trail blazers

The kids and I had a great start to our day: Cody's cousin Autumn, her husband Andrew and their daughter Anna had stayed the night, so we all had a visit and breakfast together. The kids and I have never met their cousin Anna so it was a very special visit. She's 14 months; happy and lovely.

The break from our schedule unfortunately made the day feel very long. That or it was the beverages that I partook in last night. Anyway, for something new, after E woke from his nap, we packed up and headed to our local Dobson trail to take in some nature and burn some energy. It was just what we needed. The kids were instantly enchanted. They have been before but apparently have no memory of past visits. We ran, threw rocks, sat stream side, pet passing dogs and generally had a wonderful time.

 All the wonders of the world.

 Me and my pals.

 Making faces.

 Hanging and swinging.

We have a rule in our house - the dirtier you are the more fun you must be having. Kate showing off her fun side.

You totally can't make it out but this is a photo of Elliott who we had to leave behind because he would not stop throwing rocks into the stream. The tactic didn't work... I did have to go back and force him against his growing will.

As the long weekend approaches we're planning on camping at least one evening with some friends. The kids are totally "with it" these days and I think they'll have a grand time. Hope all of you have some great Summer plans too.

All our love and thanks again to the Marchbanks for making it over the big bridge to see us!
xoxo CAKE

i love the whole world

I wanted to share a couple more snippets from Montessori's Closing Ceremonies on Wednesday evening. I think one is sweet but the other is a little sad.

Kate making her official entrance along with Charlie. I believe Kate and Charlie are the youngest students at the school.

This morning Kate was walking around like a lady (as seen in the video) in her Cinderella dress. She then instructed me how to curtsy like a lady or bow like a gentleman. Unfortunately we missed out on video-ing her curtsy after she received her certificate. It was subtle but darling.

So Kate was in Toronto for the last week of classes, that's when I believe the kids learned all their songs, because Kate didn't have a clue. Too bad because we love the whole world too.

Happy Friday and Mom Happy Birthday celebration this evening. Wish I could be there to join in the wine and cheese. Mmmm. aj

casa dei bambini

Tonight we attended Kate's closing ceremonies for her first year at Montessori. It was a wonderful retrospective and celebration of these tiny peoples' achievements. It is amazing to see these 3, 4, 5 and 6 year olds proper and proud; gratifying to say the least.

My 2 favourite highlights: seeing the formal student promenade to their seats and the songs. Some crazy person put Kate directly in front of one of the microphones. Which, she probably hit or leaned into 6 or 7 times - I'd say half accidental and half purely experimental - all completely disruptive. Oh, one last favourite - watching Elliott make a 2 and a half year old buddy to run up and down the theatre aisle with.

Anyway it was great and called for a post ice cream celebration. That and it was still like 33 degrees at 7 tonight.

Pre-show giggles.

 The boys in pink.

Her first of what we hope to be many walks across a stage, diploma in hand.

 Kate suffering from all the photos.

My fam.

Congrats kiddo! Can't wait to see what you'll be up to 365 sleeps from now.
xoxo Mama & Papa

they're back

There is nothing sweeter than meeting loved ones at the airport. Today was one of those occasions. I had a lovely two hour trip to Charlottetown to meet the Champions' and Ms. Jorgensen's flight home. Entering the airport, Kate was all cuddled, lazy like into Aunty's arms but she was a good sport and ran to mine when she saw me. From the stories on the way home it seems that Uncle taking the kids to Madagascar was the favourite with the jumping and sliding into the pool a close second, third seems to have been sharing Lydia's clothes. Thank you guys so much - Paul, Janice, Candace and Paul. You have made some very special memories for our girl and we are truly grateful.

Candace just sent some photos and I thought I would share the ones that do not include kids peeing or, in our daughter's case, pooping on the lawn. Again, I am so sorry for Kate's bio mix-up and the fact that you, Uncle Paul, drew the very short clean-up straw.

 Great minds think alike - matching outfits purchased and packed.

 The pool noodles.

 Ouch - this one looks like it was a flop.

 Father's Day and a very, very proud Carter. Looks like he's ready for kindergarten.

 The goofy girls.

 Grampie's toy.

 Fast-forward 13 years: yikes.

Kate officially hit the wall on the flight home.

An old fashioned cockpit tour.

Captain Carter.

