The Howarth Family

Since Brian had the day off (3-cheers) we decided to take the kids to the beach. I'm terrified to attempt taking the kids to the beach solo (can you say 4 against 1) so we figured today was the perfect day! Plus, the weather was fantastic! All the kids loved every minute and everyone played for hours! It was Reese's first time in sand/lake water and it was no surprise that she loved it. 

I loved watching Reese march around in her 2-piece swimsuit. I mean seriously, does it get any more adorable (or chubby)? At one point she was 'jumping' up and down and lets just say it was a sight to behold! I love this spunky little girl!

Cade loves the water! He pretty much spent the entire few hours running in/out of the water (and it's freezing). He would roll in the sand then run into the water to wash off - over and over again! He even jumped off the end of the dock - which is a big deal!

Remy loved playing in the sand. She built a few sandcastles and let Brian bury her legs in the sand. She was really stuck too! Brian had to dig her out! She also loved playing at the park. It was fun watching her run back and forth from the beach to the park!

Of course Nora was a dream. She spent the entire time in her carseat taking in the sights! She even took a good nap! She is seriously such a dream baby and we sure do love her!

Hopefully there are more beach-days in our future!

To say the kids adore their Dad is an understatement!

(and for the record - I think he's pretty fantastic too)

All 4 of their sweet faces light-up when Brian's around.

He works hard for our little family and we all love him!

Plus, he is the biggest help (to me) when he is around too. I can count on him to pick up where I left off with the kids! It's awesome.

I love these pictures of Nora & Brian.

They have a special little bond and it's fun to watch them together.

We LOVE our Dad!

(I need to get more pictures of the kids with their Dad! This was all I could find!)

Reese is our firecracker!

She is so full of personality, spunk, attitude and she oozes cuteness!

Reese went for her 18 month shots last week.

I was curious to see just how much she weighed and where she 'ranked'.

My suspicions were confirmed...

Weight: 30lbs (98%)!

(She is in the 75% for height)

Oh how we love this squishy little girl!

(She is going to hate this picture one day)!

We spent the last weekend at the cabin.

The Oakey's have been taking up residence there and we wanted to play!

The weather was much better than home and we took full advantage of the outdoors!

Nora and Theo were very happy to see each other and be able to play.

Those two are going to be trouble when they grow up!

Reese was unsure of the pool at first.

After a few minutes she was pretty excited about it. 

She still needs help floating but hopefully in a few weeks she will be able to swim around on her own!

Nora was - of course - a dream.

She got to sport her summer outfit which made her very happy!

And a trip to the cabin is never complete with out a pina colada!

(Did I mention that it is also a requirement to look like homeless children when at the cabin - well, it is)!

Brian was such big help at the cabin.

The kids loved having him around to play with.

He was pretty exhausted by the end of the day!

The worst part was saying goodbye!

We sure do love being with the Oakey's.

We will hopefully see them again in JULY!

Now we just have to get through the next week of school and we will be back in paradise!

This little lady is 2 1/2 months old!

She is a perfect little doll.

She seriously makes having a baby seem easy (knock on wood that this never changes)!

Last week we went for her first set of shots!

She did awesome. 

3 shots, a few tears and a quick cuddle and she was back to her happy self.

It looks like she is going to be our petite little girl.

12lbs 5oz - 50%

(She is also in the 50% for height)

We sure do love her!

FYI: Soccer should not exist in Canada.

It is played in the 'spring' (aka: milder form of winter) and it is freezing.

Each game I have to bundle up, wrap myself in a blanket and endure the game!

Even though I clearly do not love soccer, Cade has had a great time this season.

He loves to go to the practices/games.

He loves to be the goalie (he spends most of the time doing air-ninja moves while in goal - it's pretty sweet) and it is a great way to burn some of his endless energy supply!

(Cade in goal)

He also loves to sit on my lap when he is waiting for his turn.

It's been a fun way to spend a little one-on-one time (I refuse to take any of the other kids with me).

I love this kid - energy, attitude and all!

He has yet to score a goal but, our fingers are crossed for his final game! 

Go Cade Go!

We decided to bless Nora at my parents house.

I have always wanted to do a blessing in a home and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

We were surrounded by close friends and family.

It was delightful.

Nora started crying in the middle of the blessing.

It flustered Brian (haha).

However, he managed to give her a beautiful name & blessing.

Trying to get a picture of all our kids is pretty much impossible.

These kids are full of energy!

My Mom was so much help. 

She put together an awesome dinner for after the blessing.

We had about 30 people over and she fed everyone!

It is so lovely to live so close to these two.

They are some of our very favourite people!

G&G Howarth also made the long journey to attend the blessing.

Nora is lucky to have such dedicated grandparents in her life.

It was also nice to have them finally meet Nora!

Uncle Jeremy and Chloe also came!

It was their first trip to Okotoks and first time meeting Nora & Reese!

We were so happy to have them come! 

Of course Auntie Kensie was there too!

These two are sure to be best buds in a few years.

Kensie sure does adore Nora already!

I love this little lady!

She is a dream and we all love having (another) baby in the house!