Halloween 2014

Last friday we hosted a pumpkin painting and pizza party for our church's parents and young kids group. On the day of Halloween, Jared and I went to Micah's class to help out with their Halloween party. After supper, Ryan took the kids around the neighbourhood and I handed out candy, it was a small turn out this year (I suspect due to the rain), however, it was still a fun time.

Look what is missing

Great Wolf Lodge

For Ryan's birthday we took a mini family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge Niagara (you know you are parent when your Birthday celebration is at a kids resort). We went with our friends, Heather and Joel and their two kids. The kids had a blast... spending time at the water park, going bowling, going for a guided 'nature walk' and spending time in the craft/play room. We also got a theme room in which the kids got a mini cabin with bunk beds. Jared was a little under the weather, which meant a poor sleep the first night and a melt down on the afternoon of the second day, but a nice long nap helped settle things. We had so much fun that we forgot to take pictures, until we were leaving, but at that time both kids were crying that they didn't want to go, so I only got pictures of their backs :-) It has been several weeks since we have been back home and still both kids talk about wanting to go back again. Maybe next year....

Micah's First Day of Senior Kindergarten

Micah was excited to go back to school. He is attending R.H. McGregor School French immersion program. It is full days, five days week; which I think will be an adjustment for all of us. Although, he is excited that he gets to take a lunch to school and several of his friends from Junior Kindergarten are in his class, which will help with the adjustment. 

He came home the first day telling us about the fun french games they got to play :-) I am so happy and relieved that the first day went so well.

Loving Summer 2014

Making the most of BBQ season

Centerville Amusement Park on Centre Island

The ferry back from Centre Island 

Kayaking at a friend's cottage

Feeding Chimpy a regular vistor at the cottage

Climbing trees 

The aquarium 

Checking out a new park

One of many splash pads

Camping at Sand Banks

Marshmallows

Lots of beach time 

Family

Trip to the Science Centre with our neighbours

Science Centre fun.

Several trips to the zoo

Snack break after hiking on the local trails.

The kids first live theatre musical

No matter what we do, the best part of summer is being able to share it with family and friends.

Jared Turns Three

Jared is an fun, energetic three year old. He talks up a storm and has no problem joining in (and keeping up) with Micah and his friends. He still loves to cuddle and give the best hugs. He will often crawl into our bed early in the morning and will snuggle in with us. He loves to play with his trains, in his kitchen, or pretend play with his teddies and Micah. He enjoys being outside and any activity that involves water. He will start singing and then stop and say “Mommy sing with me”. We love him beyond words.

For his birthday we invited a few friends. We met at the splash pad by our house for some playtime and then had everyone over for games and lunch/cake. It was a lovely day and I think that everyone had fun. For supper we went to McDonald’s with a play place, which was a huge treat and Micah and Jared loved it.

Trip to La Crete

For the first week of summer holidays I (Pamela) took Micah and Jared to La Crete. My sister met us there and we had a lovely time. Below are a few pictures of our trip.

Last Day of School

Church Camp 2014

This past weekend I (Pamela) took the kids to our church camping retreat at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp (Ryan stayed home and studied). We are so grateful for our wonderful church community and it was lovely to be together is such a beautiful nature setting. The kids were wonderful and had a blast with all their friends.

 Jared kayaking with Jay.

 Can you find the frog?

 Swimming.

 Playing at the beach.

 Jared and his friends enjoying treats.

Micah and Jared in the treehouse balcony.

Home Life - May 2014

This past month wasn't too eventful. Ryan's parents came for a quick visit and we always treasure the time we can spend with them. Ryan has been busy preparing for his comps and I am continually balancing work and kids and home. Here are a few pictures from the month.

This summer Micah is in a soccer house league that plays near our house.  He had his first game last night. When ever he was on the field he was running and working hard to get the ball and prevent the other team from getting too close to the keeper. He made a lot of blocks and even made the first goal. Most importantly he had tonnes of fun.

This year we got a membership to the zoo, so we try to go once a month. We will often go after school on a Friday with friends. This past time we saw the panda bears.

The past few weeks we have been enjoying be out in our yard gardening.  The above picture is our small vegetable garden. The kids had so much fun with the whole process of spring gardening. We learned our lesson from last year and all our vegetable plants are well protected from any night time visitors. Ryan and his dad did a wonderful job building the cages.

Today we went on a picnic with friends in a park in our neighbourhood. By the park is the Don Valley which has hiking and biking trails. The kids had so much fun exploring nature.

We didn't see any animals, but we discovered many different kinds of bugs and plants. Jared always like to get a up close and personal look.

I was really amazed with Jared that he had no problem keeping up with big kids. Where ever they were he was not far behind... climbing up hills or balancing on logs he was doing it too.