No excuses. Except one: busy. Well, technically two: busy and TIRED!
The boys are crazy, but so funny and full of energy. We've had a great summer so far, with a couple of trips to the cottage (one of which was with Darren and Nicola again), soccer and general silliness. I won't bore you with details, just pictures. Well, maybe a few details.
Fresh off the plane, we had a "Welcome to Our Home" party for Darren and Nicola. To celebrate, Sebastian got out the bubbles. That kid will do anything for bubbles. Apparently, it's genetic, but I will not run. Not even for bubbles.
Nicola and Sebastian took a little time to admire Matthew's soccer goal victory dance. Once I figure out how to upload it, I'll post it. Just imagine Matthew running around the adjacent soccer field then barrel rolling for close to 2 minutes. Funny.
While at the cottage we got a chance to go for lunch with both sets of Aunts and Uncles. Since they live on different continents, it was an exciting event. Our children were, let's say, "spirited" and I wouldn't be surprised if cousins were put on the back burner for a couple more years. If the idea wasn't scrapped altogether.
The cottage experience wouldn't be the same without a campfire. In this one, Uncle Darren is likely answering one of Matthew's "But, Why?" questions with an elaborate (and factual) answer that would make any adult's head explode. Luckily, Matthew just absorbs it all and continues on an endless path of alternating "But, Why?" and "How do you spell *insert word of choice here*?"
Sebastian is quite a character these days. And by character, I mean: Huge. His 18 month check- up told us he's a ginormous 32lbs (for all you moms, that's a size 5 diaper and a size 2T shirt!). He's not saying much, but "Mine," "Bubbles," "Yogurt," and, of course, when a camera appears, "Cheese." I guess he says that last one when he sees the actual food as well.
Look at those adorable, chubby, edible cheeks!!
Here he's watching Matthew play soccer. Also, hamming it up.
While he doesn't say much, he's quite the singer. His favourites include The ABCs (which he has re-named The EFGs for the part he knows), and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Pictured here, complete with boat.
Then, there's Matthew. What can I say about Matthew, except: Where did my baby go???? He's ALWAYS talking (case in point: first trip to the cottage, he talked the entire 3 hour car ride, barely stopping to catch his breath). He is reading. Not just memorizing, but actually sounding out words and reading. He's also started spelling. Don't worry, he's started the Mensa testing this week.
Not only is he smart, he's athletic, too. So much so, that he feels using his hands for soccer can only be an advantage when you're that good with your feet.
To add to his genius, Matthew is also very creative. Not only does he have a stuffed elephant named "Elephanty" ("How about Elly, Matthew?" "Nope. Elephanty."), Rob also gave him the honour of naming his new fishing boat. Here you have him riding in Boaty with Daddy.
Here he is being dragged behind Boaty on the tube. "FASTER, DADDY!!" could be heard all across the lake. 
Finally, a rare moment of peace.
So, there it is. A post. You're welcome.