(BEWARE: For those of you who do not enjoy or are sickened by the perpetual talk of the accomplishments of other people's kids, this is not for you. This blog acts not only as a way to communicate with some of you and keep you up-to-date on what we are doing, but I am also using it as a bit of a diary/historical record of my thoughts and feels of our little family and our time in the North)
First off I must say that I often think about how lucky I am to have 2 wonderful boys who make me smile everyday! Moving to Iqaluit has been an amazing opportunity for us to spend much more time together as a family and it has been wonderful for the 4 of us to hang out as much as we do. Time is so precious and passes us by so very quickly. When looking at Gavyn and Noah I see the amazing potential that they each hold and only hope that all of their dreams will come true.
Gavyn is such an amazing little man and is a very thoughtful soul. He will begin preschool next year and I am already thinking of how this big step towards independance will be both very exciting and emotional. Yes, I am one of those Mommas who would like for time to stand still for a little while. He now is learning some French and is particularly taken with the word "jaune". Tractors, trucks and anything to do with Construction are what Gavyn loves to play with most. Of course trips outside continue to be lots of fun and he particularly likes playing in the snow with Ruff. Gavyn is a very loving big brother and his heart is such a generous and sensitive one.
Noah is a continual burst of sunshine. He has mastered the cross-crawl, is climbing the stairs, is constantly pulling himself up to standing and has even begun to cruise around our furniture. He is very interactive and thoroughly enjoys playing with Gavyn. I can't believe that Noah is already 7 months old -- where has the time gone? He is happy and smiling most of the day and he loves to "try" to play with anything that Gavyn is playing with.
Some days are less easy than others. With making sure no one gets hurt while Gavyn and Noah are "playing", moderating between which toy belongs to who and why sharing it at that particular moment is so very difficult, and keeping the house looking somewhat presentable while ensuring everyone is properly fed and clothed has made for some rough days. But when one of my little guys smiles, or when Gavyn says "Momma, I love spending time with you", or watching them sleep when I am so very exhausted myself just makes it all worth it. Plus I have also adopted the doctrine that matching socks is for those overachieving moms on toilet-training commercials.
Matt and I are so very proud of our little monkeys and are amazed each day that we have these perfect little people in our lives. I feel very blessed to have the life that I have. Yes, it is true that there is no Starbucks, no McDonald's, and no Wal-Mart here in Iqaluit but I now realize how little of those things we really need or even want. It is wonderful for Matt and I to be able to spend as much time together now as we do, in addition to all of the family time we have. As it turns out, the quiet life is very good for us.
Life is Good!!
We played outside! Here is Daddy and Noah hanging out at the sliding hill.
Gavyn and Grayce playing on the hill.
Gavyn, Grayce and Ruff digging holes in the snow.
Here is Gavyn. the king of the mountain.
Gavyn and Ruff playing together.
Grayce, Fayth and their daddy (Gray) came out to play and slide with us. 
Wow!! How time is passing us by...
On Saturday Gavyn finally had gymnastics. The gym was closed over the holidays and just started back up. Then in the evening we had some friends over. Decided to order in some Pizza from Katimotiq Inn. Yummy!!! Gavyn played with his friends Faith and Grace until way past his bedtime.
Here are the boys tackling Daddy! 
