Balsam Resort

We had a good week away, weather was good, kids were good (aside from Jason starting each day at 5am) & there were nice people at the resort. We were a little worried about the week when we arrived on Saturday in the pouring rain & the weather forecast wasn't sounding too promising for the next few days. But the weather turned out to be great. There were a couple of cloudy or rainy mornings, but by the afternoon it was warm enough to play down at the beach. Also the evenings were cool so sleeping was not a problem.

After Sydney got up on Saturday I was stripping the sheets off the bed & she asked what I was doing. I said that we were getting ready to go home & you should have seen her face. Her bottom lip turned right outwards, her eyes welled with tears, and she said "I don't want holidays to be over". We had already had this discussion with her the night before, but I guess she was hoping that we would change our minds.

Here are some pictures.

One of Sydney's favourite things to do, hang over the dock.

Jason's introduction to the lake. No fear here.

Playing in the sand.

The playground was a hit with the kids too.

I wish Sydney's hair was this curly every day.

Sydney mastered her climbing skills too.

She wanted to jump a lot, but not on her own.

She was definitely a 'Daddy's girl' this week.
Like Brad's hair? He went for the shave.

As long as he didn't find something in the sand,
he was pretty good about not putting it in his mouth.

Jason was definitely a Mommy's boy this week.

She went in the canoe twice, but really only asked to go once. On the first trip her Daddy was a little too optimistic about her balancing ability & let her sit on the seat. Of course the first 'wave' they hit had her flipped backwards off the seat & landing on her back on the bottom of the boat. Thankfully they were close enough that I could walk out & get her sitting up again. She held on tight after that.

I just love the look on her face here.

Of course when we are somewhere where we can't put up a gate & the side of the stairs is completely open, Jason decides that he now is going to climb the steps.

And don't forget to clap when he is done.
He is all about the applause.

Checking out the sites in Fenelon Falls.

The only picture of me with Sydney from our holiday for two reasons: (1) She was always with her dad and (2) Brad only took pictures when I told him too.

Now tomorrow, back to work. *sigh*

Need a vacation from my vacation

Tomorrow I will hopefully have the spunk to go through the multitude of pictures that we took on our vacation, but right now I just do not have the energy. Our vacation was great, but each day started VERY EARLY for me as Jason woke up anywhere between 5:00-5:30 am. He shared a room with Sydney so I always went to him before he could wake her up too. I would bring him to our bed in hopes that I could convince him to go back to sleep. No, he thought it was time to roll around or pat my cheek, stick his finger up my nose, or try to pry my mouth open so he could play with my teeth. What amazed me was that Brad was able to sleep through this. Eventually Jason would realize that we were not alone in the bed, so he would then start the same shenanigans on Brad. I may not have been able to go to sleep, but I could at least lie there with my eyes closed for a little longer.

Jason's Introduction to Daycare

Jason went to Jo's for part of the day on Monday and full days on Wednesday through Friday. I am quite shocked at how well it went. After the cold shoulder I got from him on Sunday morning, I thought I was really in for it this week by sending him to Jo's. But truly, it could not have gone better. No crying when I dropped him off, seemed happy to be where he was, slept pretty good, and did not have any meltdowns at dinner time.

To add to the wonder of it all, Jo has gushed to me about how he is such a content & independent little boy. In the last couple of months we have definitely seen a marked change in him & he is typically very happy, but it is so nice to hear it from someone else. She also paid us a great compliment by saying that whatever we have done for the kids so far has made them into happy, content, and independent children. She does not always have the pleasure of receiving such happy kids into her home each morning. Our most important job is our role as a parent, so it is nice to hear from an independent party that we have done a good job. Now let's see if we can keep from messing it up.

While the kids were at day care I spent one day cleaning, one day scrapbooking & today Brad I had a 'date'. We went to see Harry Potter at the noon showing & were happy that the theatre was not completely packed with kids. Book of course is much better, but the movies are great too. Seeing the movie has me itching for the book to be released on the 21st, but I won't be standing in line at midnight for my copy. We started buying the series in the adult paperback version- which of course is not released for another year or so. However, I will not be waiting to purchase our copy before I read it. I have a few friends who have pre-ordered theirs & as soon as I can snag it out of one of their hands, I will be immersed in the final chapter.

He's starting to cruise.

Stolen Wedding Photos

I was just checking Sandi's pictures from the wedding on Facebook & snagged some good ones that you might like to see. The gravel pit pictures did turn out neat, but I can see why the groomsmen were complaining about dust in their shoes.

Thanks Sandi. Good luck to you & Curt in the coming weeks as you prepare your day. Did you show up at your Mom's with stuff to do on Monday???

