The Simpson's

Non-Toxic Household Cleaners

2010-11-25T08:20:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to a page that gives you recipes to make your own non-toxic household cleaners. It's easier on the pocket book and it's made from ingredients you likely have on hand. It's also better for you and your families health.

http://www.yourhealthyhouse.ca/yourhealthyhouse.ca/Recipes.html

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-24T21:05:00.009-05:00

Mommy a Catwomen with her little Lion and Batman. Brady was trying to show off his vampire fangs...I'm not sure when Batman got fangs.

Batman Brady trying to keep the fangs in his mouth since they were too big for him! Thomas the Lion

Daddy the Joker with Batman and the Lion

Brady was very excited for Halloween this year. He even helped cleaned out the pumpkins with his bare hands and wasn't grossed out by the texture.

Brady's 4th Birthday

2010-09-23T09:43:00.013-04:00

Brady wanted a Cars birthday again this year. The cake he choose was Lightning McQueen since he had a Mater cake last year. I know four is not Lightning's number, but I used it for Brady's fourth birthday. Brady was very happy with it.
Thomas enjoying the birthday cake and making a mess of his food as usual.

Brady giving Paige a big thank you smooch!
Brady trying on his new Lightning McQueen coat from Aunt Diane and Uncle Greg. Luckily, he needed a new winter coat.

Brady opening his rollerblades from Grandma Cindy & Ken. He can hardly stand in them with help, we will have to practise alot more. Brady showing off his new late model diecast of April Farmer - the first girl driver of his collection.

Brady's First Day of School

2010-09-13T13:10:00.013-04:00

On Brady`s first day of school, he woke and was excited to get dressed in his school clothes. However while getting dressed, he told me that he didn't want to go to school, he doesn't like school, he hates it. I told him that he needs to go to school before he can make that decision. He needs to go to school because his new teacher will be waiting for him.

Brad and I let him decide if he wanted us to drive him in or ride the bus. Brady wanted us to drive him and he didn`t want us to leave. Once we got there, he wouldn't leave Mommy's side. So Mommy got to line up in the train with Brady and his class and go into the school. Once inside Brady had a melt down; crying, screaming and yelling. All the other poor kids in his class had terrified looks on their faces. The teacher took all the other kids into the classroom. An EA stayed with us and once he calmed down and got comfortable with her, I tried to leave again...well he started all over again. So finally after about 45 minutes, Mommy had to walk away from her screaming kid. It turns out he calm down just after I left and had a good day, we had no phone calls from the school although Mommy worried all day about him.
When we returned to pick him up at the end of the day, his teacher told us that he was good, he participated in class and played with the other kids. He was ready and fine with going on the bus. However, he seen his Dad and wanted to ride home with us. His first day was not how I imagined it, I knew it was going to be hard for me but I had no idea. I didn`t cry, although I was close to tears a few times but I had to suck it up and be strong for Brady. We put him in preschool and day camps to get him ready for school. For both of them he said he didn`t want to go at first but once he got there and seen all the kids, he didn`t look back and loved it...that`s what I anticipated for his first day of school. He told us that had fun, he made new friends and he played all day.

Mr. Independent putting his shoes on.

Brady standing out front his "big" school.

Brady getting on the bus his second day of school. There were no tears today. He did tell me when he woke up that he didn't want to go to school but after breakfast he was asking when the bus was going to be here. Luckily for us, the neighbour boy is his bus buddy and helps him on the bus, gets him from the bus to the school and back to the bus at the end of the day. I think Brady loves to ride the bus, although he hasn't said that yet.

Camping at The Pinery

2010-09-13T12:09:00.020-04:00

Our campsite...

Making the cupcakes to celebrate Thomas' birthday on his actual birth date while we were camping.

A momma raccoon and her babies hanging out in a tree.

Fun at the beach...

Dinner at our campsite...

Junior Fan Party at South Buxton

2010-09-12T13:28:00.003-04:00

Brady & Daddy lined up and waiting for the ride around the track.

Brady got to drive the racecar. He loved it. We forgot to put on his earmuffs but he told me not to worry Mom, it wasn't too loud, it didn't hurt his ears.

Tug-o-war; drivers against all the Junior fans and the staff

Brady getting Amy Dale in the dunk tank!

Daddy and Brady racing through the bouncy castle. Brady won everytime, I think it was easier, the smaller you are to get through.

Storybook Gardens

2010-09-11T14:16:00.006-04:00

A week later we went back with Grandma and Great Gram Dod

This & That

2010-09-11T13:37:00.041-04:00

Nap time!

A Cheerio in the belly button!
Watching the races at South Buxton!
Thomas helping load the dishwasher!

Thomas being a ham!

Cooling off at Grandma Pat's

More from Thomas' Birthday

This is my first tricycle which my Dad cleaned up and repainted to match the racecar. He added some stickers, new pedals and handle grips and it's new again. Thomas now has his own Buzzard racecar!

Sir Thomas' First Birthday

2010-08-17T12:20:00.023-04:00

Thomas loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so Brady and I decided that we would make a Mickey cake.

His first birthday cake was his first taste of chocolate, since the poor guys has dairy problems. He enjoyed it and luckily he didn't make too much of a mess eating it.

Great Grandpa Downie with the Simpson Boys!

A big wet birthday kiss from Ollie!

Playing in the racecar...

Clowning Around

2010-07-03T22:49:00.028-04:00

Our newest baby...the race car!!
Brady & Daddy loading the race car before the races.
Brady sitting under the race car in the shade!

Tractor Pulls at Thamesville Thrashing Festival
Brady & Keegan playing on the John Deere.
Dad pulling his Allis Chalmers tractor.

We are trying to cut out Thomas' morning nap. By lunch time he is beat, he can hardly finished his lunch because he is so tired.
Brady making his dirt race track in the sand table.

Thomas eating sand...for some reason, he has to have a taste every time he goes near the sandbox.

The boys going for a ride on Brady's dump truck. Thomas loves to climb up on it and pretend to drive it.

A classic; playing in the clothes basket!

Brady having a shot of milk, in the super sized shot glasses we got from Deb & Mark's wedding.

Soccer Saturday

2010-07-03T22:28:00.007-04:00

Brady normally plays on Wednesday's. However, once a season all teams from the Ingersoll Soccer Club play on one Saturday, the kids all get their pictures taken and a free lunch. Brady is really enjoying playing soccer and looks forward to it every week. However, his team had about 4 weeks in a row recently, where his team only had enough kids to play and no subs. So the poor kids were beat at the end of a 15 minute warm-up and a 45 minute game.

Daddy and Brady having a break on the sidelines.
Grandma & Grandpa taking Thomas for a walk to help occupy him during the game.

Spring

2010-05-17T14:25:00.029-04:00

Thomas helping himself to the box of Cheerios while Mommy makes supper.

Brady having a little snooze at the races.

Brady trying his hand at photography, looks like he's got it.
Bothwell Bike Rodeo

Brady, Keegan & Thomas taking a break...of course you can never get the three of them to look all at the same time.

For the three & under category, Keegan finished first and Brady got third place. Brady was very excited to win $5; he decided to buy a sword when I took him shopping.

Playing in the Sand
The first time we put Thomas in the sandbox, he didn't mind the sand. After that, he did not like to sit in it, I think he didn't like it on his feet. Above: Thomas making faces at Mommy. Below: Brady & Thomas' little feet.

For now, Thomas is happy playing on Brady's dump truck since he's too small to drive it.

