Kingston - Monday

Monday was a pretty lazy day. I got to sleep in a little while the other folks made their way to an early water park experience (Mitchell included - bonus!). I took our friends' kids down to check on everyone (they quite enjoyed the hot tub).

I then came back up to try to get Mitchell down for a nap. K and I and Mitchell ended up hanging out for a bit since he wouldn't go down. We had Timmy's for brunch and then played some family games in the lounge area. It was a really great idea there that would be neat for church too. They had a giant snakes and ladders. big connect four, bean bag toss, twister, a large tic tac toe and a few others we didn't try. Just as we were heading out Silly Sally the clown came in, made some funky balloon hats and we were outa' there. The H's were going to explore Kingston a bit and since we weren't that organized we just drove around a bit, saw the penitentiary (and the wind turbines across the border) and then drove on to the highway.

Not too exciting. We did stop at Denny's for "linner", a favourite and then IKEA where Drew got the EXPEDIT shelving he was wanting for his closet and I got Mitchell a new potty. Bright red. He likes it! The kids also got the splurge of a lifetime - new puppies. Low and behold the very dogs that they played with all weekend were from IKEA. So Drew caved and got them each $16 dogs. I guess if your wife won't let you get the real thing....

So all in all a great time away. I would definitely do it again although my preference is to try new places. I hope that we haven't worn out our welcome with our friends and that we can look forward to doing this again next year!

Sunday Travel

On Sunday....

we slept in (forgot about daylight savings) and packed up. We left around 11:30 and decided to cross the border into Vermont. Man what a change in scenery AND road conditions! We passed one fairly bad accident which really didn't surprise me. There were pot holes everywhere! We headed to Burlington, Vermont where we passed lots of sorority and frat houses for the University of Vermont. I was sad that we couldn't stop at Michael's. American Michael's are so much better than ours! We visited the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center for a good part of the morning. It was really neat. It had lots of animal exhibits and interactive things that would interest the kids. Mitchell does not appear to be disturbed by snakes as evidenced by his lack of fear. ME? As long as it is behind the glass...

And so many turtles and frogs! Did I mention I used to have some fire-bellied toads? I can't wait until we can have something like that around here.

Marlee did a weather channel update for us all complete with props...

She also tried out the hands-on structures exhibit - triangles anyone? And who knew that our magnetix were educational?

I particularly liked the exhibit about implosions. There were videos and interviews with the people that tear down large buildings. It was fascinating how they can make these huge hotels fall down and stay within their own area and not affect the building next to them.

We heralded the kids out of there and back on the road realizing we hadn't had lunch yet. Believe me, they let us know but held on wonderfully.

We made another stop at Target where we looked around for about an hour.

I got our cheerios and fishie crackers that we can't get here as well as some diapers since I was afraid we were going to run out (yes, they were cloth and we were on our last regular diaper when we got home).

We finally made a pit stop at Pinero Breads for some great sandwiches on the go. Expensive but great - and nutritious too. We crossed the border into New York via the ferry which was exciting for the kids. It was a little unnerving seeing all that ice though. I knew we were in no danger at all but I couldn't help but think of the Titanic.

Once we crossed over the driving was a little easier and I was surprised by all of the wind turbines. There must have been hundreds. I'd love to look into these a little more. There has been discussion about the use of them in our area as a viable power source. We enjoyed the scenery and crossed over to Canada through Cornwall. A few hours later we arrived at the Ambassador Hotel in Kingston where we were spending the night. We made it just in time to enjoy 1/2 hour of the water park before it closed (and our guys were quite ready for bed). It was lights out for all of us. And I have to say - these beds were just a TAD better (and it was nice to have Internet too).

Stay tuned for Monday's details...

Owl's Head

We had a great time in Owl's Head over the weekend. We met up with our friend's the H's at Tim Horton's and got on the road by 8:30am. Mitchell did awesome and our first stop was near Port Hope on the 401.

Matt helped keep Mitchell entertained here and there with the ipod.

We arrived late afternoon and settled in. The accommodations were great for us.

It was a multi-suite chalet where our suite had three rooms and a common area with a kitchen.

We were able to sign out the hot tub for 1/2 hour increments each day for our family. They were definitely dated and the carpet was icky. There also wasn't any Internet connection (for 3 days!!!) But the best part?

You walk out the front door, cross the street and the hill was there.

Right there. Skis on, zip down a few feet and get on the chair lift and you're off. On Saturday Marlee wanted to finish off her run and I convinced her to do 2 more runs before she had to go to the bathroom. Best thing? I just called Drew and he came to the door and picked her up. I then went on to do 2 more runs - zip - zip and the chair lift closed and I walked back in the door. Very cool.

So we spent Friday and Saturday skiing. And making meals. And conversing with our friends. We learned to play UNO spin. We watched some old movies on TV. We laughed at Mitchell. We played with the H's 'dogs'. We made numerous trips to the local grocery store (if you can call it that). We had a blast.


Stay tuned for Sunday's timeline...

We're back!

It is 11:00pm and this is what I am facing.

We got back at 8:20pm after a whirlwind long weekend away to Owl's Head, the US and Kingston. I already have most of the van emptied, one load of laundry done, another load just about to go. The kids are asleep (Mitchell got up twice since), I've checked in with mom and now that I've caught up on my favourite blogs (no Internet access for 4 days!!!) I am about ready to get tidied up. Oh yes, and Drew was called out to work at 9pm. Did I mention that I like to come home to a tidy house? It makes coming home such a welcome sight. It also makes the dreaded activity of putting away our travel gear that much more encouraging. I want to keep the house tidy and welcome for the morning.

