It is lovely weather we are having. I certainly hope it stays zis mild.*

*I don't think I'll make it a habit to title all my blog posts using quotes from the media. But this one works. From The (ridiculous) Pink Panther

Since I'm not feeling very verbose, I think I'll let the picture speak for themselves on this post.

Claire's Birthday

The happy birthday girl!


Claire getting birthday bear hugs.


I can't believe she's 5 already!


Claire got a lovely new swing from the Laytons. We love it!


Ryan (a.k.a. Mr. Transitions Lenses) and I.


Claire blowing out her candle with the help of the wind.


Justin, Broc and Maddie on the trampoline while Natalie dutifully monitors the chaos.


Mom & Dad & the birthday girl.


Greg & Steph


Steph & Brandon


Val, Claire, Jacky & Angela chatting inside.


Dad, Rob and Mel enjoying the yummy food.


Maddie, Steph and Natalie


Three guys relaxing on the couch, in the style of Claire. For those of you who know her, she will often end up in this position. We call it her "laying on the beach" pose.



Little Bits

The only picture I could snap since Claire was in the middle of the pack for the whole ride. She looks a little uncomfortable here, but was doing quite well. Her and Babe make a good team.


Madeline and her friend Haldon at riding. They are so cute!



Miscellaneous

Claire likes to roll around on our big mat in the living room. I left her there for a few minutes and came back to find her stuck under the couch. So I had a good laugh, ran to grab the camera and then rescued her. I'm such a good parent.



Maddie got her first bike! Here's Daddy helping her get used to pushing the pedals.


Madeline's first ride!


This was Maddie at about 8am this morning. She couldn't wait to try out her bike again. She has been wearing her helmet nearly 24/7 since she got it.


Claire relaxing on the tramp while Maddie was on her bike.


In other non-picture-related news, Ryan and I had a fun date night, had yummy food, saw "Date Night" (hilarious by the way), and on the way home Ryan gave me a quick lesson on how to drive his motorbike. I drove it around the block, in first gear. I think I might be close to getting hooked. It was very, very fun and not as tippy as I had originally suspected it would be. However, he has now taken this to mean he has full license to purchase a new bike for himself, generously allowing me to use the white bike. We shall see.