The Woodstock Victoria Day Parade and Fair

Opening Night at South Buxton Raceway - May 15/10

Thomas enjoying spaghetti for the first time. I am not sure if he enjoyed eating it or getting it all over more!

Thomas "playing" with Oring...he pinned him down with his feet and was pulling his tail. That cat takes alot although he is too lazy to move when he sees the kids coming for him.
Thomas 9 months old. A visit to our old town, "Ayr". We stopped to feed the ducks and swans our stale bread. Brady remembers that the swans try to nip at you so he was a little nervous sitting on the rocks close to them.

Timbit Soccer

2010-05-12T20:23:00.015-04:00

Brady trying on his complete soccer uniform. He couldn't wait for soccer to start, he's been practising in the backyard for months. We registered him back in March and then one day in April he asked me why am I not playing soccer. So I explained that soccer doesn't start until May and we have to wait for his coach to call us to give us the time and uniform. We went last Saturday to pickup his uniform and it happened to be a crappy cold day, unfortunately there was hail and rain. Brady wanted to stay and play, then he wanted to stay and watch the other kids that were playing but we had to get Thomas home for a nap. Brad choose the #2 for Brady because the goalie gets to be #1. Brady tried it on as soon as he got home. Then he bugged me for two days to wash it...even though he had four more sleeps until he had to play.

The kids were all very cute out there, they all chased the ball in one big clump. They take the field and split it into two for the little guys...which was also confusing for the little ones because they would often try to score goals in the big nets.

Here he got to do a throw in for his team. His team won 2-0. Although he was a little sad because he didn't "win"; I think he meant because he didn't score any goals. So we explained that he did win, his team won, there are all one team and work together.

Brady had a lot of fun playing his first night and can't wait to play again. He was a very good listener and made sure the other kids were okay if they fell down. Brady was hilarious to watch on the field, he was skipping and dancing along after the ball; he would even get other kids around him to dance around while waiting for a throw-in or kick-in.

Hippity Hoppity Happy Easter

2010-04-08T21:51:00.020-04:00

The Downie Easter Dinner

Great Grandpa & Thomas

Easter Morning
Easter morning, Brady was up bright and early...well it was his normal time but his baby brother decided this was the morning to sleep in. Brady couldn't wait for Thomas to get up so he could start the Easter egg hunt without him. We got in a few games of Hungry Hungry Hippos before Thomas woke up that morning.

Lather Easter Thomas needed a drink after attempting to eat grass and dirt for the first time...I'm sure it won't be the last!
Playing in the sandbox...both the big and little kids.

Brady was running away, he didn't want his picture taken that afternoon.

Winter Fun

2010-04-08T21:33:00.007-04:00

Our first and only snowman of the year. Brady had lots of fun trying to roll the snow, attempting to lift it and finding stuff in the garden to stick in the snowman.

Thomas enjoying a teething cookie.

Our crazy climbing cat Oring, sitting on our fence. It's better than him sitting on our roof, which he likes to do.

Birthdays

2010-04-08T21:11:00.007-04:00

Grandpa was away in Poland for work during his birthday so we celebrated when he got back home. Brady helped make the birthday cake, I think he enjoys licking the beaters, bowl and icing more than anything...but then again that is the best part of baking!

Grandpa brought home new hats for both boys!

Grandma Cindy's Birthday

Brady's Hair Cut!

2010-02-25T21:11:00.005-05:00

Brad took Brady to get his hair cut which he is always good. He likes to chat it up the hairdressers and get a sucker at the end. A few days later, after his bath, he decided to cut his own hair with his safety scissors...who knew safety scissors would cut hair. When I caught him, he wouldn't tell me what he had done and I was trying not to laugh. Brad came in the room and took his scissors away from him...he got upset and cried...I am not sure if he cried because Daddy took his scissors away from him or because he thought he was in trouble. He didn't get in trouble, although he still doesn't have his scissors back...guess we never gave them back since he hasn't asked for them. Grandpa made everything okay, he told Brady that Mommy use to cut Aunt Diane and Steve's hair...I'm not sure that's something a 3 year old should be told that or not!

Thomas 7 Months Old

2010-02-25T20:49:00.002-05:00

Thomas at 7 months was 18.8 pounds and 28.5 inches long. He is growing up sooo fast!
Here is serious Thomas and his joker brother Brady.

Daddy's next big flirt in training!!

My Baby's 6 Months Old

2010-02-13T10:24:00.010-05:00

Thomas turned 6 months old January 12th. He cut his first tooth cut which was alot worse than I remember any of Brady's when they came in. Although, Brady didn't get his first tooth until he was nine months old. Thomas is growing like crazy and already weighs 17.8 pounds and is 27 inches long. He is just like Brady was, he loves to be held or being busy by jumping in his jumper or playing in his exersaucer or watching big brother play.

Thomas loves solid food. He likes to yell at us to let us know when we aren't feeding him fast enough. He likes all the fruits and vegetables he has tried so far, even peas. He sometimes makes a little face when he tries something new but then he eats it all up. He isn't sure about drinking water from a sippy cup yet; he would rather just chew on the cup.

The Simpson boys meeting Grayson

Christmas 2009

2010-01-19T13:19:00.034-05:00

When Brady got his picture taken with Santa this year, he told Santa that he wanted Buzz & Woody from Toystory, Mack from Cars, a squirt gun and EVERYTHING else...he doesn't ask for much! Unfortunately, Mom & Thomas stayed home the day that Daddy & Brady went to the Santa's village in Ingersoll so Thomas never got his picture taken with Santa...sorry Thomas.

Simpson Family Christmas
Grandma Cindy with her grandkids. We spent Christmas Eve with Cindy, Ken and his family.
Brady was very excited when Grandma and Ken gave him his present; it was one of the biggest under the Christmas Tree...well around the Christmas tree, you could hardly see their tree for all the presents. When Brady opened his gift, he said "Just what I always wanted, another one!" He got a crane, luckily this one works, his other one is broker.

Aunt Becky meeting her nephew Thomas.

Santa Came...
We slept over at Grandma and Grandpa's rather than driving all the way back home. We left a note for Santa telling him where we'd be so he could deliver the boys presents.
Brady got a complete set of miniture race flags.
Brady did get his Buzz and Woody dolls, two Mack trucks along with a ton of other stuff. Although he didn't get his squirt gun...luckily for him, Grandma & Grandpa went Boxing Day shopping and they found him a squirt gun...yes, he is spoiled!

Lather Family Christmas

The Cozy Snuggies No Brad did not get a snuggie, he was just trying out the pretty pink one for fun!!

Busy Boxing Day

We visited alot of people on boxing, we had a nice visit with Aunt Jackie, Zac and Brianna. Then we took the boys to Port Lambton to meet the Benedict's who were home from Alberta for Christmas. Then we went to Uncle Ron & Aunt Fran's for the Downie Christmas Dinner.

Thomas & Great Grandpa Downie

Daddy's Birthday

2010-01-19T13:04:00.005-05:00

Daddy and his boys! Brady had to get his Daddy balloons for his birthday...so he could play with them. Brad got an aerial photograph of our house for his birthday from myself and the boys. I ordered it back in August and luckily Brady forgot or else he would of told his Dad. Brad did try to get it out of Brady but I didn't remind Brady of what we got Brad so it was a surprise.

