From Bradyn's Point Of View

Bradyn has her very own, pink Fisher-Price digital camera, and I have been meaning to post some of her pictures for a long time. Unlike her Mammarazzi, Bradyn tends to go in spurts, so she'll use it a lot for a few days, then leave it sitting for weeks. Unfortunately, the delete button is very easy to use, and being the toddler she is, she likes to push buttons and hear the noises. Sadly, we have lost many of her artistic moments. There are very few clear pictures, because the second she pushes the button to take the pictures, she flips the camera down in front of her to see the shot. However, the ones we have are pretty sweet....

Her view from the back seat, while Daddy drives her home from school. (Bye-bye Protoge....)


Chatting with Dad. (Makes you stop and realize that we really do tower over the poor little buggers....)

From under the kitchen table.

Her foot, on the front walkway.

"Say Cheese Mama"

Her sippy cup (which, I am happy to report, has been retired).

Baby

Bathroom scenery

The view while sitting in her bed...

The curtain above her bed...

And her ceiling light.

Daddy's foot, while sitting at the computer in the office.

And don't forget the bookshelf in her room.

It really does make you stop and realize just how different things are for a 3 1/2 year old. They aren't like us, and we shouldn't expect them to be. We need to remember they're just kids.

Bradyn and I had a pretty rough day yesterday, and this morning did not look good between 6:55 when she arrived at the side of my bed reporting that it was 'wake-up time' and 10:00 when I was trying to get organized to get out the door for our play date in Queen's Park. I admit that my patience was pretty much non existent, and I think it's time for me to accept that I have a morning coffee addiction (which I ignored yesterday), that I need to embrace. Despite that, today ended up being a pretty wonderful day. I really did enjoy watching Bradyn in the petting zoo and at the splash park, while I sat chatting with friends. Back at home, after we had popsicles and ice cream, Daddy (bless his heart) took Bradyn to the school playground while I had some time alone in the (quiet) house. Tonight, I sat in her room watching her dance and sing, and couldn't help but smile and get that warm feeling in my heart. She didn't care what she looked like, or how she sounded - she was just having fun. Like when she was a baby, I caught myself just staring, and then suddenly thinking 'Shouldn't I be interacting with her?'. This time, I realized the answer was no. She's a little person with a mind of her own, and I need to remember to step back and let her do her own thing once in a while. It may make my life difficult sometimes, but I need to put myself in her shoes, and remember how much I hate being told what to do too.

Pirates and Swimming

On Friday morning of the August long weekend, we set out to visit Grandma and Grandpa at Loon Lake. After a six-hour drive that should have taken 4 1/2, we finally arrived. (Poor Bradyn threw up twice on the way, but she used her airplane sick bag the first time, and gave us lots of notice so we could get her out of the car the second time - I'm so proud!) There is no doubt that Saturday August 1st will be talked about for quite some time. The fact that it was Robee's birthday only added icing to the cake.

Making blueberry pancakes with Grandma...

The long awaited, much anticipated Pirate Adenture. Somewhere along the way, Bradyn told Grandpa that she wanted to go on the Pirate Ship at Loon Lake and search for buried treasure. When she kept at it, Grandpa knew there was no way he was going to disappoint his little princess, and he set out to ensure she got her wish. After weeks of preparation, the adventure unfolded...

After searching in the Smith Chalet with Grandma and her flashlight, Bradyn found the pirate gear.

Bradyn and her crew posing proudly on the dock, just before setting sail.

On their way to find the treasure map and make their way to the famed 'X marks the spot'.
After finding the map on the boat, they arrived back at shore to follow the directions. Bradyn was very serious at this point, and did not come out of character.
Daddy had to help Bradyn get her bearings, and she literally went to every location on the map trying to find the X.
You just cannot imagine the excitement when she found the X. (Still not sure how she missed the bright red X that was just to the left when she got off the boat, but that's OK.)
"Dig, dig!"
"I see it - what is it?"

"I GOT IT!"

Stickers, princess chap stick, a Cinderella slipper charm, a diamond brooch, a telescope and lots of coins... what more could a pirate want?

After the excitement died down a little, it was time for yet another adventure.... swimming in the lake! I admit it - Mommy was not too thrilled with the idea but I kept my mouth shut and did my best not to put a damper on Grandma and Bradyn's excitement as we headed onto the boat.

