Hanging out at our house

In her lovely new birthday top and an old skirt that just happens to match

Not every day can be a fancy breakfast day

but Friday could and was!

pain au chocolat, pear, and fresh oj

Something to cheer a blustery, rainy but mild end to November

Couldn't resist treating myself. I work for a reason after all.

Our glowing gal

A snap of our darling daughter from last August.

Lucky us

To have these lovely people in our lives and to share lots of time with them wherever we roam...

This year, we got to spend their wedding anniversary together and enjoy a delicious Moroccan meal (in small town France)

Round 2 - the Sophie version

Following the trail of clues that her brother had left her

all the way to his gift (a Dr Who sonic screwdriver)

Presents with breakfast

Presents with after school tea

Presents (already completed crafts & first nightdress) before bed

Round 2

Somehow Seb's presents from his doting Mum and Dad got left behind in Canada. So Mum got to play birthday Santa and enjoy him opening them last Sunday.

Many parents of 8-12 year olds probably recognize this bestselling series - or soon will

His sister enjoying his how to sketch book - the Star Wars version (which he is already using)

Lovely smile as he sets up his hex bug tower.

But first, how I spent MY birthday

1. Sans kids

2. avec mon mec

3. cocktails with friends

4. 3 days away in wine country with lots of history and good food thrown in

5. lovely weather for biking and architectural strolling

6. a dash of shopping (which meant my mec bought a new work wardrobe!)

Someone special turned 8!

Eating yummy cupcakes with her classmates

More to come...

Writing styles

hi mum .hope all is well.Really beastly industrial nastiness here. just joking.

can i use your headphones on the flight. if yes were are they

love

seb

VERSUS

Hi mum your so lucky to have chocolate mousse.We all had a good day including gramps and nana.We saw uncle Derick and Christoph's kids.I LOVE you.P.S I still love you now and now and um.....NOW I ALWYS LOVE YOU.Bye [Sophie]

--------------

Just sayin'

The cutest steam punk vampire you ever will see

A man of many skills

Our crazy fun week!

Sunday - Papa Bear heads to work unexpectedly

Monday - Papa Bear cares for the kids while Mama Bear goes to work at a friend's house because the internet is down; quick handover as Papa Bear works the municipal election and kiddie bears head to the pub to watch the results with some other families

Tuesday - Mama & Papa Bear work, and Grandma Bear comes for a visit from Montreal

Wednesday - Papa Bear has a day off to ensure the laundry is done and the rest of the week unfolds as plans...

Thursday - Mama & kiddie Bears take Grandma to tea with her dearest friend visiting from the UK; have lunch with one of our friends who is visiting; & Youngest Bear has a bowling birthday party for 5 pals

Friday - Have brunch with a different visiting friend & oh, it's only the 2nd holiest day in a North American kid's calendar!

Saturday - Jo has hightailed it to London, so what's a dad to do? take 3 boys to Fallsview water park for the other birthday bash!!

Sunday (tomorrow) - pack & put the kids on a plane back to France with their grandparents and then fall into bed for some well-deserved rest!