Baby Roy-Fell

Summer Smiles.

2011-06-28T08:42:00.001-07:00

Bring on the summer! It was late in arriving but we're all excited it's here.

Love.

2011-03-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes a hug.

Homework

2011-03-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Holden loves preschool. He attends the french preschool five mornings a week and he misses it on the weekends. It seems crazy that he will be 5 this summer and will be attending full time kindergarten in the fall. All in french. The kids are both pretty much fluent in french and english which is super fun and a great advantage to them.
Holden had to make a collage about himself for school. He brought out all the things he wanted pictures of. That included about 12 dinosaurs and his name as he had written it.
He was proud of the pictures and his work. So were we.

Clean.

2011-03-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Short hair is easier to manage and keep clean. And when the kids decide to cut their own hair, since they both want to do everything themselves, then it's time to pull out the clippers.

Yoda the Turtle

2011-03-19T14:18:00.001-07:00

Afton and I spend mornings at the local climbing gym while Holden is in school. I love to climb and welcome any exercise I can get. Afton loves some mom time alone and Yoda the turtle has taken up residence at the gym so she has developed quite a happy bond with him.
"Yoda's sleeping." she says as we arrive.
"Yoda's awake, he's hungry." she usually says after about a half an hour.
"He's nice."
"Bye Yoda!" she says as we head down the stairs and out the door to pick up Holden.

In the snow hut.

2011-03-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

This has been a great winter for snow huts. We have had plenty of snow.
Therefore we have built plenty of snow huts.
Make a pile.
Leave it over night.
Hollow it out.
Play in it.
Play on it.
Poke holes through it.
Collapse it.
Repeat.
It's good fun for everyone.

How 2010 ended.

2011-02-02T18:27:00.001-08:00

Life is busy.

2011-01-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

To put it plain and simple.
There is a time where you reach your maximum capacity and then you go on autopilot.
And the next thing you know, your baby is close to three years old.

Helping with repairs.

2010-09-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Kids always want to help. Not that the help always helps. But allowing them to take part in the daily bike repairs, chores, cooking, etc lets them know that their contributions are valuable and appreciated.

We're home from the lake!

2010-09-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here we come up the stairs...

...do we have your full attention...

...and here's the naked happy dance.

Just another summer day...

2010-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

...enjoying the lake.

Kids on bikes.

2010-09-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I have no photos of myself on a bike, I spent most days in the summer on one. The kids were happy to wave as they headed out to play and say, "Have fun biking!"

At the lake in Whistler.

2010-09-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

The kids spent most of the summer at the lake. They splashed. They dug. They paddled. They floated. They ate. They napped. Afton licked her tube. Holden threw lots of rocks and made lots of friends. They would leave the house in the morning with a stroller full of food, sunscreen and toys that floated and come home at the end of the day happy, tired and hungry. At the end of the summer they both had better tans than I have ever had.

Relax or not.

2010-09-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent the summer in Whistler. Me to ride my bike. The kids had a nanny and they spent the summer playing, swimming, exploring, picnicking, hiking, bear watching,...etc.
At the Whistler house the kids moved right in. Being 2 and 4 they could not read the 'Relax' sign posted above the bunk beds. But they had fun not relaxing!

Outside.

2010-07-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

The more time we spend outside the better our lives are.

Ross agrees!

Soccer Camp

2010-07-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

The cheerleaders.

The players.

The games begin.
Cheerleader gets hot and dunks head in water bucket.

The ball goes out of bounds but the boys keep playing.

Wheelbarrow Pool

2010-07-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hot summer days require a refreshing dip in the pool, lake or in the case of our open minded children, the wheelbarrow.
And it's always more fun with friends.

A measure of a good day.

2010-07-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

When the little girl falls asleep while eating dinner.

The 'outside' sandbox.

2010-06-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Two years ago we built Holden a sandbox on the deck. This year he made it very clear that, the deck, was not the outside that he wanted. I had to agree that he was right. So we build a new sandbox on the edge of the yard. He loves it. Burying his cars. Sinking the hose into it and making rivers and lakes. Piling it. Raking it. And Afton eating it. Hours of fun.

Summer.

2010-06-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sun.
Sprinkler.
Umbrella.
Rubber boots.
Happy children.
Happy parents.

Watching bikes with Papa.

