Kade started soccer . . . .

. . . tonight. He has been looking forward to this for a long time. He was just getting into the swing of things when the season ended last year. I think he is ready to compete this year and he thinks he is too. So excitement has been building rapidly for this young boy (who remember is a real boy who likes boy things). Then last week the team names came out in the paper. The youngest age groups are sponsored by Tim Hortons and therefore are named for a colour . . . . and wouldn't you know . . . .

Kade gets to be PURPLE!!!!

But - even better - after a brief moment of doubt and unsurety -- he is cool with it!!! YEAH!!

And I think it looks pretty cute on him too . . . not that we'll make a habit of it:)

Spring Revue

Our homeschooling group held its Spring Arts Revue on Friday. It was a very nice evening - though I must admit that I made the mistake of taking Kylie along. She did not seem to find anything about it entertaining - though I'm not sure why. The kids did a great job in all areas! The students also had the chance to display a project, hobby, or craft that they had worked on, so we set up all the lego knights, drew up a castle, and soon we had one of the kids (Kade's for sure) favorite hobbies up and ready to go!

Kevin and Kade's Knight Kingdom

We also made these Diego sand art creations together. This was a lot of fun to make too - you just peel of the sticker of whichever piece you would like to "colour" and sprinkle the sand colour of choice - it did involve quite a bit of parental help, but I think the boys really enjoyed how "professional" they looked when we were finished. I was impressed!

One of Kevin (and Grades 1-4) winter activities was putting on a play - Peter Rabbit. Kevin was just a member of the choir and was fairly thrilled with the whole idea -NOT - actually it wasn't too bad during the winter (because they also did swimming) - but these last few weeks has been choir practice for more than an hour and then Peter Rabbit practice for a little less than an hour - this is not exactly his cup of tea and he reminds me rather frequently to consult him next time before signing him up for choir!! To which I remind him that this is very good for you Kevin . . . balance is important . . . there is more to life than sports and being constantly on the move . . . blah . . . blah . . . blah - and I'm sure that last part is all he hears. Anyway - the kids did the Peter Rabbit performance once already in March, but we missed it because Kevin had basketball and with the directors permission, we let him attend the activity of his choice - NOT SINGING!! But I was looking very forward to seeing the performance at the Spring Revue. Finally the time comes, and the cast walks nicely or hops down the aisle - oh except Kevin - he saunters, (actually i don't think there is a word for quite the way he made his way down the aisle - except the body language screamed - "I am not happy to be here . . . I am probably too cool to do this . . .There just might be 100 people in the audience laughing at the way I look . . . etc.) Anyway my dear son, you may have gone unnoticed if you just followed the mold. So the singing began - except Kevin forgot to sing - and it wasn't nerves. I think he was just to busy checking out the audience. So much for my great expectations - but I'm sure I noticed greatly more than anyone else. Anyway the kids did really great for the show and Kevin did get a few words and action out here and there!

And then it was choir time - but I was no longer watching. I was otherwise occupied by dear Kylie, but I could hear and it sounded wonderful. The teacher does a GREAT job with the kids.But somehow every picture Jonathan snapped had a similar look to it. (For those who don't know Kevin too well - he's the one yawning:)) Needless to say, there have been no complaints - and yes even a few cheers when he heard that choir was done for the year.Now, lest you think these weeks have been a total waste - Kevin has learned 5 or 6 new songs and does sing them at home - as does Kade. And, the very best thing about choir and Peter Rabbit practice??? The kids often got a "recess" or break while the senior choir practiced and could spend time outside in the woods behind the church, building forts with their friends - Now that is an activity for a seven year old boy!! and it made all the rest worth it!

Some miscellaneous pictures . . .

. . . that don't really fit in anywhere, but long to be shared nonetheless.

Kylie indulging in . . . . a marker. Hmmmmm!

Anna and Kylie doing some early gardening . . . and Kylie having yet a few more nibbles of something she really shouldn't. That girl has/will have a wonderful immune system I'm sure.

Cousins - Landon, Jeremy and Kylie.

Anna, Opa, and Kylie.

Kylie is Two ! . . . already!

Kylie had her second birthday on Monday. She is now officially two. I do not feel like this number "two" really changes anything. Oh yes, we talk about the terrible twos, but I really believe I'm actually half way done those already. I mean she started her terrible twos at least half a year ago, so I think it's safe to assume I really don't have all that far to go;) Like Kade's birthday, we celebrated with little fanfare. Kylie still doesn't grasp the concept of a birthday, though she enjoyed the results of her birthday - balloons, cake, and presents.

This is just me noting the extremely fast passing of time:(

Kade and Kylie enjoying some morning sun.

Kylie enjoyed her cake - but really only the eating part. She was actually quite scared of the candles and wanted little to do with the cake until the candles were blown out. Jonathan let the kids pick away at the cake. Being the not necessarily always well mannered boy that he is, Kevin just about stuck his face right in - and then he did when Jonathan gave his head a good firm push into the cake. So he had icing all over his face and Kylie was all of the sudden terrified of him. She hates masks or anything like that, but this seemed a little silly, but she didn't stop crying until Kevin left the room to clean up. Funny girl!

Opening her presents . . .

. . . .with an extremely captivated audience who had to clench their hands very tightly at their sides in order to resist the very strong urge to "help". Oh the self-restraint!

Kylie loves anything Dora or Backpack, so this dolly was an immediate hit.

As was the stroller! Kylie is actually really loving "girl things" like dolls and their accessories. I love seeing her play. At my parents house, Kylie and Summer make a beeline for the basement and quickly come tromping up the stairs with their dolls, the pack n' play, the highchair, blankets etc. What fun they have (until they decide that they like the other persons doll a little better than the one they are holding at the moment).

Here she is juggling three "babies". Yes she can be downright motherly when she wants to be.

We are very thankful for this little girl. She has taught us so much already in her two short years. They may not always be things we are willing to learn - like patience, and more patience, but they are good things nonetheless. She of course had also taught us that a mother and father's love is much deeper than we can ever imagine. It doesn't matter what exasperating, ridiculous, or downright bad thing she may have just done, it sure doesn't take long for us to pick that girl up and smother her with hugs and kisses. We love her fiery, fiesty attitude. (sometimes). We love her love for learning and exploring new things. She is not far behind her brothers when they are off exploring or doing "boy things". We love hearing her learn new words every day. Yes, we love it that her vocabulary has expanded beyond "NO WAY!". We love her goofy faces and the looks she gives us that say so much. Ah yes, we love this girl. But now I need to stop because she is whacking me with her dolly and I think wishes me to leave the computer. Nevertheless we thank God every day for this blessing, as well as our other two. We pray that she will grow up to be a godly young girl who loves the Lord!