Big girls

I was gone for just five days this month, and when I got back... my baby had changed so much! She's turning into such a little girl, and I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
*She's walking and running everywhere
*She's saying "no, no, no, no" all of the time, and saying "shh" with her finger front of her lips
*She follows instructions, and is turning into quite the little helper (she actually likes cleaning up, and bringing me things)
*She throws quite the tantrum when we say no
*She loves giving us hugs & kisses
*She likes to feed herself. She starts with cutlery, then uses her hands. She's the messiest of the three.
*She is so good at going to bed & for her nap. She just lies down and goes to sleep.

Finally

We FINALLY convinced her to try riding her bike when we were at the state park during the long weekend. She has been so afraid to try, and was very reluctant even then. We managed to convince her, but there were lots of stops along the way...crying because the bike wobbled, crying because her sandal was sliding off, crying because she just wanted to push it... (I seem to remember feeling that way about driving bike at her age too).

The funny thing is that she was great at driving her bike (as long as she remembered to look ahead, instead of at her pedals). She's a natural. It was much more difficult teaching G's legs what they needed to do...she just got on and started pedalling.

Distillery District

Visiting the distillery district was a new experience for me on this trip. This is a beautiful area of the city, with lots of beautiful galleries, artisans, and restaurants. We had the best Mayan hot chocolate EVER at Soma, drank coffee, looked at art, and just browsed around. I'd love to go back in the evening sometime, I'm sure it's so pretty all lit up!

A great neigborhood!

It's been six years since I've visited my sis in Toronto without the kids...just me. Toronto is a completely different experience without kids... both are good, but it was so good for me to get some time with just the two of us. We spent a lot of time on her rooftop, enjoying an incredible view of the lake and the downtown skyline. Her condo is right in the heart of the city, in walking distance to incredible restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. We picked up some delicious munchies from St. Lawrence Market, played X-box, and just hung out. It was so good to get that opportunity to reconnect, just as sisters... Miss you Al!

I think I'm in love

Spent five days with my sister in Toronto, from May 11 to May 15. We took a road trip to Niagra-on-the-Lake for a day, and I fell completely in love! In love with the scenery, in love with the architecture, in love with the orchards and vineyards, and in love with the ice wine! We had a great time driving, walking around, tasting wine, absorbing the beautiful views and then hitting an outlet mall in Niagra Falls before heading back to the city for a late sushi supper. I can't wait to go back again!

This was one of those places that was just so completely "me." I could totally see myself living there...aside from dealing with the astronomical cost of property! Being so completely surrounded by beauty and history is so calming for me.

bad blogger

Having grandma & grandpa home again has definitely meant that I've been less religious to my blog...sorry readers! Lots to update though!

My beautiful sis was here for a very short visit just two weeks ago. The kids were so thrilled to see her, and it was so nice to have her around. I can't believe just how alike her and L are! It's really quite remarkable. They gave each other manicures, they had a picnic outside, and they really tried hard to see who was the biggest princess ;-)

G was thrilled to introduce auntie to his Webkinz, to challenge her at checkers and leapster games, and to just hang out together!

And, this one brought her book after book after book to read.





















Last weekend, I went to Brandon to help the girls out with the store. It turned out to be a fun, and eventful weekend, as Kerri ended up getting really sick. I'm glad I was able to pitch in! The kids had a fun weekend with their daddy! Nita took G and L to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon, and then G got to go with Nita to visit Paul at the farm. G told me it was the "best day of the whole year!" He got to ride on the tractor with Paul, "who has thousands of sillies," and who let him "steer." Of course, he had fun trying to outwit Paul on reading all of the gauges and the GPS system. After his tractor ride, he got to go play a game with Nita's nephew. What a lucky guy to have such caring people in his life!