Basketball alone

Since it's been an age since I posted anything (tad busy in TO), I thought I would throw up this snap, taken just minutes ago. These fine 9 year olds did a "home alone" course this morning. They then practiced for 15 mins this afternoon (with an aunt in the apartment below and parents loitering on the sidewalk outside).

It went well but does raise the issue of whether Seb will be 100% diligent about allergen-free snacks...

Our very own zombie

Since zombies are very trendy, it's a good thing we have our own

Sophie - post face paint

Summer lovin'

It snowed today. Repeatedly. So it was lovely to be sent this reminder of summer and the fun of summer camps.

Dress her in anything - the '80s revival look

That gal has a rockin' sense of style emerging

Think Pink Day 2013

Thinking Pink

Think Pink day is an anti-bullying awareness day that was started in a Canadian high school. For all the deets (but sadly none of the great kid fashion) go here.

Review of our new Persian restaurant

We have been wanting to try the new Persian restaurant in our 'hood and Sunday afternoon provided an opportunity. We were lucky enough to score a carpeted booth and had a lovely light meal with smoky eggplant and yoghurty dishes, plus some delicious tea.

the spread

Three of the diners

Pea coats run in the family

Here Sophie can't wait to grow into her brother's (who hasn't quite grown into it either)

I wonder if an English accent is a pre-requisite?

I know a few children who would love to be part of this film (and to visit the Lake District). Anyone want to join us there Summer 2014? Perhaps we could swap our house for something.

Thinking of all the Wedges

The newest addition to the family

Meet Boulder, Taryn's dog, bought with Sophie's savings

her Princess Leia lite hairdo

Easter long weekend - part 3: out & about

Their dad worked the Easter Monday - and hey, 7 hours of Sunday too but who is counting - so it was up to me to entertain our duo. Not hard when you are all reading a good book (Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke) and have lots of delish restaurants to try. The kids were even helpful enough to oblige me with both a big shop and a greengrocer shop. Brunch was at Mitzi's Sister, while dinner was across town with our visitor at an authentic and excellent Mexican restaurant. 

Easter long weekend - part 2: the bunny's visit

We did a mini candy hunt in our backyard

Seems like everyone was pleased with their haul - and I have to brag that they eat it so slowly!!

A lovely Easter tea (ignore the wrinkled linen tablecloth - at least it was clean)

Enjoying friend-made hot cross buns, which were delicious

Opening a gift from Gramps & Nana

for Taryn

Easter long weekend - part 1: Making our eggs

For the 3rd time of their childhoods, the children blew and decorated eggs for Easter. Practice makes perfect, so thanks to Grandma and Carrie for showing the way.

First you blow them under Auntie Kelly's guidance (unless you are playing elsewhere because of allergies)

Then you get very messy dying them

If you are over 18, you may choose to dye and sip (but I note that only one person dropped an egg and that person had been imbibing)

You might use elastic bands to get designs on them 

Faux souffle - who knew!

Some of the results

Our egg wreath - which we leave up to show Zia Lynn this weekend

A howler

Sophie: Hair? [noticing that I have a hair appointment booked on my agenda]

Me: Yup. I have an appointment at the hair dresser's on Saturday.

Sophie: To look for lice?

Guess that's the number one hair issue when you are 6. 

I explained that I wouldn't pay that kind of money for a lice check.