summer lovin'

We had a fun, action packed long weekend. Starting with a picnic and visit to the local waterpark...

Cody's back is really bothering him again so I got the pleasure of taking the kids through the park and getting soaked. Elliott lead me around and just stood in the fountains.

After the park we went to the airport to pick up Cody's Dad and Janice and then headed out to Janice's parents for a BBQ. Janice's Dad just got a new tractor and Kate was in heaven. Cody and I also took her  through the woods on Allister's 4 wheeler. Super fun!

Saturday was a beach day...

Sunday we were off to our favorite nursery and cafe for a walk through the gardens and lunch on the patio with our friends Laurie, Ryan and precious Ruby...

It was a great weekend but exhausting.

Other news. We had to restart sleep training with E this weekend as we both have completely fallen off the wagon. Two night in a row he has slept through the night - at least no one has had to go to him as he squawked only a couple of times.

Other, other news. For the Royal watchers out there; Cody's Dad and Janice are in town this weekend as they are fortunate to have been invited to lunch with the Duke and Duchess in Charlottetown today. I am super excited to hear their stories and possibly their photos. Really hoping that the downpour that we are currently experiencing is not the same system that's over the island's capital. I'll let you know.

Have a great week all. aj

happy 144th canada

Happy Canada Day everyone! Though it's been summer for a few days, Canada Day has always felt like the official start of summer. We also are starting the official countdown to a summer full of guests. My friend Becky and her family are first on July 15, then my friend Carolyn and her son Jude join the fun. Then there's a short overlap with my sister's family arriving in time for all of us to see Arcade Fire and U2! Last but not least my Mom and Dad at the end of August and into September. We feel so fortunate; hopefully the weather is good.

We've had a few summery days this week and if Elliott ever wakes up from his nap the plan is for us to hit the beach for the kiddies to play in the sand.

I thought I would share some colourful photos of our front yard pool party:

Have an awesome long weekend y'all.
AJ and crew

music monday

We were sitting quietly eating our breakfast this morning listening to CBC Radio Two - as we do every morning - when three beats into a song Kate looks at me and says Adele. I didn't know what she meant until five beats later when I clued in - it was Adele (a tremendous singer for those who have not yet had the pleasure).

She's been doing that a lot lately - naming music by the artist or the key visual in the video. Like motorbike song for Mumford and Sons' The Cave. And she's always asking me what the song is for those that she really likes.

Anyway it seems Kate's a U2 fan too as I caught on video only moments ago.

Happy Monday from a Mama who is happy that so far it seems our girl has good taste in music. Here's hoping we can avoid the Bieber-like fevers and hair dos (in Elliott's case).

xoxo aj

we five years old

It was a sunny, warm day five years ago today that we did wed. I remember it as grand day - so young-ish; full of hope and promise. You dapper in your tux, smiling ear to ear. Us girls giddy and ready to celebrate. Awesome.

Let's take a little look back...

I love you in a completely different way today but in a way that is stronger and brighter than even then.
Thanks for being such a great partner - happy number five. Your love - Aimee

shump

"Shump" - pronounced jump by all but Kate - was probably the word of the trip as we spent most of our visit to Toronto this past week in the pool. We had a pretty wonderful visit with Cody's Dad and Janice: the weather was great; the pool grand; the animal safari super fun; loads of hugs and lots of yummy eats. Last night on the plane back home Cody asked Kate, "What was your favorite part about your trip to Grampie's?" Her reply, "Grammie." Sorry Grampie but it was too precious not to share.

A few photo highlights:

Pappa and E taking in the crazy cannonball obsessed kids.

Janice and Lydia.

Aunty smiling and sunning.

 The Elephant walk.

 Train time.

Mamma and E in the splash park moments before a kid pooped and the whole place had to be cleared and cleaned.

 Our fierce tigers and our delicate flower.

The main event - Father's Day with the three Pauls. Happy belated Fathers Day to all the wonderful Dads in my life but most especially to my Dad and my Cody.

Snuggle time for the girls and Grampie. Kate fell asleep in this cozy snuggle spot several times this trip.

All day Kate has been reminding Elliott and me, "I no have a pool at my house." It's a bummer Kate. We'll just have to make sure to head West again very soon.

So from our little foursome - thanks again for the amazing trip full of memories. It's one of my all time new favourite traditions and I have no doubt that it will become one of Kate, Elliott, Carter and Lydia's as well.

All our love,
CAKE
mmmm... speaking of cake I miss having some by this time of the day.

the first day of summer

The first day of summer has always meant a little more in our house as it's also my Mom's birthday. So happy birthday Mom - we all wish we were there to celebrate with you. Better yet I wish we were all back in Toronto to celebrate together as the weather is beautiful!

Here is my Mom opening our gift this evening via speaker phone. Enjoy it. You deserve it and more. I know because if I was anything like Kate you were worked over pretty hard and you were pretty much a kid yourself.

Love you Momma. Aimee

V day

Last week was D day today it's V day and we're not talking Valentine's - at least not for Papa Cody. Instead Cody is on his way to the Sussex hospital for a vasectomy.

Too much information? I hope not. In fact I think we should talk about them a lot more so that guys are a little less afraid/unwilling/embarrassed/lazy about getting one. I know we all know what Moms go through: 9 months; stretch marks; unbelievable pain; tearing; healing; no sleep; no respect (need I continue?). Not to say Papas don't go through some major challenges as well - but for the most part they're not physical.

Anyway I grew up with a Father who also had a vasectomy. And like my Dad did with ALL things in this cruel life he openly talked about it and described his decision to be a proud feminist one. I agree and thank him for his candour.

I also thank my Baby Daddy - Cody: for saving me from the knife; for having the courage to openly discuss and stand by his decision; for actually making the appointments; for the two awesome kiddies we have brought into this life and for knowing that we could not possibly handle another awesome kiddie in this life.

Thank you Cody - I love you - we love you. And as Kate puts it you are a heck of a man boy.