July so far

morning play

we are on a frog and toad kick... everyone loves frog & toad!

These two big kids - they fight and bug each other for what feels like most of the day, but then have sincerely cooperative and enjoyable moments together (see above), and it. is. the. best. Sometimes they last long (-ish) and sometimes they are fleeting BUT I can tell (haha!) that they DO like each other and enjoy each other's company. We went to a birthday party a few weeks ago and instead of mingling with the other kids they stuck together and did their own thing, even when the princesses arrived.

alana's first selfie

love love love

The Brinkmans came down for Canada Day and as usual, we all had a blast. They put up decorations (thanks Grandma!) and put on tattoos, and after a rainy morning spent inside joined the festivities down at Harris Park. I stayed home with baby J and enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet before the week of home-alone-with-the-kids began on Sunday night. Steve has been in Hamilton coaching a camp and rejoins the crew tomorrow night (yay!). I was anticipating a difficult and exhausting week, but it hasn't been too too bad; it's been busy and non-stop (make meal, clean up, feed baby, break up a sib-fight, bathe children, make meal, water plants, do laundry, shower, feed self, tidy room, find lost water bottles, pack bags etc.) but not as exhausting as I thought it might be. Hendrik has been away at camp all day every day - so this has made a big difference as I don't feel totally obliged to get out of the house and do something to tire everyone out (and I also don't have to intervene in fights all day), AND a friend took Alana for most of the day on Wednesday (an impromptu visit turned into Alana tagging along for lunch and a playdate), so I had some time to myself then too. Jordan has been as good as can be expected for a seven-week old babe, but this means several night wake ups and the usual fussy periods throughout the day. He doesn't cry much and tolerates his big sister's aggressive cuddles and snuggles more than most would; we'll keep him! Oh, I love them all so!

canada day!

playing trophy/medals - though i'm not sure what they won | canada day tattoos

a in her office (typing) + "can i see?" (the picture)