Just Beachin' It

 After 4 days without Cayden, it was time to pick him up from Camp Charis.  Yes, I could have handled a few more days quite happily with him at camp, no matter how much we love having him around:)  It was just a break for all, him included.  And he was sure to tell me that after his very first argument, only 15 minutes after picking him up.  "I wish I could stay another four days!" Oh, the love of family.

After settling the first argument, we all settles in to listen to all the stories of the week.  The biggest  being, of over ninety kids, he was the champion of 'Capture The Flag'.  I was quite a proud mamma. I have a winner!  Tales of cabin mates, slip and slide, camp counsellors and the candy store brought me back to memories of my days at camp.

One of Cayden's favorite activities was breakfast.  What a boy.  He was seriously moaning as he shared this fantastic menu!  And one of the most hilarious comments was the fact that he now combs his hair every day.  Yes, every two hours even, he told me.  All because his older friend Josh is nearing his teenage years, and combs his hair frequently. LOL! 

With the amazing weather we have been having, it was a great day to plan a day at Harrison Beach.  Such a great plan.  So much fun and a great way to stay cool.  Good thing Cindy was much for prepared than I was, or the kids would have simply been kicking sand and swimming:)  

The kids were fantastic.  Swimming, giggling, dunking and eating were the activities of the day.  The best part was when the boys dumped Fabby, who was out posing for pictures on the tube.  I could only laugh, encourage and snap more pictures.

Hours later, with all the energy sapped from everyone, it was finally time to say goodbye.  Till next time.  Hopefully very soon. 

Bagina

I just love random and unique questions.  Especially the ones that completely catch me off guard.  Peyton and I were in the laundry room after yet another wonderful afternoon at the pool.  She was standing up on the counter undressed, picking out her outfit.  Jonah walks in.  Takes a good look at Peyton and asks, "does every girl have a 'bagina'?"  

Yes, he just has a slight lisp, and new exactly what he was asking.  With a quick yes, I shoo'd him out the door and continued to laugh uncontrollably.

Biking Buddies

Getting four kids ready to bike requires a little assistance from our very own personal mechanic.  We got out Jonah's new(old) bike and had a quick service done on it so that he could join the fun.  It was so exciting to see him hop on the bike and pedal away as if he were a pro.  Just a few more weeks of biking and we may even get to take those training wheels off! 

Such a joy to spend a few hours watching them race around the huge driveway across the street.  I had  intended to get a little reading in, while I settled into a comfy chair right in the middle of the driveway. 

But, the distractions were far too great to even get through one page in my book.  But that's perfectly alright.  It was far more fun watching the antics and near crashes anyways.   

Testing The Urban Barn Comforts

Peyton and I enjoyed a nice little girls day out which included a stop at one of my favorite home decor stores, Urban Barn.  Whoee, do I ever wish my budget allowed me to do a full decor re-do.  I simply drool at all the beautiful options.

I probably would have enjoyed my outing a little more if I had been on my own.  Because every time I turned around, Peyton had hopped in yet another beautifully staged bed.  Before I shooed her out of each and every one of them, I just had to snap a picture of my little gem.

The staff members were somewhat amused as I quickly remade each and every bed to perfection.  Wow, is this little girl ever fun!

The 'Mommy Truck'

When growing a family from four members to six, there are many items to take into consideration.  One of them for us was how the heck were we going to get six people to and from family activities.  Our good old Jetta simply wasn't going to cut it.  Unless someone was willing to ride in the trunk.  We had no takers when we put the offer on the table surprisingly enough:)

So, vehicle hunting we went.  For a whole year!  I knew exactly what I wanted as well as exactly how much I was willing to pay.  So, much to Jeremy's torment, I was willing to hold out for the perfect match.   Finally, a  few months ago when the finalization of our adoption seemed to be coming, I quietly put the search into high gear.

It was almost midnight and the perfect vehicle hit the local craigslist.  A lovely white GMC Acadia that seated 7, had leather and very low kilometres.  An answer to my silent prayers!  Off went the email requesting a viewing and an offer of full asking price.  Yes, it was that good of a deal:)

The next morning I received an email from the seller.  She was overwhelmed by the response by people, but stood by the line, 'first come, first served'.  So I sent of a text message to my hubby.  "We are looking and buying our new vehicle in North Van tonight.  What time can you be home?"

Jeremy's reply was, "Say what?"  Followed shortly by, "sounds great.  be home at 6".  Yep, that's how fast we can make things happen.  And that's how much my awesome husband trusts me:)

We finally got the opportunity to load that seven passenger baby up this past Sunday.  All seven bum's fit rather comfortably in this roomy 'Mommy truck'.  Yes, that's what we call it.

The name came from the confusion of now owning 3 vehicles.  Boo!  It sucks to have to pay for 3 insurances, keep 3 vehicles fuelled, washed and serviced.  But, it makes sense and at the day.  The Jetta gets the most mileage cause it's the perfect little commuter and makes me feel less guilty driving back and forth and all around cause it's so awesomely cheap on fuel. And it's the easiest to park in those tiny little shopping store parking stalls.

So when heading out on and adventure the kids will ask.  "Are we going out in the Jetta, Mommy Truck or Daddy Truck?"  Having a name for them all takes the confusion out of it all.

Yes, Jeremy was very happy to have a 'Daddy Truck'!

Adopted In Love

The day has finally arrived!  Our family has officially grown from a four to six members, and are we ever excited about what our future may be.  We welcomed Jonah and Ava, the most precious sister and brother duo, into our family today.

I'd like to introduce the children that we now call 'our children'.

Jonah is such a joy.  Full of energy. I am certain that he is my answer to a great weight loss program:) Just hand out with him for awhile to know what I mean.  He is a super hero fan.  Loves to swim, watch movies and play with lego.  Jonah is almost 6, and is already making out his birthday list for his new friends and family to make it 'easy' for them to get what he likes.  He is on his way to Grade 1 this coming year and is excited to ride the bus for the first time with his 'big brother' Cayden.

Ava is a quiet and easy to please little one and half year old toddler.  She wanders from room to room making her own fun.  She loves snuggles, on her terms and will do a little dance for you when asked.  Ava is also a fan of swimming just like the rest of her family.  Ava has an inquisitive nature and loves to help out and hang around just to be close and a part of the activity.

Peyton and Cayden have been a part of the adoption process from the beginning.  They put in their 'requests' and very nearly got what they wished for.  At times, during the long adoption process they nearly ran out of patience waiting for this day to come.  So often I would hear Cayden asking, 'when are they coming"?   We are extremely happy with how our four children are getting along and loving their new family.  I know that there are going to be 'moments', but we will take them as they come and grow with each and every fight and hug.

Our family had such a great time today making memories of the day Jonah and Ava became part of the McEachern family.  We started with the official signing of the paperwork.  Then burned some energy at a wonderful water park.  Followed by some good old fashioned swimming at the neighbourhood pool. And to top off the night, we enjoyed our favorite treat, Blizzards.  We toasted each other with our paper cups of ice-cream and finished off an awesome day with a movie that Jonah got to pick.

Many wonder what made us decide to adopt.  We had everything that many families want.  A healthy boy and girl who we love dearly and a great life.  But, we felt it was our calling to open our hearts and house to some children who really needed a 'forever' mom and dad to love them.  And that we will.  We also feel that they will be a blessing to us.  Bringing even more joy and laughter to our home.