Brady enjoying the chocolate cupcakes that we made for Brad's birthday.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T09:16:00.017-04:00

Brady picked Brad out a masked while we were shopping for a Halloween costume. He chose Larry, Curly or Moe...I forget which one it was but I put it away and come Halloween day, I couldn't find it anywhere; I searched high and low. So Brad ended up wearing this funny wig which if you knew him 15 years ago, it looks alot like his hair then...maybe a little shorter.

Prior to costume shopping, Brady wanted to be a pirate. We have no idea where he got this from but he was set on it until we got to Value Village and he found a fireman costume. So, he played with the fireman jacket and helmet for a couple of weeks and then the day before Halloween while we were at Zellers he decided that he wanted to be Spiderman. Thomas was our little caterpiller. He really didn't mind the costume but this was the only picture I got of him alone; he was tired and ready for bed. Thomas stayed home with Mommy and handed out candy while Brady and Daddy went out trick or treating. They were out that long, Brady got tired and wanted to go home. He had a great time handing out candy to the kids.

The Carving of the Pumpkins...

Brady again this year, didn't like putting his hand in the pumpkin to clean out the guts. He tried putting his hand in with his work gloves on and got a little upset because his gloves where dirty and he wanted them washed right then. As for the hockey helmet, to Brady it's a lost toy found again and he's been wearing it for a week. Luckily, he's not asking to wear his skates!

Fun Fall Days

2009-10-31T07:35:00.018-04:00

It's funny when Brady was a baby, we were posting everything he did on the blog and took tons of pictures. Poor Thomas gets to suffer the second child syndrome and gets the odd update and picture. At three months old, he is up to 14 lbs and 26.5 inches. He is a very vocal baby, he has been ever since the day he was born....now it's less crying and more gigles and baby talk. He adores his big brother and Brady loves him. Brady likes to help still, he will even tell me that it's okay, he's got him when he gets fussy. Thomas has discovered his tongue and likes to chew on it and stick it out.

Brad took a picture of Brady & I going for a walk one evening. He somehow caught us in these sunstreams.
Brady enjoying the mud puddles.

Cousin Megan meeting Thomas.
Gram at Thanksgiving with all of her grandkids and great grandsons.

The first snow fall of the year; Brady couldn't wait to go outside and play in it.

Brady's 3rd Birthday

2009-10-02T07:37:00.024-04:00

Brady asked for a Mater towing Lightning McQueen cake. I thought that would be a little too hard and too much cake so I just made the Tow Mater cake. It was pretty easy, it didn't take more than 2 1/2 hours to decorate...like last year's cake. Brady had a party Saturday then Sunday we did a family tour of Toyota and then went to Jen and Brent's for supper. On Monday Grandma and Grandpa brought Britt & Bryce up for his birthday. Brad called Monday from work to wish Brady a Happy Birthday since it was his actual birthday and he thought his birthday was over because his birthday cake was all gone.

The kids enjoying cake!

Gram's Birthday

2009-09-16T13:53:00.007-04:00

The Birthday girl with Brady & Thomas.

Above: Cousin Brittany with Thomas. Below: Great Aunt Tam & Thomas

Brady & Keegan playing and look Keegan has no socks or shoes on!
Drinks and laughs with The June's.

Brady & Daddy playing on Keegan's plasma cars.

Keegan & Bryce hanging out.
Brady couldn't wait until we were done mixing the cake so he could lick the beaters. Then he couldn't wait to get to Gram's so we could eat the cake.

Summer 2009

2009-08-31T21:08:00.044-04:00

Great Grandpa Downie holding baby Thomas

Cousin Brianna with Thomas
Cousin Phillip with Thomas

Another trip to the Bothwell Fire Department, this time Brady was happy to try on a helmet and a fire coat. He loves fire trucks right now and everything becomes his fire hose.

The Harvard's
The Canadian Harvard's Association hosts a Wings and Wheels Day in August. We often get to see them practising from our house. Brady was a little disappointed because he was too small to go for a ride. We tried to explain that he is too small, he has to wait until he gets bigger but he tells us he is already big!

Brady got to sit in a Lotus...a very expense car!

Hanging out with the boys...

Cooling Off
Brad cools off on a hot summer day in Brady's big pool! Brady had just filled it before Brad got home from work. He loves the one hose nossel, he pretends that he is a fireman putting out fires...he even has the stance.

Brady and his favourite Uncle Jay...he loves to talk about when he gets to help his Daddy and Jay fix our vehicles.

Is Thomas copying his Daddy already? Maybe but I think Brad was talking to him as he was cooing.
It was the hottest week in June and that was the week Brad had off to build the fence. We were luck enough to have little Brad to help as I was too pregnant to do anything. Brady loved helping and using little Brad's hammer. He also liked wearing his nail belt with just a diaper!

Aunt Diane's Birthday Party!! Brady and Keegan got to decorate the cake with lots of candies =)

Above: Brady & Grandma race down the slides at the park.
Below: Brady tries to soak his Dad!

Brad is teaching him a young age how to change tires!

Brady & Grandma made me a birthday cake. Here Brady helps me blow out the candles.

More Visitors

2009-07-25T14:27:00.019-04:00

Great Uncle Gary meeting Thomas.

Uncle Gary, Brad, Thomas, Brady & BJ

Above Brent holds Thomas and below Jen has Thomas.

Uncle BJ with his nephews.

Cousin Steve above and below cousin Jenn.

Below Cousin Keegan holding baby Thomas. He wants one now, so get busy Mom & Dad!!!

Above Christa holding Thomas and below Emily gets to hold Thomas. Sorry Hayliegh, I didn't get a picture of you holding Thomas but I will next time we see you.
The kids take a minute for a picture, they were busy racing. That is one of Brady's favourite things to do in the basement.
Our old neighbour's came for a visit to meet Thomas and see our new house. Here is Mikyla, Cody wouldn't get his picture taken. Sorry Deb, I didn't get a picture of you with Thomas...baby brain or maybe it's Mommy Brain now since I'm not pregnant anymore!

Below: Ken, Grandma Cindy, Thomas and Brady

Thomas and Daddy taking a nap...I think every kid has a picture of them sleeping on their Daddy!

It's a Baby Boy!

2009-07-19T14:02:00.026-04:00

Thomas Patrick Simpson was born Sunday July 12 at 4:05 pm. He was 7 lbs and 12 oz, 20 inches long. He seems so much smaller than Brady...what a difference one inch and two pounds can make. I delivered him at home with the help of Brad and my two midwives. My midwife had told me to expect my labour to be half the time of what I had with Brady which was 6 hours but it turns out, I was in labour for the same amount of time, luckily I spent less time pushing.

Below: Brady gets to meet his new baby brother Thomas, while he was just minutes old.

This is Thomas getting weighed...it looks a little funny but if you seen how much stuff the midwives have to bring to a birth, you will know why their scales are so compact.

We had to use the Thames Valley Midwives out of London, since we moved we couldn't use the Cambridge Midwives again. Midwives are fantastic, the care they provide is amazing and I highly recommend them to anyone whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth. Brad likes the home birth because when he was hungry, he could go downstairs and get something to eat, he didn't have to worry about missing anything.

These were our midwives that delivered Thomas. They have you meet different midwives throughout your pregnancy so you are familar with them incase your primary midwife is busy or on holidays. My primary midwife was called out to a birth in the middle of the night so I had two midwives that I hadn't met before...but they were great! Below: Brad, Danielle, Thomas, Beth & Mojgan

Daddy with his boys!

