Super Awesome Mega Update!

Hopefully, no one has been too disappointed with my lack of updating. Which is why, of course, this is a Mega Update. Did I mention that it was super AND awesome? Because not only did we vacation somewhere warm and green, our oldest daughter turned two.

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Good friends of ours (Raul and Ameli) were married in Mexico mid-May. Glen, Sonya and Robyn travelled down for a week of well-wishing and partial relaxation. Though we knew Catherine would enjoy herself immensely, we figured it would makes things far more difficult if we brought her along. Not only does she love the bride and groom without restraint, she is a roaring bundle of go go go energy. Still so young, Sonya couldn't be left behind. So, we spent a week spoiling Sonya, while Jacqueline spent a week spoiling Catherine.

To get to Mexico, we had to transfer in Houston. Luckily enough we caught the same flight down as Marco and Malu (friends of ours and co-workers of Glen's). Sonya had a great time playing with Marco's hat while Glen and I relaxed and shared a rather large cup of Starbucks coffee (not shown). And yes, all things are bigger in Texas.

Marco, Malu & Sonya

Indiana Sonya

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We arrived in Mexico a few hours later. The next day was the wedding. Before getting ready for the celebration we took Sonya down to the beach. She wasn't too keen on the sand or the sea (too loud). By the end of the stay, the beach was acceptable but the ocean wasn't.

Daddy & Sonya taking a walk

Mommy & Sonya

The resort was lovely and the food was delicious (service so-so). We also enjoyed 30 degrees Celsius weather the entire time. Can't complain. We soaked up as much sun as Sonya would allow.

Our room (top right) was quiet and away from the noise

Greenery

A little more greenery

Daddy taking Sonya for a walk while mom got some sun

Our feet in the ocean (done every beach vacation)

An unknown creature

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Some wedding pictures:

Sonya & the Groom (Raul)

Sonya & the Bride (Ameli)

First Dance

Ameli & Robyn

Glen & Raul

Glen & one tuckered out Sonya

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The next day was spent wandering around the resort, swimming in the pool (which Sonya loved) and a dinner out with some friends. We went to 5th avenue (equivalent to Calgary's 17th) and walked through some shops until dinner at a restaurant called "La Casa de Aqua".

Sonya & Daddy

Glen & Robyn

Marco & Malu

Perla (Raul's sister), Ulerike & Luis (another co-worker of Glen's)

An after-dinner cuddle with daddy

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People wandered the beach carrying parrots, a monkey or iguana. If you wanted, a picture would be taken and sent up to the main lobby for purchase.

Finally enjoying the sand

A typical end to a day in Mexico

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Some recent pictures taken in the last two months:

Jacqueline with Sonya & Catherine

Glen & Catherine having a cuddle

Tummy Time for the Hay women

Sonya lounging with Catherine's cat Zooza

Daddy & Catherine having some fun

Catherine wearing one of Tianna's old hats and her favourite piggy pajamas

Glen & Catherine playing basketball (a birthday gift from dad & mom)

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A Tribute to Catherine

Two years ago, on May 2nd at 330 am, Robyn felt the first twinge of labor. Almost 12 hours later, Catherine Marijke Hay was born 5 weeks premature. After a 5 day stay at the hospital, we came home with a healthy 5 lb 9 ounce, 19 inch baby. She slept all the way home. When the health nurse arrived at the house, she wondered we'd even had a baby since we looked so healthy and well slept.

Catherine Newly Born

Catherine on her first birthday

Nearly two years later, Catherine is still a joy. She measured about 36 inches in height and weights 28 lbs. She loves to talk and run, and is currently rediscovering her love of being outside. The grass, though rather brown, seems to be her new fun thing to walk on. Catherine has also rediscovered her love of the swing. Every time we go for a walk, she specifically asks to go to the park. If she had her way, that's all we'd do.

Daddy giving Catherine a push

Just Loving it!

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Here are some pictures from Catherine's birthday parties:

Catherine's party at Great Auntie Donna's and Great Uncle Gary's (held in conjunction with Caycee's birthday)

Catherine trying on her new hat from Great Grandma Dorothy and holding her new tiger from Uncle Bryan

Catherine playing with her wheel barrow and beach toys from Uncle Bryan

Catherine wearing her new fairy outfit from Caycee, Kent and Wesley

Caycee explaining to Catherine how to blow out the candles on their birthday cupcakes

Catherine enjoying her cupcake

Caycee enjoying her cupcake

Uncle Bryan and Sonya

The always fun baby prop



Dads comparing babies (Glen & Sonya vs. Kent & Wesley)

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Catherine's Party at Auntie Caroline & Uncle Greg's:

A cuddle between cousins

Momma & Catherine showing off her new outfits

Catherine & her cake (chocolate to the max!)

No fingers for me!

Poppa, Glen and Sonya having a chat

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Here are a few more pictures from Glyn's visit, ranging from a few more easter dinner pictures to a weekend he spent at our house.

Sonya dressed as Poppa's favourite Pooh character

Glen and Robyn with Catherine, Sonya, Westley, Tianna & Spencer

Tianna entertaining Sonya

Glen & Westley drawing a pirate ship

Glyn, Westley & Catherine

Glyn & Sonya

Glyn & Catherine

Glen & Glyn after a round of darts in our basement (Glyn stayed with us for a weekend)

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Sonya loves to eat! Every food Robyn gives Sonya is her favourite. In fact she cries when the bowl in empty, mom leaves with the spoon, or feeds her big sister. It's quite amusing. So far, we've tried: squash, sweet potato, green peas and rice cereal.

Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.

Yum!