Hanging out in our mini suburban yard

After a BBQ, we played sports and pretend camped in our yard last night. Almost felt like suburbia - shrunk to a 10th of the size.

Montreal madness

Why madness? because we must have been crazy to have squished a 1 year old, a 4-year old and a 7-year old into the back seat of our mazda protege and driven 5 hours to Montreal. It took 7 1/2 daylight hours to get there on Friday. "Only" 7 on the way back. I heard every song in my friend's repertoire and then some. I remembered that 22-month olds - especially those who are only children - expect instant responses. I learnt that while Soph loves babies, she doesn't like them to cry 4" from her ear. It makes her cry too. I bribed my kids with a new toy each and still that barely did the trick. We had crying on top of singing on top of cd-stories. We were one loud vehicle trucking along the 401.

But the Westmount family day weekend away is always a photo bonanza and this year was no exception. Ok, so we had bad weather again (and it was held outside). The ponies and face-painting and zip lines and bouncy castles (never say that Sophie can't hold her own) and MUD ! were a great solace. We also did eat well. We had our usual Greek and took Grandma to her first Ethiopian meal - and there was the annual candy floss! We had a lovely time catching up with Deb's crew and my social work mentor (and new grandmother) Monique.

But I must say that I am looking forward to driving up the 401 alone with my love in July - our tunes on the stereo, long periods of silence. And then 2 days in la belle province without children too!

Seb's perspective on a road trip

We are headed to Ottawa for the long weekend, so here's how they usually go from Seb's perspective











I think I was on that trip - oh look, there I am, I guess I was - but from the holiday snapshots, it is hard to tell.

Spring has (sorta) sprung

In between the endless showers we have been having, Sophie and her Nana chose some colour for the flower bed. Sophie is a shot of colour in our household every day now that she is dressing herself.

Brunching

Seb - as you all know by now - loves any chance to dress up.
So taking his grandparents to brunch over the weekend meant sporting a 'hairdo', a tie, and dress shirt. His dad was in jeans.

Meanwhile, Soph has yet to meet a phone she does not covet. All those numbers and letters to press!

What's better than one Sophie?

Two Sophies!

Yummy but practical day

Not sure why this didn't pop up as a time-delayed post.... So the main man is now 4* + 10 days.





Made a delish pasta with smoked salmon cream sauce on Saturday. Had the neighbours round to eat an awesome cake - chocolate with coffee buttercream icing.

The main man spent the day pottering in the yard, opening presents, running errands, buying shin guards and cleats for his soccer son, asst coaching the first game and ended with folding laundry!

Note the new thingamagiggies on the celebratory ring; my love opted to self-express by choosing the juggler.

She's ready

Sophie all dressed and ready for school.

That's one hard-working Nana

Nana is making Mo'ni'ka some clothes. Winter clothes now that summer is here but still, a dressed baby doll is better than near naked.

Democracy?

Last week, Seb and I tried to have a democracy party on election night. With a sleepy Sophie and polls that closed at 9:30 pm, we couldn't get to our candidate's victory party, so we had balloons, crepe paper, and party hats at home instead. And in keeping with UK high society, we donned the hats low over the forehead.

And then 60% of Canadians voted against Harper and we got the Conservatives anyway... Hard to explain democracy.

His dream job (1)

Being a cheesemonger and I bet he would be generous with the samples too.

Glee is ...

Soccer season starts!

It was Seb's 2011 aspiration to join a soccer team. So Seb & Jack have joined Moordale league's white team and guess who is assistant coach! Suddenly the shed is full of cleats and balls and pylons and pinnies.

I am going to take out a bet one with Jack's parents about who can keep the soccer socks the whitest. I have a secret laundry weapon - Lorraine! She is coming to visit tomorrow (with George) for a week.

Let's stick together

Wishing you all happiness and creativity and a wonderful birthday to my love.

Carrie's kids

carrie is heading off on a big solo trip; two weeks to see a friend in France. Unforunately,we can't be there at the same time.

Bon voyage, Carrie! We look forward to welcoming you home and hearing your enthusiastic observations.

What you get to eat on holiday trips

Sometimes the safest food is junk food when you have food allergies.

So, sad to say (for some) that it is a tradition that Seb - and thus his sister - eat Fruit Loops and eggless, chemical-laced waffles with fake cream, bowls of gummy bears (because the iced dessert might just might have a trace of good-for-you egg), bright red syrupy drinks, and ice cream sundaes with eye-popping sprinkles. but we do make them eat the garnish on their hamburgers...

Lucky us