Grandma and Grandpa with their grandsons. They took care of Brady and kept him occupied while I was in labour. They took him shopping and he got a new fire truck. He has used the siren a few mornings this week to wake everyone up.

Proud Big Brother Brady gets to hold Thomas. Throughout my pregnancy Brady said that he was getting a baby sister, the odd time he would say a baby brother. Once he when asked what was in Mommy's belly, he said a baby sister. Then he was asked if that meant a boy or a girl, he said a boy. Brad was sure the baby was a boy all along. I had no feeling, which is kinda funny since when I was pregnant with Brady I was positive he was a boy.

Brady & Thomas relaxing in Brady's bed.

Our visitors:

Aunt Diane with her nephews!

Great Gram with Thomas

Great Aunt Tam with all of her great nephews!

Cousin Brittany with Thomas.

Zac, Great Aunt Jackie holding Thomas, Brittany holding Brianna and Bradley.

Great Aunt Jackie holding Thomas.

Cousin Zac holding Thomas.

Cousin Bradley holding Thomas.

Brianna, Brittany and Thomas.

May Days

2009-07-10T16:22:00.005-04:00

The Zoo
This is a Chilean Rose Tarantula. This is one of the creatures that are in the show that we are not allowed to touch, we can only look at it. It was the only one in the creature show that made Brad squirm!

Petting a baby crocodile, who was hissing like crazy but his mouth was taped shut so no one could get hurt.
Touching a Burmese Python

Daddy the Barber. Brad shaves Brady's hair that was long over due for a cut.

Spring has Sprung!!

2009-05-02T22:53:00.010-04:00

Brady has told us that he is getting a 4 wheeler. He has even told us to take him to the Home Depot (his favourite store) to get one. I told him he has to start saving his money so he can buy one and he told me he has lots of change! I also told him that he has to wait until he gets bigger and he told me that he is big...see Mom, I'm big!
Uncle Greg took Brady for a 4 wheeler ride. Brady told him that he is getting a 4 wheeler just like him.

Brady driving his dump truck through the field next to us, there is already a 4 wheeler track there with some ramps. He loves to drive over them or when we go for walks, he stops on top to makes dirt bike sounds and make the motions like he's revving the motor before racing over it.

Brady was afraid of the jets in our jacuzzi tub until he figured out that they make big bubbles.

Some quiet time before bed...he takes after his Dad!

Aunt Tam's Surprise 40th

2009-05-02T21:54:00.023-04:00

Above: Brady & Keegan playing some holey board. Below they are enjoying their suckers. I can't get them both to smile at the same time but atleast they are both looking.

The birthday girl trying out her new old lady crossing cane.
The vibrating box turned out to be a new cell phone!!

A Hannah Montana dance-a-thon...

Some good old Trivial Pursuit...

Fun on the Trampoline...

Easter at the Simpson's

2009-04-13T20:30:00.033-04:00

The Easter Egg Hunt...

The food...

Rocking out with some Rock Band...

Enjoying Kristie's cute Easter cupcakes...

Brady trying to lick all the icing off the jelly beans & his plate.

The Easter Bunny Came...
He forgot about the Easter Bunny coming, he was concerned with where is cousin Bradley? Bradley spent the night and Brady wanted him to sleep in his room on the floor so when he woke up and he wasn't there, he was concerned but he found him asleep on the couch downstairs. He got pretty excited as he was coming down the stairs and could see that the Easter Bunny came to his house. The Easter Bunny brought Brady a new sand & water centre. He wanted it filled with water as soon as we put it on the deck, hopefully we can hold him off until it gets hot.

Brady's new Thomas the Train sleeping bag. He is ready for camping and fishing.

Brady got a "Towmater" tricycle from Grandpa & Grandpa....that's what Brady calls his Grandma & Grandpa when he gets excited and says it really fast....he can say both Grandma and Grandpa clear as day but when he puts them together, it comes out "Grandpa & Grandpa". Grandpa couldn't wait until Brady's birthday to get him the bike. Brady got to help Grandpa put it together. Below Grandpa is pushing Brady around with a broom stick...Brady was telling him to go faster!

Some Favorites...

2009-04-02T20:30:00.018-04:00

Brady getting his certificate from Gymtots after completing his first session.
Brady jumping on the trampoline.

Daddy & Wendy (his coach) help him on the balance beam.

Brady taking a break on the balance beam!

Our monkey Brady just hanging around!

Here is he just swing on the rings.

Brady & Daddy practicing casting with Brady's new Spiderman fishing rod. He got one last year from Grandma & Grandpa but we lost it in during the move....until this weekend, when it was found in a tote with the sandbox toys. Here they are in the backyard and teasing the cats. Brad did take him fishing on the Thames in Ingersoll and Brady liked it even though they didn't catch any fish. He loves fishing...guess it's in his blood.

Brady being cute and gave the baby a kiss. The baby that he says is still a baby sister!?! 15 weeks to go...

Brady & Uncle BJ

This is a playdough tractor that Brady & Grandpa made this weekend. Brad & I went to Niagara Falls with Jay & Tiff for our fifth year anniversarys. Grandma & Grandpa came to babysit Brady this past weekend. They took him to Bryce's hockey game in St. Thomas and then to McDonald's for supper. In the morning, they took him out for breakfast, he told them he wanted pancakes and when Grandma's eggs came, he ate her two eggs, a pancake and more! He loves his breakfasts.

Grandpa's Birthday

2009-03-01T19:04:00.011-05:00

Grandpa got the leg lamp from "A Christmas Story". Grandma was pretty excited too...or not so, but alteast he didn't get the full sized lamp like in the movie!!

Baking the birthday cake...

The cake that Brady decorated...

Playing Monster Jam with cousin Bradley...

"Baby" Simpson

2009-02-20T22:59:00.004-05:00

We had our first ultrasound today for the baby. Our estimated due date is July 18/09 so I am about half way there.

For all of you that thought I was carrying twins...I'm not, there's only one baby...thank God!! No, I do not want twins, especially the second time around. It's not the labour & delivery that would scare me, it's the raising of two crying babies and a busy toddler.

No, we did not find out the sex of the baby...why open a Christmas present before Christmas! Brady has guessed that he is having a baby sister more than a brother...time will tell! I really don't feel any different than my last pregnancy so does that mean that this baby is a boy...or because it feels the same, it's a girl??? Who knows...not us!

Monster Jam - Toronto

2009-02-08T12:45:00.029-05:00

We took Brady to Monster Jam in January at the Roger's Centre...formerly known as The Skydome. It was a great show when compared to Hamilton, the trucks had lots of room to race around the track. They didn't have to do a jump and then slam on the brakes before coming to stop at the edge of the grandstands. Yes the Roger's Centre is much much bigger than Copps and well worth the money, I would go back again.
Brady enjoyed the show dispite coming done with a fever when we got home.
Brady's favourite, The Grave Digger, driven by Dennis Anderson. He promised to bring back more of friends next time he comes!

Madusa was making her big come back after being off for a few years.

Max D had a tough day, he quickly lost the body of his truck after his first run.

Gymtots

2009-02-08T12:29:00.004-05:00

Brady started Gymtots in January, its an hour on Saturday mornings and it an introduction to gymnastics for kids under 2. They get to do an obstacle course, swing on the rings and bars, walk on the balance beam and jump on the trampoline. The last 10 minutes or so of the class is spent playing in a pit of foam blocks. It's a busy hour and he is beat at the end of the class.
This is on our way to Gymtots. Brady needed his sunglasses because it was too sunny...it was actually overcast that day.

