Loon Lake - Part 2

On Sunday morning, we started the day off with a 70th birthday party for one of the neighbours.

Relaxing on the swing, taking it all in, with Grandma.


Not impressed with a sudden wind storm. (Go ahead - try and tell me that's not Kevin's nose.)

Front and centre with the birthday boy and his grandchildren, waiting (not so) patiently for cake.

Somehow she managed to get the first piece. Mmmmmmmmmm.

The artists get out their brushes and paint some rocks for the garden.

Grandma's needs a few touch-ups.

"Look Grandpa, there's a spider."

Trying to figure out how her emergency whistle works.

She's got the 'bait' on her rod, all ready to catch a fish.

"Here fishy, fishy."

Passing the time with a little golf.

Mommy tries to help out after she kept missing the ball.

"Forget this - golf sucks."

Yep - she's definitely my daughter.

Loon Lake - Part 1

Last month we headed up to Loon Lake for a visit with Grandma and Grandpa. It's taken me way too long to post these pictures, but there were a kazillion to choose from! After a stop in Chilliwack (Little Miss needed the loo) and then outside of Hope (where poor Bradyn was car sick and threw up EVERYWHERE), we arrived in the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning. On Saturday morning, Grandma and Grandpa took Bradyn to Ashcroft to visit Desert Hills Farm (a.k.a. David's farm) and Hat Creek Ranch. Meantime, Kevin & I got such much appreciated R&R (and a 2 1/2 hour nap!)

I want this cucumber.....


Got it.



My cucumber.

Riding the stagecoach. (You can barely see it, but there's a carrot in her hand... the same one she had apparently been nawing on for hours. She even hid it in her pocket so the horses wouldn't get it when she was feeding them.)

"No goat, you can't have my carrot."

I'm telling you, she's not my daughter - she's my Holly Hobbie come to life.

Hiding out in the teepee.

Brady & Brenda's Day Of Fun

Since Bradyn and I were up very early on Sunday, I made a last-minute decision to take a chance and go to the local kids swap meet, with Bradyn in tow. (For those of you who don't know what a swap meet is, trust me.... it was a very brave (read 'potentially a very stupid') move on my part.) Armed with her puppy dog backpack (a.k.a. child harness), we braved the crowds and found a few good deals. The first highlight for me was when she found a Thomas the Train, told the lady she wanted to buy it and gave her the money. The second was when, as I was carrying her and trying to maneuver through the crowd, she whispered into my ear and said "There are too many people. Let's go." It was so sweet.

The main reason I wanted to go, was to buy Bradyn a cape for dress-up. I've seen this lady's booth at several swap meets and local events, and was ready to invest my $15. Bradyn LOVES it. She insisted on wearing it throughout the swap meet, and then later on at the local farmer's market. So many people commented on it, and she soaked up all the attention. (By the way, Kevin also loves our purchase.... he thinks it comes darn close to looking like a wrestler's cape.)

We also got her face painted at the market, so the fairy-tale look was complete.

After a long day of playing and painting, Daddy convinced her that she needed to have a bath (her feet were absolutely black from being on the deck, hosting a pretend birthday party). She prefers our soaker tub, and has discovered that if she holds on to the handles, she can slide around and make lots of waves.

"Look at me.... I'm swimming"

Water, water, everywhere.

The sign of a truly successful day - my sleeping angel.

Happy Birthday

Last month, we went to Grandma & Grandpa's house to celebrate Uncle Dallas' and Aunt Ita's birthdays. As you all know by now, Bradyn loves presents and cakes...

'Helping' Aunt Ita open her present (which was quickly followed by helping Uncle Dallas).

All ready to help blow out the birthday candles. (Notice Uncle Dallas & Aunt Ita are nowhere to be seen...)

Oh - there they are, at the other end of the table, finally getting their turn with their cake.

Bradyn's personal 'Ita in the box'.

Playing in her 'house'.

"I'm a ghost"

Hello Westwood Montessori

Tuesday was Bradyn's first day at her new school. While I was aprehensive, she did great! As soon as we got in the door of her classroom, she was saying "Is that music? Are they dancing?" I couldn't get her shoes off fast enough for her liking. She went right in and joined in the circle, big smiles and all. Miss Henryka introduced her to all her new friends and even commented on the big smile. I wish the next two days had been as easy. Kevin said she was wimpering yesterday and this morning, I literally had to pry her out of my arms. The good news is Miss Henryka said both days she was fine the minute we were gone and she was all smiles and full of stories when we picked her up. Tomorrow will be her first full day, so I hope all goes well. While it seems like a good school and Miss Henryka is a lovely lady, it sure is different from 1,2,3 ABC. There was always love, laughter and music at 1,2,3... let's hope this turns out to be the same.

Here is Bradyn with her jade plant, that she will be taking care of at school this year. (I sure hope she doesn't have a black thumb like her Mom.) Is it just me or does she look like she's off to Kindergarten? Where is my baby??

Figuring out which way to go... (yes, I know the backpack is too big, but trust me - it weighs nothing and won't break her back.)

Front and centre with Miss Henryka.

Parched, after a hard 1 1/2 hours at school.

"This is my new school"

Bye, Bye 1,2,3 ABC

Friday was Bradyn's last day at her daycare. Although she is very excited about her new school, I don't think she quite understands that it means she will no longer see her teachers and all her little friends every day.

When we made the decision in May to move Bradyn, I was a mess. Then, because it was so far away from happening, I was OK again. Now the time is here. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not so good with change. I am so nervous about this move. Did we make the right choice? When we first put Bradyn into 1,2,3 ABC, I didn't even batt an eyelash. I knew instantly that Alicia and Katrina would treat Bradyn as their own. I have never worried about her wellbeing while in their care. The ladies became part of our family, and I am truly going to miss them. Although I didn't get to know Candace as well (she arrived after I dropped Brady off, and left before I picked her up), I know that Bradyn is going to miss them all.

Anyone who needs infant and toddler care would be lucky to have their child at 1,2,3 ABC. We were truly blessed to have found them and, because of them, Bradyn is fully prepared for the next chapter in her life.



Driving a school bus, like Nana & Poppa.




Standing proud, on her way in to her last day at school.




Playing with all her friends.

Bradyn & Miss Katrina

Bradyn & Miss Alicia

Miss Candace left before I had a chance to take her picture.... Candace, I'm sure you're going to read this, so if you send me a photo, I'll post it here too.