We literally had to hold her back so Grandma could get ready before she got into the water...

Just look at that face. There was so much squealing, laughing and pure joy, that I couldn't help but relax... a little. We are all so proud of our little swimmer, and Grandma is thrilled to have a new swimming partner.

Getting a cuddle in while taking a break before swim #2.

On Sunday, if it's possible, Bradyn was even more fearless. Here she is riding her 'horsie' noodle. She wasn't quite ready to let go of Grandma's hand, but she sure was being independent out there.

Re-fueling between swim 1 & 2 (or was it 2 & 3?).

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for a wonderful weekend.

Swimming Buddies

I still cannot believe my 3 1/2 year old went swimming in the middle of the lake. From these videos, it's pretty clear she was VERY excited, and had a fabulous time.

Getting a little too brave, Bradyn wanted Daddy to let go of the swimming buoy that kept her and Grandma connected to the boat...

Already planning tomorrow's swim...

Finally.... Ontario Pics

Too many choices! There are so many photos I would love to share with you, but I am determined that this time I will not drag my Ontario pictures out for 3 postings... you'll just have to make sure you have a comfy chair and half an hour for this one. We had a jam-packed, fun-filled 2 weeks, and I think this summarizes the highlights. If you want to see the rest, you'll just have to come visit us.

Sherri and I had a really great talk one afternoon, sitting at the picnic table in mom & dad's backyard, while 'watching' the girls. It made me realize just how much I love her, miss her desperately, and that she is absolutely my best friend in the world. (Sorry, make that second best friend...thank you, Kevin, for pointing out my error.) While we were bonding, I admit, we were only half paying attention to the girls wandering through Nana's flower garden, looking for Bambi. Needless to say, by the time we decided that maybe we should walk over and check out the damage, it was WAY too late. Nana now has a lovely pathway through her flower garden.


How could you possibly get mad at this face when she's clearly so happy to have found Bambi and his mother?

Being the only boy does not deter Robee from joining in on the fun. While Bradyn and Kiera are both obsessed with dressing up, Robee doesn't hesitate to get right in there on the action.

When I was back East for my Granny's funeral in May, Kiera and I had a conversation about ballerinas, and I told her that I would buy her a ballerina dress. Neither of us forgot, and the thank-you's I received sporadically throughout our visit definitely made it worth it.

We had planned a sleepover for Bradyn and Kiera at Nana and Poppa's, so Aunt Sherri could have some much needed alone time. Unfortunatley, Uncle Jason & Robee ended up not going to the cottage, but we went with the plan anyway. Being the crazy Aunt I am, I decided we'd give sleeping in the same bed a shot. What 3 1/2 and 4 year olds won't sleep nicely together? Believe it or not, I never had to go in and tell them to be quiet and, within 30 minutes of them being put down, they were fast asleep. (OK, so they did go to bed an hour later than usual, but still, I'm so proud of them!)

It's funny how you forget how crazy they make you, while you're watching them sleep.

So tired she didn't have time to put the book down.

Mom and I took the girls to the London Children's Museum. What a great place! The undisputed hit was the dinosaur exhibit.

The space exhibit was a big hit too.

Finally.... I got to see Dad's 1952 John Deere in person. Talk about a proud Poppa! I'm so glad Dad found a hobby he loves for his 'retirement'.

On our last day in London, we went to an outdoor play group, and met up with our friends...

Kelly and Samantha, from our Port Moody Mommy Group

and big brother DJ.

Following the leader through the splash pad (that Robee... always a rebel).

Cousin Maks (who knows he's adorable)...

Big sister Kaylin, and mommy, Charlene.

Have I told you before how much I love this sweet-heart?

This one's for Uncle Jason's desk.

After the park, we went to check out Jen & Lance's new home - what a gorgeous place. Speaking of gorgeous, this angellic little face is our friend Sophia.

Brady and Luke had a blast playing together, and I even saw a hint of that hero-worshipping she does with older boys.

Despite having the new camera and 'lightning fast' continuous shooting, I still had one heck of a time getting a shot of the 3 'little darlings' together, all facing the camera. The few I did get turned out fuzzy (I am definitely going to take a course to learn how to use all those settings on my camera), so here's the best I could do.

I love this picture. All smiles at the airport, before we had to say our sad good-byes.

We miss you all, and look forward to seeing you again soon.