Say Cheese

2009-01-07T21:48:00.009-05:00

Bradley, our rockband star!

Brady like to say CHEESE now when he gets his picture taken.

A Very Merry Christmas!!

2009-01-03T13:42:00.017-05:00

Brady didn't really understand Santa yet this year, we explained that Santa would come and leave presents. So on Christmas morning, when we went downstair to see what Santa left, he was frozen just looking at all the trucks lined up in front of the Christmas tree. Then he asked ME? We told him that they were all for him, he was very exited.
He enjoyed ripping all the wrapping paper off the presents and got so into it that he was helping Mommy & Daddy open presents and was trying to open the other presents under the Christmas tree.

Here Grandpa, Brady, Uncle Greg & Daddy are putting together Brady's diecast tractor. Yes, Grandma & Grandpa spoiled him. Once they put it all together, Brady was looking it over and asked Grandpa for a motor! Grandpa told him that maybe the next one will have a motor. Below, Grandma is pushing Brady around on his new wheels...he's forgotten there's no motor.

Above, Brady & Aunt Diane open his new ice skates.
Above; Brady poses with Great Grandpa Downie for a picture. Below, he poses with cousin Atreyu.

Brady & Keegan pose for a picture while they were patiently waiting for Keegan's Mom to get there so they could open gifts. As soon as Jen walked in the door, Brady was jumping up & down saying "presents"...funny thing is, Keegan did the same thing.
Brady & Keegan were wrestling with Bryce. Here Bryce gets bear hugs from both of the monkeys hanging on him.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-12-19T09:35:00.004-05:00

The birthday cake that Brady made with Mommy's help of course!

Around the new house...

2008-12-16T21:03:00.012-05:00

We finally got our Christmas decorations out of storage. Brady loved helping put together the tree and decorating it. There is a big cluster of decorations along the bottom of the tree...and there okay there as long as the cats leave them alone. When I took the Christmas ball out of the box, Brady was asking if they were eggs. I said no, they are Christmas balls to hang on the tree, he insisted they were eggs...now he does call them balls.

He was oohing and ahhing as he took branches out of the box.

Brady's first hot chocolate. Brad took out to play in the snow on a really cold day so they both needed something to warm up.
Brady & Daddy relaxing and watching a movie.
Brady fell asleep sitting up while watching one of his movies. He has his late model car right beside him...the name of the driver is Brady Smith. He refers to the car like it's him and he doesn't go far without it.

Monster Jam

2008-11-24T21:12:00.035-05:00

We took Brady to Monster Jam at Copps Coliseum on Saturday, he loved it. He screamed with excitment when he seen the bobcat cleaning the track. We forgot Brady's ear muffs at home so we had to buy him these fancy tire muffs when we got there. The Monster Trucks raced, there were Quad Wars, Freestyle Motorcross and the Monster Trucks did freestyle.
Above: Maniac & After Shock race.

Above: The famous Grave Digger, being driven by Charlie Pauken.

Above: Maniac, driven by Don Frankish, he's from Alberta.

Above: Grave Digger and Batman race.

Above: Jurassic Attack, driven by a lady; Kristy Edge and she is from B.C.
Above: After Shock, driven by Bob Robbins

Above: Batman, driven by John Seasock.

Quad Wars

Our tired boy!!

Crazy Freestyle Motorcross

The guy above came out for an encore and did a complete 360 degree flip with his bike.

Halloween, Halloween

2008-11-18T21:55:00.009-05:00

Brady picking out his pumpkins.
Brady sitting on a pumpkin, taking a little break...guess it was a little overwhelming...too many to pick from. He got 4 medium sized pumpkins and a little bebe pumpkin. We still have his bebe pumpkin in the house and he plays with it.

As for pumpkin carving, he wasn't interested. He tried to help Mommy clean out the pumpkins but he didn't like getting his hands dirty...he takes after his Dad!!!
Visiting the little petting zoo at the pumpkin patch. These were Scottish Highlander Cows.

Brady was a lot of fun this year, he was really excited for Halloween and having pumpkins. He had a couple of costume given to him, so on Halloween Day, when he got up that morning, he told me he wanted to be a pumpkin. Then after his afternoon nap, he told me he wanted to be Thomas. And when Daddy got home from work, he still wanted to be Thomas...so Thomas he was.

Brad took him to a few houses around the new neighbourhood and they were gone maybe an hour and Brad had to carry him home. He was tired but happy to share his candy with Mommy and Daddy.

No Internet

2008-11-05T13:00:00.002-05:00

We have moved, we are pretty much settled in the new house but we're without internet for about another 2 weeks...

Brady's Second Birthday!

2008-10-16T22:30:00.023-04:00

Brady's cake that took me over 2 hours to decorate.

Finger licking good!

Keegan enjoying some chips & dip.

A visit to the Brantford Zoo so Brady could feed the monkey's peanuts. This is the baby baboon enjoying a peanut. Brady found the shelled peanuts at the grocery store one day, he told everyone he met in the store that the peanuts were for the monkeys. I would say his favourite place next to the beach is the zoo.

Playing with water balloons!

Summer Fun...

2008-10-16T21:50:00.033-04:00

Brady's dirt track that he made all by himself, no one helped him, it was his own idea.

Thumbs Up!
Horse Ride at the Zoo.
A treat after the zoo...a big sucker!
Stopping to feed the ducks & swans.

Playing in the dirt.
Tiring out Granpda!

Petting the horse at our Quinton Family Reunion this summer which was held at a great campground near Cookstown.

Camping at Pinehurst Conservation Area
Playing in a bucket of water with Paige at our campsite.
A family picture around the campfire!

Fun at the beach! Which is one of Brady's favorite places. About a month after camping at Pinehurst, we drove by and Brady got excited because he thought we were going to the beach, he recogonized the campground.

Sharing goldfish with Kaitlyn.

A walk with Grandma Cindy along the big river.

Playing on Victor's tractor.
Playing in the water sprinkler with the neighbour's Cody & Mikayla.

Past Month or so...

2008-07-06T21:43:00.014-04:00

Our computer is co-operating with me so I am updating the blog with as many pictures as I can. Whenever I want to upload pictures, the computer likes to reboot, it takes forever so I usually give up.
Brady now recognise Tim Horton's, he gets excited and points when passing one! As you can tell by these pictures, he loves the white sugared timbits.

Brady found a little hole in a small hill at the park and sat in it. So here he is relaxing after flying his Spiderman kite.

Great Grandpa showing Brady the baby barn kittens he found in the box of his pickup truck.

Our last visit to the Brantford Zoo, Brady got to go for a horse ride and loved it. I wasn't sure how he would react, he did go last year and loved it then too but you never know what a year will bring.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-06-06T22:30:00.016-04:00

Brad & I celebrated my 30th birthday in Vegas. We stayed at the Excalibur and a had a blast. Brad had a harder time than I did leaving Brady for four days but we all survived. Brady got spoiled by Grandma & Grandpa.

Goofing Around....

The Hoover Dam

This is the new bridge that is being built to by-pass the Hoover Dam.

