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

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