2010-06-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

We don't have a tv. Mostly because I would watch lots of tv if we had one and I don't like that I make that choice over all the other good stuff we could be doing. But we do have a few computers. The bike video, Seasons, is saved on most of them. It is the only thing that Afton asks to watch. Holden on the other hand has a list of requests...dinosaurs, airplane crashes, monster trucks, Diego...and the list goes on. He may have gotten his love for watching tv from me. We keep it to a minimum. Being outside really is more fun.

Hanging on the Rat Rack.

2010-06-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

It will carry 5 bikes. And is fun for swinging and climbing on too.

The little Lady.

2010-06-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

"I am here!"

"What is this on the floor?"

"This wet one should take care of it."

"Perfect."

Heading home.

2010-06-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

A good weekend camping.
Finished with a hug and an ice cream cone.

Exploring Dinosaur

2010-06-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

We went on the 2nd Annual Dinosaur Family camping trip. It was more fun than the 1st. And the first was pretty fun. The kids are just one year older but they, especially Holden, had so much more fun exploring.
Watching him and his friends running out across the hoodoos. 'Reading' signs. Making choices about the best ascent and descent. Riding off on a bus for the bone safari. Hearing stories about dinosaurs ever since. Makes us look forward to the 3rd annual trip.

Sharing the Mud!

2010-06-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

My turn.

Your turn.

Wipe Out!
A quick trailer bath,
clean clothes,
a big campfire,
and a pile of friends made Holden forget that he dove right into the puddle.

A boy...

2010-06-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

...and his Monster Trucks.

The favorite of the day.
Holden loves truck, cars, planes, trains, helicopters, boats...and all other things that go.

Did you say, "NO!"

2010-06-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

...okay then, "Here I go!"

Afton has some climbing tendencies. As much as I would love the kids the climb we never force it. Afton is a bit of a cheeky little monkey and seems to really enjoy it. And is especially entertained when we tell her, "NO!"

Camping 1 mile from home.

2010-06-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Being able to load up the trailer and drive 1 mile and camp at a beautiful site next to the Bow is a treat. The kids love playing in the water. Ross loves chasing rocks and sticks the kids throw. We enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, cooking over the campfire and watching the stars.

Forts are fun!

2010-06-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

After some wrestling it is always nice to read a magazine and drink some milk.

Afton Lily turned 2.

2010-05-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

It feels like yesterday that we had a brand new baby girl.

Now we have this bright little goofy girl running around talking to us. Giving us attitude and making us laugh.

It's crazy how fast the time has passed.

It's a reminder to enjoy the days we have with the kids at home. Because they too will quickly pass.

Fuel.

2010-05-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

An afternoon snack....

...and ready for some gardening.

Rocks and sand.

2010-05-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Rocks are for dropping your bike over.

Sand is for digging in. After shoveling all of the snow off.

The good toys.

2010-05-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Pinecone Barbie. She's short but if you look closely she is in the drivers seat.

And three little stones.

Making faces.

2010-05-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sad face.

Making a sad face is funny so it is hard to make sometimes.

Happy face!

Small and Big.

2010-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Small girl. Big trees.

Small boy (well he would argue that he is a big boy). Big dogs.

Campfire dinner.

2010-05-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

After a busy day outside, Holden cooks his own hot dog with Grandpa.
And Afton enjoys some veggies and chips.

Working together.

2010-05-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Having fun with water.

Outdoors.

2010-05-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Where we belong.

The artists.

2010-05-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

He colors on her a little.

She colors on the paper.

He colors on himself and then on himself in the mirror.

Washable felts are wonderful.

Helping Papa!

2010-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Holden helped his Papa put his pontoon boat together.
Pumped some air.
Worked on attaching a paddle.
Tested durability.
And now asks if they can go in it every time we pass a body of water.
"We could fish there with Papa's boat." he says.

Pancakes are good.

2010-04-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Eating pancakes. Good for energy for the day.

Phone.

2010-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Hello."

"It is for you."

"Oh wait, I'm getting an email."

"That is so silly."

Afton likes phones.
She can rearrange your settings on one in a few seconds.

If she hears a phone ring she yells, "Phone!" and then says, "Hello! Hello?"

We're ready!

2010-04-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I told the kids to get ready to go.
Then I couldn't find them.

They really got ready and were in the garage in the chariot. Waiting for me to get ready.

Holden.

2010-04-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

After months of coming to the climbing gym Holden has decided that he wants to climb sometimes too. We've never pressured him. And always made being in the climbing gym fun. We worried that putting pressure on him would make him hate it. It's fun to see our son do what we love.

More love.

2010-04-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Safety.

2010-04-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Put on your helmet.

Especially if you are going to run like crazy.

