"I'n two yeyahs owd!"

That's right, Mattea turned 2 years old last Sunday! She has been super excited about birthdays recently so when it came time for her own, she was definitely ready for the cake, the decorations, the party and the presents! We had a small Dora themed family party for her (her latest obsession!), and she had a blast. She is a very spunky little girl, and loves to read, do puzzles, play outside and play imaginary games (especially with her playmobil and stuffed animals). She weighs 34 lbs and is 38 inches tall, so she is still in the 95th percentile for weight and well off the charts for height. She is alot of fun and we love her to death!

Some pics from her birthday:

- Reading up in her room while her cousins play!

Running through her new birthday doggy sprinkler (who she thinks is Slinky from Toy Story). He shakes his head back and forth, spraying water...and she sternly grabbed his face and said "Linky...listen to me! Stop shaking...and sit still!" - I guess she had enough of the water!
Here is her birthday cake:
These sister shots were taken at the end of June:

This was her at the zoo back in June:

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Last move 'til Glory!

We are moved in and settled....well almost! We have some organizing, picture hanging, etc to do. And we have a longer term do list - some painting, install a side entrance door, and a few other things. Join us on the journey from Webster, AB to Regina, SK.


The last of our belongings loaded onto the truck.
Drive 12 hours and unload.
Our new home!
Our new deck..
Our back yard...
PS the trampoline is now completely set up.
and a special place to relax.
You will be greeted by our Piper!
Welcome! Come on in!
view of front door and living room from the dining room

view of dining and living rooms from the kitchen
our living room
view of dining and living room from the front door
view of the kitchen from the family room
the family room waiting for a couch
the family room fireplace
the music room makes Dave happy ....oh, and his garage!


the master bedroom
the bedroom for the 3 boys
a bedroom for 2 girls
office and craft corner....makes Beccy happy!
a bedroom for another girl which is shared with the office/craft corner

Kayla - 3 Months Old

Kayla turned 3 months this past Sunday (13 weeks)! She has become such a sweet baby, so pleasant and smiley. She watches you patiently, and then when you look at her, she is always ready with a huge grin! She also laughs when you laugh which is too cute, and makes us laugh even more! She seems to be quite the little joker already! She went into the jumperoo for the first time at 11 weeks, and knew exactly what to do in there - she is a little jumping bean! She is also spoiling us with nice long nights, sleeping 11-12 hrs every night and when she wakes up you would never know it as she just quietly lies there waiting for you to come for her! So all in all, we have been blessed once again with a really good baby! She has even overcome her carseat aversion, making for much more peaceful car rides and outings!

Here are some pics of her taken at 11 weeks old:

Looking serious...
1st time in her jumperoo!

These pics are from last week - 12 weeks old:
This is her waking from a nap:
Watching her big sister play:
More watching:
In her stroller at the zoo:
Enjoying her swing:

Rehearsal

I wish I taped more of the songs, but this is all I have (I hadn't brought my video camera, only the still). They are pretty talented. I was super impressed. You know Dad, music is always well done. The boys are all very talented, and Christa and Kari have great voices to round out the group.

This concert was after the rehearsal dinner. The bugs were really bad, so excuse the random waving around:-) There are lots of pics at the bottom of this post.

Before rehearsal, Logan pulled out his brand new banjo for a little practice. Dad on one of his (many) Taylor guitars.

Logan and Kari, singing Broken Heart (on Darla's blog also)

Boondocks. Logan on lead vocals.

Down Home, lead vocals by Christa Tyler

There is a Fountain (also on Darla's blog). Lead by Christa Tyler, harmonies by Logan, Kari, and Dad. Logan is also on piano:-)

Kaden is starting to sing too! Here he is doing a harmony part and playing guitar along with Logan & Kari

It's Johnny B Good (also on Darla's blog)

Old Time Rock & Roll, Dad on lead, Christa on harmony, all the boys playing along, Kaden on drums, Davis on bass, Logan on piano.


Whats an evening without a hockey game. Go Canucks!

We were having lots of people over for the dinner & concert. Cups are in alphabetical order and ready to go!

Dad's grilling for the masses

Getting a game of volleyball going!

Setting up for the main event

Go Canucks!!

almost married!!

Davis & Danielle, watching the show and keeping kids warm.

Grandpa Shantz is always surprised to be captured on film:-)

Reception

Some random pictures and video of the reception.

They gave a pair of these to all the children. Grey is trying his out.

Their guestbook was phenomenal. I think the best I have ever seen. It was a Creative Memories photo album, Kari used Mom's software and put it together. Gorgeous. I thought perhaps in the empty spaces (pages) they should write their favourite moments of their day, or some nice love quotes or bible verses or something. There's my idea, guys. LOVED it though. Love!

The "thank you" gift was a little pillow box full of jelly beans, and the program, which was I think 4 pages, tied together with the ribbon at the top.

Name tags at the table

The getaway car

The cake. Made by Kari's Aunt Pam. Beautiful, and the cake toppers really "took the cake", so to speak! Kari found a place online that would make you your very own bobble heads, to look just like you, based on your picture.

A portion of a funny little speech by Curtis, a good friend of Logan's (and the family). He's just wondering WHO exactly that person is on the top of the cake... :-)

Here they are close up. Kari's is pretty dead on, looks wise. Logan's is close...but maybe it could be Davis? haha. What a cool idea!

The unity sand.

Reception hall at the hotel

A funny speech by Terry who is married to Kari's sister. He said Ruth (Kari's Mom) gave him a certain tee-shirt... :-)

Logan & Kari's Wedding

Arriving at the church, I noticed there was no video camera set up. I only had my still picture camera with me, so I didn't have enough memory space to record it all the way through, but I wanted them to have some essential moments captured for viewing later. Please excuse the bumpy ride, I was trying to wrangle Grey and keep him quiet with the other hand. For all the family that couldn't make the trip, here is a glimpse into their special day!

Processional: I didn't have a good vantage point to capture Kari coming up the aisle, but I got Logan's face, watching her walk up. Piano played by Josh Irwin


They were married by Terry, Kari's brother in law. This is the vows part.

The ring exchange and kiss

Unity Sand. Special music by Amy & Jenna Koop. Aaron Hale on the piano. Ring bearer was Evan, Kari's nephew.

Recessional: Back in Black by AC DC