Tyler Goes to Work

Today we got to see Grandpa at work. Grandpa has been working at Municipal Ready Mix since he was 18 years old! He drives Municipal's largest cement mixer and has top seniority. His dad worked there as well, as a superintendent. My dad's family moved from Bear River, Nova Scotia when he was just 12 years old and Municipal Ready Mix has been in our family ever since. They actually used to live on the business property and the house still remains there, however the building is now used as a lunchroom for the workers. He is known for his hard work and dedication over the years with the company. He will surely be missed when he decides to retire, which we hope will in the near future.

Happy Birthday Christine!!!

Christine is celebrating her 32nd birthday today! I am so glad we are both home for your birthday. Christine and her new husband, Gabriel, had been living in Peace River, Alberta and now are moving to Edmonton. I wish you lots of lobsters, butterflies, olive dogs, and all the other "Christine" things this year and the coming years. Hugs!!! Heather, Steve & Tyler too

Tyler meets lots of new Friends

This was one busy day for Tyler as he got to meet some new friends. One of my best friends is also visiting home this week. Tanya has been my friend since Grade 4 and I haven't seen her in about 5 years! She moved away to Cold Lake, Alberta where she works as a children's librarian. Tanya and her boyfriend, Stuart, came over the house this morning to see us and to meet Tyler for the first time. This afternoon, our neighbour Mrs Baillie invited us down to their house so that Tyler could meet her grandson, Andrew. It was also my first time seeing Andrew. Andrew is 3 months old and is sooo adorable! His mom, Mara, is a childhood friend of mine. We grew up right next door to each other. While we were visiting, we put the boys together on a chair and they looked so cute. Tyler kept trying to give Andrew a hug!

Additional Note:

I was just kidding when I said we have a lot of stuff. I should be able to find my way out of the house in a few hours. Oh, look! I found our "Napkins of Europe Collection"!!

Note to Heather:

Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, a pile of boxes fell on me and I just now found my way out. I was trapped in a closet overnight without food or water. I was able to attract Luigi by tapping out "I have treats." in Morse code. Once he arrived I was able to follow him to safety and eventually the laptop. The house is filled to capacity with our stuff. I am opening boxes that were packed by Sicilians over a year ago. I can see sunlight coming through a window somewhere. I don't think I can make it. The front door is closest, but I have no idea where the keys are. If you don't here from me in a couple of days, call 911 and send a dumpster. P.S. if you get this message, don't bring home any more stuff.

Beautiful Cape Breton Wedding

Christine and I have been friends since Grade 3. On Saturday, Christine and Gabriel became husband and wife in one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever witnessed. It was done Cape Breton style, complete with fiddle and men wearing kilts. I had the privilege of being Christine's Maid of Honour. Tyler came along with Grammy and Grandpa. We would like to wish Christine and Gabriel continued blessings.

Best Wishes Joe!

Today Joe turns 38 years old! Yep, he is getting old! Just seems like yesterday, you and me were growing up together and you used to tease me all the time. Wait a minute, you still do tease me! Oh well, some things will never change. I so have to admit though, you are the best brother and friend we could ever ask for! You are always caring and willing to help others, and that's why today and always we wish you all the best that life can bring. Love Heather, Mom, Dad, Steve & Tyler

Wet Paint!

I wonder if any of the cats were on the counter last night while I was gone?

All Loaded Up.

Well, I finally got everything in the truck that I could carry myself. Tomorrow a friend from work will help me move the big stuff. Now all I have to do is drive down to the house and take it all back out again! I'm getting good exercise today!

Typical Peppertree to the End!

Everything is going as planned... I picked up the Budget rental truck on time and returned to the apartment complex. I strategically parked my car so I could use that spot for the truck. As I arrived, I parked the Budget truck and walked to my car. Just as I dug the key out of my pocket, the cops showed up! They are blocking my spots and the handicap spot. I guess there is some domestic disturbance at the end of the building. Just before I left for the rental place, a man came out and smashed something on the sidewalk in front of a woman using her cell phone in front of our balcony. I am going to miss it here. *sniffle*

The New House

Here are a few pictures of the new house. Everything is ready to go. We have new carpet, paint and recent appliances. While Heather is in Canada I am making minor adjustments before our stuff is moved in. I am painting the interior of the kitchen cabinets because they are a bit dingy and worn. I changed the exterior door locks. I also began working in the yard and shed. There is a lot of outside work to do.

Canada, Eh

Tyler is heading up to Canada for the 3rd time. Wow, for only being 6 months old, he sure travels around a lot! This time though we are flying. This will be the first time Tyler will be on a plane. He says he is looking forward to meeting all of Mommy's friends and especially Grampy. With his Canadian ensemble and shades, he is sure to be the coolest looking baby on the plane and maybe even in Canada!

Home at Last!

It's official, we are now home owners! This afternoon we closed on our house. We would to thank our realtors, Rita and Bonita for their assistance and kindness throughout the entire buying process. We are very excited about our new home. We've dreamt about this for so long and now finally it's happened. It is going to be so nice having our own yard to work in and Tyler will have his very own room. The next three years will be a lot of fun!

