For summer the kids each a checklist of chores that they have to complete each day before they get any screen time. Nixon has been a rock star completing all of his chores early each day
The kids have also set goals for things they would like to learn. Lyza is learning how to sew
Peek-a-boo
One last beach day before heading up to Canada
And playing with water guns after
Lyza has loved getting books from the library
Nice do-rag Nixon ;)
Henry loves sitting in the swing
And bath time is way too cute!
Lyza had a stake Activity Days activity that was Wizard of Oz themed. Here is Henry following the yellow brick road
They used yellow bricks to make pictures of the temple
Here is a silly timelapse video of me mowing and spraying for weeds (the grass wasn't too long but needed a trim before our trip)
We left for Canada for Benjamin's wedding. On the way we stopped in Cranbrook and we were just in time for all of the tiny caterpillars
The kids had so much fun collecting them
Henry got some swing time
Mason thought the caterpillars were so funny
Covering Lyza's arm
Saturday morning in Calgary we went to Granary Road
It was so busy because of triathalons and other races in the area that we had to park in a field and walk a distance to get in
The kids were ready for fun
They added zip lines since the last time we were there
Off to the next area
The ant area is by far the kids' favorite (except maybe the petting zoo)
Henry got to eat some rocks during a diaper change
There are lots of slides but none that are grownup sized
The spider web area is also fun
Picture of all of the cousins together
The Batmen
Lyza felt left out so she wanted a picture with her mom (but of course Nixon photo bombed them)
So Kim decided to feed him to an ant
If the ant section is not the kids' favorite, then the petting zoo area definitely is
Lyza felt right at home with the goats
It looks like Nixon is running from the goats but I think he is just running to more goats
Mason loved the goats too
Kim took advantage of the nice lighting and took my portrait
There were plenty of goats to pet
The goats also got vocal
They look mad at times
There were beautiful peacocks
This one also started acting mad (I think I just have that effect on people...and animals)
The alpacas were cool to look at
Mason and Kim both liked petting the pony
So did Mary
The kids spent FOREVER feeding the bunnies dandelions
Kevin and Amanda had a romantic bull ride together
Nixon liked trying to feed the goats
Mason and Hailey catching a breather and a bite to eat
Off to the next area
Bats!
Nixon and Mary
The slides at this area were LOTS of fun
Lyza looking comfortable on some mushrooms
And in a tunnel
There are also these fun spinning things
These two looked cute in the wagon together
How could we say no to beaver tails
They weren't messy at all
Mary was so tired that afternoon that she even cuddled up to me
We had a wiener roast and made s'mores
There was even a double rainbow that evening. What does it mean?
The kids even had enough energy that evening for some pre-bed roughhousing
And stair jumping
The next day was (Real) Father's Day and we got cookies at church
Got some pictures of the cousins together
This is what it looked like trying to get their picture
I got a wonderful present from Kim and the kids
The coolest/sweetest book ever
Mason also likes to read it
Kevin got a surprise from Amanda and the girls
In the afternoon we went to a park for a bbq and games
He is so good and so cute
Kevin grilled up some amazing hamburgers
Mary on the seesaw
Good food and good company
Hailey and her war paint
I wish I looked this cool on the swings
We went for a little walk after and there was a beautiful view
We even got a little family picture (Nice pose Mason)
Then Kevin and Amanda decided to be all gross
Lyza pondering the important things in life
Trying to catch grasshoppers!
Shoulder ride with Uncle Kevin
We then went to the reservoir
Too cute!
Kim thought she would skip some rocks
Then Kevin showed us how it is really done
Lyza found some sea creatures
After the kids were in bed we had to have some ice cream sandwiches and play games (don't tell the kids)
For our last day in Calgary we went to The Big Box indoor playground
Henry was in heaven with all of these balls
This big slide was super fun
Kim looking a little nervous
It's a race
Lyza in her cocoon, I think she needs more time until she can emerge as a butterfly ;)
Refueling
Mason was loving it
Henry wasn't too sure
Hailey knew what to do
Mason and Mary were super cute together
Kevin ruined this picture
Henry playing dentist
We had a blast at The Big Box. We will definitely be coming back
Is Kim packing for the beach or making a birthday cake?
Right as we were about to start opening presents Mason pointed out the window and told us to look. There were two hummingbirds at the feeder (one left before I could get the camera)
We tried to get him to pose for a picture before presents and this is the best he could come up with
Lyza used her own money to buy him a gift. She is so sweet!
He is REALLY happy about Spider Man pez
A new Spider Man costume (that might not be officially licensed ;)
What is a birthday without transformers?
Excited for puzzles
Mason showing what he got
Right to work with his play dough
And puzzles
He decided he wanted to show me his eyes
Later in the afternoon we decided to surprise him with another gift
This boy loves bouncy houses!
Look at that air
Nixon won't be outdone
Good thing there was a dedicated supervisor
His face obscured by a net says it all
He certainly is WILD
Mason decided he needed to incorporate basketball. I am so proud
Henry can't wait to get bouncing
We all enjoyed being outside
This is a fancy trick
Maybe Lyza is a little too big?
Look at that crazy hair
My pretty woman
In case you thought we were exagerating calling him wild
This birthday "cake" just screams Mason
Black forest trifle with Fudgee-O crumble
I was getting a little frustrated trying to get a nice picture with Mason and his cake and Kim gently reminded me that he is 3...
Looks like a 3 year old
Happy Birthday!
Literally shoveling in the cake
We all enjoyed it
Mason's Birthday!
This is going to be a little out of order because I don't want to wait too long to post about his birthday (we'll finish up our Canada trip another time)
Mason turned 3 today!
This is what it was like waking him up
Nixon asking Mason how old he is
He woke up to balloons
A new Spider Man costume (that might not be officially licensed ;)
We love you Mason. Happy Birthday!
Take care
