A boy and his books...

Tonight we had our most comedic bedtime moment :-) But first, a little bedtime background. While Matthew loves to cart "affe", "roar", "fish", "bear", and a zillion books up to his room at bedtime, he very rarely will allow anyone/anything but Teddy to actually be in the bed when it's time to go to sleep. On rare occasions he likes to sleep with a ball and sometimes he likes to look at a book (but he is specific about which book that can be - the book varies) as he drifts off. Also, if he gets out of bed it is only to go directly to the gate and call for either Mama or Daddy to come back. Even this isn't that often. The boy rarely gets out of bed. Even when he wakes up in the morning we always find him still in bed waiting for us.

Anyways, as Chad was finishing with bedtime stories I settled into the tub. Usually I would hear Matthew gibbering away for a while until he fell asleep, but tonight was oddly quiet - I thought it was nice. About 15 minutes later I start hearing these little thumps, that sound like they're coming from Matthew's room (his room backs onto our ensuite), but I don't hear his voice so I think it must be Chad. Another few minutes go by with the noises and I'm beginning to wonder what's going on. I then hear "Mama" followed by the distinct sound of toddler feet running. I'm envisioning that he has knocked over the gate, is hurt, or is ready to pummle down the stairs (he is very careful on the stairs, but still the thought crossed my mind).

I get out of the tub as fast as a very pregnant woman can (not very) and race (err, waddle) to his room, just as Chad gets up the stairs. He gets to the doorway first and smiles, then points to Matthew who is sitting by his bookshelf trying to get a book off the shelf unsuccessfully. I smile and am relieved. Then Chad says "look at his bed". And on his bed is about 20 of his books. We couldn't help but laugh, as he is just sitting on his floor as if this is what he does every night. It would have taken him many, many trips to get all those books to his bed, I can't believe how quietly he did it, and that he didn't talk and give himself away :-)

Well, Chad and him cleaned up the books and Matthew was allowed to choose one book for bed. Bob's Busy Saw was the winner and I am happy to say that he is in bed and quiet...or so I think :-) Unfortunately the camera needs batteries so I missed the Kodak moment.

Lake George Provincial Park

Matthew just loves the water, so the Smith's and Barker's decided to head to Lake George Provincial Park for an afternoon of fun! It took no effort to get Matthew in the water and pretty soon he and Grampy were off chasing the ducks!

Matthew had a great time wading around with Grammie and Grampy.

Three generation of Smith "men"

Smith family at the lake :-)

Group photo - what a great day!

Oaklawn Farm Zoo - One year later

As everyone knows, Matthew loves animals. So off to Oaklawn Farm we went almost a year after his first visit. He had a great time looking at all the animals and especially loves the zebras, monkeys, lions, and feeding the deer.

It was nice that this year Chad could come with us! Matthew enjoyed most of the visit being transported on Dad or Grampy's shoulders!

Matthew is a lion - roar!! We have this same picture from last year. We'll have to get another one next summer :-)

Matthew is asking to give "roar" one more hug before he leaves :-)

New Recruit

When we were home for a few days Matthew got the chance to explore the fire trucks! They were a big hit and the fire truck book soon became a must read at bedtime!

All smiles as he checks out the front seat!

Matthew must have received a good driving lesson from Grampy because here he is ready to take off!

Go Dad Go - Guelph Lake Conservation Area Triathlon

Today Chad had his second triathlon - it was at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Thankfully the rain and thunder did not come, so Matthew and I were able to go and cheer for Chad. Here are Chad and Matthew just before Chad is getting ready for the first leg - the dreaded swim! Spencer and Jenny are in the background - Matthew loved playing with Kuma (their dog) while we waited for Spencer and Chad to finish!! Congrats to Jenny for finishing her first tri earlier in the day :-)

Matthew and I had a snack break while Chad was on the bike...

Here's Chad just starting the final leg of the tri - the run!

Matthew was very happy to see Chad after the race - he was such a good boy watching everything while having some snacks, but was pleased to get out of the stroller and be up with his Dad :-) Chad and Spencer post race - great job guys!

Smith family post race - Matthew and I were so proud of Chad!

Happy Father's Day

Today I finally had my first ride in my wagon from uncle Sean and aunt Cathy. We had to out quickly because it's been thundering all day. Today is also Father's Day - I made my Dad a really neat card and gave him lots of hugs and kisses because he is the best Dad! I also called Grampy B and Grampy S - I am so lucky to have two great Grampies!!

June has arrived - yeah!

Riley has to put up with a lot of "love" these days. Matthew loves climbing and crawling all over him!

Neither Chad or I had ever been to Chuckie Cheese, so we went there today for lunch. The food wasn't very good, but it's easy to see why the kids love it with all the games and rides. Here's Matthew enjoying the slide in the toddler section.

It wasn't overly warm today, but the pool was a nice temperature, so Chad and Matthew opted for an afternoon swim.

This was a new game...Mom was a little nervous, but Matthew loved it! Every time he landed he would start counting again (one, two, three) for Chad to throw him in the air!

When asked, Matthew will kick away! He had such a great time swimming with Dad!