So here I go.

It is now 11:47 and short of putting the kids bags straight into the laundry, we are unpacked and ready to go in the morning. And then I can discuss our trip away. Til then!

Can we make this a new tradition?

After we dropped Cierra off at camp on Sunday we decided to stop at the local beach for a quick dip as it was so hot. We were lucky to find one small area of shade for Mitchell and I to sit in while the kids and Drew went in for a dip. I sat off to the side and talked with a few ladies who turned out to be teachers in the area. The kids seemed to have a great time - the lake was very gradual until after the buoy line where it dropped off significantly.

Perfect for them. And of course we were in the quiet area. They then settled in at the edge to play in the sand.

The topper of course was when Matthew asked Drew if we could make this an annual tradition. Drew asked if we could make it even better by adding an ice cream cone? For sure!

We packed up after an hour or so and did get ice cream - running into an old babysitter of mine! Her husband was actually volunteering at the camp that week as well. Too funny. We chatted for about half an hour getting caught up on life while we enjoyed our ice cream.

After our goodbyes we headed to the park down the street. Poor Marlee was suddenly overcome with black fly bites though and with the impending storm we headed out.

Somehow we missed the storm and called my parents on the way into town, conveniently inviting ourselves for dinner where another old friend happened to be visiting. After another great meal and chat it was home to bed. What a day!

And not a bad tradition to be starting if Matt does say so!

Run Drew Run!

We are back from our marathon weekend away. Well half marathon that is. I'm not sure in all honesty whether Drew really enjoyed having us there with him but we are proud to say that he completed the half marathon in Ottawa yesterday.







He and Glenn ran 1 hour 49 minutes and 33 seconds. He was 1959th out of all 9207 participants. 1481st out of 3876 men; 284th out of 691 men (aged 35-39)











It's been a long time since I've travelled with an infant and this was a big learning curve. It took us considerably longer then we had anticipated - primarily because Mitchell does not seem to like his car seat. I should have thought about the fact that he slept ALL morning (5 hours actually) and tried to keep him awake. We were just too busy trying to get to see Drew and all the excitement following. We had planned to stay late at the hotel and swim some more but the pool was closed for maintenance. We ended up not having to pay a late fee and headed out. Of course he woke up shortly thereafter and while we wanted the kids to see the Parliament buildings before we left we settled in a parking lot to feed while the kids wen ton a short tour. They got snack foods. 45 minutes later we drove by the buildings with Mitchell starting to fuss in the back. About 5 stops and 7.5 hours later we made it home. Pheww!

Run Drew Run!

We are back from our marathon weekend away. Well half marathon that is. I'm not sure in all honesty whether Drew really enjoyed having us there with him but we are proud to say that he completed the half marathon in Ottawa yesterday.

He and Glenn ran 1 hour 49 minutes and 33 seconds. He was 1959th out of all 9207 participants. 1481st out of 3876 men; 284th out of 691 men (aged 35-39).

Can you see them in the picture?

Can you still see them?

And still?

It's been a long time since I've travelled with an infant and this was a big learning curve. It took us considerably longer to get there and back then we had anticipated - primarily because Mitchell does not seem to like his car seat.

THIS is typical:

I should have thought about the fact that he slept ALL morning (5 hours actually) and tried to keep him awake. We were just too busy trying to get to see Drew and all the excitement following. We weren't sure where we would be able to see them and spent some time wandering around. We finally settled on teh bridge. In hindsight, nwext time we will scope out a spot all togther. Still, we saw them and it was good.

Afterwards we had planned to stay late at the hotel and swim some more but the pool was closed for maintenance. We ended up not having to pay a late fee and headed out. Of course he woke up shortly thereafter and while we wanted the kids to see the Parliament buildings before we left we settled in a parking lot to feed while the kids went on a short tour. They got snack foods. 45 minutes later we drove by the buildings with Mitchell starting to fuss in the back.

But they did see them...

And then we were off.

We had to make a few pit stops... one of which was the side of the road...

A few more in between and then the Big Apple.

Where we showed some sibling love at the bottom!

And some love at the top!

And while I was feeding Mitchell...

A whole lot of mini golf poser shots (no mini golf played mind you!). It's great what fun you can have with a camera (and spend A LOT of time doing!)

Sooooo, about 5 stops and 7.5 hours later we made it home. Pheww!

Back home with news!

Mom and dad made it back from the States where they were visiting Sarah and John. It sounds like they had a successful trip. As usual, we asked if they could bring us some treats we can't get here. They didn't let us down!

Some of the loot they brought included

• Cherry Coke
• vanilla coke
• Era
• Yogurt covered Cheerios - Strawberry & Banana
• Fruity Cheerios
• Chocolate Cheerios
• Kraft dinner - Sponge Bob and Toy Story

So I'm just wondering why we don't have these things up here? Don't get me wrong - I do like to get a surprise or two from down south but what is the deal? Either way - thanks mom and dad - we will enjoy them!

On another note, my sister shared some exciting news! Check it out here!

Prompt 6 from the learning room...

Being prepared is a good thing.

Maybe its just that the kids are older. Maybe its that we have individual DVD players. I like to think that it is because I was prepared and organized. Both the ride up and back from the cottage were great this year - relatively uneventful. And that says a lot for a 16.5 hour car ride. Well - including meals. But hey - the kids aren't allowed tv until after lunch. They have their own bags with things they need. We had nutritious snacks packs (and some non-nutritious ones too), a few planned stops, stories on CD, and well - it just worked. And even better? We were out of places to eat for dinner when everyone got hungry but they were happy with bread and butter. Go figure.