the greatest rewards

So, a couple girlfriends and myself have been emailing back and forth about life with kids...how incredible, rewarding, intimidating it can be. We are currently on the subject (one of many) of basically self-respect, self-acceptance and what we want to put forward to our children. 


We want what every parent wants...for our children to be strong, independent, respectful, compassionate, helpful, confident, to "teach the child to be giving but not to give away the essence of self" (to quote my friend).


She is absolutely right. We have to try and teach our children to be all of these things, with out jeopardizing their SELF.


As parents, we know what it is like to give, give, give, sacrifice life as we used to know it...because basically, for the next X number of years, we serve our children. We dedicate morning, noon and night to them...and as I said in my previous blog, we can lose our personal relationship...with ourselves AND our partner. 


So as we work, work, work we must set aside time for ourselves, for our partners, for our children, for our friends, for our family members. We must try to enjoy one on one activities, get involved, get our children involved.


When I cook or clean, I try to have Ellis help...he is two and a half...and loves to be included. This gives him such great pride...the look in his eyes is incredible...he relishes in any activity we do together. We also try to include Jenner...but being ten months old, he's a little tough to wrangle! He goes from one thing to another in a matter of seconds!


Ellis has helped me do laundry, scrub floors, wash the bath tub, shovel the deck, do dishes, bake cupcakes and cook supper. He helps me grind the coffee beans in the morning and gets Jenner his yogurt. I want him to know that he CAN do these things. I want them to be second nature to him. I want him to know that HE. IS. CAPABLE. And I am also instilling in him that all who live in a home together, nurture that home together. Everyone has shared responsibilities. We all make the home work together.


We were taught this growing up, and are continuing to show it to our children...we include them, they include each other...

Helping to water flowers

Baking with Grandma (while her kitchen was being reno'd)

Waiting for laundry to be done!

He loves watering flowers!

If you help make a mess, you help clean it up!

Decorating cupcakes...he picked green icing!

Baking buns with Gaga, Jenner is helping too!

We are team Smith's! When my boys are older, you can bet that they will be telling me and Jes to sit back and relax while they make supper together. My siblings and I did that for our parents, and they appreciate it. It's one less thing to do in a day.


I am pretty pleased to have both sides of my family involve one another in everything. It's awesome...my Thunder Bay family loves being a part of each other's lives...there is always time for tea together, there is always a big family supper around the table, there is always good conversation that everyone is involved in. Many stories have been told in that little house...Suesue and Papa G's house...Ellis always talks about it. And it is because they have created cherished memories in it for him! He knows that every time we go there he will play with them, watch movies with them...and you can bet he will tell Papa G to "bring me my suppoo" while we sit downstairs together.


I absolutely love involving my kids, I love teaching them responsibility...but not too much right now...they are kids of course! So there is lots of time to play, read books, colour, etc. 


We have many years of "real responsibilities" ahead, so I don't want to rush them right now. 


Both sides of our family nourish the spirit. We compliment one another, give each other a pat on the back when needed....we make sure to let each other know that we are doing a good job.


I like to think that I have always had a good head on my shoulders. Sure, I've made some mistakes, but I don't regret them. They have made me who I am. I can look at myself and feel good about who I am, where I am at in life, and I can say that I have no regrets. 
I think that is a great, positive way to feel. I hope my husband feels that, I hope my friends feel that, and I hope my children feel that.


If you are living life with a positive outlook, an open mind, an open spirit and not laying so much importance on things like looks, how "much" you have or how much money you make, then you will be a happier person.


We live within our means. If we can spoil ourselves a little here and there, then we will. We do what makes us feel happy, good. We do what makes us feel beautiful. As a whole. And when something is thrown in our way, we work at it together, and get by it. We don't need a lot of things in life...we just need to be able to look in our childrens' eyes and see happiness, confidence, honesty, pride, and spirit.


That is the sweetest reward.

revitalized!

Ahhhh!
I feel refreshed! (But still a little tired!)
The hunny cam home finally! This week went by 
so
slowly.


I am so glad to have Jes home. It's like the missing piece of the puzzle was found! The boys little faces were lit up with joy and excitement when they heard daddy's voice...and saw the little surprises he brought home for them.


After a long couple weeks for all of us, yesterday and today were great for our souls!


