Long Weekend

Here are some photos from our weekend visit at Bryn's papa's. We hadn't been on a long road trip since September and Bryn did pretty good sitting for 4 hours in her car seat but I think we might take everyone's advice and invest in a portable DVD player. I'm game for anything to make a long trip easier.

We had a great time at Papa's. Bryn learned how to play hopscotch and drive a boat and had a chance to visit with her cousins Cara, Jacey and Bretten and Auntie Carey. We also had a short visit with my lifelong friend Bonny and her twins, Mac and Emmy. Bryn's great-grandma also came along with us and it was wonderful to have her there, too.

Unfortunately Bryn hasn't been co-operating with the camera lately and getting her to sit with anyone is a challenge these days, so our photos of her with family are limited.

Hanging out with Emmy and Mac.

Mac, Emmy and Bryn. Thanks for the fun visit!

Hamming it up with Bretten and Cara.

Ahoy, matey!

Checking out all the cool stuff in Papa's garage.

What's that up in the rafters, Papa?

Me, Bryn and Jacey.

*Coming soon: another Xinyu Sisters' Reunion!!

Catching Up

It's been busy around here since I went back to work. I've been back 4 weeks now and if I ever get caught up with things that need to be done at home it will be a miracle. I'm behind in everything -- housework, yard work, email, blogging -- and wonder if I'll ever get to the end of my list of to-dos. Even Bryn has noticed how far behind I am -- I'm embarrassed to say yesterday she told me I have "whiskers" on my legs. Anyway, I've decided a new post is more important than a clean floor or silky, smooth legs (though I'm sure Girard would disagree).

The best news of the past few weeks is Bryn has adjusted nicely to daycare. I was really worried about it since the first few times we left her she screamed and cried the entire time we were gone, but she's doing very well. The sitter (Denise) has taken a shine to Bryn and is very good to her. She lives only about 5 blocks from us so it's nice and handy for drop offs and picking up after work. Girard takes Bryn to Denise's about 1.00 and I pick her up by 5.00 so it's a short day for her. I find the evenings go too fast, though -- by the time we have supper and play a bit it's almost time for a bath and bed. Thankfully Bryn doesn't go to bed until 9.00 or 9.30 so we do have a bit of time together but it still seems to short to me.

We're getting into our yard work now that winter is finally over. It's still been cool but at least the threat of more snow is gone (knock wood). I can't wait to go to the greenhouse and get all my flowers and start digging in the dirt with Bryn. She's already watering everything, from the dirt to her shoes so it's going to be a fun summer. I think I might spend a lot of my time refilling her watering can and trying to keep her from digging up the flowers but hopefully we can get her sandbox built soon and that will keep her from digging where she's not supposed to. She's not big on getting her hands dirty but I'm sure I can turn her into a gardener in no time.

Bryn's latest pastime is singing. She's been a chatterbox for months but now she's singing all the time, everything from Oh My Darling Clementine to the Backyardigans theme song. (One of my favorites is Yankee Doodle "Bambi".) She sings everywhere she goes -- in the car, her crib, the tub, the grocery store, when we're out walking in the park. I wish I could have a video camera on her all day just to capture all the memories.

We'll get it figured out before the summer is over.

Watching the pelicans.

"And that's how I met the president
of the U-nited States of America."

Our cool girl.

I've also posted a cute video of Bryn and Caia but had to put it in a separate post because of the size.

Those Crazy Xinyu Girls!

Here's a little video of Caia and Bryn at Caia's birthday party. It started out as a quiet little game of Ring Around The Rosy. I get such a kick out of watching them together.

Mini Reunion - Part 1

Shea, Caia, Beth, Ava, Helena and us at Shea's.

It was difficult heading back to work last week, but each day the thought of our weekend visitors was something to look forward to. And sure enough, we had an excellent weekend as Beth, Helena and Ava, who live in Edmonton and are part of our China family, came to stay with us. We haven't seen them since we said our goodbyes at the Vancouver airport on our way home from China, so needless to say it was a happy reunion! With Shea and Caia here as well, we had three of our Xinyu girls together and enjoyed every single minute of the weekend.

Beth and the girls came Friday night (poor James had to stay home and work) and we spent the evening catching up and having a great time watching Ava and Bryn together. Helena is an awesome big sister to Ava and soon had Bryn asking "where's Heyena"?" whenever Helena would venture too far away.

Ava is such a sweetie with her light-up-the-room grin, and she could give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money. Caia is full of energy, too, and constantly on the go -- she always makes me laugh just watching her jump and run around. It truly warms my heart watching both of them, they're so full of life. Bryn is a little more subdued, especially around other people, so it was great fun watching the three of them interact.

Between dim sum lunch, visits to the park, suppers together, brunch at Shea's, seeing "Grandma" Darlene again, celebrating Girard's birthday, and attending The Wiggles concert we had a fun-filled weekend packed with wonderful memories. We were so sad to see it end and to have to say goodbye but we're so grateful Beth, Ava and Helena were able to make the trip to see us and Shea and Caia. Hopefully someday we can have a larger reunion but for now the small ones will keep us going!

(Some of these photos are Beth's, she took hundreds and most of them turned out much better than mine.)

Helena leading Bryn and Ava in a sing-a-long.

"I'll trade you this really cool red pail

and one blue ball for that little car."

Having fun at the park.

Bryn and Caia go for a stroll.

"Look! It's my shadow! And a really huge foot!"

This is one of Beth's shots and it's one of my favorite photos of the weekend.

It's not easy to get 4 girls to look at 3 cameras at the same time.

Beth brought harmonicas for each of the girls. Helena was the instructor and band leader -- we were treated to quite the concert!

Ava puts her whole heart into everything she does!

Mini Reunion - Part 2

Hugs for Girard from Caia and Bryn.

(Girard was the only man for miles around the entire weekend.)

I could have stayed like this for hours.

Breakfast entertainment.

Bryn cuttin' lose at The Wiggles concert.

One of my favorite pictures of Caia and Bryn!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Caia and Beth say goodbye.

Smiles all around.

'Bye Ava! I love you! Come back soon!