All is good in our little world 🙂

 

Claire & Rhys 19 months old

Two weekends ago we headed up to Pemberton, BC (just North of Whistler) for one of my best friends wedding. Anna and I have been friends since we met at University in 1996 (15 years ago!). We were roommates along with our friends Faye and Tash. We had some really great times living together in a home Anna’s folks owned that we called ‘the ranch’. Some of the most memorable times of my life.

It was really special to be present at Anna and Ben’s wedding. Thanks so much for having us join you for such a special event. It really was one of the most beautiful weddings we have been to.

Pemberton is gorgeous! We drove up on Friday with Claire & Rhys and Jimmy’s sister Debbie. We haven’t left the kids with a baby-sitter before so we asked Debbie if she could join us and watch the kids the day of the wedding. She was so kind to have not hesitated in saying yes.

Some of the weekend highlights:

– a walk around Whistler village on a bright sunny day without a stroller (Claire & Rhys were great at holding our hands through the crowds)

– the rugged mountain backdrop for the entire weekend

– lounging in the pool and hot tub on a sunny morning with Debbie while Jimmy was upstairs with the kids while they napped

– A brand new skate park close by for Jimmy to skate with some buddies who drove up from Vancouver

– Swimming for the first time with Claire & Rhys – they loved it!

– a night out without kids

– having Claire & Rhys spend quality time with their Auntie Debbie 🙂

 

A walk around Whistler village before arriving in Pemberton:

Pemberton:

Anna & Ben’s wedding at the local vineyard:

My parents came into town a few days before they were to leave on an Alaskan cruise. A well-deserved vacation for my folks.

They had one afternoon free to spend with us so we made the most of it – walk, park, lots of cuddles, and a shared dinner. It is always nice to spend time with my parents 🙂

 

 

As mentioned before – we love going to the park with Claire & Rhys!

We live in a third floor condo so we are at the park 2 to 3 times a day which affords Claire & Rhys lots of outdoor time. Finding new parks is a great thing. With school out the park closest to us is insanely busy and with Jimmy alone during the week with two rambunctious toddlers sometimes too many people makes it hard to make sure both kids stay safe. So, on a very busy and warm afternoon Jimmy went to a new park which was absolutely perfect for toddlers. Claire & Rhys were able to climb up the stairs and go down the slide all by themselves.

Our babies sure are growing up quickly.

Claire laughing at her brother who just slid off the end of the slide 🙂 – he was okay no ouchies…

In honor of Canada’s 144th birthday, our good friends Faye & Niels (and daughters Charlotte & Malia)  invited us to their Canada Day BBQ.

They have a lovely home close to us that has big front and back yard that is great for busy little toddlers like Claire & Rhys.

Claire had a bit of a fever either from the immunizations or from more teething. Although she wasn’t feeling her best she managed to have as much fun as Rhys who was the only little boy present and Oh Wow! is he ever a little flirt 🙂

When we arrived there was a bouncy castle on the front lawn – fun!

Two weekends ago we made a last minute trip to Parksville so I could attend one of my dearest friends stagette. This was going to be one of my first trips away from the kids but the week prior to my departure was miserable for all of us. Claire & Rhys had their 18 month immunizations on the Monday and they were really sick for most of the week which meant lousy sleep for all of us. It would have been so difficult for Jimmy to be alone dealing with two screaming babies in the middle of the night so we decided it was best if we all went to Parksville and rented a cabin. I could attend the stagette and still be available to help Jimmy for bath time and bedtime.

Our cabin was close to the beach entrance so while I was off celebrating with the girls Jimmy bravely ventured out onto the sand and had some fun with Claire & Rhys. The trip was a great success and as a bonus the kids slept through the night 🙂

We love looking at pictures of Claire and Rhys when they were little babies. We marvel at how much they have grown in such a  short time- It’s amazing!

Jimmy noticed some similar photos that we had of Claire as a baby compared to Claire as a toddler. They are pretty neat 🙂

 

 

Claire and Rhys really are the best of friends. It’s hard not to be when they have been together every single day of their lives. Pretty neat for them to have each other – a constant play-mate, a co-conspirator against Mom and Dad, someone to giggle with while falling asleep, and so much more…..

Don’t get us wrong though, they do have their ‘not-so-friendly’ moments like all siblings do 😉

Some cute friend moments captured by Jimmy…

High Fives…