Videos from Edmonton trip

Beginning to refine his musical skills with the help of the piano at Auntie Colleen's

So at daycare Matthew has learned about Hide and Seek except no one seems to have told him someone is supposed to hide and then you go find them. All he knows is the "here I come" then he pops out from behind his hands! Notice the look of total confusion when others in the room start talking about hiding.

Visit to Auntie Colleen's

Last weekend Matthew and I caught the last plane out of Seatac to Edmonton Friday night to spend an extra long weekend with the whole fam-damily. Mum and Dad drove in from Manitoba on Thursday and Jenn and Maddie drove over from Saskatoon Friday night.

We planned the weekend in order to celebrate Papa and Daniel's birthdays but none of us were organized enough to get cards so the kids gathered to make them. I stripped M down to minimize the mess. Matthew never really did catch on that you have to wet the brush then put it in the paint before you put it on your paper.

Dancing amongst the toys.

Playing together so nicely which they did all weekend.

Enjoying the hot tub. Notice Maddie completely submerged in the center of the picture!!

The trio of swimmers. Thanks to Claire for the many hours of quiet time for the adults.

Daniel and Papa getting ready to open their gifts.

Matthew had to be doing what "Paddy" was doing so he carried this stool over and climbed up right next to her.

Guess what we had for dessert.

Sunday afternoon the kids and Papa headed outside to see if they could get the flying/shooting duck game to work but apparently it was too windy.

Papa and Matthew watching Claire and Daniel get on the bus.

Matthew asking for his nose back after Papa grabbed it.

I know this is blurry but Jenn posted a lovely picture of Tracker (aka Tracker) on her blog so I thought this showed how patient a cat he really is to let my kid (and Jenn's) drag him around all stretched out with his feet barely off the ground. On the last night we were there Cracker came into our room and fell asleep with Matthew.

Papa and Matthew checking out the horses.

Nana finally finding a moment of peace on the last afternoon of our visit.

As always we had a great time. It was relaxing and fun and exhausting all at the same time. Looking forward to the next visit which will likely be next August for the family reunion. Thank you to Colleen and family for having us even though we seem to court disasters when we come and to Jenn and Maddie for driving so far for such a short visit. We love you all and wish we could come more often.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

First you have to find the perfect wheel barrow. Which for us was one that had minimal mud and rain in it.

Last year Matthew was fascinated by the trucks on the freeway, this year he was obsessed with the large machinery. Of course we had to stop and watch the front end loader working.

Off to look for a pumpkin.

Now they have found a steam roller to climb on.

Oooo that looks like a good one.

Holy Moly that front end loader is right there!!

Daddy asked the nice farmer dude if Matthew could sit in it long enough to take a picture. There was a little hesitation but Daddy was kind of insistent.

BEST PART OF THE PUMPKIN PATCH!!!

He is pointing at the tractor all the way across the field that is pulling the hay wagon.

Aaron on the quest for the perfect pumpkin.

Watching Daddy with concern.

That's it, the perfect one.

Another good trip (ie rain free) visit to the Smith Brother's Pumpkin Patch.

Costume Birthday Party

Last weekend we went to Connor's first birthday party. I work with Connor's mom Melody. It was a pumpkin carving costume birthday party.

Scary pirate.

Matthew and Nyimah (Erica's daughter) working on their pumpkins. I thought very little pumpkins and drawing would be preferable to sharp objects and carving.

Finished product. I think he was interested in this for about 3 minutes then headed back inside to play with all the toys they had scattered about the playroom.

Nyimah's pumpkin. She put more effort into hers.

Connor the birthday boy. He stalked me until I finished the chips and water so he could make them crinkle.

Pockets

Last week when we went for a walk I noticed Matthew had his hands in his pockets. This is the first time I know of that he has successfully found both of them all on his own. This is also a great example of what happens when you don't brush curly hair for a day and a half. I don't know why the concerned look because he was having fun on the walk.