Sparkle Girl

Kenna turned the magical age of 8 last month. I have to say I was impressed with her maturity and insight to give up a big party, and opt for a small sleepover with 4 girls (to avoid some of the social drama that ensued last year with the house full.) She's a social and sensitive one, that gal. And what a breeze it was in comparison. There were still a couple small run-ins but on the whole, it was the easiest "party" I've ever put on. They took turns choosing what games to play (Spot It!!!), she requested eating out at McDonalds followed by a "rice krispie cake" (awesomely easy), watched a couple movies and they were even in bed by 1am. Delightful.

 

 The hit present for sure was this netball and hoop. Can you tell how much Dad is loving it? :)

She chose to delay her baptism a month so GramB and her favorite older cousin could attend (in town for the baby.) And what a simple, but beautiful evening that was! (We got tired of waiting for this baby so we just did it on the night they arrived -- one million thanks to our wonderful friends who showed up with so much support and love for McKenna!!! There's never been a more last minute pull off than that evening and it was beautiful.)

 I'm so proud of this sweet girl. Not only is she the tidiest, most responsible little 8 year old I've ever met, but she's bright, beautiful, nurturing and sensitive. Always the first to stick up for mom and think of others, pitching in with a smile and doing her chores without being begged. She's spunky and talented, gracefully athletic and strong. All the while excelling in school, music, and a natural leader. (She also inherited Dad's body type which similarly feels like my missing puzzle piece as I snuggle her to bed each night.)

She and Dad have enjoyed reading through the entire Illustrated Book of Mormon series he grew up with as a kid which has nurtured a beautiful testimony in her heart. In fact, I don't think she's let a testimony meeting go by for the last 6 months without getting up.

(Sidenote: Do I have a parental obligation to reign her in and how to do that without quelching the desire? My parents gently told me "let's give others a chance" when I did that as a kid and I didn't get up again for 5 years...)

Happy Birthday to our lovely little light. We so enjoy the blessing you are in our home!!

School Holiday Magic

First day of school holidays we were treated to an impressive surprise. Last week Will found some juice boxes hidden in the cupboard that I said we were "saving for a picnic" so he took it upon himself to create the opportunity. All week he and the girls were plotting something special, checking the weekend weather, making secret lists, whispering plans...

 Bright and early Saturday morning I found Will at the kitchen bench busily prepping sandwiches and stuffing food into bags. Deserted by the girls, he pressed forward with dedication and assembled everything himself (only asking me for 2 things: recipes for tuna salad and egg salad, and a willingness to drive us all somewhere at 11:30 without any questions.) It was awesome.

He led us to a nearby park and we followed him to the top of the hill where he proceeded to set up a delightful family picnic at which we passed one of the sunniest afternoons of the winter. What a treat! (And all in the name of partaking in those coveted juice boxes - ha ha.)

smiling despite a nasty scooter fall that tore off her knee scab

The Saturday continued with some playdates and serious deep cleaning (precious Darren and Kathryn pitching in like champs to assist my "nesting") and dinner with friends. Don't you love all that wondering at the end of the pregnancy: is this the last time I'll get to clip 100 nails... run to Costco... clean the bathrooms... shave my legs... do 6 loads of laundry... before this baby comes??

 On Monday, the first day off of school we had to go get some cavities filled but climbed back into pjs for a relaxing day of nothing but reading and tv. Yes! I finished Jane Eyre for bookclub (how did I miss reading that as a youth?! thought it might be a dry, boring classic, but totally loved it~) I'm still  taking advantage of the kids ages when "readathons" are made fun and exciting with treats and breaks. LOVED that day.

 Yesterday we camped out at Questacon forever and had more friends over for dinner. Ahhhhh, to be rid of a schedule is delightful. And I'm really not minding having no plans this holiday - except for a baptism and a baby, neither of which we can actually "plan" yet :) Darren keeps saying "I hope you call me home today" as he leaves for work, and we're getting an ample amount of "you still haven't had that baby??" but we're still a week shy of the due date and just cleaning and playing and reading and sleeping and waiting.

(Soaking up the calm before the storm, you know.)

Pictorial Update

Donation dog bank she spotted at the shops early one morning... between that and the Sesame Street "ride", we were there a while.

Nope, no baby yet (due July 17) - this was w/ a month to go :)

 Is there ANYTHING cuter than little baby braids?? Here she is headed off to "church" to see her best friend "Jack Jack" complete with Annie's scripture bag and all. I had to do some serious convincing to get her back inside.

 Sweet friend, Sara, snuck me out one night to Coco Black for an amazing chocolate-infused GNO. Total treat!

 A few undiscovered talents are emerging in the absence of real lessons - Kenna's a natural gymnast, Annie has absorbed enough (from Kenna's lessons) to play violin pretty darn well, and Will had a breakthrough session on guitar with Dad - actually playing some impressive Gordon Lightfoot.

 I love how "winter" is just jacket weather here. It's so nice to keep it simple and I honestly haven't even missed the snow yet...

July 4th

Happy Fourth! I sure do miss the popsicles and warm weather, but we do alright over here. The Embassy always puts on a rip-roarin' party complete with burgers, baseball and fireworks.

And fairy floss. Oh, the fairy floss.

They even went all out and got Mr. Buzz Aldron out for the event. Will was stoked to "stand close enough to touch him" (he's 2 kids to his right) and Kenna is holding Summer off to the left side. Darren even got in on the action serving food and then having his name drawn to win A CASE OF JACK DANIELS. When they heard his name announced the kids were bouncing off the walls shouting "What'd he win?! What'd he win?!" Poor little dejected souls. (Amid his coworkers' laughter, D just opened the box, red-faced, and handed them out to lucky front liners :)

The party was a week in advance so on the actual night, we settled with singing our anthem and having a treat. Honestly, our national anthem is a pretty stirring song to begin with, but something about being overseas really knocks that song up a huge notch. I get so emotional singing it over here. (And apparently we need to do that more, because my kids know more verses to Australia's anthem than our own now~)

Happy Independence Day, my American friends. We sure miss you all and feel continuous gratitude to all those who have fought so valiantly to let freedom ring in the U.S.A.

(If you haven't read it in your book club yet - you need to grab a copy of "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption." It's huge but I blew through it in a couple days - such an incredible story, you won't be able to put it down.)