Accessible food.

2010-04-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

If the children had said they wanted just the 2 scoops of raisins and not the bran I would have just bought raisins.

We have a cupboard of food that is accessible to the kids. It has all of their plates, bowls, cups and food that they can get for themselves. Holden is very good with it. He likes his independence and can get a bowl and a snack. Afton also likes her independence but is still working on getting the snack in the bowl.

Bouncing...

2010-04-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

...is always fun...

...but even more fun when it is at your cousins house.

I can dress myself?

2010-04-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

A miniskirt?

Nope.
Just both legs in one leg of the pants.

Summery Winter Days!

2010-03-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

We bought a sled and the sun came out and melted all the snow.

The sled was still a hit.

And so were the toys that had spent some time under the snow.

And so was the water that ran down the street.

Tulips.

2010-03-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

We bought some tulips at the grocery store.
The kids picked them out. Apparently that meant they were theirs.
I managed to get a full day with the tulips in the vase on the window sill.
But they were not opening fast enough for a 3.5 year old curiosity plagued boy. And when the boy has questions his little sister is not far behind.
I gave in to their curiosity and let them take them to the floor and more closely explore the tulips.
In a flurry of movement they put fingers and hands into the tulips and 'helped' them open.
Both kids were very excited and proud.

play.

2010-03-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

2 cardboard boxes +
20 colorful silks +
2 kids =
fun for days (maybe years)

Thoughts.

2010-03-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

We have always been of the school of thought that our responsibility as parents is to help our children develop the skills, ethics, confidence, etc. to go out in the world and be who they are and proceed through life with confidence and laughter and the tools to handle the ups and downs that life brings.
Recently it has become clear that the best tools may just be patience, flexibility, common sense and a sense of humor.
We know, for sure, that this journey is making us better people. Perhaps, parents are not the teachers.

They are that good!

2010-03-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Red and orange peppers are pretty good.

Especially when they are pulled from the grocery bag so fast that they have to remove their own stickers.
Having independent kids is a stressful blessing.

The torch relay.

2010-02-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Afton failing miserably at acting enthusiastic about the Olympic torch passing through town. I did just rip her from her afternoon nap to run down the street to catch the event so I understand her disapproval.
Holden runs for the hills in the background.

We saw it!

When the torch passed through town I was torn. There was a big celebration downtown. Louis was away. I was tired. The weather was beautiful. It was an opportunity that we may not have again. The thoughts of pushing through crowds with a stroller and two kids alone was terrifying.

Fortunately, the torch ran past the end of our street. And with a bit of help we managed to be a part of it all. It was such a relief to get to share the moment with the kids but to skip all the hassle of the big event.

Eating her veggies.

2010-02-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

And it's a win. She loves broccoli!

Little Lioness

2010-02-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

She is such a goof. Fortunately we can capture her goofiness on camera.

Smarty pants..minus the pants.

2010-02-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Why being a smart ass doesn't always work out.

Sleep.

2010-01-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

The beauty of a sleeping child never grows old.

Afton and her toes.

2010-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Afton doesn't like dirty feet. And hates things between her toes. She spend quality time ensuring they are clean. If she step on a bit of dirt or food she sits down and takes care of it. With her fingers or the zebra or any other object she thinks would work.

Mornings.

2010-01-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

Does that coffee stuff really help?

Siblings.

2010-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

As time passes, and it passes at a speed I can barely keep up with, the kids find more ways that they can play together and get along.
It is so nice to hear the yelling stop and then walk into the room and find them playing trains, cars, tea party, lego and giving each other rides on the baby walker.
Holden has been telling people lately, "This is my baby sister, Afton Lily!"

Sleep.

2010-01-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Holden rarely wants to go to bed when we want him to these days. I've recently discovered that if you give him a break and some space he often curls up and falls asleep.

Afton's smile.

2010-01-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Afton is a tough little girl. She has wiped out more times and more extremely than Holden ever has. And after her initial tears and sadness she gets right back at it. With a big smile.

Christmas. After the fact.

2010-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Holden shows me on of Afton's new dolls.

Afton likes dolls.

Holding still for a moments...

...and then off they go again.

We have no pictures of Christmas and the chaos that is small children opening gifts. But it was fun! The kids enjoyed time with family and playing in the snow and eating treats. Holden has finally stopped asking if there are more gifts.

The small stuff.

2009-12-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Don't sweat the small stuff.
'The small stuff' is different for everyone. For us 'the small stuff' is a lot of the stuff.