Fun with Brady

2008-05-10T22:17:00.027-04:00

Aunt Margo will be happy to know that Brady loves going to the pond to feed the ducks. He doesn't like the swans, which I can't blame him, they've now tried to bite him twice. In the swans defence, I think the swans are just excited to be fed. The first time, I thought we were standing back far enough as Brady & I feed them our stale bread. The swans extended his neck further and was about a half an inch from Brady's leg. Brady was mad, so he went and sat on the bench and was point and cursing the swan.
Also, Brady shares his Dad's love for bread in a different way. Every time we feed the ducks our stale bread, Brady manages to sneak a bite or two.
The other night we stopped at the pond on our walk and the ducks, swans and geese didn't come to see us. So Brady entertained himself by throwing stones into the pond. We came home with alot of stones in his hair, clothes and shoes.

I got the coolest Mother's Day Gift Ever!! Brady made me a craft at daycare with a beautiful little poem about being little but not long so here are my hand prints. I think I might frame it, it's priceless. So thank you Laura and Brady!

Our Trip to the Zoo
We got season passes the Brantford Zoo, we have so much fun there and it's the perfect size for Brady, he can just run down the path or relax in his stroller. The tiger was actually a little scary this time. We let Brady out of his stroller and I put him down and the tiger started pouncing and eyeing Brady. So I picked him out and the tiger paced the front of the cage, as soon as I put him down again, the tiger stopped. We mentioned it to the girl working there and she said it's because he's the right size for prey, the tiger is only about a year old so he is still in the playful stage but they usually grow out of it around two years old.

Brady and Daddy feed the crazy Billy Goats, they jump up and ram each other to try and get the grain. They would definitely knock Brady over no problem.
Brady and Mommy feed the deer. They still have their winter coats so they're not so pretty right now.
Daddy and Brady pet the baby lion cub. Yes, it's a lion cub born at the Brantford Zoo, they are all born with spots for camouflage. The lady holding the cub is it's surrogate mother, she take the cub home with her every night and did the 2 hours feedings through the night. Amazing!!

Brady enjoying some frozen yogurt!
Brady was checking out his cradle recently so I was explaining to him that his Great Grandpa Downie made that for him and he use to sleep in it when he was a little baby. So he climbed in and layed down, he likes to play in it now. He can just fit length wise when he lays down. Yes, we're a little slow at putting things in storage when no longer in use!

Brady working on his coupe car. Funny thing is now, his plastic tools aren't good enough anymore, he wants Daddy's real tools. He is always wanting to go out into the garage to get some of Daddy's tools or drill. The neighbour got a kick out of seeing Brady trying to use Brad's drill while helping me gardening.

Grandpa Downie's 75th Birthday

2008-05-10T22:06:00.008-04:00

We recently celebrated my Grandpa's 75th Birthday...his birthday was April 23, I've been slow at up dating the blog.
Grandpa & his four boys...
Grandpa with all 8 Grandkids and 2 Great Grandkids.
Brady & Trey holding hands for a picture.

Easter

2008-04-08T10:29:00.026-04:00

Brady opening his gifts Easter morning.

Our Past Month...

2008-03-19T22:11:00.017-04:00

Grandma Cindy's Birthday
Brady enjoying the yummy cake.

Grandpa's birthday and Brady gets to open his card.

This was at Brittany's Cheer Leading Competition at the Aud. Their team placed first and this was the Provincials! They are going to the Nationals in May. Brady is having a snack here but he loved the loud music and was dancing in his chair.

Brady poses with Grayson, Steve and Kelly LaMarsh's little guy. Brady was very good at sharing his toys with him but couldn't understand why he was too little to read his books.

This is playing outside in his sled which he has already outgrown. Here he is playing with the neighbour kids, Cody & Mikayla.

Here Brady is giving cousin Brianna a big hug which turned into choke hold...good thing Aunt Jackie was right there to rescue Brianna.

Brady's most recent hair cut. The poor guy could hardly see by the time we got him in for a hair cut. My Grandpa, my Dad, Brad and Brady have all had their hair cut by the famous Jack the Barber. He doesn't mind getting his hair cut but he wouldn't wear the cape this time.

Here is the pile of hair that Jack swept up after Brady's hair cut!

Hard at Work

2008-02-20T21:04:00.008-05:00

Brady & Brad working around the house on a very cold day in January. Brady's little nose could hardly hold up the safety glasses. He has become his Daddy's little shadow and always like to help around the house. He screams bloody murder now when Brad has to leave for work on nights....times have sure changed, it use to be Mommy that couldn't do anything or go anywhere without Brady.

Brady playing with the phone.

Brady is starting to figure out that Dieter comes closer to him, if he feeds him. The cat get excited when they get treats and occassionally they bite Brady when they mistake his little fingers for the treat. Brady knows both their names and likes to look for Dieter around the house...he still runs just out of Brady's reach...Dieter still isn't too sure of Brady. We've been trying for a long time now, to teach him to be gentle to the cats and a couple of nice pats quickly turns into fur or tail pulling. Oring is normally too lazy to run away from Brady and scratched Brady a few times but he hasn't learned his lesson yet.

Funtimes

2008-01-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

Eating snow for the first time.
Not sure if I like it...
Helping Daddy build a snowman.
Daddy building Brady a snowman.
Help I've fallen & can't get up.
Brady & his new snow shovel.
Brady with his mohawk, he woke up with it & had it most of the day.
Brady splashed himself & wasn't too happy with the bubbles in his eye.
Bathtime with Paige
Not sure how long they will be able to bathe together, but I'm sure their Daddy's will voice their opinion when it's time.

Christmas 2007

2008-01-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas Morning at home

Simpson Family Christmas
Daddy building Brady a tower with his new mega blocks from Aunt Becky & Emily.

Lather Family Christmas

Brady helps Aunt Diane open her present.

Brady on his new tricycle from Grandma & Grandpa. Below: Brady shares his water with Grandpa's chimp.

Dance Dance Revolution
Brady trying to copy everyone's dance moves! Below Left: Megan tries Dance Dance Revolution. Below Right: Even my Dad tried it out and finds out it's not as easy as it looks!

Brittany is the champion of Dance Dance Revolution...she should be after doing it all Christmas day and night. Here she is doing it with Keegan in her arms and keeping up!
Brad tries to keep up with Brady in his arms and doesn't have much luck keeping up...however Brady enjoyed it! Brad was the second runner up for the Dance Dance Revolution, he played it all afternoon and most of the night with Britt.

Downie Family Christmas
Brady learning to play poker...and losing all of Uncle Greg's chips!
Brady going to for a ride in Great Aunt Fran's Beatle Rocking Car!

Sleepy Boy!

2008-01-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

This is a video of Brady falling asleep while Brad feeds him lunch. He plays really hard at the babysitters and always comes home tired.

Brad's Birthday

2007-12-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Brad's Birthday and the kids exchanged Christmas gifts this past weekend with friends at Jen & Brent's.

Brady is ready for Christmas and he has tried to get a head start on the gifts under our Christmas tree. He likes to rip the wrapping paper. This year he doesn't like Santa and he's not sure of the fake decoration Santa's...he keeps his distance.

Below: Brady & his girlfriends; Kailee, Emily & Hayleigh

Fun in the snow!
Left: Grandpa taking Brady for a ride on his Tonka.

Our first big snow fall, Mommy, Daddy & Brady built a sad looking snowman in the snow and freezing rain. Not so surprising, the snowman fell down when we went back in the house so we didn't get to finish it! Above: Brady after his second hair cut in two months.

Daddy & Brady enjoying some chocolate ice cream.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:52:00.000-04:00

Brady & Mommy stayed home and handed out candy tonight, while Daddy had to go to work. Brady wasn't fond of his Lion costume, although he did get use to it and quit trying to take the hood off.

