Owen & Cooper

We're just back from a "staycation" weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara. We decided that rather than have a party for Cooper, we needed a little family time away from home. Most of Cooper's friends are away on their own vacations right now and life is just so busy with us lately, we thought it would be nice for all of us to pack up and head to the waterpark. The kids loved it!! We'll definitely go back. Owen loved it so much, that there was big tears when it was time to go. We've promised him another visit. He said "next week?" Ummm...maybe not that soon.

Things have been very busy at work for Mommy and Daddy. We've also been through what seems like an especially long bout of flus and colds this year. Spring, where are you???

Cooper started both swimming and Sportball in January. Owen is also in swimming and skating. Both are loving those activities and if we could find more time in our schedules, they would surely love to do more...it's Mommy and Dadddy that can't keep up!

Cooper is turning into a little man right before our very eyes. We really can't believe that he's 2 already. It's making Mommmy a little nostalgiac since he's likely the last so no more baby stages.

He's much like Owen was at this age in that he's still not speaking very clearly. My boys are late bloomers that way! He understands pretty much everything. He's trying a lot of words but he's decided that using the first syllable is sufficient...lazy bugger!

He loves school now and on most days, drop-off is a breeze. When I drop him off in the morning, he promptly runs to the teachers, shakes hands and heads over to play. Wow...how things have changed from one short year ago!

He's also been expressing some interest in the potty but I would say we're in for the long haul there.

He's really developing quite the little personality. Like Owen, he loves to laugh & roughhouse (unfortunately, the roughousing also leads to some tears at times.) Cooper can also be pretty intense, he's perfected a great scowl for strangers! He's also super stubborn....unfortunately, Mommy knows exactly where that comes from and she can't point any fingers!

Owen is doing well....he's had a huge growth spurt over the last few months. It seems like every time we turn around, he needs bigger clothes. He's been doing half time in kindergarten and the other half at Montessori since September and he seems to be doing well. He's also participated in some school programs he really liked, including karate and music. His music teacher plays the guitar for them, so he's developed a newfound interest in playing the guitar (check out his new guitar in our pics!). He loves to sing....his current favourite is Wavin' Flag (coutesy of Mr. Linderman). He belts that one out quite loudly...the song isn't near as good if the neighbours can't hear too.

We're finding 4 a little challenging on some days. He's definitely asserting his independence and he's picked up a few less than desirable habits from some of the big kids at school but overally, he's a pretty great kid.

True story--Owen has a total crush on one of his teachers at the public school. Every Tues and Thurs morning, when I drop him off, he asks me if his cheeks are red. For months now, I've thought it strange but not spent any more time thinking about it as I rush out the door. On Thursday morning, same thing and then suddenly it dawns on me that he feels himself blushing when Kare greets him in the morning! Oh my, he's 4!!!

Anyway, that's it for now...laundry calls (have I ever mentioned how much laundry these two boys generate?!!!).

Missing you all in NB but the countdown is on. We'll be home in about 9 weeks for a visit. We're praying all that snow is gone before we get there...we don't miss the Maritime winters...especially this year!

See you soon,
Michelle, Doug, Owen & Cooper
XOXOXOX