the magic of magic mountain

We payed our mega bucks and took the kidlets to Magic Mountain yesterday.  It's been on our To Do list for two years and we finally made it.  The kids had a good time but it is of course meant for really big kids. Anyway we had to share this video from the day.  Enjoy!

Mom and Dad see you in four hours. AJ

brampton and back

Our trip to Brampton seemed to fly by. When you combine a pool and beautiful weather I guess that's what happens. It was our first time staying at Cody's Dad and Janice's new house and pool and it was great. Many thanks to them for putting up with the hurricane that is us.

We celebrated Elliott's true birth day there as well. An excuse for not one but two more birthday cakes. We're hoping we can squeeze in one more celebratory cake when my Mom and Dad arrive Monday.

 Here's a peek at the rest of our trip...

The Birthday boy with his bike helmet on as we couldn't witness one more stumble and bruise on his forehead.

Woody and a little less cowboyish Elliott on his new rockin' horse from Grampie Paul and Grammie Janice.

We headed downtown one afternoon to take in the big city. The CN Tower was way too long a wait so CBC was our second choice. Here we are with our friends Sid, Patty, Captain Claw, Canada, Drumheller and Saumon.

 Kate and Danielle (our babysitter that we brought from Riverview) chill-axing poolside.

Elliott and Stella wrestling. Stella belongs to a worker/friend of the family.

Speaking of Stellas, my parents are bringing their Snoodle Stella next week. I can't wait to see what kind of fun the three little guys get up to. See you in four sleeps! xoxoxo CAKE

beautiful birthday boy

We celebrated Elliott's first birthday a week early at the cottage with the plan of hitting the beach after cake.  It was actually a beautiful morning but by the time we packed up for the beach the rain hit. Too bad.  Thank you to everyone who came to the little party and thank you for the new toys and clothes. We have been having a great time playing with some new stuff.

I can hardly believe a year has past. Elliott is fast becoming a boisterous, fun completion to the family, especially now that he's walking, running, wrestling and even climbing a few stairs. He won't be left behind. We love him and all his great snuggles so much. Happy Birthday big guy.

  It's so pretty at the Ladybug we hardly needed any decorations.

 The Birthday Boy opens a couple of gifts before big Sis and Papa have to take over.

Beautiful Ruby - Elliott's young love interest. We actually had to step in a few times as Elliott was a little overzealous giving her hugs and kisses/bites.

 Face painting. Carter was a great sport and allowed Aidan to paint an ode to Spiderman.

 The Birthday Boy with his new fire truck.

 Dr. Ruby the Rabbit aka Lydia.

 Grammie and E.

Elliott gets busy eating cake. He loved it. Kate really loved them too and before we knew it she had grabbed a second one in order to eat the icing.

We are very sad to say the Aunty Rhonda, Uncle Norm and Aidan head home tomorrow. We will miss them terribly. It's all gone way too fast and if I think about it my heart aches. Unfortunately they have had terrible weather this year but we hope they'll still be going home with some good memories.

Next up. We leave for Toronto Saturday morning for Elliott's real birthday with Grampie Paul and Grammie Janice. Then Grandma Sherri, Grandpa George and Stella arrive! Hurrah!

We love you all. CAKE

the dupuis

My sister, Norman and Aidan have been with us just over a week and despite the weather they have had a very full trip so far. Thursday they returned from a three day tour of Nova Scotia with little Kate.  It was a nice little break for us too and I think Elliott liked all the attention from Mama and Papa. Here's what we have been up to...

Aidan and his buddies (Heather, Cory and Hayley) with their Harry Potter inspired sand castle competition submission. The Canada swag was their prize pack.

 A dead cousin in downtown Halifax.

 Cannonball.

 West Dover family photo.

 Woody and Kate discover West Dover seaweed.

Rainy day (correction - torrential rain) in Peggy's Cove.

Our pretty Aidan.

Another family photo - less Aidan-ish.

 A windy deck on the ferry ride from Digby to Saint John.

Thar she blows.

 Park day yesterday. Our boys.

 All three monkeys.

One last monkey pic.

Today the Dupuis relocate to the cottage at the beach. Tomorrow they are being so kind to host Elliott's first birthday. The celebration is a week early but we wanted to catch them before they head back West.
Stay tuned. Love - AJ

i win - win butler that is

Last night was Arcade Fire and U2 - us and 100,000 other New Brunswickans, Nova Scotians and Quebecois. To be honest there was too many people for us oldies and we bailed a few songs into U2. We were freaked out about the rumbling grandstands and the impending struggle to get home. Anyway we went to see Arcade Fire and they were super awesome.  Rhonda and Norm stayed for the whole show and we definitely did miss a show - the space station talked to Moncton, Bono was full of tears as it was the last show of the tour there was even a fighter jet show. It was cool and it was muddy!

Our pilgrimage to a Mecca of sorts.

 The payoff - Win Butler.

Hello my love.

Carolyn and I - ready to party.

We are sad to say good bye to our friends Carolyn and Jude today. We have had such a lovely visit and hope they have some good beach memories. Summer is half over and taking stock, its been very full. Next up crazy time with Aidan, Aunty and Uncle.

Thanks for the great night Win. It was special. AJ

the lemoines

We were so happy to welcome Carolyn and Jude to the crazy house last Friday. The following day all our Calgary guests relocated to their Shediac cottage and have pretty much been beach bums since. Our family has joined them daily but unfortunately Elliott is making the beach pretty tough this summer.  He wants to play in the sand but he keeps eating it. He wants to walk along the beach but keeps doing face plants trying to get up. Oh and then yesterday I went and rolled my ankle. It's big, green and purple and has made hanging with Elliott just a little bit tougher.

Since my camera took a sand dive this weekend Carolyn was so kind to share with me a few of her shots...

Our old married couple: Sophie and Jude.

Campfire marshmallows. We got off easy that night with Kate's mess residing on the chair unlike Sophie's in her hair.

 The girls.

 Face plant?

 The King of many castles.

It's been lovely seeing the kids, each at their own pace, discover the beach and its many joys. Summer just seems to be more summer when near water or at a cottage with a swing and fire pit.

xoxo aj

the bedards

Our friends Sophie, Lauren, Becky and Craig have been here since Friday and there have been many chats, slugs, bugs, jellyfish, lobsters, laughs and a few timeouts (adults included). Yesterday Becky and I tried to get fancy and take the kids to see a local attraction - the Hopewell Rocks - let's just say it was one of the most humiliating days of my life and certainly not a highlight in Becky's. So simple, simple, simple in the days ahead; beach (which really isn't that simple), water park, park, and sprinkler. 

Unfortunately I dropped my camera in the sand on day three so have only a few photos to share...

Our adventurous threesome taste testing dinner before they committed. Shockingly none of them partook in more than a taste.

 On our way to the beach.

 First peak.

 Busytown.

 Happy?

Happy?

Today Craig departs; Friday Carolyn and Jude arrive; Saturday we relocate to the cottage at the beach. Hope everyone is enjoying some summer heat.

xoxo CAKE