Halloween cont...

Halloween was spook-tacular! We did crafts with Nolan and baby Cate, Nina came over in her Swiffer costume, and we went trick-or-treating at friends' houses. Enjoy pictures of Nolan, Cate, Dylan, Jack, Kate & Liam, and of course, Daddy dressed in his silly costume for a party last weekend!

Happy Halloween 2008

Boyd's New Year

On January 2nd, Boyd rang in 2008 with his first haircut. He got to sit in a tiny car with perky music and cartoons on a screen in front of him. His mood could be described as tense, but amused, until the cheery stylist took out the electric clippers. Boyd immediately began to wail, and his remained inconsolable the ordeal was finished. Luckily, there was a small pit of balls with a slide entry to play in after the cut, which helped ease Boyd back into his happy self. We were surprised by how grown up (and handsome!) he looked when it was through.



Another change since 2007 has been Boyd's transition in to Nursery. He has very nice leaders, Brother and Sister Lee, and some very fun little friends: Nolan, Donovan, Amelia, Thomas, Deacon, and Easton. Boyd is reportedly a very eager learner in nursery, and exclaims "Jesus!" when a picture of Jesus is shown. (Today in church, when brother Stouffer got up to speak, Boyd cried "prophet!", as we learned about prophets in FHE last week).





Finally, Boyd is discovering all kinds of new skills. He has mastered many letters of the alphabet, and loves to pick them out wherever we go. Reading books is still his top favourite activity, but he also loves playing with his "quack-quacks" in the bath, climbing on the wall in the basement, playing catch or tunnel-ball with one of many balls, riding on "Horsey", making pretend phone calls to Grampy, Gran, Grandma and Grandpa, Nolan, Dylan, and especially - Daddy. During these very cold winter months we've been visiting Gymaniacs in Cochrane and swimming pools for family fun on Saturdays.




One of the sweetest things Boyd does is say "Thank you, mommy", or "Thank you, Daddy" whenever we do the smallest things for him!

Hello?

Boyd would talk on his cell all day, if we'd let him.

Dixie & Brendan Got Married

Good times were had by all, as we celebrated with the newest newlyweds in the family. (Aren't they adorable?!) Boyd was clearly just so happy for them!

Fall 2007

Boyd often seems to be at his happiest when he's outside.

This one's for Daddy...

Here are a few snaps from the week so Matt can get a little Boyd fix while away in Vancouver. Attempts to speak with Boyd on the phone haven't been very successful for his poor Dad, as Boyd insists on holding the phone himself, which results in either instantly hanging up, or him shrieking while I try to prevent the hanging up. Maybe Boyd should stick to e-mail until he's a little older...

A Day at Spruce Meadows

Boyd, with his friends Nolan, Clare and Lucas, spent today taking in the sights, sounds and horsey smells of Spruce Meadows.

Here is a video clip of Boyd watching, and Mommy doing, some show jumping.


Boyd noticed some people, wearing similar pants to his own, standing near a tank. He immediately fell into his role as "Little Commander" and brought the group some much needed discipline.


Our trip coincided with the first day of the Stampede rodeo. Boyd celebrated by riding some recycled bucking broncos.


After watching all the riders around the Meadows, Boyd became inspired that he too should ride some horses. He found a pony, and hopped on...



Boyd was fascinated by the pipe and drum group. He paid close attention in order to learn tricks that he might be able to use in his own drumming.


And finally, here's a clip of Boyd taking in the Spruce Meadows experience while he and the gang ride the complementary CN train around the grounds.

Boyd's First Birthday Party

Last night we celebrated Boyd's first birthday with a big party.

Earlier in the day, due to his excited anticipation, Boyd skipped his afternoon nap. Some were concerned that the lack of nap might derail the whole event, as clearly the party wouldn't be the same if the Baby Of Honour shut himself down for bed before the guests arrived.



Luckily, Boyd managed to keep his eyelids open long enough to be treated to his first ever taste of birthday cake. Not surprisingly, this sugar surge instantly recharged Boyd, who spent the rest of the night playing with his gifts and entertaining his many well-wishers.

He received a fun play castle, and had a little help putting it together...

Boyd had fun exploring his new castle. He especially enjoyed spinning its Captain's Wheel, sometimes for several minutes straight. These next two videos show Boyd celebrating turning 1 with an ascent of the "Blue Slide", V0. The first clip shows him struggling to work the moves, the second shows him sending it clean.




Boyd also received a car to ride around in...

...and a fun new T-shirt...

...and a machine that blows "4,000 bubbles a minute!"

All in all, it was a fun evening celebrating a very amazing year.
We're already looking forward to Boyd's next party!

Summer Solstice Series

We've been busy snapping pics, so here they are, with highlights from Boyd's latest pastimes, M&M's ten year reunion, and a visit from the VanVliets.

11 Months

Notice Boyd's new four-toothed smile...