The Eve of 7

Tavish's birthday fell on a Thursday this year. Treats were team-made by these sweet siblings for Tavish to share with his class; the night before, he awoke to a birthday-love sign and pancakes; he went to squash as usual and he enjoyed dinner at Stratengers with the whole gaggle of friends. It was a splendid celebration for a splendid seven year old.

 

MOMENT: Seven? Seven!

This boy is a joy to celebrate. A note about his gift from Mommy and Daddy: the white Donaldson  jersey was upgraded to a blue Tulowitzki jersey that fit better a few days later. Blue Jays is best for this boy!

Jay Peak 2016

We just can't get enough of the opportunities and perks mid-week skiing, swimming, skating, and staying is at Jay Peak in Vermont. So... off we went... again.

A chance to solo ski together

Ski school one day for Tavish

Chair lift for three

Ski guy

Coach Daddy and Snow snacker

Ski Gal

Post-ski swimmers

MOMENT: Raised Jay

That's the slogan of their kid's program. Both kids really do enjoy their time there. Tavish did one day of ski school. Keva was up (ish) on skis twice in the school of Daddy. Tom and I even got to do a few runs on our own. The weather was arguably less wintery than usual, but we got out on our skis anyway and made the best of it. This annual vacation has yet to disappoint!

Making the Most of Winter

There wasn't much winter here this year ... but that didn't deter us from making the most of every flake of snow we could accumulate!

MOMENTS: Friends and Fun in the Snow

 We pulled out the snowshoes for a shallow snow journey after some minor snow sledding at the Brickworks. We played in parks in the cold. We came in to warm up with friends. We played hockey outside. We just bundled up and made use of what we were given ... a road trip to Ottawa did help with our quest for snow too!

Winter in Waubashene

My friend and colleague graciously offered up her 'cottage' north of the city so our family could access some winter fun. We brought friends and fun was had by parents and children alike!

Tav & Zach

Keevs & Parks

MOMENT: Winter Funderland

Peggy, Jer, Zach, and Parker joined us for a weekend full of winter activities and socializing. While the Moms and the Littles went for a walk, played with snowballs, and napped, the Dads and the Bigs went downhill skiing. We played in the yard with a zip line, busted out the snowshoes, threw snowballs, played at the snowy park with a sled, and went skating. A fun winter weekend indeed.

Playing House

Keva and I got to using her dollhouse in the basement. She pulled out the common cast of characters and let her art imitate our life...

MOMENT: Our Very Fine House

Keva moved the characters around and let me know just how things go and you know, she pretty much had it all right on!

"Daddy is making breakfast when Caeli comes in the morning"
*note: Mommy, Tavish, Keva at the table
* Daddy working in the kitchen
* Caeli coming in the front door

"Caeli is waiting for Tav to come downstairs"

"Caeli and Tav wait for me to do a pee"
*note: Keva is on the toilet
Tavish and Caeli wait outside

Door Markers

We got up to a morning of crafting ... now the kids are always up.

MOMENT: Ship-Shape

We traced their bodies. They were decorated. Now they greet you outside their bedrooms, even when they aren't there!

Mighty Moe's

Caeli's Mom, "Moe" runs a small home-run pre-school that Caeli and Keva visited from time to time last school year. This school year, Moe had regular play days with Keva - two times a week! Keva loves her Moe!

Keva & Moe's last day: February 4th

MOMENT: Made the Move

The arrangement was perfect and Keva flourished while she played with the younger kids there. Then, transition time came ... Keva was off to Mighty Kids pre-school with a bigger group size and more kids her age.

First day at Mighty Kids - Feb 8

Getting ready to go in...

She found the Doctor kit right away...

...then took care of a baby.