Reward

Kevin had to get shots today so as a reward afterward, we went out for ice cream. Nothing is as refreshing on a hot day as a soft serve cone!

Stupid Daddy Tricks

Daddy teaches the boys how to best appreciate music. Sorry if the video is shaky, Mommy was trying very hard not to laugh!

Happy Independence Day!

Our family will be celebrating the 4th by not having any plans! That's a nice break after all the heavy scheduling we've had to deal with this spring and summer. But last night, we went to Auntie Karen and Uncle Kirk's for a great BBQ and swim party!


After some initial apprehension, Alan loved splashing around the sunbathing deck of the pool. Then he noticed the spillover from the hot tub. Wow!


Kevin was a like a fish all evening, coming out only for dinner and then again briefly for a cupcake.


Alan was having a grand time cruising back and forth around the hot tub. The fountain was definitely part of the allure.


Kevin just didn't want to get out of the water!


Alan enjoyed splashing!

10th Annual Canada Day BBQ

With everything going with Alan's treatment and Kevin's busy summer schedule, Canada Day snuck up on us this year! We did the math and realized this was the 10th anniversary of our annual Canada Day BBQ. Since time was short and our commitments many, we kept it small on July 1st, rather than doing a big bash on the weekend. As a result, our guest list was smaller than usual, and for once, the Canadians outnumbered the Americans!

This year, with smaller numbers, we splurged on some wild sockeye from Alaska.


We didn't have time to make the traditional Canadian Flag cake, so we compromised with a pre-made cake customized by Ryder's Mommy with a Maple Leaf and "Oh Canada".


Kevin wore the usual Roots Canada t-shirt. We'll need to get bigger sizes next time we're in Canada!


Mommy and Alan in the Canadian Flag Gymboree outfit. Time to pass it on after this summer!


Buddy Ryder found his way up a tree. He was having a good time, with a great view of the yard, until he realized he needed some help getting down. Real men aren't afraid to ask for help, so he asked Kevin's Daddy for a hand.


Alan and Stefanie help the big boys (Kevin, Ryder and Austin) create toy carnage.


Auntie Karen gave Kevin lots of tickles and upside-downs.


Canadian Girls Rock!

Happy Father's Day!

We went to Dave & Buster's for Father's Day brunch and some fun games. The boys were pretty darned cute in their "Son of Superdad" t-shirts. After a nice family nap, the boys romped around with Daddy.


Kevin and Daddy read a new book from the library - "Just Like Daddy".


Alan and Daddy roll around.


Daddy and Kevin play Catch while Alan watches.

Kevin made a Father's Day card with a tie he decorated. He chose shiny stars and moons to glue to it and painted the dots on it, saying "Dot!" with each one.

Seaworld morning

We had a break from the doctor's visits and Gavin and Gwendolyn were visiting from Houston, so we went to Seaworld for the morning. Gavin was in Seaworld Camp, so we didn't get to seem him, but Stefanie and her mommy joined us and Gwendolyn and her mommy. First we hit the midway at Shamu's Happy Harbor. Everyone had a turn fishing for frogs, then Gwendolyn and Kevin fished one for Alan.



Everyone chose a green frog, and we lined up by the fountain near the entrance for a group shot. Last time we were all here together, it was filled with pumpkins for Halloween. How fun for the kids there was water this time. Kevin and Gwendolyn looked like they wanted to take a dip!



Then, it was off to see the dolphins and the aquarium. Standard Seaworld circuit!

Parachute Boys

At Bryce's birthday party, Kevin, Jake (Center) and Bryce (Left) shake the parachute. Kevin was participating in the activities so much! Running, jumping, wiggling, dancing, lying down... he even stood on one foot and walked along the balance beam a few times (with a hand from Mommy).

One of the really fun activities was Smack the Cheese, where the kids ran across the mat and tackled a large foam wedge. Kevin was laughing and had a great time watching, but that doesn't always translate into him being willing to participate. Well, this time he got up and took a run at the wedge. Rather than tackling (which he knows how to do quite well from one of his favourite games at home, Tackle Daddy), he ran right up to the wedge, stopped, and tapped it down.

Kevin's First Last Day of School

How time flies! Today was Kevin's first last day of school. It's hard to believe how much our boy has grown from his first day of school and the first time he took the school bus. When he started in September, he was the only first-timer and the youngest in the class. They have helped him learn so much and become so independent. After the Christmas break, two more little boys joined the class, and Kevin was the old hand showing them what to do. We're so proud of him!

Kevin is Four Years Old!

After Kevin's birthday party on Wednesday, we continued celebrating with cupcakes at school on Friday. Kevin demolished his!



For his birthday, we took him for a hair cut (not so fun) after a birthday phone call from Grandma Sanders. The hair cut, which was smooth sailing for once, was followed by lunch at Freddy's Frozen Custard (yay!). Kevin got chocolate cake to go with his frozen custard, yum!



After lunch, we came home so Baby Alan could nap. Auntie Chelle came to see the birthday boy and visit while he opened presents. This evening we will be going to a farewell party for playgroup pals Jaz & Em and family. What a busy day!

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Kevin's 4th Birthday Party

With many of the kids in Kevin's playgroup starting kindergarten or going to preschool full-time this coming fall, this was probably the last time we'd be doing a playgroup birthday party. Along with the playgroup, we also had Gymboree buddies and Mackenzie. Unfortunately, Baby Alan had to have chemotherapy so he and Daddy couldn't come.

We had the party at McDonald's - a great playscape, Happy Meals, cake and ice cream. What more could you ask for? Kevin had great fun with his friends, climbing up to the top of the playscape and making it down in record time when it was time for cake and ice cream.


Sawyer and Mackenzie


Kevin and Mommy



A birthday cake with Ronald McDonald

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