I headed to the city to pick up Jesse, but before I met him at the airport I had supper with my cousin. We had such a great visit and supper at the Outback! Mmmmmm....Aussie Cheese Fries! We cackled, laughed, caught up, cackled more, looked at pictures and videos on my cell of the boys....and laughed even more.


What release. What an amazing way to revive yourself! It perked me right up! Got me out of the slow, grumpy groove I was in. I love how a little bit of girl time does that for me! While we were eating we made plans to go out. We went and picked up Jes then went and booked a hotel. Jesse, who was exhausted and hungry after a day of traveling, was excited to get showered and gussied up in the new clothes I had bought him. So, he ordered in room service, layed on the bed and watched tv and waited for his food. Stace and I laid on the other bed and talked and talked and got lost in our conversation, as we always do!


The food came, Jesse ate, then we all decided we were to tired to do anything, and basically we went to bed! 


The next day, we got up, got ready, went for breakfast and went shopping together! I was so grateful to have some time to spend with just Jesse. JUST US. It was so nice...we walked around the mall, holding hands, he spent lots of time outside stores on the bench waiting for me...
We spoiled ourselves, nurtured our spirits, joked around...and just had fun. We laughed and joked and enjoyed being in the company of one another. 
Don't get me wrong, we always do...but it's extra special when there are no interruptions from our little men!
Funny thing was, we spent most of the time talking about the boys...the silly faces they make, the funny things Ellis says...it made us miss them!


We know the importance of having alone time...we try our best to make it happen, but we just don't get it enough! Jes works...a lot. He has missed countless family functions, and he feels bad...but that's life. Work is kind of important...but when your family is asking if you even exist anymore, it might be time to cut back on the hours! Right?


Anyways...what I am getting at, is that we were so care-free...just roaming around, at our leisure, talking about when we first met and how crazy it is that we have ended up here.


Here being married, with two kids, and now waiting (impatiently) to move into our new home. Our first house! 


We are elated. We are anxious. We are finally real adults! Haha!


As I have said before, I am learning to become a more grateful person...not one that takes others for granted.


I am so thankful that I had time to spend with Jesse alone. It took us back to a place...a place where fun, flirting and free spirits roam!


I think we are going to have to make that a weekly thing. Just the two of us, out from our four walls...


We feel uplifted. And appreciate our kiddies that much more. And we appreciate all who have helped us along the way...and today, we are thankful that my mom was watching the boys. (Don't worry Smith's...your days are comin')


So, have a look at your calendar, pick a day, book a sitter and take your man or woman out on the town...whether its just to go shopping or a supper date, it's amazing how revitalized you can feel! Especially after a week of not seeing each other.

Have fun lovers...remember, it's not just one day out of the year you need to make special! It all of the others too!

mama said there'll be days like this...

Well...the lovely flu finally caught us...kicked us in the butt, worked us over, chewed us up and spit us out. After a whole winter of escaping it, we got it. It has been just over two weeks. First the stomach flu, then the horrible cold, then the horrible cold mixed with the stomach flu, then just the lovely cold on it's own once again.


I am sick of bodily functions of every sort. The snot, filthy diapers, washing of bedding in the middle of night...


UGH!!! Fed. Up.


I know it will pass. I know this. But the amount of whining, tears, outbursts, tantrums and frustration from my children wore off on me. 


I know you are to be compassionate with your wee ones when they are sick...but I was sick as well...and for every single time my little guys crawled to me, clung to me, pulled at my pant legs...I wanted to go to my mom and do the same.


I don't get sick all that often. Maybe twice a year. And holy crap, did this one ever hit me hard. It didn't help that my husband was working crazy hours and feeling just as bad. There was literally no down time. Even at night. Poor Jenner was fevered, I was on the phone with HealthLink, I phoned the doctor's office EVERY MORNING to be put on the wait list.


But, we got over it. We ate healthy, drank plenty of fluids, and beat it.


This is an example of how these little men were affected.
I took them to town, (we currently live half hour out, but are moving in to town end of March) so we could visit my grandparents, who are now all in a home. (Heart-breaking to me, but necessary for them)


Picture this, we stroll in to the home, my brother Robin came with us, so I could have an extra hand, and my boys were the centre of attention...which they love. The residents of the home were waving, smiling, and watching the boys. 


