November 2016

November held a surprise 35th birthday party for Jon, stirring in the love for the annual Christmas cake with Gramma, a trip to the butterfly conservatory where Ella discovered that the butterfly's really like her! We put up the Christmas tree and the kids got busy making their Christmas lists! They changed schools 4 weeks after starting and it seems like we found the right fit. They are happy with the smaller school, love their teachers and have all made friends.

Matthew 18 Months

This handsome little fellow is 18 months old! Time certainly speeds up with each additional child. I feel like he was just a tiny baby and suddenly he is turning into a little boy in front of our eyes.

Matthew is such a happy guy. He is quick with a grin and has an infectious laugh. He sleeps well at night and for his afternoon nap and has a hefty appetite like his siblings. His favourites are pasta, bananas, oranges, toast and coconut butter, avocados and he LOVES smoothies. When he sees the blender he starts jumping and squealing in excitement.

Matthew is a cuddly boy and loves a good snuggle. He rests his head on our shoulders and pats our back. It is the sweetest gesture and as a result...he has no shortage of cuddlers.

His siblings adore him. It doesn't matter who is arguing, in a cranky mood or sulking about something...if they see Matthew they light up. He is the first to rush over to a brother or sister if they are upset and hug them or rub their back. Everyone can't help but smile when he is around.

Matthew loves to be outdoors, to go on a walk and animals. He lights up when he hears music and claps off beat adorably.

After screaming whenever he has been left anywhere without family (like at nursery at church) he has finally accepted that it MIGHT be fun to play and finally waves goodbye now without any tears which is a big relief!

We are so blessed by Matthew. He is such a sweet and fun little addition to our family. I love seeing more of his personality shine through!

October 2016

October is my favourite month and this year did not disappoint. We had a busy month full of thanksgiving festivities and soaking up one more month of beautiful leaves and sunshine.

It was an exciting month for Ben, Jake and Ella as they headed off to school for the first time.

Ben entered grade 4, Jake entered grade 1 and Ella started junior kindergarten. They take the bus and adjusted very well in a short period of time. We are excited for their new adventure!

September 2016

We had a full September with a beach festival day. Ben caught his first fish, Jake has high hopes for next year! They got their face painted and also tried paddleboating.
Ella started her Ballet class again, we went to a church picnic, our favorite restaurant, an outdoor movie and Ella and Jake went to a kindergarten open house. They both loved it so much that we are discussing enrolling them in school. Jon and I got to enjoy a night out by ourselves at his cousins wedding and we enjoyed apple picking at the end of the month.The weather was very warm and it certainly feels like we got an extra month of August!