Too Short But Still Very Sweet!

All together again....for a few hours anyway!!! Although we only spent two days in Toronto, I (of course) took the opportunity to call Mary to hang out. It was soooo good to see her again. I was as happy for me as for the kids, who were equally as excited to see Jackson and Sophie. Mary recommended we go to the Ontario Science Center and WOW! was it awesome! So fun and interactive for the children. We visited the kids section, where they had things that roll, make music, water for playing/fishing and blowing bubbles, gears and a place to play doctor and house builder, then we went through the rain forest and checked out some insects and finally into a funky dark cave as well as a very cool sports section. With all the excitement around us, it made it difficult for Mary and I to talk but I still enjoyed just being with her...and catching up a little.

The four kids get along so well and seeing them play together makes me sad that we will all be apart next year. Mary ALWAYS had the best play date activities (the kids making their own pizzas, doing s'mores in the fireplace, sooo many come to mind!!!)

After the O.S.C., we all drove to Markham to visit the Major Family's new house. Unbelievable how fast they have turned a house into a home. Mary and Jason had it set up so nicely...even after less then a week in the house. (you can see pics of their new house on Mary's blog..see side bar) Jackson and Sophie were excited to show Abbey and Michael their new rooms and then sadly we had to go. All good things come to an end I guess.

We had such a wonderful time together and although I'm so sad that the Major's won't be in Greenwood anymore, I am so happy that they seem so settled in Toronto and I truly wish them all the best. Thanks for the great day Mary! xo

Niagara Falls = Family Fun

Why people would want to go to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon is beyond me but for a family vacation...it's second to none! We had the most wonderful time in Niagara Falls with the Tate Family (long time friends of ours from university). We were amazed at the view from our hotel room. We stayed at the Sheraton on the Falls and it really was "ON the Falls"!!!

Here are a few pictures taken from our hotel room on the 10th floor. It was such a beautiful view to wake up to. We looked directly over the American Falls with the Canadian ones a little to the right. Both spectacular! We had adjoining rooms with the Tate's who also have two children. They had a blast playing together. The hotel room came with a three day pass to the Water Park that's attached to it. That was as much fun for the kids as the adults. We definitely got great use out of that pass...we went all three of the days we were there. FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

We took a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Abbey and Michael loved it. We were all amazed at the power of the water. The Falls are HUGE (something like 170 feet) and you gotta love that the Canadian Falls are bigger and better then the American ones!!!




We were soaked when we got off the boat but all had big smiles! Worth every penny!!!




We also visited MarineLand! "There's a place I know in Ontario...everyone loves MarineLand!" I sang that song for many, many days, just couldn't get it out of my head...the marketing team at MarineLand are geniuses ('cause it's really not that great of a place)!!!! The kids had a blast on all the rides though. Here are some pics...not feeling creative enough to comment on each one sorry.

The Tate Family is right behind Steve in the picture where he's pushing the kids. I didn't get any good pictures of the water shows. At the Friendship Cove show...we all got soaked by the Killer Whale's tail. The kids thought that was hilarious....me...not so much!

I had heard of the Rainforest Cafe but had never been to one until our Niagara Falls trip. It was awesome! There's a thunder storm in the restaurant every 20 minutes and the gorillas & elephants come alive every 12 minutes. The kids were thrilled and in awe of everything going on around them. I was trying to take a picture of Steve and Michael in front of the elephants but couldn't get Michael to take his eyes off the herd. Too funny!

So that's our Niagara Falls trip in a nutshell. I'll try and post more often but we've just been so busy visiting with everyone that I'm not feeling much like sitting down and writing at the end of the day. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Loving Summer Vacation!

A happy picture of me and my babies. Gotta love being a teacher!!! Especially in the summer!!!

The Angels!

Introducing The Angels (minus the lovely Shannon who lives in P.E.I. )
left to right, Kara, Lynn, Laura, me, MaryAnn, Kelly, Carolyn

My first year teaching was amazing! I worked at a school in Stittsville called Guardian Angels and met some wonderful women...seven of them to be exact! It was in 1999 that "The Angels" united!!! We worked, played and partied hard together those first few years. We saw each other through break-ups, weddings, cancer, children, grade changes and relocations but we've stayed close and remained true to one another regardless of the distance that separates us. I always look forward to getting together during the summer when I come home. Always fun for TONS of laughs (and gossip shhhh!!!)

This week we all went to see Sex In The City. We laughed and cried and of course related to so much of the material as we have had MANY "Sex In The City" moments over the years (none that I can mention 'cause they are in the Angels Vault!)

I'm so thankful for their friendship and for the fact that they still keep me in the loop and make me feel like part of the gang even though so many miles separate us. Love you ladies!

Can't wait for the Annual Cottage Get-Away!!!

Brave Boy!

