This title comes from a game that my family used to play. It was kind of like "Red Light, Green Light" meets "Simon Says". I thought it was an exceedingly clever title given that this post is about May and Mother's Day is in May. I'm explaining it too much. Whatever nuances of comedy might have existed, are now gone. Oh well!
This month at school, Madeline had many activities: a spring nature walk, a community walk, a field trip to the John Janzen nature centre and backwards day. She also continued to enjoy her gymnastics and yoga classes and attended a birthday party for her friend, Rielle.
Just a typical pose from my two favourite girls.
Madeline was brave and held the salamander that visited her classroom. It reminded me of the one Greg found on a camping trip that became a part of our family for many years. Many, many crickets were sacrificed in order to make Sally the fattest amphibian in the world.
On her last "Busy Bear" day, Maddie had fun dressing up as a firefighter...and spraying me with water (a.k.a. Saving my life, as she said).
All the windy days in May offered a good opportunity for kite flying. We're lucky to have such a nice big field across from our house! Madeline, Ryan and some friends had a great time!
I got a special Mother's Day treat from Madeline at preschool. I was invited to "Muffins with Mom" day. The kids had baked muffins and prepared juice to serve to their moms and they even sang some beautiful songs for us. It was a great time!
After I got spoiled on Mother's day with flowers and gifts at home, we headed out to Wetaskiwin to visit with Mel on Skype and then to enjoy some family time together.
Both Steph and Brandon and Greg and Steph announced recently that they're expecting babies at the end of this year. It's so exciting!
Here's mom and her kids...minus Melanie who is in Scotland. We'll have to take a family picture with EVERYONE at Christmas time!
Noah and Claire had a fun time beating each other up a little bit.
Claire's toothy grin :)
When these two end up snuggling on the couch, you know it will only be a matter of time before they conk out.
A pretty picture of Claire.
A very rare photograph of a napping Madeline. She must have been absolutely exhausted.
Claire made me a beautiful cherry tree picture at school. The little blossoms were made with her finger dipped in paint. I'm so grateful to be a mom to these wonderful kids!
Ryan and his mom on mother's day.
Madeline showing off her skills.
Like father, like daughter.
Jim just had to document Claire wearing a Saskatchewan Rough Riders hat.
She doesn't look happy about it, does she?!
Madeline always loves the sandbox at Grandma and Grandpa Layton's house.
Enjoying the wonderful weather.
Here is Claire trying out our new piano!
Claire's also been busy at school. She celebrated Earth Day with her school and did many fun outdoor activities. She wore a silly clown hat to school for Hat Day. Claire had a dentist appointment with Dr. Caldwell and luckily things look good, although she didn't appreciate him trying to take a peek in her mouth. We had a meeting with Claire's inclusive learning team about things to consider for next year. It will definitely be an adventure since there are a lot of staffing changes, but we are hoping for a great start and another productive and happy year for Claire!
We attended the Malmo Preschool Bike A Thon and Carnival - the last big event that we will be involved in with that school! Time sure does fly.
Claire enjoyed the beautiful day.
Luckily Ryan got some time off and we all attended together.
Madeline, preparing for the big race.
She was a bit nervous, having practiced without training wheels just to be ready for this event.
And she did an awesome job! We were very proud of her.
Janet came to cheer her on!
She did it!
Just so everyone knows, I did not tell her to choose a maple leaf. My bright, shining example of Canadian patriotism must be rubbing off on her incidentally.
Claire helped me inside on my shift at the cash table while Madeline and Ryan explored the fire truck and police car.
We had lots of fun playing games...
...lots of fun in the bouncy houses and lots of fun spending the day together.
We've spent an increasing amount of time outdoors. It was even warm enough to try out our new slip 'n slide! We've made good use of the deck, having several friends and family over for dinner as well.
We're lucky to have some fun neighbourhood friends who come over to play!
This travel pillow of Claire's has come in VERY handy as she'll sometimes fall asleep at school or wherever/whenever she gets a hankering for a nap. She's such a sweetie.
After some coaxing, Madeline started a new adventure. Swimming lessons! She's enjoyed every minute of it and will be ready to start Red Cross Level one as soon as she's closer to 6 years old.
It's been a lot of fun watching her gain confidence in the water!
I was busy this month as well. I organized things for the Teacher's Appreciation Lunch at the school. Many families brought delicious pot luck items and Mom came to help me set up and watch the girls during the event. The girls and I attended a fun surprise birthday party for Kathy. We have spent a lot of fun time at neighbourhood parks. I also helped conduct interviews for the Assistant Principalship at Claire's school for next year, which was an interesting experience. Another big event I planned was a multi cultural bazaar fundraiser at Claire's school. We had two bouncy castles outside while the vendors set up inside the gym, but Ryan, Natalie and I ended up supervising outside the entire night! Hopefully next year, as I become more aware of how much volunteer power is needed for these events, things won't be so overwhelming. Ryan's been extremely busy with teaching, working at the Apple store and...applying for a Master's Degree in educational technology. He will start that in the fall. He also said goodbye to an old friend...his Honda CBR. We'll take that money to buy a new computer and hopefully in the near future he'll be able to get a bigger, better bike!
