This past little while has been a whirlwind. This is a catch up post on our regular comings and goings. So here goes.
I just love this picture of Claire sleeping. She's the ultimate sleeper. If she's tired, she sleeps, no matter where she is or what is going on around her.
We've had a lot of people over for various activities and I love having our house full of friends and family. We finally had our neighbours over and got to know them better, the missionaries stopped by for supper and encouragement, we met our new Home Teacher, my faithful visiting teachers stopped by with their fun kids, Francoise (the teacher that works with Ryan) and her lovely daughters came over for a crepe night, the birthday celebration for Mom/Rob/Nat/Maddie, and our Jethompton (Jensen/Thompson/Layton) extravaganza that I forgot to take pictures of (Eva, if you're reading this, email me the ones you took!). It's been a fun month so far.
I remember my Grandpa telling me, when he first learned of us buying a house, that we should always make it a place where friends and family would feel welcome and loved and I hope we can always do that, no matter how messy it may be at the time. :)
We're so lucky to live close to family. Natalie helps me with respite care every week and we've had help from every member of our family to watch the girls or give us support to do things. That has continued this month as well.
With Lisa's help the girls and I went swimming at Millenium Place again and had fun. Maddie consistently enjoys her Gymboree classes. Ryan took both girls to the Primary Easter party and they had a blast! We also took a quick trip to Calgary for Jessica (Ryan's cousin) and Dave's wedding reception. It was great to see everyone and the food and decorations were wonderful. The girls were very good travelers.
Madeline spent a lot of the night up on the stage, dancing to the music.
This was how the kids were most of the way home.
Claire's been busy at school. They had a nurse visit, a music class, a St. Patrick's day party with "real" gold, class pictures, and a fieldtrip to the grocery store which I got to tag along for. I think Madeline feels like she gets the short end of the stick having to stay home with me when Claire gets all these fun excursions. But we definitely took advantage of that spell of warm weather and even brought out the trampoline and the swings for a few days until our hopes of Spring were crushed yet again. But we did attend the open house for kindergarten and Claire met her teacher and saw her classroom. I think Madeline would almost be ready for kindergarten too - she fit right in there.
While I was on the field trip with Claire, Madeline had a special visit with Janet. They played, they read, they spent time together and she's been talking about it ever since. We're glad to have Janet in our lives.
I shall take this moment to say that I love Lisa. She's such a great part of our family now. We'll be sad to see our
GRIT days come to an end. I rely on her so much for help, organization and overall good feelings about life. And luckily she's creative and involves us all in the process.
One major event that took place was Stephanie and Brandon's engagement! We're so excited and happy for them both. They will be getting married in August.
Ryan's had fun with his calling this month. He and the boys rocked out at the Variety/Talent show with a remake of
Whole Wide World. Ryan's been very busy with work. He's had report cards due and his parent teacher interviews this week. We're definitely looking forward to having him home during Spring break, but I don't think it will really be much of a rest with all the things we have to do. It will be our "catch-up" week for sure.
I had an important milestone in my life. I attended my first
Tupperware party at Lindsey's house which was a fun night out. It was nice to reconnect with some good friends from our old ward. I miss those girls! I also have been busy with Spa Lady classes, helping the missionaries with discussions, preschool meetings, preschool duty days and fieldtrips, choir and all the regular duties of life.
Here are the bulk of pictures from our giant birthday celebration. It was the last time we saw Grandpa and we're so glad that he and Janet were able to come and we could hug them and spend time with them then.
Part of the gang at the table, chowing down.
The kids at the small table. Steph, Maddie & Brandon. :)
Claire flashing that winning smile
Dad got Madeline some great books and here they are reading about the princesses.
And here's Steph reading Fancy Nancy to the rest of the kids on the couch.
Two manly men talking shop. Ryan & Greg
Janet and Grandpa
Maddie got spoiled and loved it. She was very appreciative though. We've kept all the cards people gave her up on the piano and she's taken them all down everyday since to "read" them.
The other birthday kids, Rob and Nat.
Madeline is serious about rocking out. She got some great gifts.
Madeline had 2 cakes to put candles on, but she insisted on having her candle in Great-Grandpa's famous nanaimo squares.
She then proceeded to enjoy the spoils.
Claire took a turn at rocking out.
We also had a second little impromptu party for Madeline. Here we are goofing off at the table with our shish kabob feast.
The candle blowing preparation.
Maddie and her new
favourite movie. Thanks Auntie Val!
Her new favourite books. Thanks Justin!
Our impromptu party turned into a dance party. Maddie and Grandma
We broke out the instruments Ryan had borrowed from the school for his talent show and everyone was having a lot of fun.
Maddie dancing with Dad (aka Ryan). I love this picture!
Just a note about our dear little Madeline. She is such a special part of our family. She came to us at a time when we were really struggling with Claire's disabilities and what that might mean for us and we've been able to watch them both grow together. Maddie is a great example, a wonderful helper, a deep thinker, a sweetheart, a ballet dance extraordinaire and a great friend to her sister. I am always interested to hear her stories and to know what she is thinking about. She's started interpreting what Claire wants now and for some reason, Claire ALWAYS wants to share her toys with Madeline. We have so many dance parties in our house, it's not even funny and Madeline usually is the instigator. I know that her strong personality should make things very interesting as she grows, but I cherish that strength in her and I think it will take her far. We love her so much.
