Pearly Whites

Talia greeted 8 months with a shiny little tooth on the way to Salmon Arm. She seems to enjoy camping and spending so much time with her family. Driving in the van, particularly when little teeth are trying to poke their way through the gums, is not her favourite activity.

Nate and Jadon continue to dote on their little sister (although usually end up in fisty cuffs over who gets to hold her, or bring her toys, or ....)!

She LOVES spending time in the water. It has been a great way to cool down and just play.

She is trying so hard to move, but so far is staying relatively stationary. Not such a bad thing as those brothers who dote on her may not look at her so fondly when she has their lego in her hands!

She's such a curious one and seems to desire to do things like the rest of the family. No baby food for her please. She'd much rather eat things she can feed herself, or "chew" on, just like everyone else.

Nate's Preschool Graduation

Two quick years have come to a close. Nate recently graduated from Wind & Tide preschool. We have been so thankful to have been part of such a wonderful school and learning environment. Although Nate will now transition on to Kindergarten, we have two others to keep up connected with the fabulous teachers and organization. Thankful we don't really have to say good-bye. Jadon will start attending the 3 year old class in September.

Nate's graduation ceremony included some exciting drama (Nate played the Troll in Billy Goat's Gruff)....singing....receiving diplomas.... and jumping into Kindergarten.

Our Summer Home

We recently upgraded our tent trailer to an R-pod (18 foot, lightweight, enclosed trailer complete with washroom, little kitchen and enough beds for all of us). We have taken it on several weekend camping trips, spent a night or two in our backyard as well as on a fabulous little "camping" pad complete with entertainment, room/trailer service, and a fabulous continental breakfast (aka Grama & Grampa's). We love our new little summer home and plan to spend many many days and nights with our trailer this summer. First we will travel to Vernon where Uncle David & Auntie Jill recently moved, carry on to Pearrygin Lake with the Raabe family, return home for one day before heading to Rathtrevor Park (Parksville) and Black Creek. We'll "rest" at home for a few days (weather dependent) before venturing down the Oregon Coast, at least to Newport. We are looking forward to our summer adventures. Hopefully we will capture many of our memories through photos and post them later in the summer.

Born to Ride

Jadon recently learned how to ride his bike without his training wheels. His first go at it was successful, yet a bit wobbly. By the third day of riding, he is much more confident. Look out summer here we come!

Talia at 7 months

Our youngest is well into the 2nd half of her first year. Hard to believe for us. She recently decided that food was okay. Still not passionate about it, but a bit more willing to eat a bit, especially if she can hold it. She may just be our little independent one. Already insisting on feeding herself cheerios, bread, bananas, avacados and whatever else she can get her little hands on. Much as mommy is trying to advance her one simple food at a time, she is proving to be the typical 3rd child who eats more adventurously than the tenious first child (due to what is provided & "at hand").

She is now 15 pounds and just about 26 inches. Mostly a content little girl with big squeals, grins, and giggles. Of course, Talia has also learned how to show her frustration and voice her disapproval. Better to get those emotions out than bottle them up!

She is pretty confident in sitting independently and has started trying to transition into positions more conducive to crawling. Always trying to learn (and maybe keep up with those two older brothers). Jadon's nickname for Talia is "TuTu" and has kind of stuck. This little shirt saying "Tutu cute" makes us smile thinking of the special bond of siblings.

Raabe Staycation

May brings the annual Science 10 "Edventure" to Orlando. Brent has taken Best students (where he works) for the past 5 years. I have been able to join him for 3 of those years, but this year with a new little one (plus 3, honestly who is going to want to look after 3 little rascals for a whole week!) I stayed home. With Daddy being away and knowing all the fun he was having, we attempted to have our own mini vacation right in our own home. We went on expeditions of our own on the sky train and sea bus, toured the Aquarium, went to parks, rode our bikes, played at various indoor/outdoor playgrounds, ate at the golden arches likely too often, and had an indoor campout. I didn't pack the camera on our outings. Kind of figured navigating the crowds with 3 little people was likely enough action for me (and likely for those around us). Setting up the tent in the basement was a lot of fun and a big hit. We slept in there one night after having a movie night too. Tried to make smores in the microwave. We made it through one and then the boys requested just to eat marshmallows plain. The microwave adds a significant "chew" factor to a marshmallow! We tucked in to bed and finally fell asleep around 8:30ish (significantly later than a normal night, but quite expected for a camping night!). Morning came early around 5:30 (again, quite an authentic camping experience). The boys had a great sleep and so did Mommy (shh, don't tell, but I snuck out of the tent at 8:32 until about 4ish). Talia stayed tucked away in her crib as I couldn't think of a safe way to keep her from being trampled. She still seemed to enjoy her moment in the tent.

The boys also had treasured sleepovers at Grama and Grampa Raabe's, plus a special visit from Grandma and Grandpa Penner to keep them very entertained (with the side benefit of Mommy retaining a wee bit of sanity).

At the end of the week as I was tucking in the boys before Brent returned, Nate commented that he wished he could have stayed at Grama's from when Daddy left until when Daddy came back. Hmmm. I'm choosing to believe that he just really feels special and loved with his grandparents and was reminiscing from last year. I'm certain he had a really great week with Mommy too. Right!

Happy Half Birthday Talia

Wow! 6 months old! Talia recently started rolling from her back to her front. We were able to capture some of her new abilities. The beautiful afghan was knit for her by Grama Raabe so is extra special. As you can see, Jadon just can't get enough of his sister. Both boys LOVE her, but Jadon just can not leave her alone. Mostly very cute. Sometimes a bit too enthusiastic!

Talia also had her very first taste of rice cereal. She didn't necessarily love it, but was wanting in on the action. She gave a few smiles for her first experience with food.