2 Weeks old today.

 Man we love this little guy.  He is such a joy.  Although at his check up today, we found out he is up to 10lbs and 5ozs.  I wanted to cry.  He is not going to be little very long... I want him to stay little forever.  He is such a pleasure to hold and cuddle and kiss.

Off They Go

These totally cute kids started school today.  They were excited. 

 Nolan made the big step to Grade 6 - Jr. High.  I was nervous.  Way more nervous than he was.  He was cool, he took in all in stride - like the cool kid he is.

Jarom started Grade 2; he was happy to see his friends again.

Both boys came home with glowing reports of their day. 

I have a feel'in ... it's going to be a good good year!

It's coming to an end

I hate this time of year.  We are days away from back to school.  Back to routine and demanding schedules. I love my kids being home and being able to go and do fun things with them.  This summer has been different than our previous summers, due to our wonderful addition, but still on the whole we had a great summer together.

Spencer's been home with us the last couple of weeks and we've all enjoyed it.  Thursday I felt good enough that we could all venture out.  Frank Slide was on our list of Sumner Fun Activities; so off we went.

We took in some of the other sites in the Crowsnest Pass.  It's been years since I was last there.  It's so pretty out there.  If it wasn't so far away I'd be tempted to move there.

This picture is so funny to me.  Jarom is copying his older cousin Jake - or trying to.  Every picture we have of Jake he is posing. Nolan and Jarom have now become posers.  The power of an older cousin. Luckily he's a good one!

He's Here!!!

I should have had a melt down weeks ago because after my last post, this baby decided it was time to make his entrance into the world.

Barrett Oscar Court

Born Tuesday August 17th @ 10:22 pm

Weight 9lbs 8ozs

22" Long

We are all totally in love with him and enjoying every minute.

He is of course one of the cutest baby ever.  Everything he does is spectacular.

Proud Big Brothers

It's official, I'm done.

I've tried to be patient.  I've tried to be optimistic.  I've tried to adopt an easy going, he'll come when he is ready attitude.  I've tried not to dwell on the fact that I've (we've) been waiting on this  baby for close to 5 years now.  But today I'm done. 

I'm tired of waiting. I'm tried of this enormous belly.  I'm tired of being uncomfortable.  I'm tired of having trouble bending over.  I've tire of... you get the idea.

This baby just needs to come.

Still no baby

Apparently my uterus is a wonderful place to be.  This kid loves it and is refusing to come and meet us. I guess I shouldn't be surprised; it took us 4 years to get him this far, it goes to reason that he isn't in a hurry. Although some of us are becoming a tad impatient.  Everyday the boys cuddle up to my belly and whisper words of encouragement for him to please come and be with us.

I think he is having too much fun with Rachel and Anne's babies.  Stinker.

Anyhow, my doctors have been trying to get me to set a inducement date; but after a horrible inducement with Nolan I am resisting. I am starting to worry that my days are numbered and this baby will be forced out.  Say a little prayer for us that he comes on his own!

All good thing must come to an end.

We had Shane, Kaddi, Jake, Meg and Luke here.  It was wonderful to spend 2 fun filled weeks with them.  We tried to jam pack as much fun in as possible before they left for their new home in Nebraska.

We paid a visit to the climbing wall.

Explored the beauty of Red Rock Canyon

A personal favorite of mine... using Shane as target practice.

(Anne here is your belly picture... HUGE)

Riding the Quads. 

The kids all made tye dyed shirts, which they all loved and they all look so cute.

The guys got lots of work done on the Tree House.  Starting to look Great!

One of my Favorite Quotes

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" 

-Margorie Hinckley

I've thought about this quote lots since I first read it.  It created a shift in my thinking.  When I thought I'd been snubbed by someone, or someone had said something a tad unkind or failed to notice me and wave;  instead of thinking what a nasty person they are, I think maybe they are having a bad day or a secret struggle I know nothing about. A change in perspective is a beautiful thing.

No baby yet

I know it's sad.  I thought he would have made an appearance by now, but no such luck.  On the upside, Shane and Kaddi and their family are here, so we've been able to do lots of fun things with them.  I just hope the baby counter doesn't start moving into the pluses!

Court Family Gathering

A couple of week-ends ago all the Courts gathered down at Writing-on-Stone.  It is a  fabulous place to bring families together and create memories. 

The kids love to climb and explore the Hoodoos. 

I think this is right after his dad dumped him in the river.

It was a perfect day to take a leisurely tube ride down the river.

Play in the sand and build all sorts of wonderful creations.

Thanks so much to Cam and Amy for organizing this great week-end!!!

Birds of Prey

 A while back we took a trip to the Bird of Prey Center in Coaldale.  Funny how I lived in Coaldale for all of my growing up years, but never went.  The center was on our list of activities to do this summer and the boys have been asking for a while now.  It was great.  The boys petted the birds, feed the geese and watched a flying lesson with a falcon.  The staff there are wonderful, if you have a chance go!