Wow!  It's been over a month since I've posted anything!  SORRY :S  A lot has been going on.
Here's the update, complete with pictures :)

Brynlie's birthday party included swimming,

eating,

 checking for remaining icing,

 floating,

 splashing,

 and cute cupcakes :).

 It's hard to believe another month is already gone and Brynlie's 13 months already while Chelsie's raring to go to preschool next week!

We spent the Monday of the August long weekend at the Agrifair.  We petted cows,

 rode this ride,

 laughed at the pig scramble,

 watched horses and chuckwagons,

'rode' tractors,

 and enjoyed a beautiful day!

The sun was shining and we were together - what a blessing :)

 A new scene in our house is duets.  2 little ladies enjoy twinkling together :) and Mommy loves the idea that someday she'll have music other than her own filling the house!

We rested when needed,

 enjoyed taking Jodene's friend Matt out -we played tourist in Harrison on a 6 seater bike :)

the 3 'kids' played on the Harrison fort,

 and 2 brave ones hung upside down :)

and of course we ate sand (at least 1 of us did).

We went to Tapins with the family, where Brynlie crawled after the balls,

 enjoyed the soft grass,

Chelsie puttered around and had fun with the golfing,

 and the watching.

 We sat around,

 built a zoo with Grandpa of African animals,

 played Quitch,

 dressed up in new garage sale finds,

 and had a special night with Auntie Melissa.  We made cookies with her

 that had a special message for mommy! 
At the time, Brian and I were in Vancouver where I got laser eye surgery done :D 
My eyes are still improving (quite normal), but the difference is already amazing!!

 Daddy got a new toy, a Ranger, and we've been out several times on it.

Both girls love riding in it with us which makes adventures easier than if one of them couldn't come along.

  On Friday night we went up to the jump-off where the paragliders jump from.  It was amazing to see them floating just a few feet out from the jump off and head down the thermals to the land below.  While a bit hazy, the views of our valley were still incredible.

 This guy landed on the jump off and took his truck down.  We also met a couple hiking back up for their vehicle after jumping.

 This giant picnic table made the watching easy :)

 We enjoyed the views, the flowers, and the fun photography :)

 Heading back down,

 we crossed over this beautiful creek - one of the ones that must feed Bridal Veil Fall.s

Well, the Ranger is loaded for another outing.  The hotdogs and roasters, sweaters, firewood and everything else  is ready to go.  The sun is shining.  Enjoy YOUR day!

More posts to come hopefully soon with more pictures of our California trip
as well as our local camping trip :)
Comments welcome!  Thanks for reading again.