The great things about Malcolm.

I think from time to time when Roger's feeling sad or worn out the blog posts can act as mechanism for release. Essentially, the blog was started to document and reflect on life with the family through my eyes, but the truth of the matter is, ultimately it's for the kids. One day they can look back on their oh so documented lives and hopefully give them insight as to what was happening. Although the blog doesn't always go into all the tribulations of life as a family, perhaps a more balanced approach is necessary. Hence, this blog post is dedicated to the great things about Malcolm.

These are some of the things we are so proud of:

• Malcolm is a polite and courteous boy who cares about others, specifically he cares a lot about his grandma and papa. 
• Malcolm has learned to read, letters, numbers, signs, he's well on his way as a 1st grader.
• Malcolm is learning to be more independent. We believe that his experience at day care and at kindergarten has helped developed this.
• Malcolm has a sense of humour and loves to laugh. Luckily there is a lot of joy in his life and you can see it on his face every day.
• Malcolm does like to try new things and have new experiences. He is naturally inquisitive and enjoys exploring new sites and destinations.
• Malcolm is a very smart boy, with an impeccable memory. 
• He's so interested in science and experiments. We'll have to see if one day he finds out about adding Mentos to Coke. 

The bottom line is that we all love him very much. From the sound of things and what other parents say, he's just being a normal 5 year old.

No one said it was easy.

July has been very nice with respect to the weather, we've had a few wet/cold days here and there, but for the most part it's been nice. With Malcolm being off on summer vacation and 고모 in Korea, childcare is shared by Roger and Tracey. During the weekdays Roger takes two days off and Tracey takes two days, leaving one day for grandma and grandpa to pick up the slack. Most days are hard, Roger and Tracey have to think of various activities to do. This week luckily, Malcolm is in Circus Camp, a week long gymnastics class speckled in with circus fun, like juggling, stilt walking, clowning and the like. He's got a performance on Friday to show everyone what they've been up to. There have been a few bumps along the way, but all in all, he's having fun.

Having kids was something that Roger always thought he would do, but he'll be the first one to admit that the challenges of behaviour, health and safety are at times difficult to deal with. Ever since Malcolm was three (he was never a terrible two) we saw a transformation in him. That's where his behaviour and tantrums all started. Lucky for us he has learned or maybe grown out of most of the screaming fits, but that's not to say they don't rear their ugly head now and then. There's a very poignant quote that applies here: "The years go by fast, but the days are long." As the kids get older I'm sure issues, problems, concerns are traded for others. For the meantime they have to remember that they are raising two quite wonderful children. Although, their behaviour at times can be difficult to deal with, they are still raising two wonderful children. Here they are last night at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.

Our trip to Kelowna.

We were lucky enough to be invited by some friends to their parent's vacation home in Kelowna. It is a very beautiful property right on the lake. Malcolm had a chance to experience some firsts: first time floating on his own in a life jacket, first time on a Sea-Doo and first time in a pleasure boat to ride the tube. Melody didn't much like riding on the boat, but she sure did have fun playing with the other girls on the trip. Being the youngest, all the older girls work very naturally to be big sister to her. They carry her around, hold her hand down the stairs and generally keep a good eye on her. The drive was a bit of a worry, but the kids did fine. It's hard to be cooped up in the car for 5 hours, but it was more than worthwhile. Roger got to work in the kitchen (he really loves cooking on vacation for a group of people) and the kids played so well together, Tracey even got to have some adult conversation while enjoying some beverages.

Family

I know Roger can be a pain sometimes when gathering up all the family at functions for a portrait, but he really does mean well. It has been a great opportunity the past few weeks where uncle Kevin and auntie Connie have been in town. Recently, for a family bbq and luncheon he managed to grab a couple of snaps for the old family album. Hopefully, family from afar will appreciate his efforts. Here are two recent shots taken of the family. Don't mind Malcolm, he was a bit grumpy that day. Just to be clear, Melody was not sucking her thumb. She wanted to let people know she's a big girl. Also, Gomo looks great for just having had surgery. Luckily, her recovery has been going very well.

First vacation of 2012

Sechelt was overall a fun trip and good experience for all. It's funny with the kids though, despite their talk and excitement they love coming home. We spent 4 days and 3 nights at a beautiful (albeit rustic) house right on the water. The most important point, I got to go too! 

Malcolm loves travelling, he was a travelling superstar. He slept well, ate well and adjusted well to all the changes. Melody had fun with all the changes as well, but sleeping continues to be a bit of a challenge. Roger and Tracey started the kids out together in the same room, but it became quickly apparent that it wasn't going to work. To be fair to Malcolm, they pulled her out of the shared bedroom and gave her a room all to herself. It was the first time she slept in a bed that wasn't a crib. They surrounded the bed with pillows to prevent any late night tumbles and luckily she did manage to fall asleep. The best scenario worked with Tracey sleeping in the bed next to her, which seemed to give her the most comfort. Tracey even said that Melody would touch her throughout the night to make sure she was there. Anyway, the family got to spend some time away playing at the beach and finally enjoying some sunny summer weather. Here are some pics from the trip below. To see the whole set click this link.

Happy Graduation Carol.

Hard to think that this girl:

Is now this girl:
Really not so much a girl anymore, but a young lady. We're going to miss you over the summer Carol. Have a great time in Korea and we'll see you at the end of August.

Last day of school.

(Malcolm first in line out the door on his last day of school)

Just like that, Malcolm became a 1st grader. He celebrated his last day of Kindergarten last Friday and is now on summer break. Tracey and Roger are worried how they're going to keep the two kids from killing each-other and driving them crazy at the same time. It's all a delicate balance sometimes.

This is Malcolm's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. B. She's really done a wonderful job in not only teaching the kids, but keeping them in line. As she says, at the beginning of the year the kids weren't used to things like lining up, sitting quietly, and even going to the bathroom on their own, certainly many areas of growth during this time.



As a treat to all the parents, his class performed a couple of musical numbers in class.



Melody came to class to celebrate Malcolm's last day too. Roger loves Malcolm's classroom, a giant window providing an ample amount of light for some great photos.