Holden removed all the wine from the wine cabinet and made 'forests' for his trains to drive through. It's great to see the creativity when we don't pull the kids back as soon as they make a move in their own directions. We stay close for support and encouragement.

Life.

2009-12-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

Holden and Afton are 22 months apart. Watching them grow up together and learn to play together, eat together, cause trouble together....has been fun, entertaining and often tiring. The energy of two young kids is crazy. Sometimes we want to be part of it and sometimes all we can do is sit back and watch them go. And then, they tire, we tidy up and then it happens all over again.

Cuddles!

2009-12-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Afton continues to a little cuddle girl.
We try to maximize on it as much as possible as we know it won't last forever.

We want to take pictures.

2009-12-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

The kids have taking to running at the camera when I try to take pictures because they want to see the image in the little screen. Or Holden just yells, 'No pictures.'

The 'Santa Threat'

2009-12-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

It's crazy how quick a mischievous boy will straighten up when you say, "If you're not nice Santa might not bring you a gift."
And then after I say it, I'm excited because there is that magic of believing and then disappointed in myself that it is used as a threat.
The excitement when we read the Christmas book is so amazing and the fact that after a few times I know all the reindeer's names is also amazing. And Holden asks, "Who's that reindeer? Is that Blitzen?"
The imagination is by far one of our best sides/abilities/trait/gifts...

Ahh...wood heat!

2009-12-09T03:39:00.000-08:00

The kids have embraced the wood stove as much as us. They ask to go there to warm up after baths and after cold walks outside. They sit there to eat snacks. Afton blows air at it when she goes close because she understands that it is hot. Life is better. And it was pretty darn good before.

Waiting.

2009-12-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

If I wait here long enough they will open this cabinet and let me play with the treasures inside.

Baby!

2009-12-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

Afton is a baby lover. Whenever she sees one of her baby dolls she yells, "Baby!" and usually gives them a cuddle.
Afton is becoming a little girl at an alarming rate. "Hello." she says into the phone as she walks around with it to her ear. "Mine!" she yells when Holden comes close to her stuff, yesterday it was her jacket. She launches out of her crib. She drags chairs around the house and climbs up on everything. She spills her milk and says "Uh oh." and rushes off to get a rag to clean it up.
She likes to dance. She tries to jump up and down. She's quick to laugh and cuddle. And she nods when she wants something and shakes her head if she doesn't.

A few older photos that make me laugh.

2009-12-04T03:15:00.000-08:00

Holden served up lunch. You can eat now he said.

It's hard to do naked yoga when there is a mini girl attacking your head.

Nothing completes a meal like a dance session on the chair.

Facts from a 3 year old.

2009-12-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

On the drive home from a baby shower this week Holden shared these facts with us:
Afton was born.
Santa Clause is going to bring me a helicopter.

He spoke with such conviction that I thought I should submit a letter to Santa for myself.

Again...who needs toys?

2009-10-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

We just had a wood stove put in. To replace the ugly brick gas fireplace that was 'ornamental?' Now it feels like we live in a warm cabin. Plus the kids have managed to get hours of entertainment from the boxes that the chimney came in.

Child approved.

2009-10-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

The kids took some quality time to check that my bike was installed on the bike trainer properly and that it is all in good working order. They know that a happy mom is a good mom and that in my case a mom that gets her exercise is a happy mom.

Who needs toys...?

2009-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Especially when you can launch off the window sill onto the couch.

And watch the weather, the cars pass on the street and the slate being cut for the home reno's from you jump launch pad.

Oranges.

2009-10-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Some oranges are that delicious.

Art.

2009-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Our perception of what is art and what is not art depends how we see things.

Words from Holden.

2009-10-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

"Mama, you need to buy your own chainsaw." After a morning of getting fire wood and seeing his Papa operating the chainsaw.
Later he said, "Papa needs to buy you a chainsaw."

"Big boys drink tea. Not just Mama's." as he was drinking sleepy time tea with me.

"I'll make it better for you in here Mama." after I told him that I would play lego after I went to the bathroom. By making it better, he meant putting the toilet seat down and turning the light on. It was better.

"I'm not a baby. I'm a big boy." after coming home from the Waldorf preschool where some older boys called him baby Holden.

"Can I help my baby." as Afton was trying to get off of our bed.