We walked down the corridor to go see my grandparents and met them on their way to eat lunch. So, we walked with them back to the cafeteria and sat down. 
Well, the adults sat down. Ellis did not. He proceeded to take of his boots and socks and took off RUNNING down the hall where we just came from. So I handed Jenner to Robin, and ran after him. After finally catching him, I knelt down in front of him and talked sternly to him. He didn't give a rip. He continued to run and scream and laugh. 
I could have throttled that child!! (joking here, remember I like sarcastic humor)
So, off we walk, hand in hand...well, I walked, Ellis hopped and tried to escape my kung fu grip. Once we were closer to the cafeteria I could hear that all too familiar wailing of Jenner. Sigh. He spazzed out once he saw me take off. 


Like, what were all the residents thinking of me and my crazy children at this point!!?? I am certain that hearing aids were being turned down. Women must have been thinking my children would have NEVER acted that way! Men must have been thinking bring that boy over here so I can give him a whippin'!


Then comes lunch. Ellis sat, like a little prince, and ate very nicely. 
Jenner....did not. Since there are no high chairs there, he was on my lap, squirming, twisting, yelling, crying, pushing the spoon away, getting food on me, on him, the table.
My Grandma Clara said "My, he's a busy boy!"
Ya...that usually means your child is CRAZY! Contain him! Do something!


Meanwhile, Sir Ellis finished eating...and went wild. Again. Uncle Robin was awesome and did his best to contain him. But, despite his best efforts, we left. I barely got to eat, but did not care.


We dropped off Uncle Robin and seconds later the boys passed out. Sleeping angels.


I was glad Robin was there with me, it helped me keep my cool. We all know how frustrating this kind of situation can be...the screaming, the running, the whole I'm-not-listening-to-you-mommy! attitude. Oh the attitude. Why, how can such small beings throw down such immense attitudes? Jenner....ten months old...has it perfected!
He can throw it better than anyone!

Exhibit A - Ellis has a toy he wants...

Oh yes, these are the days, my friend...where the simplest little thing can spark a tear. Well, in our case, a meltdown!


I should give these two little men more credit...they are great kids. But daddy is gone to Atlanta for work and will be back late Friday night, just in time for him to snuggle up next to Ellis and sleep for the night. Jenner will wait until Saturday morning to see him. And he will be excited! He loves his daddy...claws at his face, pulls his cheeks, loves. his. daddy. And boy does daddy love him. It's just that they don't get to see him very often...with the long hours he works, and the time that Jenner goes to bed! Their schedules never seem to work!
These two little guys miss their dad so badly, that they just don't know what to do!
Ellis keeps telling me he has do go help daddy with the welding truck, or help daddy wash his work clothes, or he tells me daddy is gone to work and "he be riiiiiiiight back!"


So this lat week, I am going to chalk it up to that. Jesse is gone. They miss him. And they don't know how to tell me, so they act wild. 


They have been going after each other...Ellis pulls at Jenner, Jenner pulls at Ellis...when one is sleeping, the other tries to wake him up. But, when one is sleeping and the other does not wake him up...the one who is awake is playing nicely, peacefully and letting me do my work. Jenner is at the stage where he thinks he doesn't need two naps a day...sometimes if he naps in the morning he won't nap in the afternoon and is very grouchy, and goes to bed at 6pm. Then wakes up at 5am. 


It's a vicious cycle!


One day, I know...all these little grouchy, red, i'm-so-sick-of-this faces will be happy again...just counting down the hours...


Until then...you can laugh at these pictures...because in the end, all we have to do is laugh it off!

the other 364 days of the year....

We all love Valentine's Day...right?

Me and the Loverboy

No. Most people loathe it! Most people think its pointless, but there are some of us who love it...who relish in it...who expect to be showered with giant, over-priced gifts, smothered in bouquets of flowers and gorging ourselves on chocolates! It's the one day of the year where our partner must profess their love to us...where restaurants are booked solid for romantic candle lit dinners, wine glasses over flowing and hearts bursting with love and joy. 

One of the most popular days for a man to drop down on one knee and propose to the one woman that they want to spend the rest of their lives with!

Oh its exciting! It's wonderful! It's pure bliss to be shown how much your lover loves to love you!

It's also a great way to be boastful of what gifts you were spoiled with...oh how loved you are to receive such fortunes!

Didn't we just finish breaking the bank at Christmas? Didn't we just do this? Didn't we all just get so sickenly spoiled by materialistic things!?

