Flora and Fauna

Rhododendron canadense -

 native to Nova Scotia.

It is better known by its common name, Rhodora.

They are especially unusual in that they bloom before the leaves come out.

Right now, these large, purple-rose flowers are everywhere, making our hikes even more enjoyable!

A regular visitor to our yard!

Asher adores chasing him, in hopes that he might catch him.

 Another regular visitor on the property.

He really is sort of cute.

What a Sleepy Boy!

This is what happens when you fall asleep in the shower - told you my boys LOVE the shower!

And he didn't even wake up when Patrick got him out. 

All refreshed! 

The Infamous Duck

(copied from FB)

ROFLOL... so yesterday Aidan and I saw a duck in a pond on the way home from Peggy's Cove (for the 2nd time, since the 1st time we discovered that DeeDee's just opened for the season... needed cash, drove home, got cash, and went back to Peggy's Cove for DeeDee's homemade ice cream... yes, it is that good. I would say the best I have ever tasted). Anyways, we asked Patrick to drop us off so we could take a few pics. Got some pretty good ones and headed home to search the internet in order to identify this NEW bird. Spent 1+hr. searching, but never could find this illusive duck. Well, once again this morning, we studied the picture trying to pinpoint any unique feature that might help up to identify it... only to finally realize, it is a fake duck... we will never find this duck online. hahahaha The joke is on us!

Honestly, how we ever thought this was a live specimen is beyond me???

Lots of Love

I assure you, he is not lacking for attention or love!

Aidan and Asher

These two really have a special relationship right now. Outside of  "Dadda" (his 1st word) and "Momma", "Aida" (Asher has been saying "Aida" for months, but only recently began trying to say his other brothers' names) is the one he calls for in the morning, the one he sits with during a movie, the one he yells for in the middle of the night if we refuse to get him out of his crib...

Luke and Asher

They are really starting to play together! Although, *if* Luke doesn't respond right away to Asher's demands, Asher is quick to pinch, smack, or bite :(

Daddy and Asher
 ♥

More "cheesy" faces for Aidan!

5 Brothers

Some might wonder what is special about this particular post. 

No, it is not showing off my sons' athletic abilities.

Why?

I confess that when we sent the 2 older boys to private school this year, we were concerned how it would affect their relationship with each other and with their younger siblings. I can't deny that is has changed things - the dynamics, the amount of time...

But I am proud to show you that they all still enjoy each others' company and no one is left out!

Asher...

just happy dash around outside with his big brothers.

Sean...

 who quickly and forcefully responded, "Just do it!!!" when we first approached him about giving Aidan a certain, early birthday present right after we belatedly presented him with a similar present.

Drew..

who was quick to express to us, "This - his brothers receiving and everyone getting to rip board together  - is almost like getting a birthday present for himself."

Aidan...

who was 100% content for Sean to receive a rip board, even though he really wanted one and would be the only "big brother" without one.

and Luke...

cheerfully borrowing Drew's skateboard to participate in his own way.

Track and Field Meet - Take 5

Patrick (aka Daddy)

He wins the award for best "pusher",

 best "holder",

best "driver",

and best "chaser"!

The face of a man having fun with his sons.

(the way to this girl's heart)

♥♥♥

Track and Field Meet - Take 4

Asher

First driving lesson

(always copying his big brothers ;)

He discovered a way UP; and better yet, a way DOWN that he enjoyed!

Sweet, sweet boy!

Sliding down feet first on his belly = FUN!

Steady there.

(Patrick challenged Aidan, Luke, and I to a contest - circle the playground on the "balance beam" without falling off... shouldn't have been surprised this little guy was paying attention and wanted in on the action).

Another boy who loved playing with the pea gravel.

Track and Field Meet - Take 3

Luke

If you look closely, you can see his rocket ready for blast off!

Boy am I glad that pea gravel can provide hours of entertainment.

What a monkey:)

"Look Mommy, no hands!"

See-saw partners...sort of.

"Best Day EVER!!!"

Track and Field Meet - Take 2

Aidan

Notice the tiny orange shoes...

a certain little brother was standing behind him, trying to pinch/scratch any exposed skin. 

Flying high!

Track and Field Meet - Take 1

The one and only for the season. 

May 17, 2013

Not bad...

especially considering he did NOT practice or sign up for this event!

Ready, set, GO...

And they're off!

Holding steady!

(1500 meter)

True to form, Sean held back for the first 1-2 laps, but then began passing his competition.

Drew with his relay team - 4X100.

They took SILVER :)

Sean with his relay team - 4X200.

They took GOLD!!!

Team HCA made us PROUD!

On race day, we each had important roles to fill...

admittedly, some were NOT quite as enjoyable or glamorous. 

Patrick's job - picking up balls,

over and over and over.

He Sure Has Grown!

And quite a bit since we arrived here in Canada. 

It was past time to reconfigure the straps (to the highest slot). 

Here he is all set to go... just not sure where or for how long considering this seat weighs 20+lbs. 

What a strapping lad!

100% Irresistible

Apparently, all Aidan has to do for an awesome pic, is to ask Asher if he wants to go outdoors. 

Of course, Asher's answer is always, "Yes!" 

Aidan then responds, "Smile!"

Voila, a ridiculously adorable photo that melts this Mommy's heart every time. 

How could anyone resist?

Puddles + dandelions = FUN.

(above photos courtesy of Aidan)