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.