Thanksgiving

2007-10-17T06:53:00.001-04:00

We did dinner with the Downie's on Saturday, brunch with the Simpsons and dinner with the Lather side on Sunday. I went back to work that week so it was pretty busy week. Brady did good at the sitter's, he cried when I left but he quit by I left the driveway. Brad was on nights that week so Brady only had to go to the sitters for half days. Last Friday was the first day that he didn't cry when I dropped him off.

Brady & Grandma enjoy a freezie on a hot thanksgiving weekend!
Daddy & Brady play with Aunt Becky's dog Max. Brady loves dogs.

Below: Four Generations of Downie's

Cousin Corey caught a little frog & he was showing it to Brady & Trey.

Brady's favorite past time, playing in vehicles. It's even better if you put the keys in, he'll play with the steering wheel, honk the horn, crank up the stereo, turn on the lights and basically play with every knob within reach.
Right: Brady playing on his new swing set that the Lowry's gave us, since their kids are too big for it.

Below: Brady's first day at the sitter's. Brad brought him home, put him in his chair, turned his back for a minute to get Brady some lunch...and he was fast asleep!

Niagara Falls

2007-09-28T14:44:00.001-04:00

Above: The view of the sunrise from our room.
Below: Brady's view from our room.

Brady & Mommy went on the new Skywheel, Clifton Hills newiest attraction. I must admit it was really high and pretty scary hearing the wind whistling through our cart while sitting still at the very top while more people were loaded on. Brady sat still for the first couple of laps and enjoyed the view but he was getting antz the last round. Brad is afraid of heights so he stayed on the ground & took pictures.

Brady's First Birthday

2007-09-28T14:00:00.000-04:00

Brady turned one last Friday, our baby is no longer a baby! On Friday, Brady opened his presents from Mommy & Daddy and we had cupcakes...so Brady could practise before his birthday party. He didn't mind the icing, he wasn't too fussy on the cake but he enjoyed making a mess with the cupcake.

On Saturday, we had a small birthday party at Great Grandma Lather's. By the time it was cake & ice cream time, Brady was exhausted but he came around when it was time to open his presents. He will never need any more toys...unfortunately, Brad reminded me Christmas is only 3 months away! A special thank you to Great Gram for the use of her house and Aunt Tammy for taking pictures for us. Auntie Betty, Uncle Ed & Diane came down from Hamilton, which Gram kept a secret from everyone, what a nice surprise!

Below, Brady & Keegan are riding in Brady's new Tonka Dump Truck which he got from Grandma & Grandpa for his first birthday. Grandpa actually bought it last Christmas because the store only had a couple left. The truck is for ages 3+ so we wonder, what will Brady get when he is 3?....probably something with a motor.

Cousin Steve gave us our own private tour of the Bothwell Fire Department. Brady & Keegan got to sit in the trucks and wear Junior Fire Chief hats. Steve scared the crap out of everyone when he pulled the air horn and made Keegan even cried.

Our New & Improved Deck

2007-09-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

BEFORE:

DURING:
AFTER:

Brady's First Hair Cut

2007-09-04T20:31:00.000-04:00

Before
Aunt Linda cut Brady's hair for the first on Saturday. He sat very good on Daddy's lap, was curious and didn't cry.
During
After

"Future Hooters Rooter" This shirt was a hand-me-down from the Benedicts. This is Daddy's favourite shirt.
Brady helping himself to a snack.

"Let me see your teeth, Brady"

Eleven Months Old

2007-08-22T14:01:00.000-04:00

Brady was eleven months old yesterday...wow, how time flies by. In the picture above, he is doing what I call his "monkey crawl", which he does when he is crawling in the grass. Brady is doing so much now, he is nodding his head yes and saying Hey, Hi, Up, Deiter, Kitty and of course Momma & Dadda...most of the words he randomly says, I'm not sure that he knows what they all mean yet. He is trying to climb up on everything and becomes frustrated when he can't get up on the furniture. He has even figured out that there are some things that he can push over to the couch to get a step up onto the couch. Over the last couple of weeks he had started standing up on his own, slowing kneeling back down to the ground and he lets go of furniture and doesn't realize that he standing on his own. Left: Brady playing in his sandbox.
Below: Brady cleaning out his kitchen cupboard, it gets loud when the pots & pans come out.

Last week we went to the African Lion Safari with Troy, Stacey, Avery & Jenna Turner and I think Brady had more fun watching the girls then he did looking at the animals. When I was telling Brad about our day at the zoo, every time I said Avery or Jenna's name, Brady laughed. And this past weekend we went to a BBQ at the Janssens and got to see lots of people I haven't seen in a long time...Brady wanted to play with Kaitlyn but didn't quite understand why he couldn't touch her. Below: Becky Shaw holding 4 month old Kaitlyn.
We also got to visit Uncle Pat, Aunt Jackie and Brianna. Brianna is 11 weeks old and she was having a great time in her jolly jumper when we got there. She got a kick out of Brady, she was watching him and giggling away.

This week is our last week of swimming lessons but we are going to sign him up again because we all enjoy it so much.

I'm not sure why our vacation pictures didn't post on the blog and I haven't yet had time to try to re-upload....I will try it again...some day soon, if I get some spare time!

Swimming Lessons

2007-08-16T15:16:00.000-04:00

Brady starting swimming lesson at the beginning of August and goes for twice a week for four weeks. He is doing great, he loves to splash and yell at the other kids. He doesn't mind going under water. In this picture, Brady is suppose to be blowing bubbles but he really likes to drink the water. Although, he is getting better and Daddy has him starting to try to blow bubbles.

He is suppose to be swimming on his back and kicking his feet but this is the one position he doesn't prefer. He would rather just relax on his back or try & flip over so he can see Mommy or Daddy.
Here is he floating on his boggey board and kicking his feet.

Below: Daddy & Brady are relaxing and warming up in the warm pool. It feels like a big hot tub and is a great ending to each lesson.

Oring is teasing Brady for once, since Brady can't reach him.
Oring is letting Brady know that he has had enough of his fur and tail being pulled and he has the claws out as a warning. Brady knows that once the claws come out, Oring has had enough and Brady will usually leave him alone.
Oring being a good sport & letting Brady pull his tail!
Brady pulling Oring's whiskers.
Brady playing with Aunt Becky's new puppy Max. He wasn't sure what to think of all of Max's kisses.

Monkey Brady climbing up Grandma Cindy's couch to look out the window.

Brady climbing our stairs. He is now trying to figure out a way down them but hasn't had much luck...yet.

Brady & Grandma Cindy
Daddy giving Brady a ride in the clothes basket.

Congratulations Wayne & Trish, the happy couple were married on Aug. 4th!

Ten Months Old!

2007-07-22T10:03:00.001-04:00

Brady showing off his two bottom teeth!

Our Summer Vacation

2007-07-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

We rented a cottage with Jen, Brent & Paige for the Toyota shutdown. It was home away from home, which is why we choose to rent a cottage rather than try and take the kids camping. The cottage came with a washer, dryer, dishwasher, two full baths, the floors were marble and hardwood and granite countertops. We were about a 15-20 minute drive from Orillia in a little community called Lagoon City. All of the cottages backed onto lagoons which lead out to Lake Simcoe. Our cottage was about a 2 minute walk to the sandy beach. We also had a canoe and paddle boat. We were able to do lots of fishing, although they were all too small to keep so we had to throw them back in. I kept Brad busy by getting him to put on the worms and taking off the fish that swallowed the hook...I told him I was getting him ready for fishing with Brady. In my defense, I was able to get off the fish that didn't swallow the hooks.