A day for Sydney & Mommy

Today was Jason's trial at Jo's, so Sydney & I got to spend a day alone. We made the most of it. We went to Bronte Provincial Park & saw some animals, played in the play barn, & went swimming. We had a great time, but man was it ever hot. On the way home Sydney crashed in the van & then continued to sleep when we got inside. I think the heat as much as the activity can be accredited to this phenomenon. It is very unlike Sydney to voluntarily lie on the couch & sleep.

It was the first time we have spent this much time just the two of us & I think it was great for both of us. After Sydney woke we went to pick up Jason, but since he was still sleeping we went for ice cream. When Brad heard all that we did he asked if I was feeling a little guilty about going back to work. My response to that is "no", this is what summer holidays are for- to do things that you can't do every day of the year.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Peacocks weren't trying to impress anyone today.

I realize it is just a bunny, but when Sydney saw it she asked why the bunny was so sad. I explained to her that he's not sad, he just has floppy ears. I don't think she believed me.

Had fun on the tire swing one minute & then crying five minutes later. A bigger kid was on the swing & Sydney ran right into the swing.

Wanted to play on the tractor until she realized how hot it was.

We cooled off in the huge pool before heading home.

Juice & cherries for snack before heading home.
Took about 3 minutes of driving before she crashed.

And continued to crash at home.
Few things melt my heart like watching them sleep.

Sunday morning without the kids

Sydney & Jason stayed with Grandma & Papa while we were at the wedding & we did not see them until meeting at Robb & Michele's after lunch. I enjoyed sleeping in- did not get up until 9am!!! As soon as I got up I called to see how things were & was happy to learn that things went great. Jason woke up at 6am, Sydney at 7am & I was thrilled that I was not up at that hour.

As much as I loved being able to sleep in, I couldn't wait to see them. We got to Robb & Michele's first & had to wait a bit before Sydney & Jason got there. Sydney came right over & gave me a hug & a kiss, but Jason would not come near me. When Graham physically gave him to me, Jason turned his head & lunged back at Papa. It was probably 15 minutes before he would come to me & it took a lot of effort on my part. I think the little boy was trying to send me a clear message.

Since today was his 'trial' day at Jo's I figured I was in for some real punishment this afternoon when I picked him up- but he was fine. Seems to have forgiven me. We will see how he feels when he goes back a few more times this week & when I return to work 2 weeks today!

Jo said he did great. He did not cry at all & did not make strange with any of the kids. She said that she did not know what we did to get two such happy children. Must say, that is a nice thing for a parent to hear.

Happy Belated Birthday Max

Saturday was a busy day. While I was getting my feet & hair done, Max's 4th birthday party was taking place at the wading pool. His best friend's birthday is either the same day or a couple days before & they had a joint party. It was a Princess-Spiderman theme & Max got enough Spiderman loot that he could open up his own theme store.

07/07/07...supposed to be a lucky day

Apparently getting married last Saturday was supposed to be the luckiest wedding day. Although I wish Cara & Justin well in their marriage- I sure hope luck has nothing to do with it. It was a beautiful day & I enjoyed their wedding very much, but there definitely were some mishaps that dispelled my belief that it was a 'lucky' day.

My personal mishaps happened in preparing for the wedding. I messed up the time for my pedicure & haircut. Thankfully she had no appointments after mine & did not mind the wait because she was waiting for the hairstylist herself. Although I was a half hour late, she did not take it out on my feet & I was very pleased with the job she did- black with white polka dots- don't you think they are cute? (Ignore my swollen feet- this was taken at the end of the night). Apparently I should have gotten a manicure as well because on the way to the wedding I noticed that I had missed painting my one thumb. I did 2 coats!!! How could I miss it twice???


Thankfully Cara & Justin had their ceremony & reception in an air conditioned location, because it was HOT! The wedding party went to a gravel pit for pictures- I am curious to see how they turn out- I am sure they will look great, but I cannot imagine how hot that must have been.

At the ceremony their were a few things that made it memorable- all in a good way.

• the flower girl was arguing with the ring bearer while they were walking down the aisle
• the best man dropped the rings
• Justin said 'Carol' instead of Cara at one point- I think it was just a nervous tongue that caused the mistake, not a "Ross" moment from Friends
  

The biggest mishap of the day actually happened the day before & probably took years off of my Aunt Debbie's life. Almost 5 years ago Aunt Debbie made our wedding cake & did a fabulous job. Since then she had done a few wedding cakes & they have always turned out great. Her mother commented how lucky she has been with the cakes & now Debbie thinks that Gramma jinxed her with that comment. On Friday, the cake toppled in transport. Fortunately it could be remedied, but with the heat & humidity the cake never set to the firmness that it should. But it could be put back together & perform it's function of the bride & groom cutting the cake.


