Matthew has always enjoyed climbing, so today he got me to tape him climbing at the park (unfortunately I didn't realize the camera had to be horizontal for videos - so here is a photo instead). We'll have to get him over to Heather's place soon to let him try climbing there again. He has gained a lot of arm strength in the past few months. I can't wait until he is old enough to climb at a gym and learn some real technique. It is such great exercise.
The boys have been loving their toys, unfortunately Matthew has a new found interest in the baby toys and Michale gravitates towards his big brothers choking hazard toys. Ugh!
They do have a great time playing together now that Michael can crawl, stand, cruise, and is babbling a lot. Matthew loves to show Michael how to do things. Generally their play ends up in fits of giggles as one or the other does something amusing.
Matthew also sang 'Hunka Burning Love' and danced/hummed the 'Chicken Dance'. Too funny. I may post those videos later, but they take a long time to upload so we'll see.
Matthew has been practicing gliding alot on his run bike and is really good at it - so this weekend my parents took us out bike shopping. It was a big surprise for Matthew. He got to pick a new helmet as well - he chose a blue one with flames because his Uncle Corey will like the flames and the blue matches the new bike. For now he will have to keep his training wheels on because he can't touch the ground while he is on the bike - he needs to grow another 1/2". He shouldn't have too much trouble with the whole balance part when the time comes though. Nana and Papa also got us the trailer so when Matthew's legs get tired I can hitch him behind and keep going. This will make longer rides in Whistler a lot more feasible and enjoyable. Now we just have to get Michael accustomed to the Chariot so all 4 of us can go out. 
We had a nice visit with Nana & Papa. Matthew was thrilled to be spoiled with Valentine treats, special cupcakes, and he got a McDonald's gift card so he can take us out for lunch. Michael sat in his booster seat at the restaurant for the first time. He was very well behaved and didn't fuss until after I had finished eating. Yeah! After lunch Matthew got to play in Freddy and honk the horn, when we got home he howed off on his run bike. Nana and Papa were impressed with his balance. It was a nice visit, can't wait until they live closer so they don't have to rush to beat the traffic.
Although 6 months is the recommended age for the first eye exam our optometrist believes that unless there is some parental concern 3 years is a good time since they can communicate well what they are seeing and follow instructions well. Matthew was a bit nervous, but quickly relaxed when he met Dr. Gilani. To get Matthew to keep still when he was looking into his pupils he told Matthew that he wanted to look in and see what he had eaten for breakfast - Matthew was amazed when Dr. Gilani accurately listed all he had eaten that day -(Dr. Gilani had asked me at the beginning of the exam to spell it all out for him.) 
Matthew loved his soccer class Tuesday, and had a great time at his Fitness for 3's class this morning. They played tag, ran around the indoor track, played other informal games, kicked balls around, and Matthew even got to teach his class how to play "tickle catch", his only little ticklish tag game. He loved it so much he asked to go back to the Rec. Center for Jungle Gym time this afternoon. 3 hours of running, and he didn't collapse into bed. Where does his energy come from?
Matthew had another playdate today, this time with Robyyn officially instead of accidentally. Darcey and I decided to meet at McDonald's to ensure that the kids would eat their lunch and have somewhere to play while we relaxed, chatted and tended to the little babes. Darcey even treated us to dessert (when the kids weren't watching) and introduced me to the cinnamon melties - Mmmmm...too good! Matthew and Michael were fascinated with little Natasha. It just amazes me the difference 5 months can make - Michael seemed so big sitting up in the high chair next to sweet sleeping Natasha in her car seat.
Wednesday was going to be a lazy day for us all, until my friend Lauretta called and invited us to join her and her daughters at a local indoor playground. We met up with them around 11am and did not return home until after 3pm! When we got there Matthew immediately started climbing, sliding, and jumping around with Katie. He also really liked the ride in cars. Much to our surprise my friend Darcey's daughter arrived at the center about half an hour later with her playdate Kai and Kai's mom, Tammy (we met them at the pumpkin patch with Darcey in October). All 4 kids started playing house, pet shop and other imagination games. I got to have a chat with the moms and feel like a real person (Matthew and I have great conversations, but he is only 3).
The highlight of the trip for Matthew - 0ur beverages - a water for me and an eggnog for Matthew (notice that the glass is empty). Matthew loves eggnog - he even tried to drink those few remaining drops later in the visit.
The memory can that I made for Darcey.
The moms and their babes - not a bad shot of Michael. This was an abbreviated version of his actual photo session. There were a few fingerprint shots, many close ups of feet, breast pads, and couch fabric, and a few whole room shots that would have actually been good if he had used a flash. I will hopefully have a nice photo of Michael, Matthew, Natasha and I to share when Darcey gets a minute to send it my way. 
In any case, we were thrilled to meet Natasha and see that Darcey is doing well. Matthew and Michael both greeted Natasha with big smiles. We are looking forward to Natasha's dedication - tomorrow (weather permitting).
John had 2 big cups of hot chocolate waiting for us when we came in after an hour and a half of snow play. Yum! Sambucca also got a snowy treat that night, John walked her to the Lacrosse box at the school and let her run free in the deep snow.
We all walked over to the school and went down some of the great hills. 
Matthew's first run on his own was fun, but ended in a shrub. 
We will be out there everyday until the snow is gone. It is a win-win situation, he has fun, it's free, and climbing back up the hill tires him out so he sleeps well at night. 
John and Matthew stayed out over an hour sledding. I took Michael home after about 15 minutes, the sweetheart was getting a bit chilled despite being all bundled up. He was much happier once we got home and all warmed up.
3 days, 5 cups of flour, a bowl of icing sugar, a bag of smarties, christmas carols, and a hyper 3 year old, but in the end we have gingerbread. Matthew and I worked during Michael's naps to make the dough, then we let it chill overnight. The next day we cut shapes and baked them. Finally, the day Matthew had been waiting for - decorating (read eating) with Smarties, gum drops, and m&m's. Our decorating day was fun- but maybe too exciting for Matthew. We ate some candies, created a mini Matthew and baby Michael, had a surprise visit from Grandma and Poppa, and got to eat the T-Rex gingerbread cookie that John & I had secretly created for him. (I forgot to take a picture of it!)