Here's my little Michael jumping off the diving board for the first time this season. He's not afraid at all. But really it's no wonder.






















When you have a Dad who can launch you THIS high...going off the diving board is no problem!! ha!ha!














We are having so much fun in Grand-papa and Grand-maman's pool! We are so happy to be home!

Ontario Bound!

We left NS at 5:20 am and I finally saw my first St Hubert sign at 3:01 pm (Nova Scotia time). Abbey and Michael were no less then AMAZING during the drive!!! They slept, watched a movie, snacked and played...not a whimper, not a complaint the whole way! Unbelievable!!! We drove to Quebec City and stayed there for the night. (must to my parents chagrin who were hoping we'd drive straight through)

We had so much fun at the hotel. Here are some pics of Abbey and Daddy in the huge hot tub as well as Steve and Michael in the pool.

Here's me and my babes taken on the grounds at the hotel. It was so beautiful

So after some relaxing, we decided to head downtown where the action is. Well, between Le Festival de l'ete and the 400th birthday of Quebec...it was insane!!!! There were people everywhere. Picture Parliament Hill before the fireworks only MORE!!!

This picture was taken before we even got inside the gates (you know the ones if you've been to Quebec City). We had fun walking around people watching, had a nice supper and delicious gelato and headed back to the hotel for some well deserved ZZZZZZZ's.

Now, we're home safe and sound and loving it!!! No speeding tickets either! yay!

Peas & Blueberries!

Those are two of my favourite summer foods! Both remind me of time spent in New Liskeard with Grand-maman Ayotte and the family. In the past two days, I've purchased two 2 pound bags of peas and we've finished them all. Both Abbey and Michael LOVE them as much as I do. Tonight we sat out on the back deck and finished off the second bag. Yummy! Funny how little things make me so happy!

Right off our property line there are wild blueberry bushes...like A LOT of them!!!! The kids get so excited to start picking. I'm happy a few blue ones came out before we leave for Ontario because the kids enjoy them so much!

Finding the blue little treasures is such fun! They are so sweet!

Should be interesting bathroom activity in the next couple of days since they've been overloading on peas and blueberries for the last few days. I'll keep you posted (ha!ha! just joking that would be WAY too much info!!!)

Can We Build It???

YES WE CAN!!! (that title is lost on anyone who doesn't have children but it's from Bob the Builder) Michael received this Dump Truck building kit from a neighbour for his birthday. We decided to take it out this week and what fun we had. You could have heard a pin drop in here, Abbey and Michael were so concentrated. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Here's Steve and the kids figuring out where the pieces go...there were no instructions?!?

Hard at work on the painting. See Mom...I made them wear the long painting bibs you bought them (but only remembered half way through!)

This is the finished product!

Michael couldn't have been prouder of his creation. He's brought it to bed every night since he made it. I wonder if there are any more models to make?

Last Day of Soccer!

Tonight is our last day of soccer. I can't say I'm too disappointed. For one, it means that were leaving for home and two...the twice a week practices were hard. The kids were raring to go for the first practice but the second took a little coaxing. Anyway, thought I'd post their "professional" soccer pics for all to see. So cute eh?!?

The team picture is hilarious! I think of all twelve kids there are only 3 looking...and Abbey & Michael were not part of the three ha!ha! We asked the photographer to take one of both kids together in case they aren't on the same team again.

I'm sad to retire Abbey's pink cleats...they were so freaking cute!!! but next perhaps it'll be a pink tutu for dance class! Being a Mom is so FUN!!! (and shopping as a Mom is awesome!!!)

Happy Canada Day!

Growing up in the Nation's Capital, I obviously loved celebrating Canada Day. It kinda evolved from walking around downtown with my family, watching the changing of the guards and eating Beaver Tails to partying downtown with my friends but the highlight was always the fireworks. I can picture Rideau Street, Parliament Hill and the market packed with people. SO many Canadians gathered to celebrate this amazing country we live in.

The McAlpine family had a super Canada day in our little neck of the woods. We biked to a park in the morning to play, dropped by school (the kids love it there), went on a picnic, took a nap, went swimming, played at another park, had ice cream and then came home to get ready for the fireworks. Every year, Steve and I build them up explaining that although they are loud it's so worth it to see all the wonderful colours brighten up the sky. Every year (until now) Michael has cried and wanted to go home. BUT tonight they stuck it out and even oohed and aahed a few times (with ears covered of course hee!hee!) If was a fantastic family day! As we were walking back to the car after the fireworks I overheard Steve tell Michael that this was his favourite Canada Day yet. Funny how things change eh?!? It's 11:3o pm - Michael and Abbey are already in bed and Steve and I are getting ready for it...pre-kids we would just be winding up getting ready for a big party and yet this is Steve's favourite Canada Day. Well to tell you the truth...it was mine too! I'm so lucky to have this family and so proud to be Canadian!