When was the last time you danced?

A friend posted a blog once challenging all who read the blog to stop what they were doing and go and dance with their children. I did, and it was a beautiful memory. But how quickly I forgot....

Last night, Emily asked to watch The Wiggles on the TV. We agreed and on it went. Quickly we were ALL taken in and were singing along. Every time a new song came on she would say, "Come on Mommy (or Daddy) let's dance!" And up I would get and dance or spin. Landon sang along, did the hand movements and danced a little. (He was holding Collin.) What a fantastic memory, I hope to remember it forever. During the credits of any movie Emily will always go looking for me and say, "Mommy it's music, let's dance!" I am grateful that usually I agree. I love my memories of dancing with my dad when he got home from work or watching my parents do a quick two step around the room. I hope to build memories with my kids that they can look back on with fondness.

My challenge to those reading this is to go and dance. Either with your children, significant other or by yourself. Give yourself over to the music. I promise it will be one of the most memorable things you do today. You deserve, give in!

Sisterly Love

I love that Emily loves her brother. As he lay in his bed yesterday, she brought a chair into his room and sang, talked and laughed with him. It was so cute! And when I brought him out she asked me to get the camera and take a picture of the two of them. She instructed Collin to say Cheese and then she turned towards me and said, "Cheese!"

What happens when you Skype?

This is what happens to us......

Welcome to Hurricane Emily!

(FYI this is all of Emily and Collin's clothes, which she removed from their dresser)

Seafair 2009

I love Sea Fair. I always have. For those who are not from Powell River, this is an annual event held in July. I think its always the last weekend. They have a travelling midway come up from Vancouver, there is a parade, booths down at the beach, music and fireworks on Saturday night. I love to walk around and look at the booths and see people. I have learned to like it even more since we have had Emily. Last year she could only go on three rides. This year she was able to go on seven different rides, roller coasters being her favourite. Funny thing is she didn't like two of the rides because you had to go through a tunnel. Her friend Elly would run right through the tunnel but Emily wouldn't. She wanted someone to go with her. She is a funny girl. She was sad both nights we left the midway. My parents were fantastic and babysat both the kids so that we could go to the fireworks. The kids were asleep when I dropped them off but they didn't stay that way. Emily was excited to see them because they had been on Trek all week. Collin was feeling well and cried most of the time. I felt bad but the fireworks were really good this year. My brother Matt met us there and we had a great time visiting with him. Almost all of the Corbett family was there since their reunion had ended the day before. It was nice to visit with them. Enjoy the pictures!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tea Anyone?

I am so excited. Emily and Karissa are throwing their first tea party!

(With Nikki and my help, of course.)

Can't you feel the excitement in the air?

PS I am loving Microsoft Publisher. I get to create beautiful things like this invitation. Thanks Rita for the heads up on free digital scrapbooking papers and embellishments!

Once in a Lifetime Friends

I have always been blessed with good friends. They have helped me through many a bad times. But there have only been a few friends (outside my family) who have touched my life in extraordinary ways. The one I'd like to tell you about is one that sometimes I took for granted. We met at Ricks and she was instrumental in finding me a place to stay at Utah State University. She never made fun of me about my less endearing traits (ie talking lots and fast, inviting myself along, etc) Her family was nice to me when I would crash at their house for holidays. They took in both me and my brother. She and her roommates included me in all their activities. It was only years later that I realized how good they were to me. While others were good to me, but she always accepted me, never made me the brunt of a joke and was always there to comfort or stand up for me when others did make me the punchline to a joke. I have no fashion sense, never have, and this friend kindly helped teach me the basics. :) When she left for her mission was the first time I realized what life was like without her. Luckily her sister was around and she if fantastic as well. Their family is the perfect example of families and Christ-like love.

Yet again she showed her friendship while we were down visiting Utah. There are times when I am selfish. When I go on my vacation I love to see all my friends from Ricks and Utah State. But driving down from Canada and now having two kids can make it difficult for me to drive around to see everyone and so a part of me has always wanted people to say, "You've driven all this way from Canada, we've missed you so we are going to come and visit you." :) This wonderful friend emailed me before I left and said that she would meet me where ever I wanted, including driving up to Mantua. (A selfish dream come true!) We decided to meet half way and have dinner. It was so nice to sit and visit. (As much visiting as you can do when you have an infant and an active two year.)

Connie thank you for being such an example to me. Thank you for your friendship and your kindness. Next time we are going out with NO kids. :)

Rice Cereal Anyone?

At Collin's last doctor's appointment it was suggested that I start trying to get Collin to take Rice Cereal. That way when I go back to work it won't be a problem. He has been interested in our food for the last month. Emily even snuck him a few Goldfish crackers on our trip which he loved. Here is a picture of his first try of rice cereal. He loved it! Too bad he puked it up 10 minutes later. We'll try again another day. :)

(I love how all our bags from our day at the beach are still on the table behind him...)

Oh what to do in the summertime.....

Emily and Ethan love my dad's boat. They play in it when it is just in his yard. But they especially love it when papa takes them out on the lake or the ocean. Last week my dad got off work early and took us out for a quick ride before he took the Higgin family tubing. So much fun! We look forward to tubing in the near future!

Emily in her favourite "toy"

Papa and his boat

Matt and Ethan

Emily and Mommy

What else are big sisters are for?

Emily's new favourite thing to do in the morning is to have me put Collin in her doll stroller and she takes him for a walk around the house. It is so cute! She takes him to her room where "they" play ponies. (She puts one in his lap and laughs when he tries to eat it) She has given him a tour of every room in the house. Today she showed him how stickers work and they were all over his head. She loves her little brother and he adores her. He loves the time they spend together on their walks. I know that he is trying with all his might to get moving early so that he can keep up with her. Scary!

Cute blankets

My sister has just started making these cute blanket covers for car seats. I love them!
Aren't they adorable?!