Christmas Eve

Last weekend we went on an adventure to check out
Rockcliffe Farm near us. They raise and sell different meats and
gave us an exciting tour. We saw 30 baby lambs, several cattle,
three of the largest sow pigs I have ever seen, a handful of the
100 chicken and several barn cats. It was so fun that this was
the only pic I took! We are definitely going back and
keeping our freezer stocked!

Second stop of the day was Sheldon Creek Dairy as it was really close as well.
Of course this was the only pic I took, as we were leaving! Their milk
is not homogenized so a nice thick layer of cream settles to the top. It's
wonderfully fresh and we will be making this a regular stop as well/

It was the last week of school for Owen before
Christmas break, both kids have been soooooooo
excited for Christmas to arrive

Owen's school hosted their Christmas concert under the stars. It was really fun
to watch all the kids from grade one to five perform and they had a hot chocolate
station to warm up if you brought your own mug

Owen's in the center with the reindeer antlers on

The next day was pajama day so of course Sara the cat
had to come to school as well

I made the most adorable size loaf of sandwich bread
and the kids loved it

I also managed to make eggnog macarons as
a teacher thank you gift

I took the kids to the park on Saturday while Rob did
some wrapping. They played so great together

Wherever Owen went...

Kate followed

Christmas eve and the kids were doing some yoga before bed

Probably the most calm they have been in over a week

Good night and Merry Christmas

Getting Ready For Christmas

We have started what we hope will become tradition, an
informal and super casual family get together of us, the
grandparents and the kids aunts and uncles to set
up the Christmas tree

This year we decided to do a live tree and my parents kindly
offered to cut and bring one down from their place.
Charlie Brown would be jealous

The kids had a blast while we watched

Kate was really getting into the Christmas music, getting
everyone to dance with her

I get a little chuckle every time I see it but I really
do love it. We had such a fun time with everyone.
That's what is really important. Plus, this tree
will provide us with some hilarious storytelling
every year!!!

Inspired by my Mom's bread making as well as some
needed dietary changes, I gave bread making a try

This was my first try. We were all pretty impressed

Yesterday I mad up whole wheat chickpea bread which
was incredible. It has pureed chickpeas mixed
into the dough. All four of us devoured it.

No more stroller for this on, she now insists on
pulling the wagon all the way to school to pick up
Owen. Then Owen and his friend take turns pulling her home.

This morning we woke up to a bit of snow and I just love
it has settled on the Ninebark

Remarkably Fabulous

Getting into the Christmas spirit, Kate and I started making cookies this morning. Adjectives used by my two year old, in context, while helping me...

"This yummy"
"This delicious"
"This fablus" (fabulous)
"This lovely"

Sounds like someone's listening ALL the time!

A Very Active Week

We started the week off with some yoga before school 

Then I was able to get out for a hike all by myself. It was
so enjoyable to go out at my own pace and get some
great exercise

I even decided to venture off the main trail. This started
out like this but quickly became pretty challenging. I
had a great time. The best part was that
these trails are all within walking distance
from our house

Kate and I finally put away the Halloween decorations,
or as she was calling them, "Christmas Halloween"
I guess it was a bit late to put it away!

Kate has been quite adamant about doing everything
herself lately, including getting dressed. She informed
me that she was a bad guy here

We have also been potty training so it's been a lot of
naked baby running around.

Owen and I got out for a night hike while Rob and Kate
stayed home. We had so much fun, Owen showed me
the way as he and Rob have done this trail a few
time before. He informed me that he had to
parkour over the creek at one point which gave me a good laugh

I picked up this adorable fabric and now have
to decide what to make with it, so may choices

Suddenly the weather has changed and we are all starting
to layer up when going out now

And then I opened the curtains to this this morning!
Hello Winter

We had parent teacher interviews this morning so the
walk over was a fun one

Thankfully today is a PA day so lots of time to enjoy
all this snow

Happy Halloween

It was a very exciting night for both kids, Owen knew what was going on and Kate was feeding off his energy. My Mom came down for the excitement and we were all happy to see her.

Owen had a Halloween party at a friends so I made
up some cookies and had tons of fun doing it

Don't be fooled by the crying, she was upset because we
had to stop and take pictures

I could only manage a hat and wig on Kate while Owen was fully dressed
as Batman.

Of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress up as well

We just took Kate around the court then my Mom
took Owen around the hood. He met up with a
group of friends which made the night even better

By the third house Kate was already a 
pro at trick or treating. Owen was so
great to show her how it was done.
After each house she would run down the
driveway yelling "Next house please"

Proud Parent Moments

Friday was a very exciting day for us as Owen was receiving a Character Recognition Award at their Shining Stars Assembly. He was being recognized by his teacher and peers for his respectful and responsible character, cue the proud momma tears!

I didn't get too many pics as I was enjoying the moment, that's ok, it's more about the acknowledgement than the pics.

We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful boy in our lives.

Rob reading the very kind note that Owen's teacher
had written on the back

Wedding Time

Arriving at the barn in Dundas, ready to celebrate

It was so nice to be greeted by Maggie and Sean, it made
meeting all her family so much easier

Leanne did a beautiful set up for the festivities

Let the ceremony begin!

These two were so excited and sweet together
while exchanging their vows

Not a great shot but, it's official!!

Cheers

Owen and Kate were so incredible, they were content
to do their own thing and play with their new
cousins all day. Somehow Kate ended up with a
champagne glass and was drinking water from it all afternoon

Owen, Kate and Ben checking out the barn together

Smile!

The kids (with some help) were outside setting up
some games

While us girls decided to enjoy the view

The barn was a great source of entertainment and
adventure for the kids

A few quick photos before dinner

Everyone contributed to a wonderful family dinner

A roast pig was delivered for dinner and both Owen
and Kate loooooved this guy

After dinner, desert and getting to meet everyone,
the bonfire was started. The boys sat up on the truck
roof most of the night!

The newlyweds