nipping at my feet

Autumn, that is.  Even though our temps have been fairly warm, there is change in the air.  A slight crispness.  I've found myself starting to put some of our summer clothes away and bringing out the warmer pj's etc.  The nights are definitely cooler and my little birdies complain about being cold in the mornings.  I'm sad to see this summer leave.  It just may have been my best ever.  It was everything I wanted it to be.  We seized each sunny day and played hard in the yard, tending our garden, going on vacations, blowing bubbles, running through the sprinklers, watching sunsets, eating loads of berries, watching fireworks, making popsicles, swimming, and generally having the time of our lives.  We embraced 'Carpe Diem' this summer.

Fall used to be my favourite season, but after a summer like this one, it's so hard to say good-bye.  There are lots of fun things to look forward to this season.  Pumpkins, learning to knit, making soup, sweaters, leaves, and the sense of a new beginning.  A starts a new school in a few weeks, we are heading back to Saskie for a visit and then I'm off to Copenhagen for some girl time and solo traveling.  It ain't so bad, I reckon.

My delicious littles are full of life and oh so loud these days.  Since the windows are open at our house most days, you can hear us down the block.  We are one loud family!  I know I actively contribute to that.  I love throwing on some tunes and having an impromtu dance party.  The girls are always up for it.

Oh summer how I will miss...
laying in your cool wet grass
watching you paint the sky before dark
feeling your warm rays on my back
waking to your beautiful morning light
making our days long and full
warming our nights
giving us an excuse to eat ice cream every day
letting me play with my girls in a carefree summery way each and every day

Gold Ears National Park

 

Golden Ears Park

Lake Mesachie

Lake Mesachie

my shadows

I escaped to the coffee shop.  It's been a looooooooooooong weekend and I haven't had a moment to myself.  Ok, that's not entirely true.  Friday was 'date day' and the hub and I had one fab date.  The weather was begging for us to frolic in the sun, sip on a patio and rest by the ocean.  Not bad at all.  I feel so lucky and fortunate to be able to take the time to spend with each other.  We always return a little more balanced and happy.

Back to my (cute) shadows.  The girls are both at a particularly needy phase and all they want is "mommmmma, mommy, maaaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaa, MOM..." This morning I went to drop off Annie at my in-laws for the day.  She was jazzed the night before, the morning of, and when we got there and I was ready to leave, she had a major mommy moment.  We tried everything; McDonald's, the playground, a movie, the berry farm etc. and nothing would trump mommy. So, we got back in the car and drove back to Kits.  Despite the fact that we will be spending all day together and we spent all day yesterday together, we were reunited once again.  Ania reminded me that I won't always be the center of their universe, so enjoy it while it lasts.  She's so right, but damn, sometimes I just want to go to the bathroom by myself!!! Poor Drew has been completely shut out as they each cling to my legs and howl for "maaammaaaa."  This too will pass...right?

summer has arrived

It sure took long enough, but it appears that summer may be here to stay.  I do wish for higher temps, but this is the pacific coast, so I can't expect miracles.

The hub and I took our child-free trip to Ottawa and Montreal last week.  My good god, was it lovely to sleep in, dine after 6pm, talk in full sentences, walk without a stroller, not have to answer to "Mama" 450 million times a day, stay up past 10pm and genuinely get re-acquainted with myself and my hub.  Those trips remind me how important it is to get away and have some one on one time with your partner.  It was nice to have time to give each other the attention that we often neglect to do when we are juggling in our very own circus at home.   All this aside, by day four I was clambering to get home to see my babies and see if the grandparents were still alive.  We talked to them everyday, but I wondered just how much of the truth we were getting from them.


We returned to a clean home (god bless my dear mother) and 2 happy kids (and by all accounts - happy grandparents).   We've had a good week getting back into the swing of things.  We hit the water park yesterday and had a picnic.  What could be a more fitting welcoming for summer?

My garden is in full swing as are the flowers in our yard.  I just keep thinking that we're finally getting our yard (front and back) in good shape and we'll move next year.  Booo.  Who knows.  I certainly don't know what's going to happen.  I'm definitely enjoying all the little moments with my gals.  It feels to good to be out there exploring the world with them.