One last thank you. I can't tell you how good it feels to know that your child is loved, even better is the feeling of having her home so we can love her.

Love you guys. Aimee

a late father's day

I'm just taking a couple "me" minutes to wish my Dad a blog version of a happy father's day. Dad thinkin' of you today big time.

Looking back at this old picture of you and me doesn't bring me back so much as makes me melancholy for the losses you've gone through and that I have ahead of me. I don't want my babies to grow up, get lives of their own and stop needing me. I'm sorry that I've done the same to you. I do love you and hope that you continue on your journey happy and healthy.

Love you big guy. You're no double zero in my book. Talk soon? aj

an early father's day

We decided to celebrate Father's Day a little early here in the Jorgensen house. Before Grampie (and Kate) left last night we had an impromptu party with gifts and cookies. Kate was a great help going from one Papa to another helping open their gifts and spreading a little chocolate love.

After gifts it was straight to the airport where, to be honest, Kate could not have cared less about saying good bye to me. She was setting off on an adventure and paused only long enough for one last Mamarazzi shot. Early reports are that she was perfect on the airplane and was still going strong at 11:30 last night. Cody and I  on the other hands are lost without her. I was even contemplating sleeping in her bed last night in order to comfort myself. What weirdos we have become.

 First up - Grampie!

 Now it's Papa's turn.

 Back to Grampie.

Cody's new creative outlet and "stress reliever".

An hour later and they were officially off.

Happy early Father's Day to the Dads and Papa in our lives.
CAE

P.S. Kate - have fun in the pool today we can't wait to hear about your jumps!

and she's off

Grampie and Grammie Janice have been in town the last few days. Tonight our little girl heads home with them to the big smoke where she'll be joined in two days by her cousins, Candace and Paul. Our Father's Day tradition of sun, pool and laughs is on hiatus this year as the rest of CAKE can't get away. With that said, it was so sweet of everyone to offer to take care of Kate so she wouldn't have to miss out on what is sure to be some wild and crazy times. Good luck guys! I can't tell you how jealous I am. However... I am planning on making the most of being Kate-less and am going to nap with my one super duper napper.

It's been a very busy week. The weather is lovely and I feel like my days are filled with rounding up my little kittens. Finnegan was home yesterday and I spent much of my day searching for him and his side kicks. Kate has been pretending to be on hunting adventures lately and has started exploring the back woods further and further. problem is is that she's bringing the two boys along and everyone is ending up in different directions. It's nerve wracking to say the least, especially because they're having so much fun and definitely do not think of themselves as missing. Presently, Cody is working on getting us one of those invisible fences but I'm thinking we're in need of three shock collars. Kidding-ish.

In other news, our big city Riverview has a newly developed posse of skateboardin' boys - and they recently discovered how awesome a spot our little court is to pull their tricks. Eeeew - was that Mom "cool" talk? Anyway, they've been around a few times now and the other day we were outside at the same time. Oh to see how captivated my kids were. Kate was so sweet, she wanted to get close to the action but had to take her brother's hand for comfort. The two of them stood at the end of our driveway holding hands for five minutes while admiring the big guys. It was awesome. I did decide at the last minute to run inside for my camera. I got a quick shot of them just as the guys were moving on. As they rounded the corner Elliott gave a huge shout out: "Bye, bye!"

 The groupies.

Ciao and travel very safe!
Mama

secret garden

We have the best next door neighbours. They have saved me and the kids when we were locked out of the house on a storm day, they have baked us goodies, brought us home made wine, pressies for the kids, even saved our ride-on-horse from being stolen from the front lawn. They are good people and we are thankful to have them in our lives.

One of the greatest gifts they have given the kids is access to their garden. Connie extended the invite last year for Kate to come on in anytime and Kate has taken her up many, many times and now brings her brother along. Connie noticed the frequent guests and this year has included a pile of hidden treasures for them to find: Gnomes, frogs, houses, rabbits, birds. It's to die for and the kids are enchanted.

Connie's beautiful little garden that Kate now pretends to call her own.

Kate pointing out a treasure instead of smiling for the mandatory photo.

Peek-

a-boo.

Elliott found a frog that croaks when you go by (that's our house in the background).

Hard to see but Kate was giddy, running around like a maniac at this point.

We thank you Connie and Tom for your kindness and generosity. Happy Sunday everyone. AJ