About Us

Victoria, BC, Canada
This blog began as a modern "baby book" for our first child, Finlay, who was born in December of 2010. The recent addition of Seamus, born in January of 2013, has meant continued efforts to put into words and pictures his early years. We also use this forum to catalog our family life: two loving partners, two beautiful kids, car-free, child-centred, attachment-focused, with a love of food and health thrown into the mix!

Finlay's First Trip!

June 17, 2011

I realize that it has been a while since our last post.  We spent the first few days of June packing and getting ready to fly East.  We were to Ontario, stayed with Finlay's Grandma for a week, after which Tyler flew home, and then stayed with Nans and Gramps for the second week and then Fin and I flew home.  Today is our first day back together as a family in Victoria and it was wonderful.  Now, to fill you in on all of the fun and adventures of the last couple of weeks!

Finlay was very helpful with the packing!  He would practice sitting, in the middle of the bed, while I organized clothes to pack.  

He was so proud of his sitting!  He was falling over a lot at this point, so the softness of the bed was integral!  

We also took out his summery clothes and the clothes in the next size up.  He is growing quickly, so we had to retire more clothes and put on some new ones.  Check out this cute outfit from our friends Aaron and Lucy.  

The travel day began at 4AM.  Finlay was very cooperative.  He didn't cry until the car ride at the end of the day.  He slept in the Calgary airport while Tyler and I took turns pushing him in the stroller on the people-mover.  On the plane, he nursed for take-offs and landings, he played with toys, we read him books, he snuggled...  It went far better than we could have hoped.  Tyler's dad picked us up from the airport and we were treated to pizza and beer back at his place - a perfect end to a long day of travel!

Finlay loved to play on the playmat at Grandma's house.  One morning, I passed him a toy, he grabbed it and then dropped it in front of him.  I passed him another and he did the same thing.  He did this again and again until he had a nice pile.  He's probably a genius.  

The whole Grant-Roach-Kemp-Harvey-Williams Clan came together for the weekend.  It was hot and sunny.  There was back-yard-lounging, plenty of food and drink, lots of laughing and adorable kids.  Here is a picture of our niece (Finlay's cousin), Avery.

Finlay and I playing outside.  He is wearing his sunsuit and a great hat that Michelle got him.  He loves his hat; I think he'll be getting a lot of wear out of this get-up this summer!

Finlay getting a snuggle from Aunt Megan.  Kori and Megan came down to London from Toronto.  They definitely noticed some growth!  Little Fin is a lot bigger and doing plenty of new tricks! 

Tyler and our new nephew, Lincoln.  Lincoln is about 2 months younger than Finlay and he likes to talk (baby talk).  He is really sweet.

Finlay and his Grandma.  He finally got some "Patty Cakes" and time to play with Grandma.

Finlay playing with Aunt Kalandra.  He was smiling and giggling but I couldn't seem to catch one on the camera!

Almost!

Grandma set up a little pool for the kids.  We got Finlay suited up to go for a dip, but he would have none of it!

 
The crying just got louder.


Tyler tried to talk him into it but he was very upset.  I thought it was so cute.  My hopes for summer days spent at the splash pad may be dashed...


Finlay loved meeting all of his Aunts, Uncles, and cousins - A very fun weekend!

The family went for an evening of drinks and tapas at Grampa Charlie's place.  Here is Tyler and Fin playing around.

Kalandra and Fin have a serious conversation.

Finlay showing Aunt Megan what Sophie the giraffe is all about.

Finlay loved the dogs and he even laughed when they barked.  He looks upset in the picture but really he was just telling his Aunt Kally all about the puppies.

Finlay was very smiley for his Great Aunt Glenna.

Finlay and Tyler kisses!



Sometimes we say to Fin that he is so cute we could eat him up!  Tyler just consumed by baby-cuteness!

Finlay and his Great Grandma Harvey.  She was very excited to meet her only Great Grandson!  She kept saying "He's all Tyler below the nose, but all Lyndze above the nose!"  Everyone wants to assign each feature to someone but Great Grandma just split it down the middle.  Doesn't he look happy?

Here is Finlay and his Great Grandpa Harvey.  It made me so happy to see my grandparents making my son giggle and, in turn, him making them both so happy.   

Great Aunt Laurie stopped by and Fin wore his favourite motorcycle shirt just for her.

Great Aunt Pam just loves babies!



Finlay and I went to Sarnia to visit my Nanny and Papa (Finlay's Great Grandparents on my mother's side).  Here is a picture of Fin with Papa with whom he shares a birthday and a name.  Papa is a McKinnon and Finlay has that name for his middle name.  Also, Papa turned 77 the day Finlay was born!

Finlay got a chance to show of his standing with his Great Aunt Marie.

I love this photo!  Four generations of our family.

Four generations of boys!

Finlay was surprised by a gift from his second cousin Elissa.  This stuffed zebra has been the source of plenty of entertainment for Fin and for me!  

I love this picture because he looks like he might unleash some wrath if I get too close to his new toy.

Finlay and I spent lots of time on the back deck at Nans and Gramps' place.  In this photo, Finlay is laughing at his third cousin Will.

Snuggles with Gramps.  

What a relaxed look!

So funny!

Our attempt at swimming.  It ended quickly and loudly.


What a wonderful trip!  We had an amazing time.  Thank you everyone for making the effort to see us, your hospitality, and all of the love.

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