You know, Hamilton does have pretty parts too

Although we are technically part of Hamilton, I never refer to myself as a Hamiltonian. But today I was reminded that I am often too hard on Hamilton. Like any other city it has its nice areas & its not so nice areas. This weekend is (the first annual?) Wingfest & we headed down there after Jason's swimming lessons. Sydney wanted to watch Jason's lessons & since today's was the last one the outing was a family affair. Apparently the spectators were marvelling at how he will jump in the pool all by himself (over & over again).

Anyway, back to why I am too hard on Hamilton. The event was held at Pier 8, which I had never been to & was really quite nice. There is a nice Williams Coffee Pub down there with a really nice patio (who knew?). Also, the kids loved to look at all the boats and the Canada Geese. I noted that there was a little trolley tour and a boat tour, both of which Sydney asked if we could do some day. Jason was not ready to leave watching the boats, but we did head down there to sample some wings. I'm not a big chicken wing person, but the [something] and Bulldog had some really good ones.

There was also rides & games for the kids so although it was a quite costly couple of hours, the kids had fun. Jason got to go on his first "big kid ride" and it was quite cute. He looked pretty unsure while he was on, but he didn't really want to get off. I seem to remember Sydney being exactly the same way. I'd love to share a picture, but apparently I need Bluetooth to get the pictures from my phone to my computer & that isn't happening right now.

So instead here is a picture of Sydney & I at Mom's last weekend. One thing Hamilton doesn't have is this family showing up at your garage sale. Sydney was in awe at how big the horses were.

Still not finished, but getting closer (we hope)

The kitchen still is not done, but at least our house around the kitchen is starting to come back to order. We are still waiting for the custom cabinet to arrive, so we are in waiting mode until it does. We cannot put in the rest of the lighting until the cabinets are done, nor can we get the backsplash done. However, over the weekend we did put more stuff away, put furniture & pictures where they belonged, & for the first time in 3 WEEKS! had a functioning sink in the kitchen. It may seem silly to take a picture of your sink, but I was so grateful to have it again that I had to capture the moment.

Although the kitchen is not "done" I am already loving the end result. When in the kitchen getting things ready for dinner or cleaning up- I can still be part of the action. I don't usually mind the prep, but when there is action going on I resent not being able to be part of it. Or when Brad is doing any of these things, I can watch, talk (& direct) as needed. The kids are liking it too because they can both be up with me helping & not get in each others way or my way. It is great. I'm not sure how "happy" Brad is about the whole result- I think he likes it, but he liked it well enough before. Maybe I should have made him do more of the cooking so that I would fully realize the benefit of the new experience.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was great...Sydney slept in & Jason was quiet meaning that I got to sleep until almost 8am. It was wonderful!!! Then I was treated to breakfast made by Sydney & Brad, cleaned the house up a bit then headed out the door to meet Mom, Craig & Tyler in Kitchener for lunch. After that we headed back home to then welcome Brad's family to our home. All in all, it was a great day.

Sydney & Jason making their cards for GG, Nana, & Grandma.

Wild hair chef

Brunch with Nana

Cute cut

On Thursday I took Sydney to Cuts for Kids & 'treated' her to a haircut. I say treat because she sat in a Jeep & watched TV while getting her hair cut & then they paint their nails afterward. Although, I must say it looks pretty cute- especially when she lets me put the pigtails in that just end up curling like crazy.

She turned the car away from the TV for the picture, Sydney obviously wasn't impressed with the interruption.

Jason liked hanging out in the plane, but wanted in the Jeep as soon as Sydney was done. He still has awhile before he's going to need a haircut.

The end result (with curly tails!)

Mr. Serious is starting to smile more

He doesn't only smile, but poses for the camera!

My Heart Melts

There are many reasons that I had kids, but these pictures capture some of the moments of parenthood that truly capture my heart.