The Vacuum

I have no idea why.. but Charlotte is in love with the vacuum cleaner. 

She will follow me around as I vacuum all of the floors (yes, I vacuum the hardwood/tile because it's easier/faster.  I do the floors almost everyday -- sometimes more than once.  Don't judge me for taking the easiest way.  Plus we don't even own a dustpan).

Kingston doesn't know how he feels about our Dyson on a GOOD day.  He still runs as far away as possible when I vacuum and makes sure that his feet aren't on the ground.  Usually under the kitchen table.  

OK -- so it's not only the vacuum she follows -- she's also pretty fond of her big brother!

 

A Whole Month

... has passed without a single blog post.  A friend last night reminded me that I haven't blogged in a long time, and I told her honestly I had somewhat abandoned the blog in favor of sunshine, relaxation, a clean house and of course my beautiful children.  June was a busy month for us -- and we knew that coming in.  The last few months have been preparing us for craziness and exhaustion, and while it was fun, I'm glad to be onto July. 

This past month included a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate our anniversary, Kingston's gymnastics graduation, Father's Day, the purchase of a new car, Several day trips and events, a bachelorette, and a beautiful wedding.  Throw in a toddler whose language is exploding and an infant who has become mobile (and quite fast!) and I'm surprised we're not hibernating through the rest of the summer.  I will attempt to post a recap of many of the above named events throughout this  month, however today I want to talk about our morning outing. 

We decided since the weather was beautiful once again, to take the babies to Pinafore Park in St. Thomas.  I had been there once before when I worked in childcare and It was exactly how I remembered.  It is BY FAR the best children's park I've ever been too.  There is also a splash pad attached but honestly, Kingston didn't even notice (we brought his swim stuff in case he decided he wanted get wet!).  We had a great time on the climber and slides, mini-zipline and swings (for Miss C of course!).  I packed a delicious picnic lunch and we found a table in the shade to relax and watch the other kids play (I'm surprised Kingston actually made it through half his sandwich before he wanted to 'sliiiiiiiiiide'). 

As I uploaded pictures.. I once again noticed that there aren't as many of Charlotte as there are Kingston.  Now before you jump to any 'second child syndrome' conclusions -- I will say that for most of the morning I followed Bubba around (and I take a LOT of pictures) and that daddy pushed Charlotte in the swing or cuddled with her in the shade, etc.  Daddy does not take as many pictures as momma. 

Climbing through the tube..

Daddy & Charlotte cuddle and swing..

Climbing the rock wall to 'my sliiiiiiiide'.

Chillin', having a cracker and watching everyone zipline..

Momma & Kingston on the BIG slide.

Daddy's turn -- please don't dislocate anything..

Weeeeeeeeee....

'My toooooo'

Lunch time!

Toes are far more interesting than lunch..

Family Photos

I am a strong advocate of professional photos, and we have them taken quite frequently (about twice a year).  My friend Amanda (Amanda Arch Photography) travelled from Barrie on the long weekend in May and took some amazing photos of my family.  She showed up early Sunday morning and came to gymnastics with K and I, and I must say I'm so glad she did!  We are so appreciative of Amanda and her patience, creativity, and outgoing personality.  She was able to get my children to cooperate, and capture some wonderful memories for M and I. I can't wait to get many of the photos framed and up on our walls.  So here is a look at MY favourite photos -- I'm not posting them all because there are A TON of photos..

(I realize I have a strange expression on my face -- but look at his face!! Love it!!)

(Doesn't it look like Kingston is pointing something out to Charlotte?)

(I don't usually prefer black and white over color.. but there is something about this photo in black and white that I love.  This one will be framed in our room for sure!)

Storybook Gardens

We decided to take the babies to Storybook Garden's this week and of course the best day for M (Tuesday) ended up being the hottest day of the year (so far). 

Needless to say 99% of our time was spent in the splash pad, in which Kingston has a love-hate relationship.  He LOVES running and splashing and ducking through the water, however hates the fact that its cold water and he gets wet.  It was quite funny to watch his face as the water randomly turned on and off...

OK - so my kid definately has some of my OCD traits.  Ie. sand in shoes/sandals.  He HATED the feeling of sand in his sandals..

"weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

K thought these tubes were pretty awesome..

Charlotte & Momma

Charlotte & Daddy

The carousel that Kingston insisted we ride twice.  Daddy & Charlotte also came on the first time but once was enough for Daddy who does not like spinny rides..

Us.

Charlotte really enjoyed her Tuesday morning playdate with her big brother, Momma & Daddy.



Michael and I had packed a small picnic for the babies; berries, cheese, kolbossa, and a juice for K.  C had bananas and a 'mum mum' I believe.  We relaxed and headed back home just in time for naps.  While it was a great morning, I don't know that I really enjoyed Storybook Gardens (other than it's fantastic splashpad).  But with a whole ton of FREE splashpads readily available here in London.. I think we'll probably take advantage of those in the summer before heading back to Storybook Gardens.   

The New House

We got a new house, didn't you hear?

Kingston and Charlotte received this house as a gift from Grandma and Papa at the beginning of this year -- and we just now put it together (we were waiting for our backyard to dry up but I fear we will be waiting a long long long long time).  So for now it's in the garage and we plan to bring it out into the driveway when we're playing outside.  Kingston of course helped daddy build the playhouse..

Helping daddy with the construction..

Talking on his cell..



Kingston took on the role of 'Supervisor'..

He was also took on the role of 'Home Inspector' ..

"C'mon in!"

... but we all know who the real boss is.. :)



Because she wants to be like her big brother!

Baby girl can stand on her own.  Granted she can't climb stairs (daddy helped with that one) but oh yes, she can stand (daddy was behind her 'just in case' but wasn't actually holding her at all!).

(Check out those thighs!!)