Lots of pictures! Finally!

Here are some pictures from our trip to PG. Joel and I went there for a week while Brad was in Holland for work. We spent lots of time with the cousins (always lots of fun!). Joel got stung by an evil wasp on his cheek one day - you can see from his reaction, he wasn't very happy! The hydrangea is in Mom's garden. Who thought you could grow them up there (hint hint for all you global warming skeptics!). We had soccer Saturday, watching Josh and Ethan show off their moves and of course, Joel, Hannah and Maren on the sidelines. On Sunday we went for a good walk up to Forests For the World and it looks like most of us chose to wear some shade of red that day! We finished off that evening with a birthday celebration for Frances - ribs, corn and chocolatey goodness for dessert.... MMMM!! Good job Chris! All in all, it was a busy week but we had a great time hanging out with everyone! We miss you guys! Hopefully we'll be back soon to meet the newest "Naegeli" once he or she arrives! Can't wait! See you soon!

Time for an update

A week and a half ago Joel turned 18 months. He had his last official checkup at the doctor's including his last shots until preschool (so glad they're done with)! He weighed 30 lbs and measured 33.5 inches. He's still 100 percentile for weight and 80th for height. He's really starting to say more words now, although not the same ones consistently, except for Bye and Vroom which he is very good at! He has said Thank you, Auntie, Grandma, Hannah, shoes, socks, ball, car, and even came out with "Mama, hold" once when he wanted me to hold his hand. He also always says There you go when handing you something. It's pretty cute and very interesting to see him copying my own habits! Also with turning 18 months came the tantrums and freak outs that I guess we'll have to deal with over the next couple of years. (Karen - I know you warned me about the day they turn 18 months and you were right!). However, he is still a sweet and cuddly boy who loves giving hugs and kisses. What more could a mom ask for?

A visit from Auntie Nikki!

Presents, a trip to Crescent Beach and bubblegum ice cream! How much better does it get! We had a fun week with Nikki here. Joel got another in house babysitter for 2 days this time! Lucky guy!! We spent another great day shopping and then a lovely (hot) day at the beach. We also got a little visit from Evelin last Sunday and we got to spend an evening with our friend Karen from our good ol' high school days. It was a busy week but we loved having you here!!

A visit from Auntie Frances and Hannah

A couple of weeks ago Auntie Frances and Hannah came for a visit. We had a great time with them and kept busy with a big shopping trip, a visit to the aquarium and a walk through Burns Bog. They even got to babysit Joel one day while Mom and Dad had to go to work! Come again anytime!!

Summer evening at the farm

Here are just a couple of pictures of our evening at the farm. It was a "Farewell" party as it was Auntie Sylvia, Uncle John, Kirsten, Kelsey and Karina's last night in Canada. We were so glad they came to visit! Joel just loved all the attention and we were so happy to get to see them again!

Capilano Suspension Bridge

We spent the holiday Monday with Brad's Auntie Sylvia, Uncle John, Kirsten, Kelsey, Karina (all visiting from St. Louis), and Mama Bruin (visiting from Nanaimo) and Karen, Ty, Duncan, Ethan and Rachel. We crossed the bridge and went up into the Treetop Adventure - a series of suspension bridges up in the trees (yeah, kind of a nightmare for me since I have always had a fear of suspension bridges but it was okay). We had lots of fun and got some good use out of the backpack! That boy is getting heavy!!

Shuswap

We had a wonderful time camping at Shuswap Lake. What a great way to get some time away from city life! We had an awesome time with family and friends! We spend time at the beach, biking around the campground, making T-shirts, at the waterslides in Vernon and waiting out a massive rainstorm. Thanks for such a memorable week away!

On the road...

On the way to Shuswap we made a little detour to Kelowna to meet up with everyone for dinner. Ken, Evelin, Brittany and Caitlin met us there and we had a nice little reunion! We are so glad they were able to take some time to meet up with us! Thank you! After dinner we took some family pictures and found a little bunny to chase around!

Not a coincidence

Twice (in a row) today Joel let me know that he needed to use the potty. I put him on and he went right away! He also went No2 this morning on the potty so I have not changed a poopy diaper all day!!! How nice! Sometimes the kid amazes me. I don't think I can call him "Baby" anymore :(
He also is working on 5 or 6 teeth right now so that brings his in mouth total to about 15! Does that sound right, dental sisters?? Could he be getting his second molars already?
And one other thing, he is really starting to walk down stairs without holding on to anything! What a big boy!

Monkey off our backs

Today the insurance on the Grand Am was due to be renewed and guess what.... Today we sold it! It officially belongs to someone else!! We are happy and I'm sure all our neighbours are too!

Burns Bog and Timbits

Last night we went for a little walk through the bog. Joel loved it in there, running along the boardwalk, pointing at everything he found to be exciting - sunken tractor, skunk cabbage.... We ended the evening with a little stop at Timmies to replenish any calories we might have burned.

PG Fun!

Joel had a great time up in PG with his cousins, Grandma and Grandpa and aunties and uncles. It was very hot there and our time was quick and busy but we had lots of fun anyway! We can't wait to see you all again!

Canada Day party

Jordan and Joel sitting on a stump.

Sweet Rachel

Ethan and the horses.

Joel in the field. Watch where you step!

Happy Canada Day!

Here is our annual Canada Day family picture as well as some photos from the BBQ we were at. It was such a nice place! They had 3 horses in the field, all with babies! They were very friendly and just came right up to us. The owner told us they are all race horses. I very badly wanted to ride on one! Joel experienced many firsts this weekend - his first horse up close!

Snapshots

Here are some pictures from the weekend. Joel playing on the beach with Rachel, Ethan, Duncan, Jordan and Emma and stinky dog Benji. Jordan and Joel enjoying some chips, Joel's first boat ride (he cried the whole time) and also his first Jeep ride (also cried the whole time) and there he is, much happier with a soccer ball. Ethan and Duncan fishing - they caught a tiny perch and me and Joel in our matching outfits, except my Crocs got cut off.

Going on a holiday!

Waiting for the ferry....
On the ferry! Joel really loved the ferry ride, as long as we let him run around! We had a great weekend away on the island. I'll work on posting some more pics.

First bike ride

Last night we took out our bikes and hit the road for the first time in over 2 years! The bikes needed a little TLC but it's true, you don't forget!! Joel had a nice time in his little Chariot - thanks Uncle Jim and Auntie Monica!

Joel enjoyed the storm too.

So this is summer.

Lately it has felt more like April than the end of June. These pictures are from yesterday. The black clouds rolled in from the west and the blue sky was to the east. Blue sky, lightning, thunder, very heavy rain and even a little hail. What a crazy day for weather.

Climb, Climb - Thanks Daddy!