summer wind-down

Not that I'm counting but I've got four days to go: four days to fill, four days without schedules, four days of summer wind-down fun. That could literally equate to hundreds of crafts, toys strewn or fights.  We have had a great summer but it's certainly coming to an end; enthusiasm is waning and we are all in need of a change in scenery and activity line up.

There has been some late summer changes in Kate and Elliott's schooling. Our little Montessori on John Street is closing and so we have had to find alternative schooling. The kids will be remaining in Montessori programs but at a new school. We're excited as the school and teachers seem great. With that said, Kate and I will very much miss Mrs. Raybould and the opportunity to have Kate and Elliott side by side in a classroom environment.  Their new school is considerably larger, thus the kids are divided into their age groups.

In other news, Kate and Elliott spent the first three days of the week with Grammie Donna in PEI. That meant Cody and I were alone in the house for the first time ever. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was heavenly, especially knowing they were busy and happy. Grammie and the kids went swimming, played with the cousins, they visited Sand Spit amusement park, got their photos done as a couple of pirates and ate waffles. This morning Elliott wanted some more waffles and then said he was ready to go back to Grammies'.

Check out these pirates:

Thanks so much Grammie for the time and the photos.

Stay tuned to hear how the first days of school go. Kate starts Tuesday and will go each day and Elliott will go Wednesday and Friday this first week.

Happy first days of school to all our little friends and family and of course to all you parents out there.  We did it!
xoxo AJ

halifax heart attacks

The kids and I hit Halifax for the day yesterday. The change of scenery was good, but the harbour front is not a place that you can just sit back and watch your kids go. I swear I aged another full year watching the kids explore the attractions and play areas.

Now it's your turn. (With that said, these photos and videos don't do the hazards justice).

A Crossfit inspired first activity - dragging an anchor chain around a gravel pit. 

Which child to protect? Ah forget it - I'm going to choose to capture the conundrum instead.

Now for a new adventure on board the HMCS Sackville.

Yes let's climb.

The highlight of Elliott's day: "The spooky Captain and his bed. Do you know the Captain reads books? We saw him, but we didn't touch him because he was too spooky. They had toilets"

A cool classic - King George and Queen Elizabeth.

 Captain Elliott steering the ship.

Kate and Elliott catchin' the big wave.

Elliott completely chillin' on the big wave.

The kids' first attempt up the steep side. 

And down she comes. 

I finally captured one of Elliott's descents.

 I guess this sign was too subtle.

Not that I'm counting but anyone know when school starts? I'm exhausted. 

xo AJ

three years old and all grown up

Today is officially Elliott's third birthday or the third anniversary of me giving birth for the second and final time.

So how did we choose to celebrate?

With an inaugural visit to the Dentist. The Dentist's office actually called last night to remind me that Kate  had an appointment today. An appointment her Papa must have made because he took her kicking and screaming last time (remember the third attempt at a first visit) and only a Papa would book a six month follow up on her brother's birthday and not notice or mark it on the calendar.

I digress.

Elliott seemed thrilled to be attending Kate's visit but disappointed he didn't get his own exam. So a half hour before our appointment I called and asked if they could book us in. Success! The first of several. Kate was perfect. She used her best listening ears and took it all in stride. Then Elliott just jumped right up - no problems. Yahoo! I'm so happy for both of them. I think they were both pretty pleased with their big kid status. Elliott cannot wait for his next visit because "it was so fun" and he got some tooth floss. Yum. Yum.

 The pink crocs are up first.

Followed soon after by the black.

A special shout out to Sophie the dental assistant. You are awesome.

A final happy birthday to our Elliott. Three is going to bring about so many firsts. Here's to continuing to handle them with growing maturity. Cheers!

Mama

uno dos tres

The Jorgensens are officially done with the terrible twos. We are now the proud owners of one, three year old and a four and a half year old. Elliott's true birthday is on the 14th but we celebrated yesterday with eleven little people and their lovely parents, not to mention Grammie Donna, Grammie Janice and Grampie Paul.

With the aid of my trusty assistants: Cody and Candace, we transformed the house into a construction site Saturday night. When he woke Sunday, Elliott just kept saying "It's fun. It's so fun." Most of the decor remains as Elliott expressed some major concerns when he saw me paring them down post-party.

Elliott, you are a heck of a guy, you are kind, cuddly, rough and bossy. You keep me on my toes and you keep me humble. Like our whole neighbourhood, we love watching you grow, explore and can't wait to see the trouble you will continue to get up to. Happy Birthday Buddy.

Our site...

Now for the crew...

 Our birthday boy.

Lunch break.

A busy lunch table.

 Gift time.

The big hit of the day.

 Now for the singing.

 A beautiful smile from Lydia.

 Grammie and her boy.

Our honorary game... Pin the Nail on the Hammer.

 Hannah's up... this is prior to the cheating.

 Carter's turn... no cheating here, he was going straight for Terry.

 Last but not least the cheating Lydia.

A quite moment between Leo, Lise and Lydia.

Thanks to everyone who made Elliott feel so special and loved yesterday. And just to let you all know, he's having the time of his life with his new toys.

xoxo
A slice of CAKE

au revoir aidan

Our visit with Aidan came to an end today when he flew solo to his sister Melissa's house in Ottawa. Aidan we already miss you but hope Jacob is easier on you than Elliott. Perhaps he'll even share his toys.

We have been super duper busy with our Western guests. We haven't been taking a lot of pics but here  is a peek from one of our outings to Fundy park...

Rhonda was enthralled with the horizons melting to one.

Aunty Rhonda and me.

Aidan was so brave and went zip lining at Cape Enrage.

First zip of three - complete.

Trekking down to the fossil beach.

I made it in a photo with my kids.

Our big guy.

Sticky buns for the gang in Alma.

We have two more days with Aunty Rhonda - and boy are we are spoiled! Aunty has been such a good cook, barista and a great bed time reader. Hopefully we can make a few more memories yet.
CAKE