Here are a few more pictures from the day.

Gramma, Great Uncle Mac, & Great Aunt Lois

Happy to see that Justin took his dance lessons seriously

Less than 10 weeks now & it is Sandi's turn

Me with my brother Craig & sister Kim

Us with Mom

Me with my Gramma

Not sure what Brad is doing

I had to confiscate the beers from Christa & Curt. I told them they weren't dancing at the Ag Hall in Listowel- show some class!

Stuck in her ways

Sydney may only be 2, but she is definitely a girl who gets stuck in her ways. This morning she said she wanted a sweater- even though it was already about 25 degrees. Instead of a sweater I gave her a vest & immediately she wanted the hood up. This is typical with her too.

When I picked her up at Jo's this afternoon it was plus 30 degrees outside & Sydney still had her sweater on. I asked her if she had worn it all day & all Jo could say was..."You know what she's like". Yes, I know what she's like- stuck in her ways! I had to shake my head when I saw her, but I honestly can't say that I was surprised. I tried to get a picture of her when we got home, but there isn't one where she is very smiley. Who could be happy & smiley when they are sweltering hot in a sweater!!! Thank goodness she didn't keep the hood up all day- probably only because she knows she is supposed to wear her 'floppy' hat in the sun.

Heavy Heart

It is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I face today. Today is my last day with just Jason. Sydney is at daycare today & Jason starts his trial next week. Therefore, today is the last day that the little guy & I get to hang out alone together. It is going to be a hot one, so we are making plans for water this afternoon. I am hoping to take him over to the neighbours for a swim this afternoon since that is something I have not done yet with just him.

Right now he is in his room not napping, but banging things around. So maybe he too senses things are about to change & would rather be hanging out with Mommy than sleeping the day away. We shall see.

Riverside Park

Today we made it to Riverside Park with moments to spare. The main reason we were going to this park was because they have a little train ride & carousel for the kids. We were meeting a little guy from Sydney's daycare, Ben, & his mom & baby brother, Adam. Leanne thought that the rides opened at 11am, but when she got there she learned that in the morning it only runs from 10-11am. Sydney, Jason & I arrived at 10:55 am. Thankfully the lady running the rides was a very nice woman & she gave an extra ride on each so that the kids who were all in line would not miss out.

The reason we were so late was because I ended up putting Jason down for a nap because he was up at 5:45am this morning. I was worried that he would not sleep in the van & would then be a monster for our play date. He slept an hour and I literally pulled him from the crib and plunked him into his car seat. Therefore we arrived at the park with him still in his p.j.'s & of course I planned to change him as soon as we got there. However, since there was the time crunch for the rides I had to wait until after our train ride- which he went on in his p.j's.

Overall the park was great, but there was not much socializing between me & Leanne. It was just too darn busy.

Happy Belated Birthday, Canada

It was a very busy weekend. Saturday we prepped for our party then headed to Tottenham to visit with Kim, Pete, Regan, Bailey & Brooke. Sydney had fun playing with her cousins & I think was a little sad that she wasn't staying for the sleepover. She got over it. She fell asleep in the van on the way home. Both kids were carried straight from the van to their beds.

On Sunday we had our annual Canada Day barbeque & I believe it was a success. There were 18 adults & 18 kids in our backyard, so I say believe because I honestly did not get a chance to talk to even half the people for more than a few minutes. Thankfully the kids were on good behaviour & when Jason was having issues he was willing to let my friends assist him with his woes. Nothing like being in the kitchen hearing your child cry in the backyard & hope that someone can help him. It was a very late night for Sydney, but she did pretty good. Tears were starting to come quite easily by the end though.

Today we laid low & had Brad's parents over to help us eat some leftovers. This was not originally planned, but a last minute thing. So I did not have enough in the fridge to make a salad so had to ask Dale to bring one. Nothing like having people over for leftovers & then asking them to bring something. I am sure I would get a gold star for that.

Now, I am just going to chill for the rest of the night because tomorrow is my third last day of having Sydney & Jason home together before I go back to work. So, we are going to Riverside Park in Guelph to meet up with some friends.

Not too many pictures from the weekend (too busy tending to other things), but here are a few.

The girls
Bailey, Sydney, Regan, & Brooke

It was cold, but the girls still went in. After getting out, Sydney didn't want to get dressed & walked around in her bathrobe. I should have gotten a picture of that to show our little Hugh Hefner of the party.

Yes, the picture is staged.

Thankfully Jason had a great nap before the party, so he was quite content to move about on his own & I just had to ask people to keep an eye on him. He hardly noticed that Brad & I were not around at his immediate beck & call.