The best may have been when I heard a thump upstairs and then Afton crying. When I got upstairs Afton was out of her crib and no longer crying but playing happily. She had just woken from her nap.
I asked Holden how Afton got out of bed.
He said, "I helped her."
I had to ask, "Did you push her or pull her?"
"I pushed her." he replied proudly.
Papa suggested that if he was going to do that again he should put a big pile of blankets on the floor prior to the push over the railing.
He listened.

Holden's first day of school

2009-10-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is an old picture (a month or so old) but I like it, so here it is.
Holden is attending the french preschool and despite the teacher's initial concerns that he did not understand french she has informed us that she is making great progress with him.
From a parents stand point the progress is obvious. We used to have to leave him there crying and now he happily takes his shoes off and runs up the stairs to see his teacher, friends and the classroom toys.

As a stay at home mom it is not easy to leave your children. Or more so, it is not easy for your children to have you leave them. I'm pretty happy to leave them in the capable hands of other parents, friends and/or neighbor children for the sake of my sanity and for the children's socialization. We all benefit.

I want to eat that.

2009-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

And he did.
Can't really complain when the child is psyched to eat half an avocado, even if it was supposed to be for my salad.

The potty is gone.

2009-09-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Until we start potty training Afton in a few months.

They do look the same.

2009-09-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our little boy is growing up.

2009-09-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Before: Holden has the best thickest hair in the family and used it all summer as a sun hat as he never really liked wearing a hat.

After: preschool attending and clean cut.

Our little girl is growing up.

2009-09-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Afton has enough hair for 2 little pony tails.

She also started walking last month and seems to follow the same fearless path that her big brother does. Jumping. Diving. Climbing. Crashing. Laughing.

A little sushi lunch.

2009-09-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

I can do it by myself.

2009-09-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

Afton no longer wants to be fed by us.
It makes her happy to do it by herself. She makes a mess. As kids tend to do.

Run biking.

2009-09-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

I was a bit skeptical about the run bike. It wasn't until I understood the idea that the child will learn to balance and then not need training wheels that I realized that it was a great idea.
But still, it wasn't until we went to the bike shop and Holden pushed the run bike all the way up the stairs and then all the way down and then refused to leave it behind that we got one.
He loves it. He's fast and a bit fearless.
Outside, with his helmet on, he'll tackle hill and curbs, wooden stumps and jumps and has a blast. It's impressive to watch a little kid go. And some what stressful to try to chase him down when he rides away.

Is this okay?

2009-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Afton knows when she is doing something that she should not.

And that makes her laugh.

There may be trouble ahead.

Sleep.

2009-08-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

The deep and sound sleep that follows a busy day.

I have...

2009-08-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

...Mama's helmet!

I have Papa's helmet!

I'm wearing Mama's helmet!

I'm wearing Papa's helmet!

I'm taking Papa's helmet off!

No naps on the road.

2009-08-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Afton is not a big napper on our camping trips. But she will take some quiet time in her play pen. Sometimes that leads to a nap and sometimes it leads to emptying out the drawers into her play pen. In both scenarios we all get a little break from each other.

Showing off...

2009-08-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

...his new ink...

...and his foot.

Break dancing.

2009-08-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I love that Holden loves to dance.
"Put some music on!" he says, "I want to dance!"
And off he goes flipping and spinning across the floor with his improve break dance style moves.
Then he says, "Dance Mama! Dance Papa!"

It's impossible not to join him.

Camping without fires.

2009-08-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Camping and fires just go hand in hand. This summers fire ban has taken away a bit of the fun of camping. Although, we totally understand why there is a fire ban.
That being said. We've made the most of our weekends outside. Enjoying the fresh air and the freedom. Riding our bikes and splashing in creeks and puddles with the kids.

Bedtime in the 1985 Bigfoot

2009-08-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

We bought a 19' 1985 Bigfoot travel trailer this summer. The convenience of a heater, a fridge, a table, beds, storage, a sink, a stove, an over...etc are great with the kids. And we, as grown ups, enjoy them all too.
We've discovered that it is great for short haul trip or longer long haul trips. Dragging it far for a quick weekend isn't as cost effective as just renting a condo. But hanging out in any of the closer campgrounds that surround us is super fun.
Whatever makes us able to get out more with the kids makes all of our lives better. Rain or shine!

Heading home.

2009-08-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Holden did some safety testing at the airport.
Window can handle 30lb weight? Check.
Blind string can handle 30lbs weight? Check.

Blind string can handle chew test? Check.

Mama can locate bathroom with sanitizer gel? Check.

The kids traveled very well. People were generally very helpful.
Traveling with kids is all about embracing the idea that there could be chaos and maintaining your calm.