Eye Doctor

I took Riley and Simon to their first eye doctor appointment this week. One thing I always do before we go into a place like a doctors office is to review my expectations with the kids. I always allow the kids to tell me what they think I expect and I add in if needed. Here are some of the rules they came up with:
1. No running
2. No screaming
3. No yelling
4. Be polite
5. Be peaceful
6. Don't drool of the doctors tools
7. Don't step on the doctor
8. Don't try to trick the doctor.
9. Never ever kick the nurse

I stopped them with rule number 9...I think they had the idea.

Here they are reading the right letters and NOT tricking the doctor.



It was a successful trip so we went to Chapters to for a little treat. Simon is in heaven in Chapters, he gets to look at all the "bad guy" books. He sits so intently looking at all his Spiderman, Batman and "Engine" (Ninja) Turtle books.

The Bobsled And The Luge

Riley and her artistic abilities painted a picture of a bobsledder and a person in a luge. I absolutely love her artwork, it's priceless.

LOVE-LY

After the cuddle/wrestle/tickle it was time for a snack. First eating Riley's then happy to have his own.




LOVE

Fear

We are faced with some difficult decisions.

Decisions that we are not taking lightly.

I want to look into the future.

I want to know the outcome of our decisions before we make them.

Before we live them.

The phrase the first six years of a child's life are the most important continually ring through my ears.

Anyone have a crystal ball we can use?

13 Months

Cooper,

I say this every month and I am going to say it again....I can not believe how fast time is going by. You sure do keep us on our feet. We really can do without all the climbing, especially since it's getting worse. I mean, we thought this was bad enough...



Until we saw this....


and climbing onto the train table? Seriously, I still can not figure out how you got up there. I do wish I had a camera close by to get that photo but I'm sure I will have many more opportunities.

You are our little hockey player. Constantly have a stick in your hand and will use anything as a puck. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a 13 month old that says hockey. Who knows maybe you'll be the next Sidney Crosby? That is if mommy's nerves can take you even playing that sport.


As we watch you with Riley and Simon we see that you are not going to pushed around by your older brother or sister. You are confident and strong BUT I'm sure that they would understand you telling them no without the screaming and flying smack to the head you give them. Honestly, they are really good listeners.

Today when we were at an activity a lady was watching you walk around and talk. She came to me and said that you looked like an old soul, wise beyond your years. I think she's right. You just get it. When someone is crying you are right there to rub their back or offer them your half eaten food. When someone asks for a hug or a kiss you are right there covering them in your sloppy kisses. You are amazing.





You are your mama's boy. Right now I am convinced that if I would let you (which I wont) you would be one of those freaky kids that were on 60 minutes that nurses until they are 8. You are obsessed. I thought Riley was obsessed but you got her beat by a long shot.


We love you Coopy. You give us such joy and excitement everyday. One of our goals as parents is to see the world through the eyes of our children, your eyes give us a whole new perspective.

Q.O.T.D.

Yesterday Riley and I were driving into Barrie for her dance lesson. We were having a conversation about Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. I was trying to explain to her what lent was for and what the Easter Season meant.

Riley: Mom, I wish I was Jesus.

Me: Why?

Riley: Because when I die I will rise from the dead. Come back alive.

There was silence.

Riley: No, I wish I was God because I wouldn't have to die. I would just live forever.

Winter at the cottage

Going to the cottage in the winter is all about...

Relaxing with a magazine,


or a good book.




Giggles


Playing in the trees




Walking on the lake



Playing hockey and figure skating on the ice





Going for rides




Watching the shows Riley and Simon put on





Putting daddy in the penalty box for high sticking


Tobogganing down the driveway




Drying our mittens by the fire




Warming our rosy cheeks with a mug of hot chocolate




Playing hockey in the hallway




Building Lego


Building forts


and breaking them




Roasting "smarshmellows" on the fire




Pretend play. Welcome to our restaurant


We can't wait to get back up there.

Cinderella

If the shoe fits....

Happy Birthday Laurel

Saturday Riley and Simon celebrated their friends 6th birthday. They skated, tobogganed, had cupcakes and hot chocolate.




Simon had his first tobogganing injury. He tumbled down the hill intertwined with his friend Conor. I was happy I made them wear their helmets because he ended up with some major snow burn on his face. Hopefully I will be able to get him back on a toboggan again.

Friends

We are very lucky to have many special friends in our lives. One of those special families is the Parker family. Our friendship began with our kids friendships at Montessori school. We love to spend time with them and our three kids love playing with their three kids.

On Friday night we went to their house for dinner. As usual, the kids put on dress up and did a singing and dancing show for us.






I'm sure this is what these two will be doing with each other for many years to come.


The lion and fireman.


Thanks for another great night Parker family.