Rolie Polie Olie

Tyler likes to roll around on the floor. He has a great time doing so and sometimes we find him a fair distance from where he started off. This morning, he rolled himself into an egg roll with the blanket I provided for him.

6 Months old!!!

Our little baby boy is 6 months already! So hard to believe that in just 6 more months he'll be one year old. He has given us everlasting joy and happiness in our lives. He has the sweetest personality, always smiling especially to those he just meets. We couldn't have asked for a better son!

Clang Clang Clang went the Trolley

The Smith Family went to a nearby trolley museum today. We had a lot of fun there! After exploring inside the museum, we went for a 20 minute ride on an actual trolley. The conductor told us that the trolley was used in Toronto, Canada back in the 70's. The museum had a total of 17 trolleys! We will definitely have to come back when Tyler gets a little older so he can appreciate it even more.

tickle tickle tickle

Our 4th Wedding Anniversary

Today marks 4 wonderful years together in marriage! We couldn't be more happy! We are very blessed to have one another and also to have the added bonus of a beautiful baby in our lives. Life couldn't be better!

Buon Compleanno Princess Sofia

We would like to wish sweet Sofia a very Happy Birthday! Sofia turned 2 years old! We can't believe how fast you are growing. You are truly bellissimo!!! Sofia is the daughter of my good friend, Desire, and her husband Ernie. They were stationed with us in Sicily, Italy and now reside in California. Sofia will be getting a new brother or sister soon. Congratulations to Desire and Ernie on their second baby due in January!

Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Nephew!

Today is our nephew Nick's birthday. He is turning 15 today! So that means you can get your beginners permit, right? Uh oh, all drivers beware! I'm sure Justin will let you practise in his car. Aunt Heather, Uncle Steve and Cuz Tyler wish you all the best today and always. May all your birthday wishes come true! We love you very much! By the way, how do you ever put up living with my brother? Just kidding, Joe!

Happy Belated Birthday Johnny!

Yesterday was Johnny's birthday. He along with his wife, Belle and daughter, Zaya were stationed with us in Sicily, Italy. Since our birthdays were only 2 days apart, our friends would have a birthday party for both of us. Hope you had a fantastic day yesterday, Johnny! Best wishes for the coming year! Johnny and Belle are expecting a baby soon and the sonogram is showing that it's a boy!!!!

Bunny Baby

Grandma Walker, look my bunny costume that you had made for me finally fits! Mommy tried it on me this morning and I was so glad that I could finally wear it. I'll ask Mommy to pack it with my things so you can see it on me when we come to visit you soon. Love you and I can't wait to see you and Grampy!

A Wonderful Day

Yesterday for my birthday, Steve took me for a little 'birthday drive'. We ended up hiking part of the Appalachian trail. It was a long hike up, but the spectacular view was definitely worth the climb. I love being surrounded by nature's beauty. Steve and I always said that some day we would like to hike the entire Appalachian trail. Afterwards, we grabbed some sub sandwiches and headed on over to Harper's Ferry for a nice picnic. The last time we were there was 4 years ago, just before our move to Sicily and shortly after we got married. Our walk around the park, brought back so many memories of our first visit. On the way back home, we stopped for some roadside kennel corn. It was a perfect ending to a lovely day. My first birthday as a mom couldn't have been more beautiful; a day spent with my two favourite guys in the whole world!

We're Outta Here!

We received a letter from the leasing office today. It stated we must be out by the 1st as per our request. And we would owe rent for each month for the remainder of the lease, which is nine months.

Steve went to the office to verify and then inform the property manager we would not be paying another dollar. After a brief discussion and a visit by the management team at our apartment, the property manager agreed. So we will not owe anything. Gee, imagine that. They also ordered up a drywall crew and carpet cleaning to be done immediately... and this was at 5 pm!

Tyler and the Sock Game

Tyler has a new game. It's called "Let's See How Many Times I can Pull my Socks Off and get Mommy to Come and Put them Back on my Feet". He seems to really like this game because he does it over and over again and with each time he smiles and laughs. This morning, I found him with both socks off and one behind his ear.

Tyler listens to Mozart

As part of his daily routine, Tyler watches his Baby Mozart DVD. At this time, no one can break away his attention. He is totally captivated by the colourful images flashed upon the screen accompanied by the classical music of Mozart. He could be having a really bad day, but as soon as we put in Baby Mozart all is quiet and his little eyes are glued to the screen in amazement. Studies have shown that listening to classical music is suppose to help babies with their cognitive development. I know one thing for sure, it really helps when Mom has some stuff to do around the house.

The look of pure innocence.

What are you funny looking creatures doing back there?

It is so funny that only now Tyler is taking notice of our two cats. Before he wouldn't even pay attention of their existence. Now when he sees them in the room, he will stare and start to smile and even laugh sometimes. When he is in his Jumperoo, he will even stop jumping to look at them. I wonder what he is thinking. Maybe he thinks they are funny looking babies with fur.