My, we are ever so deserving! 

Why? Why do we need to blow our hard earned money on this day? It's like a rule that your man has to get you flowers, then this, then that....then whatever else...and if you don't get whatever it is you want, you are hurt?!

I'm not a hater of Valentine's...I just think there is way too much hype for one day.

Did I get gifts? Yes...Jes is out of the country right now, and spoiled me two days ago to make up for not being here on Valentine's Day.

Was I happy I got gifts? Absolutely! Who doesn't like gifts? But what I am saying...is why is there one day? Just one?

I'm not saying that everyday should be filled with gifts and flowers and the sort...just sayin' that everyday we should celebrate our love. And not just love for our partner...love of life, of friends, of family.

We should be thankful everyday for what we have, whether we are single or not...

My best friend Leanne said it best about her boyfriend, who she won't be able to see because they are both working...she said:

"I have a pretty special man in my life. The greatest gift Travis gives me are his words. They come straight from his heart. Especially when he says he loves me!!"

YES!!! Word to your mom! Thank you Leanne! Speak it!

I fully agree. I look at Leanne, who has been through some craptastic relationships...and she is now, full on, head over heels in love with a man who actually reciprocates her feelings! He adores her, deserves her...and it is fantastic! They barely get to see each other because of their work schedules and locations, but when they see each other they make the best of it! He supports her when she needs it, sets her in place when she needs it...he is to her what I am to her...only in male form!

(Haven't we all said that we want to date a man who is like our best girlfriend!?)

I think she found the me-him! HA!

They are best friends. And sadly, I haven't even met the guy! We all live in different provinces, I never travel anymore, and they spend whatever time they can have together...well, together. Or with family. And they both understand the importance of family. It's great. It's almost like every time they get to see each other is Valentine's Day all over again! They spend that time together, spoil each other with love and affection...

They can sit on her porch swing, just like in the picture below..that is one of her most favourite spots to be. I am so glad she gets to sit there, hand in hand with Travis...talking about love, life, their future...it's a perfect way for them to waste an afternoon...and I hope they do that often. I hope that if she ever leaves the house she is in, that she will take that porch swing and spend years in it with him...getting old, wrinkly and more in 

love!

Beautiful Leanne, snuggling my little Ellis

Why aren't the other 364 days like that?

I am not a religious person...but I am spiritual..and I don't pray, but I am just starting to get in to the habit of waking up in the morning, after a long sleepless night of being awake with Jenner, and asking myself, "What am I thankful for?" (Thank you brother Robin for always asking that, it has stuck with me now!)

I am thankful for my husband, because with out him I would have Ellis and Jenner, with out him I wouldn't have know how big my heart was, I would have known how deeply I can love. 

I am thankful for every past crappy relationship or experience because with out them I wouldn't be who I am today. I am thankful to have my family close to me, physically and emotionally. I am thankful to have married in to such an amazing family, and even though they live across the country from us, I am grateful that we get to see them when we do...and I am so thankful that my boys have fond memories of Thunder Bay.

I am so thankful for all that has been placed in my hands from a higher power, I couldn't begin to write everything in one day. That is why I ask myself everyday. So everyday I can think of something new!

So, from now on, I vow to speak from my heart, to love freely, and to AP-PRE-CI-ATE what I have...not wish for things I don't have.

So yes, Happy Valentine's Day all you lovers...enjoy your day, enjoy these moments, but please...don't forget the next day, the day after that and the day after that...don't let your love wear off...keep it real, the other 364 days of the year!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

let's talk

So, today, February 9, 2011 is the day of the Let's Talk campaign that Clara Hughes (Olympian) is the spokesperson for. You can read more of her battle with depression here: http://www.clara-hughes.com/journal/lets-talk


I kind of thought that this was a good way for me to talk about post pardum depression...and not in a sad way.


I would just like to bring light to it. 


People who know me would most likely describe me as happy. And I am happy...but, the fact of the matter is, after having two children, close together and even with all of the support from my awesome family and friends, post pardum still crept up on me.


I think I tried to ignore it...I felt...embarrassed. I felt like a failure. I felt like an awful mom. When Jenner was five months old, I finally made an appointment with my doctor. 
We talked about how I had been feeling...best way to describe how I felt was helpless, angry, sad, desperate to run away...


