finally... a post!

How long until a good night's sleep is a given? These days the days are long, the nights are short and the years are short - time is flying! And on that note, I can't believe that Jordan is three - ! We celebrated his birthday last week with a mini party here at home (he invited some of Alana and Hendrik's friends as well as Liz and Kira, our most favourite babysitter). There was cake (Paw Patrol!), there were presents, and there was much wildness as kids ate candy, opened presents and inhaled cake. He loved his gifts, and sleeps with his new stuffies (two Paw Patrollers and a super soft new doggy)... yay. I also can't believe that it's almost June - before we know it we will be shocked into actually planning our summer, I'll have to quit my job (I'm back as the school librarian at my old job), and we might even have a new house. We've been looking for a few years, and recently made more serious plans to either do a reno here (to give everyone their own room) or find a new place. The market has been so competitive - people are paying over asking (sometimes way over asking) with no conditions, which means that we would not be in the running for a nice house in a nice neighbourhood. I don't want to say too much in case it doesn't work out, but a private sale is in the works - stay tuned for more info (you know, in a month or so since I never post anymore!).

Days are just so busy and full that by the time the kids are quiet and settled at night I am so over doing anything beyond the immediate and requisite must-dos (laundry, cleaning up the kitchen, showering etc.). BUT! It's been so long and we have so much going on I knew I had to sneak in a post this weekend. Hendrik played in a ball hockey tournament last weekend and had a great time. There weren't enough kids in his age group so he played up a level and totally held his own, making mom and dad proud. The rest of the family was happy to be outside as it was actually sunny and warm for once (I had to dig out shorts and t-shirts and put away winter coats on the same day). Jordan joined me and Alana at her first t-ball practice of the year, where Jordan was an honourary team member... it was adorable. The weekend before was mother's day and everyone showed me their love and appreciation; the kids were shocked that I enjoyed this day even more than my birthday (true)! Steve got up with the kids, Hendrik took my breakfast order while I was still in bed - and prepared it all, and hm, I forget what we did all day but I didn't plan or make any meals and it was amazing. The kids may have even slept all night the night before or night of, which was also incredible. What is the deal with kids waking up at night? Parent torture!

I'm sure I could write more, but I'm going to get this up and then make a list (maybe) of everything I forgot to write about. Here are some pics - fingers crossed more good weather is on its way!

fun after baseball

a break between ball hockey games

soccer started this week... finally!

QC trip

la famille minus a few who couldn't attend 

Oh my - we are going on almost a month since my last post! Much has happened since April 12, and I’ll get right to it. The most noteworthy event of the past few weeks was our road trip to Quebec City. My sister got married last Easter at a small backcountry ski lodge (post here), and since most of her husband’s family wasn’t able to attend, his parents wanted to host a one-year-later gathering chez eux in Quebec City… so that’s what they did! We weren’t sure if we would be able to attend (because of the surgery), but it all worked out. We put in a few long days in the car, but the kids were as good as gold! They watched movies, played on the ipads, read books and busied themselves with the road trip binders we put together. Each kiddie had a themed activity sheet section (Harry Potter, Junie B Jones and Paw Patrol), some workbooks (I found some great deals at the Goodwill bookstore), a road trip Bingo (created by Steve), colouring pages, blank paper AND new markers. These binders were amazing! It took a bit of time to put them together but the kids loved them and spent a good amount of time exploring, doing and creating.

road trip binders were a huge hit

The three days we spent in Quebec City were incredible. It was so great to see my sisters, spend time with Gabriel’s lovely family, and see some of old Quebec. The kids LOVED meeting their new cousin Anouk (as did the rest of us), and Jordan and Alana were keen to get in as much cuddle time with her as possible. I was also able to see a friend, speak some French (yay), and we were spoiled with great food. It was lovely! We carried on to Ottawa/Gatineau where we spent three days with some good friends, and we balanced busy days with chill-out days before making the long trek back home. The kids were great in the car, and now we’re able to think about planning longer road trips… hurray.

Jordan (almost 3), Alana (6) and Anouk (4 months)

in Vieux Quebec

starting to look BIG!

we swam in this beautiful pool in a converted church - !!

In other news, I’m back to work! I started on Wednesday and it’s been like riding a bike. It’s so nice to be back with the staff and students, and I know I’ll enjoy the next two months - even though it will be busy busy (and challenging at times) with the work-life balance. Spring is here - and the leaves are almost out on the trees! We’ve been spending so much time outside, and the weather will only get better. This, I suppose, is one of the benefits of a longer winter… spring feels that much better!

getting competitive (no surprise there) on bikes at the Museum of Science and Technology

bedtime stories with friends

comfy on the way home