a day in the country

The kids and I headed to the country for  a change of scenery today. We did some pumpkin picking, well really pumpkin selecting, cow tipping and a little bird watching. A lovely, warm afternoon with my favourite two little people.

While hanging out at the duck pond in Hillsborough who did we run into but New Brunswick's finest bird men AKA Cody's Uncle Dwayne and cousin Noah. We were in luck too as Kate's prized possession of the last month Megan (a Little People person) fell in the pond and had to be saved - and later decontaminated - by super Noah. Our sincere thanks to him. See you guys again soon as we are definitely going to head over to visit Noah's ever expanding animal farm.

Love to all - Aimee

ruby

Our friend Ruby turned 1 yesterday and so today we celebrated with her and her family over veggie kabobs and cupcakes. Happy birthday Ruby - we're so glad you're in our lives.

 The beautiful birthday girl.

Our party boy.

 Kate helping out the birthday girl (at least for a few minutes).

Love this classic first birthday family pose.

Nice job Laurie and Ryan - on the party front and the Ruby front.  Oh and thank you, Elliott fell asleep within moments of getting home. CAKE

no snack for you

Kate makes me laugh. Just now Cody was taking her up for books and bed and she was insisting that I her beloved Mama do it. She kept saying "no Papa you dirty." She may have kept saying it because I was laughing and hugging her with approval. When Cody finally got her heading up he remarked, "Mama's going to make me a snack." To which she replied, "No snack for you."  I guess that's what you get for leaving her for Toronto for a few days and missing her first day of school.

Kate, I'll always be here for you.

Here's another example of Kate's fearless fashion sense that rivals only her strong sense of self.

Love you baby. aj

first day

It was Kate's first day, I mean first hour of pre-school this morning. She did great and had a fun hour with the kids. Us Moms stayed for the hour to help get the kids familiarized - awesome. Which means Elliott got to go to pre-school as well. I think E had the toughest time of the group wanting to eat play dough and climb up to the reading deck. It was exhausting.

Take a peak...

 All dressed up with her back pack on.

The first moments - settling in next to our neighbour Connor.

Kate and the boys. 

Elliott had to be woken up this morning - I'm sure I'll be seeing this grumpy school face for many years.

Thursday's her first full day - 3 hours. I can't wait. Freedom!

Aimee

fashion do or don't?

As we prepare to say good bye to sunshine and warm afternoons Kate insists daily on sporting one of her many bikinis or bathing suits. Today's ensemble was quite memorable and I thought I would share.

So the question that begs to be answered is thick black ankle socks, blue plaid high tops and a floral swimsuit a fashion do or don't?  Note how she is so hip to Hollywood trends - insisting on carrying her tiny puppy everywhere. I'm betting twins will be in her future.

In the meantime while I was trying to get a decent shot of her outfit someone broke free. Thankfully Kate pointed out the escapee for me to address.

Come back Elliott!

TGIF! Talk to you soon. aj

doctors

Kate has never been very good with Doctors. As she puts it "I screamin' at the Doctor. I not nice." So, we read a lot of books about Doctors and play Doctor in an effort to get her more receptive to the whole process. Yesterday Grammie Donna was over and she and Kate were reading one of the Doctor books - a Kate favourite. Enjoy.

Thanks for the visit Grammie and for the date night; Kate missed you this morning.
AJ

so long summer

Today our last summer guest departed. My Mom flew home to my Dad and Stella early this morning.  Bye Mama - thanks again for all your help; cocktail hour doesn't feel quite the same. We love you all very much.

Playing out on the deck this afternoon I couldn't help notice the leaves strewn all over. Sad in a way, saying good bye to summer and fantastic in others: pumpkin season, Halloween, Mexico in November, Christmas cookies. We did have a very very busy couple of months which I loved but getting back into a routine is nice too. Kate starts preschool next week for a couple of mornings a week - yeah. Now I just need to find a few more activities to fill the countless winter hours that are on their way.

So, so long summer you were a doll...
CAKE

 CA

 K

 AE

JACK