A new addiction!

So a couple months ago I heard about Pinterest. It has become a small addiction and given me something to do in all my spare time. The first thing I ever made from Pinterest were these capes. The kids loved them for the first few days and they have been hanging on hooks ever since! At least they did use them! I have since saved many recipes and craft/sewing ideas for future use. I have made some pretty wall decorations that actually match my living room! I think some friends have also become addicted!

Our farm and the First day of School!

Here is our farm. It only has Irish potatoes in it if you don't count the banana tree that hasn't given us any bananas. The plan is to plant other vegetables after we get the potatoes out of the ground. And yes, I have been slack with the weeding. You would too if the weather and mosquitoes are working against you!

Being from Ontario, it is very strange to have school start in August. I was so not ready for today! It snuck up on us all! I did our first day of homeschooling Samuel after we got Stephen to school and attended Chapel with him. A little bit of a late start, but it went fairly well. Keeping 3 busy at the same time does pose a bit of a challenge but hopefully it will work well.

And here is the big 2nd grader. It was a wet, rainy morning which was probably why we got to school on time. The traffic was unusually light! I do think I will miss the big yellow school bus picking the kids up and dropping them off every day. But thankfully, we are trying to carpool with our neighbours to save us all time and gas!

All dressed up!

We were invited as special guests to a Send Forth. Our neighbour is getting married in August and had her Send Forth today. I guess it could be compared to a North American bridal shower. There was lots of loud music, dancing, and food.

A shot taken by Stephen. Not sure it is our best angle...

And one of the 4 kids - nope, can't get them all smiling at the same time.

And the two youngest by Daddy's car.

May and June - a little bit of everything

Silas turned 3 on the 22nd of May. He is excited to be a big boy now and had cupcakes and a cake!

Samuel is our dresser upper. Can never be too safe while playing hockey or riding a bike.

Lego is a constant source of entertainment and frustration in our house. Here is their latest creation in progress - Lego City. Hard to tell from Stephen's picture, but there is multiple living levels.

The end of May was also Jono's birthday. We celebrated it (along with Memorial Day and Victoria Day) with our good friends by having a grill. Then we realized that this was the second birthday he celebrated at their house!

This is where it feels I spend most of my time. A couple weeks ago my neighbour and I hosted 20 adults plus children for a pizza dinner. Our guests had been working at a workshop and were quite excited by our pizza, veggies and dip, brownies and fudge sauce, and green mango crisp and (bad) ice cream. If you look close enough, you can see the flower that Samuel gave me to wear so I can look pretty.

Hard to believe but this house has a lot of activity in it and around it most days.

We finally had our grass cut this past week and the kids used it to make a fort.

Esther loves to talk on my phone. "Ello? Daddy?"

This is Daddy's car. You do not climb on it. You do not throw stones on it. You do not put your shoes on the seat. Not really a child friendly car but will do just fine for Daddy to take to the village. That's where the two of them are right now!

Here is an exciting blanket train created before breakfast. The kids had a lot of fun with it on what turned out to be a tough day for Mommy and Daddy. Jackson, one day we will meet you in person! Then you can show Samuel where all the controls are up there, he really wants to know how it all works!

We are alive and doing well!

This is a common sight on our clothes line. Could it be that within a year we will be done with diapers after only 8 years?

She loves to be involved in whatever is going on.

Yes mom, I am thinking of a good answer!

The boys have been busy collecting bugs for their new bug boxes.

Family Pictures

Attempt at using the wagon - good in theory. Not great by the participants!

Silas has developed a cheesy camera face. Its really hard to get him NOT to do it!

Don't mess with me Samuel!

The two responsible for the other four!

Samuel looking all grown up.

Our biggest guy - Stephen!

The four kiddos!

Aunt Hannah, I am two!

Esther and her blanket. I never thought I would have a kid attached to a blanket...

And a decent family shot.
Thanks to Hannah and family for the great photo shoot and a great sleep over!

The End of December

The 6 Barnhoorn cousins at Oma and Opa's on Christmas Day.

Esther opening a present at our family Christmas.

The boys getting their Lego for Christmas from Mom and Dad.

5 out of 6 Barnhoorns!

The Middle of December

Friends invited us to go skating with them. Samuel donned skates for the first time ever and lasted about half an hour and then switched into books.

Silas also loved skating in his boots. He was thrilled!

We spent a few hours one morning at the Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge. It was nice and warm inside and we all enjoyed doing a special game with prizes!

We were unable to get a family shot taken but here is me with all the kids.

Samuel's Birthday

Here is our 4 year old with his birthday cake. He may act shy, but I do believe he enjoyed the attention!

And he was able to blow out the candles but there were others who were willing to help him at a moments notice!

Esther's Birthday

Here is Esther's tray of birthday cupcakes. She wasn't sure what to do at all. She had three brothers and two cousins who were more than helpful!

Opening presents with mommy. She was so overwhelmed by the attention and presents. So far her favourite present seems to be the spoons from her tea set.

And what would a first birthday be without the birthday girl eating cake. She LOVED the icing and totally enjoyed the whole cupcake.