As for my grown up activities, well, I've started running again.  All my clothes are tight and my weight is at an all time high. Sigh.  This sucks, but sitting around eating more Nutella isn't going to help. I'm aiming for 3 days a week right now.  I'm also on a huge reading kick.  I'm flying through books every week.  Some of my latest and greatest:

Beauty Tips From Moose Jaw
Born with a Tooth
Between Interruptions 
To Hell With All That: Loving and Loathing our Inner Housewife

Currently reading:
The God Delusion
Radical Homemakers
Parenting Beyond Belief

It's been a rather eclectic bunch lately.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I find the book on parenting from an Atheist perspective rather interesting as we are discussing sending the girls to Jewish school.  Ahh, imagine the discussions we'll be having in our house! Interesting times ahead.

I'm off to the garden before the little one wakes up from her nap.

baby turns one

My baby turned one yesterday.  My youngest is now toddling around the house and beginning to say words.  Who replaced my baby with a toddler?  Thank goodness she is still ripe with rolls and squeezable cheeks so she stills feels like my baby - although a very big one.  My sweet girl is such a big monkey.  We are in awe over her size.  She delights in eating and I'm happy she has such a veritable appetite.  I know those rolls won't be around forever, so I love to wrap my arms around her and hold her tight.  Holding onto time is what it feels like.  If only.  She is the most snuggly little girl and I take full advantage of that every chance I get.  In fact, I snuck into her room last night and picked her up and held her in my arms in the rocking chair.  I know these days are numbered...

in Mama's old jumper

in Papa's arms

peek a boo

So very delicious. I just want to munch on those cheeks.  She's a real delight these days.  Even though she's completely a destructor. Destroying everything in her path.

Today I lunched with work pals.  It was lovely to see everyone and the inevitable question "when are you coming back?" arose.  Well, I guess, when I have a job offer, but what I really wanted to say was, "not for a while."  Oh how would I love to have the summer with my girls.  We are going to expand the lawn so we can put in a paddling pool.  We are going to plant a garden, have picnics, go to the pool, the beach, blow bubbles, run through the sprinklers, play hopscotch, and eat popsicles in the sun.  We have so much to do.  They have so many smiles to share with me.  I want to be there for every single one.

I woke up this morning knowing that it was going to be a productive day and it was.  I cleaned, cooked, lunched and even organized the garage.  My main goal for that last task was to locate the karaoke machine and I was successful.  I can't wait to rock out with Annie.

I felt very put together as I went for lunch.  I remembered everything for Lila (lots of food, bib, water, diapers etc.).  I even managed to put on make-up and comb my hair.  As I walked into the restaurant feeling very accomplished, I suddenly ran my tongue across my teeth to discover that furry early morning feeling.  Shit - I forgot to brush my teeth.  Ah well, perfection sucks.

west of west

The hub and I are enjoying the last hours of our trip to Tofino.  We arrived Friday morning before noon and have been enjoying every second of R&R.  We're staying at our favourite place Middle Beach Lodge.  It's so stunningly beautiful and such an incredible place to lay low.  We've been laying so low that we decided to forgo the BBQ salmon dinner being served at the lodge last night for another night of pizza delivery and a movie.  I know it sounds so lame, but the pizza is awesome and well, who can beat pizza and a movie in bed listening to the ocean?

My folks are on kid duty and I've been checking in about twice a day.  Damn  - I sure miss my little girls.  I can't wait to hear Annie yelling for us as we unlock the front door and then see Lila's big smile.  It sounds like they have been having a ball with my folks.  I can only assume the grandparents are sufficiently tired and will sleep soundly tonight (off duty).

We've gone on some amazing walks on the beaches.  We are planning on hitting Long Beach on our way home this morning.  It's been so much fun to be alone with Drew.  We've been for long walks in the dark, been adequately loopy and laughed a lot.  It's been so important to remember who we are as a couple.  Yeehaa for this little getaway!