Yes, depression is dark. Its hard...but depression is not embarrassing. It is common, especially after having children. More common than not, actually!


How?? How could I have post pardum? That was the question going through my mind...but after really looking at things...my relationships, my moods...and there were MOODS. I finally just thought; THIS is NOT right. This is NOT how life with two kids should be.


And another way I look at it is, I should be proud. I should be proud to have acknowledge what so many are afraid to. I should be proud that I finally took this into my own hands and got control. I should be proud that I am now the mother I should be. 


You know what was great about this whole experience!? Was being able to talk about it openly. To be able to bring light to a dark subject. My husband told me how proud he was when I went and got help. My mother said the same thing...I don't think she actually recognized the person I was. On the outside I looked the same. But on the inside, I was tormented, unhappy, vicious...and sadly, I was resentful towards my husband and my little boys.


How could I, in my right mind, be resentful towards the three loves of my life???


I could not. My right mind wouldn't allow that.


So there...I said it. I had post pardum depression. I went on medication for it. (And oh, did those words ever haunt me before.)


But you know what...I am so unbelievably happy that I did.


So enough..enough of keeping shhhhhh!! depression, a secret.


Please, I urge you, talk.


Talk about your feelings. Talk about everything. Don't let yourself go. Hold on to what is dear and near and be the wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend you should be!

Me, actually happy, the smile is all real, straight from the heart, happy.

a family comes together

My family is very tightly knit...on both my mother's side and my father's side. If there is every a problem or emergency, we all do our best to help out where and when we can, from where ever we may be at that time.

With Ellis...Summer 2009

A couple weeks ago, my Grandpa, had a mini stroke at home. He has been in very good health over the years, and especially for his age. He will be 90 years old in April. He has been resting in the hospital for the last two weeks, with Grandma by his side, as she has been for over 67 years.

Grandma and Grandpa's wedding, England, Dec 5, 1944

The word to best describe that...

Devotion.

And through all those years, through WWII, through moving to Canada from England, to having to haul water to bathe and cook, to using an outhouse, to buying their first vehicle, getting a phone, having four children...and losing one tragically, to watching their children grow, struggle, learn, succeed...they have been by each other's side.

They are the greatest example of marriage.

A picture I took of Grandpa's old truck

And in this day and age, it is hard...its hard to have face time. And no, not "face time" from an iPhone...I mean FACE. TIME. Being in the presence of another. Talking face to face, holding hands, communicating, laughing, being.

It is rare that my dad's side of the family can all get together. Too rare. 

We have far too much fun together to not BE TOGETHER.

But, with all of our busy schedules, lives away from Lloydminster, and just life, we do our best. 

I am so grateful that we were all together last night. (As was everyone else) It was great. Grandpa, who had a pass from the hospital to come out for a few hours, was relishing in it. Looking around, he sat, with his walker and oxygen near by, and he was beaming. He looked happy.

I don't think anything makes him happier that that. Just seeing us all laugh, the family he created with Grandma...just being together.

We laughed, cried, laughed some more. Had birthday cupcakes for Uncle Den...and laughed while the little kids put icing on their noses. Children are amazing little creatures. They bring out the utmost joy in people. Their laughter rang throughout my brother's house, above all the noise of chatter from the adults...it was great. Perfect!

Cupcake time!

Grandma, taking it all in...very proud

My brother put us all on the spot, and asked us what we were thankful for. I loved hearing what everyone had to say. I suggest you do that at your next family gathering...you'll be surprised at the answers, you'll get to know one another, you'll start talking about the memories you have, it will be heart warming. You will hug, you laugh, and probably poke fun at one another...and that is the whole point. 

We had a family friend come over and take pictures of us, just because we hadn't had a family photo in so long. So long.

We used to get pictures done in front of my parents fireplace on special occasions. We would all awkwardly group together, and someone would take a crooked, almost-in-focus picture of us, and never would we all be looking at the camera at the same time...but hey, we got a family picture! And it would make Grandma happy!

The best family portrait, in my opinion, is the one that Grandpa and Grandma still proudly display in their living room...I believe it was at Charles' Lamb Photography in Lloydminster. And there was a giant wicker chair that cradled Grandma, with her tightly permed hair. Grandpa with his thick-rimmed glasses, which are coming back in style. My sister and I with our feathered hair, my brothers in Bill Cosby style sweaters, my Aunt's with whole 80's look from head to toe, and my cousins Kelly and Tammy...just as awkward as the rest of us...but we didn't care, we were in style at the time! And we were together!

