We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming...

...to tell a quick Averi story from Daddy today.

Daddy was walking the kids home after taking them to the park (I'm currently working full-time which is another story) when he asked Averi if she'd like to ride on his shoulders.

She looked up at him and said, matter-of-factly, "Of course!"

It doesn't seem that cute or funny now that I type it. I guess it's the way Shawn told it.

How about this one...

Averi: Can I please have/do [insert inanity]?
Mom: No, sweetie.
Averi: But I asked nic-e-ly!!

She always turns "nicely" in this phrase into a 3-syllable word... Cute!

Trip to Victoria

I'm finally getting back to documentation! Shawn's spending the evening over at his brother's house, the kids are down, I don't currently have any papercrafting deadlines (though Averi and Taylor's birthday invites are looming close!) and I'm not in the middle of a book!

Dad, the three children and I left for Victoria the morning of Monday, June 20. It was an unhurried departure, just the way I like it. However, I had mistimed how long it would take to get to the Ferries. We realized, once we reached Kamloops, BC, that we wouldn't make it in time.

This was also about the time I started losing my patience with Averi's incessant whining.

We spent the night.

The two older kids had a quick encounter with the pool (thanks, Grandpa!) while I tried to get Ella to sleep. It was a long process and once Taylor and Averi returned, it continued to be a long process.

We finished our journey to Victoria on Tuesday, June 21.

I don't have any pictures of our solitary day in Victoria before my sisters and cousin Claire arrived but I recall that it was fairly relaxing... Dad took the kids to Topaz park. My mom took transit over after work and then we walked to meet the kids.

It was like Omi had never left. The kids were excited to see her but continued to play away.  :)

Here is a picture of Ella at Topaz park on a subsequent day... She really is a monkey!

Travel note: I was pleasantly surprised at how well Taylor and especially Ella traveled. Here is Ella blowing bubbles like a baby!

Mayley's Blessing

My dad accompanied us to Lethbridge on Sunday, June 19th for Mayley's baby blessing.

Afterwards, there was a luncheon at Lindsay and Kyle's home. Behind their backyard was a playground that kept the children occupied. None more than Ella, who was discovered, still wearing her Sunday finery, in a large puddle.

She didn't just sit in it. She jumped, twirled, rolled and DID THE BREASTSTROKE in it!!

Here is some footage that was caught, though it doesn't show the full theatrics that Ella displayed earlier.



I'm hoping for more pics or footage from Aaron...

[Edited to add:] Here's the photo from Aaron:

Grandpa Harris Visits

In order to aid me on the trip to Victoria, Dad flew into Calgary and we all had a nice little visit.

Dad also taught the kids some exercises...

The Thinker

This pose that Daddy caught of Taylor reminded him of The Thinker, so he had to get a pic. ;)

Playing Catch Up

I have quite a bit to catch up on... Mostly, our big trip to Victoria, Boise, Rexburg and Bear Lake. But, since I'm a chronological freak, I need to throw in a quick couple of posts first.

Daddy must be so much more patient than I to be able to get cooking pictures with the girls...

This photo reminds me of another with an Ella-aged Averi doing the same thing (can't find it on the blog though I'm POSITIVE I posted it on here)... Dunno why Taylor never had his day at the stove... ;)