Kisses

Caden has taught Maya so many things- how to "shoot" your arm's built in Buzz laser, how to run (away from him!), how to play, color, sing, laugh, how to hide...

But of all the things he has taught her... the kisses are by far my fav!

P.S. Don't my kids look alike?!?!

Birthday Highlights

I've slacked off on blogging lately.. but we've had TWO birthdays! I can't believe that I now have a three year old and a one year old! We had so much fun celebrating their birthdays. Actually, we probably had too much fun (which I realized when Caden started referring to his friend birthday party as his "wedding reception") Since I'm fighting off Caden trying to give me a "booger bath" as he calls it, (he's wiping his boogers all over my arms as I type this!) I'll just add the pictures rather than try to write all about them.. (then I'll go take a shower!)

Caden's Birthday(s):

Ben teaching Caden the art of the pinata

Giving Xander-man a hug at his friend birthday

party- he LOVES his friends!

Birthday cupcakes- riding in style!

Eating "Breakfast in Bed"

Enjoying his water gun party!!

THREE!!!

Maya's first birthday:

Birthday cuddles with Dad!

Enjoying her balloons!!

Maya, Mommy and her birthday cake!

Smiles while being sung to! Happy birthday, Maya!!

Mmm...cake! She loved it!

Burning off that sugar with Pappa-Daddy!!

Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate,

we all felt very loved!

Buttercream Purse

Hi Family! If you feel like winning a cool purse for me, please feel free to enter HERE with as many email addresses as you can.

Thanks!

Fabulous Fall

I absolutely LOVE the fall. The beautiful leaves, the cooler weather (no, seriously), sweaters (no more having to show off the love handles!), Taber corn and the excuse to eat pumpkin flavoured anything. I am especially excited about this Fall because I am not pregnant or postpartum! And that means enjoying the playgrounds, going on nature walks, jumping in leaves and having FUN!

We kicked off the season last week by having a "Fabulous Fall" playdate with my good friend, Lauren, and her boys. Lauren is the new Martha Stewart. Seriously, she blows me away with her creativity. The kids had a hot cocoa tea-party, which although Caden refused any hot cocoa (that kid drinks nothing but water!) he had the time of his life!

Maya thoroughly enjoyed the game of trying to eat the food the kids would throw to her before I was able to intercept. That girl. She turns ONE on Sunday. Can you believe it? It has been a challenging year, probably my hardest year yet. But it has also been my GREATEST year.

It makes me sad that she isn't my LITTLE baby anymore. (But she is so much fun and I can't wait to continue watching her grow and learn. She has such a sweet personality and just LOVES to have fun. Being a stay-at-home mom is such a blessing and I am SO grateful for this time in my life. Hard at times, yes, but so rewarding.

Happy Fall Everyone!

I Spy....

I spy...

the letter "E"

an ice-cream cone

a tea-party

Buzz Lightyear

I spy...

One very good boy who helped for over an hour with the clean-up.

Big Hill Springs

I just have to say how much I LOVE my new calling. Being the Activity Day leader is the funnest calling in the whole church! The girls are SO motivated and excited to be at the activities! Such a change from enrichment! Last night we went on a beautiful hike to Big Hill Springs (15 mins from Airdrie- the most beautiful provincial park!) I had been really nervous about this activity because I didn't know how the weather would be, but it was beautiful. The girls had a great time. It's a really easy hike, with lots of waterfalls, a stream to play in and rocks to climb on.

We saw a HUGE owl- Grandpa Parsons would have been jealous! Anyways, I can't believe that I have never been to, or heard of Big Hill Springs because it was beautiful. Definitely my next location for family pictures!

I started a little program for the girls to memorize their Articles of Faith- and they must be liking it because some of them have been getting together after school to memorize! (Oh to be young!) Anyways, I'm excited about my calling as I'm sure you can tell. And with only one girl offended so far, I think I'm off to a pretty good start... ;) (1 out of 14 isn't bad, right? Just kidding, I'm smoothing it over)

Back to Blogging!

I PROMISE that I will start updating more often. Summer was a little crazy, but so fun! I want to post some pictures and blog about some of the fun things (reunion, Caden's birthday, Calaway park, etc!) But for now, I'll just get a blog out there before Maya wakes up.

We are getting back to "real life" (cleaning, church callings, laundry, etc) after a very fun summer! I don't know if I'm ready for it yet. I think with two active kids, I may go a little crazy during the winter months.... Or are we already crazy?

Either way, I need to find some ways to keep Caden active and happy while we can't go to the park everyday. Any ideas? We are going to try edible playdough today. Anyways, have a great day, from the Crazy Matthews!!