Happy Halloween......

I was determined to be super organized this year when it came to Halloween night. 

Claire always has these elaborate and very specific ideas about what she wants to be every year.  It almost always means that I have to order her costume from Etsy at about the end of August so that I'll be garunteed to have it here by the big night.  This year she wanted to be an angel with beautiful fluffy wings.  I'm sure I could've pulled this one off without any outside help but with juggling work and the baby sometimes it's just easier to leave it to the experts......if you know what I mean!

Evan is actually super easy every year........something grusome and scary is usually on his list and a quick trip to the local costume store works perfectly.

Avery wanted to be just like her big sister and I was happy to oblige. 

Beyond organizing the costumes I wanted to be "ahead of the game" when it came to the night itself.  The forcast was calling for rain....rain.....and some more rain!  Adam and I planned a quickie dinner that we fed to the kids right after the last daycare child left for the night.  That allowed me enough time to clean up the dishes, pick up the livingroom and make sure the kids weren't rushed while they were getting ready.  Unfortunately our front door looks straight through to the kitchen so there is no hiding mess behind a wall......and I would simply go crazy if I thought people (even if they are strangers) saw my messy kitchen! Crazy eh? Yep....that's my OCD shining through.  :)

So.....did all my planning work out?  Sure did..........house was clean, pictures were taken and we were out the door by 6pm to trick or treat.  Kids came home happy and excited to count their "loot."

Here are a few pictures from their fun night!

Our "Little Angel" who will be turning 1 in just 11 more days.....sigh

Avery is harder to hold onto than she looks!!

The "Soul Taker" joined the "Angels"

Evan strikes his pose!

Ready to head out!  Avery collected treats for her biggest brother who had to work!

Too Cute?

Oh YES you are.............................

11 Months Old....A Trip to the Apple Farm.....and Fall Fair

11 Months Old.....where has the time gone?

 

 

Evan just hanging out and enjoying the Fall weather at the apple farm

We teased Claire that this is probably the last year she'll be able to ride the ponies.  Her feet will soon start dragging on the ground..... :)

Bracebridge Fall Fair ~ A Family Tradition ~ it also marks 13 years since Adam asked me to marry him!

Having a little moment with a fuzzy friend

I sure do love my two beautiful girls ~ I can't wait to see what wonderful women they will grow up to be

My little bundle of energy - spunkiness - and sweetness - all rolled into one

Better Late....and I mean really late..........Than Never

First Day of Grade 3

Excited for Grade 5

Last year of high school......sigh

Avery excited to begin a new year in mommy's preschool

Summer Memories.............

 I have an annual tradition at the end of every summer. I gather up ALL the daycare kids (present and past) and we have what has been affectionately named "Fun Day".  In reality it is only really a Fun Morning because by 1pm I am usually ready to drop from exhaustation!! The kids look forward to it ALL summer and it is by far the most fun we have!

Water pinata, water balloon toss, apple bobbing, pie eating contests, egg on a spoon race, sneaker scramble games, and 3 legged races are just a few of the events the kids participate in.  Evan and Claire were team leaders this year and did an awesome job running the events with their kids.  The main focus of the games are team building and big kids must always help little kids and we cheer for everyone.....winners and losers!

At the end we all celebrate with jumbo popsicles and start planning for the next year!

I can't post any pics with my daycare children in them but here are a couple of Evan having a turn at bobbing for apples!!

 

What is the fascination?

With Tim Horton's coffee cups?

When my coffee came double cupped one day she was "all over" the extra cup

 

Clearly loving being just like her mommy.........

 

And looking pretty darn cute doing it!!

A Few More Summer Pics.............

Summer days shared with friends!

 

 

Avery was battling a cold but Claire managed to capture this smile while out on our morning walk

How cool is this little guy? Or girl?

Claire captured my favourite picture so far this summer!

Evan's favourite past time.............

Awenda Provincial Park.....

....... is where Avery turned 9 months old! Her current list of accomplishments include: clapping her hands, playing Itsy Bitsy Spider, pulling herself to standing, rolling over, crawling backward, saying "mama and dada" and showing you her toes when you ask her.  Of course she always accomplishes stealing our hearts!!

Claire and Evan enjoyed exploring the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay

Catching a "Pike" was the highlight of the fishing trip (unfortunately mommy missed getting the shot)

 

And Claire enjoyed the sunshine, beach and maybe a smore or two.........

An 8 Month Old.....And an 8 Year Old

On July 12th Little Miss Avery turned 8 months!

She is a spunky little ball of fun

It's no wonder that she captures the hearts of all that meet her!

Celebrating Evan's 8th birthday at GWL of course!

Some Mommy and Avery time relaxing by the pool

She's like a fish in the water and loved her splashing time with Daddy

So cute!

I dared Evan to stand in the "Lottsa Water Drop Zone" on his birthday

He obliged.......here it comes!!

The day was finished off with a yummy dinner and a GWL birthday cake in the Antler Shanty Dining Room - the perfect end to a fun day!!  Happy Birthday Evan - We love you big bunches!!!

Such a Love-Hate Relationship

With Mr. Cow.....................

 

 

Oh my sweet girl...............

This day has been anything but easy so far.  Details I don't even want to mention, suffice to say it was just lots of little things that compounded until my cheery mood was quickly turning sour.  Regardless of my "eyore cloud" I was determined to take Avery outside for her 7 month old photo shoot.

I'm not sure if she woke up on the wrong side of the mattress or if she clued into my less than jovial mood but lets just say this photo shoot did not turn out like I had hoped.

My poor little Avery was anything but happy.......but regardless, I think she is still beautiful......frowns and all.  Happy 7 Months Little Avery............love you to the moon and back!

Life should never be that serious.........

The "best one" of the morning!