I need to get a copy of that picture. It's fabulous. And embarrassing.

There is no greater thing than family, because like Grandma Lil, family will be there, by your side, rooting you on, holding you up, sometimes knocking you down when you need it, and making you smile.

I would have to say, that I couldn't have been more pleased last night, to be holding my almost-ten-month old, and looking across the room to my almost-ninety-year-old Grandfather.

He's done good over the years, served in the war, married and raised a family, ran a farm, watched his grandchildren grow and have children of their own. He's a very special guy. He's so funny, charming, and strong. He's created a great life for all of us, filled with countless memories, from-the-belly laughs and a few challenging crib games! 

He taught us well. 

We love you Pops!

And can I just add, that Amazing Grace is my favourite song, because of him. I remember him playing it on his guitar when I was little and he would sing, I remember him yodeling too!

But the reason why it's most special, is that the moment you set a baby on his lap, he leans in close and starts humming it to them, and they seem to calm...

It's awesome to watch. And I feel lucky to have had him sing it to both my boys.

Ellis and Papa Harold, Winter 2009

Grandpa's 89th Birthday, April 2010

Some oldies...

one of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where everything just 


falls
          into
                     place?




This was one of those days. The weather went from -40 with the windchill to -3 and sunny!
My boys went from down-each-other's-throats the day before to lovey, cuddly today.
Ellis kept exclaiming "Weeeee ah best priends!!!"

Having Pedialite together, as they are both getting over the wonderful stomach flu that has bee going around!

And he is right. We are best friends. And I hope they can continue to be best friends throughout their lifetime. It is so special for a mom to see her kids play, love, laugh, share and be together. I adore my boys when they are like this. I adore them all the time...but its hard to remember that when they are fighting with each other! Which is why these moments are so sweet and wonderful to me! 

Another great thing about today was the single little load of laundry to do. Ah...that was nice. And we had cleaned the kitchen together the night before, Jesse and I, so there was no mess to wake up to. We kind of got into the habit of leaving dishes for morning lately. The evenings are so busy....bath one baby, dry him off, get him dressed, rock him to sleep. Bath the other baby, dry him off, get him dressed, play play play, then get him to bed...but not before reading book after book after book!


By the time we are done that...the supper dishes just sit there and stare at us. And we, sit there...and stare at them. Oh, one day I will have a dish washer and it will be fantastic!! I will be hovering over company, waiting for them to finish their coffee or tea, just WANTING to put that dirty mug in the dishwasher!


Soon, I tell myself. VERY soon!

One small little problem about best friends...is you end up sharing more than laughs and toys. 


I was so proud two weeks ago, when I told my friends that my boys haven't been sick all winter. And then...we went to McDonald's. Twice. In one week. This never happens for us. But I think that all of the parents have been so sick of being stuck in their houses due to cold weather, that they just needed some escape. And what better place than the Grease Palace itself!? Why not let our sick, bug ridden children cough, hack and sneeze all over each other, the slides, the train, the french fries...


Ick.


And now...my once in-perfect-health-all-winter boys are hacking, coughing, sneezing, gagging and pooping. 


Ick.


One morning...NINE diapers. Yup. Nine. Oh, did I mention BEFORE noon? I stopped counting after that. Hence the Pedialite.


Ick.




But back to my perfect, almost poopless day...I just love watching the boys grow together, play together, hug, kiss, and laugh uncontrollably together. Nothing makes a happier home.


So I have dedicated this blog to all the memories I have of my boys, together. And you can see them through pictures...

Ellis, Froggy and Puppy entertain Baby J

Jenner, always enthralled with his big bro

I cannot believe how much they have grown

One of the thousands of kisses for Jenner

Always so helpful with Jenner

I can still hear that little laugh

Snack time together

So many pictures...

Jenner's first Christmas 2010

So many fond memories already!

Jenner helps bath Ellis. And ya, that's a blue tub right there!

Mmm, pasta, eggs, blueberries and avocado...and a wave 

The best part of the day was taking the boys outside after their naps...pulling them on the sleigh over big bumps, listening to them laugh as Ellis held Jenner...so cute. Such red little cheeks...and snotty noses.