We spent the week relaxing, taking naps and eating great. We spent most afternoons at the beach with the kids, we had some great fish and chips in Orillia the one day, Jen & I went shopping at some of the neat little shops in Orillia one afternoon and the guys went to Casino Rama one night...no they didn't win big, just broke even.
Below: Brent playing in the sand...hogging the kids toys!!

Above: Brad & Brady have an afternoon nap on the big loveseat!

Above: Brady really wanted to touch the fish that Mommy caught.
Below: Brady & Daddy fishing.

Play Time
Splash Time

Pictures of the Cottage...yes, this is a cottage, many of the cottages in Lagoon City look like big houses or mansions!

Left: This is where Brady slept...in the closet of the master bedroom...it was huge, we probably could of fit another playpen in that closet & still had room.

This is the view of our lagoon.
Left: This is the kitchen & dining area.
Below: Dining area & living room

First Shiner!

2007-07-06T22:32:00.000-04:00

Brady got his first shiner last week. And no, Brad did not rush him to the hospital...he was very calm and was able to distract Brady quickly when he put ice on it and only a few tears were shed. Brady slipped on a toy on the hardwood floor and on his way down, he caught the corner of his eye on his toy box. Luckily, he missed his eyeball and the mark is now all healed up!

His first tooth came through last Wednesday and the second one broke through the following Friday. I realized when I looked back in his baby book, that we have been waiting for 2 months for them two teeth to break through...they don't come quick! Unfortunately, his sleeping patterns haven't changed yet & he is still waking up twice a night! It's amazing how sharp them little teeth are even when they are not through all the way...he bite me last night and it hurt...now we have to teach him not to bite people.
Brady got to met Chuck at Uncle Pat's.
Brady & I visited Uncle Pat, Aunt Jackie and the new baby Brianna this week. She is so alert and adorable! Brady got a little jealous when I was holding her so I didn't get to hold her long but she feel like she is light as a feather. He was really interested in her and wanted to touch her but I wouldn't let me because he is not gentle.

While we were home for a few days this week, we also got to spend some time with Keegan. The night we went to his house, Keegan wasn't too sure if he wanted Brady to play with all of his toys...he takes after his Daddy. Brady tried to teach Keegan how to crawl and apprently it worked, a little because Keegan was crawling the next day but the following day, he wouldn't.
As you can tell from the pictures of the boys in the Little Tike's car, they were sharing and getting along great! They were putting their arms around each other & giving kisses...Keegan even got to chew on Brady's nose! Here's the horn!

The boys playing in Keegan's tent full of balls!

Brady learned to climb up a slide by himself.
Grandma & Brady
Aunt Diane & Bryce supervise Brady while he climbs the slide!

Nine Months

2007-06-21T11:22:00.001-04:00

This is Brady at nine months old. He tried spaghetti for the first time and liked it.

This weekend we went camping at Pinehurst Lake Conservation area, Becky let us use her tent trailer. We chose somewhere close to home, just in case we forgot anything or needed to return home quickly. Luckily for us, my Mom babysat Brady on Friday night while Brad & I had a night to ourselves. Thanks again Mom, for watching Brady, I needed the break. The funny thing is that Brady slept the whole night for her...which he hasn't done for us in about a month & a half. I too got a good night sleep. On Saturday, we went to the Gore Family Picnic at Bingeman's. It was a little cool for the water park but we did attempt the splash pad and wave pool but Brady wasn't really into it. Then we took Brady to Pinehurst with us and the Smith's came for a visit. Our camping trip with Brady went great and we will definitely go again with him.

Of all things to play with at Bingeman's, Brady wanted to play with the bolt holding the rope!
Brady splashing in the pool at Bingeman's.

Paige relaxing in her lawn chair.
Daddy teasing Brady with his brown bottle!
Brent posing for a picture with Paige while sitting around the campfire.
The kids relaxing with their feet up after supper!

On Sunday, Wayne & Trish came over for a long over due visit and supper.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-15T10:03:00.001-04:00

It's been a busy week. Starting last weekend, Brad & I tore down the fortress around our deck...that was the easy part! The hard part is yet to come...making sure all the screws are in below the surface, sanding the deck, staining it and putting up a new railing. In case you don't know our deck is 16 x 30 and the deck was fenced in so we've opened it up. This is not going to be a quick job but it will look great in the end and we will enjoy the deck much more when it is done. Plus, we can now see our backyard from inside the house so it will be great when Brady is big enough to play in the yard by himself. This is a picture of the deck currently.

On Thursday, Brad & I took Brady swimming at the Waterloo Rec Centre and he loved it. He is a little fish! On Friday, Brady & I went to the Gore Birthday Party BBQ and Brady enjoyed all of the attention that he got from everyone. He also enjoyed the cake that Debbie shared with him. On Saturday, we went back to the Brantford Zoo with Jen & Paige. Brady went for his first horsey ride and he loved it, Paige wouldn't go for a ride. Then we all went to the Paris Splashpad & Pool to cool off, where the kids enjoyed themselves and the Mommy's too!
Here Brady & Paige traded hats for a few minutes...I don't think Brad would appreciate his little boy in girls clothes!

Brad went to South Buxton Raceway on Saturday night and got to see his Uncle Joe win his second feature race. Joe took home a six foot trophy. Congratulations Joe!

This Sunday was of course, Father's Day. Brad got a new lawn chair and outdoor speakers which he has wanted since we bought our house. We traveled to London to meet my parents, my sister & Greg for a Father's Day lunch. Then we were going to play at a park near the restaurant but Brady fell asleep in the car on the way. When we got home we just relaxed and Brad got his favorite meal for supper...pizza & garlic bread. These are a couple of pictures of Brad & Brady horsing around on Father's Day.

By the way, Brady is taking after his father, he loves garlic bread. We've also tried some other new foods the last couple of weeks; some of the foods he likes - yogurt, bread, pizza crust, cucumbers and honeydew melon; some he didn't prefer - watermelon, cantaloupe, dill pickles or baby food with meat in it. Brady also likes to make faces or copy facial expressions.

New Baby Cousin

2007-06-08T13:15:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Uncle Pat & Aunt Jackie on the safe arrival of their baby Brianna Lynn. She was born on Monday June 4th at 2:09 pm weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. This picture is compliments of big sister Brittany.

Our Weekend

2007-06-04T20:56:00.000-04:00

Brady likes to climb up &/or on anything he can. To the right, he has climbed into his old carseat to play with the straps...I think he likes that car seat more now that he doesn't have to be in it. Brady likes to climb up on Brad while he lays on the floor and then he can get on the couch. Below: Or he will climb into his rocker chair & stand up in it...he doesn't like to sit in it anymore.

We had a BBQ on Saturday and Brady got to see all of girlfriends...the Royce girls and Paige. Brady got to try his first cheesy and he loves them. Also, as you can tell he likes "brown bottles"....he definitely takes after his Dad.
Cheesy Face!

Left: Brady & Mommy on her birthday. Brad & Brady got me a coffee table that I wanted so I don't have to worry about Brady cracking his head open on the one we have...these are things that we didn't consider when we bought the coffee tables, nor were we thinking about babies then either! My parents came up that night and we all went out for dinner and ice cream. Unfortunately, Brady got some ice cream too and he didn't want to go to bed that night. We're not sure if it was actually the ice cream or the little catnap he had on the way home from Paris.