June 23-24

For the first time in over a  decade I got to spend a portion of my birthday celebrations with my best friend from high school, the lovely Shandai… with her friends Sam and Ryan. We were supposed to go sailing but the wind was against us (literally and figuratively) so instead we went out for amazing Mexican food, a wade in a nearby lake…

Shandai and Sam

With Ryan

and a trip to an amazing pet store with one of the largest selections of fish in the country. Including multiple sting ray (1499.00 no warranty!). All kid free time! Lots of fun.

Then it was back home to play with the bubbles with the kids…

And get a start on the playset.

Monday (which is far from my favourite day) was my BIRTHDAY! 34 yrs old I am! Which meant first and foremost that we had a half day of school to accomplish… of course!

Ken was up first and had the kids all draw me a special picture! Note the slurpees and smarties!

My birthday cake!

Karyn had sent a package that just managed to get through customs and get to me ON my birthday! What timing! She really DOES know me well… and included items for Canada Day as well.

Shirts for the girls, Canadian bits… note the yarn used as filler in the box!

In the evening we lucked out with Sean to babysit so Ken and I could go out to Khan’s Mongoli Grill and have all you can eat buffet there. OMG amazing! Like the Mongoli Grill we used to go to in Canada but cheaper and did I mention ALL YOU COULD EAT? Small bowls more often… less sauce choices but… yum!

I had Japanese tea.. soooo good

Practice chopsticks the waitress suggested I take home for Emanuel to practice with.

Then off to the Source to walk around and pick up a manga… I got some lovely facial moisturizer with some money on the back from Ken’s folks. Sensitive skin and everything and enough money for a manga and then… I am hoping to get to a yarn shop and spend the rest on soft, snuggly yarn!

Did I mention I got all dressed up, fascinator, gel eyeliner and all??? Cuz I did!!

Here is a good view of the eyeliner after all is said and done

Totally dressed up

Not a mid week puck me up but one day from… TWO packages today, BOTH from the UK! One for the kids and one for me! A fascinator/hat for me in white with feathers and tulle… so fun and in my mind so British! Now I just need to find the right hairstyle and pair it up with one of my dresses (maybe the polka dot one?) and take photos! 

Isn't it pretty?

The other package had a few Christmas items but some bits to share now too. I am very and truly blessed in my friendships here and abroad! 

We are still experiencing a healthy share of the “I don’t want to’s” here in the house. BUT we are working through it. I just really want the boys to embrace the excitement of learning new things – even if it IS just math or new words. 

Some workbook time

Playing games in the sunshine

Gavin is back to work designing another project to stitch, Zander is still on the lookout for a new passion. BUT everyone spent some time in the “Lego room” for the day – the twins’ bedroom… and created something to show. 

In the Lego room for the day

Two little builders

The hunt is still on for snowflake information and activities… that is the next choice of focus after all… and in the meantime we are working on our reading and math, cooperation, use of imagination and understanding of fair play and being a good winner or loser. I have taken some time today to be crafty as well… a new feltie in fact, though the debate is on as to whether or not it IS a dragon, or a demon, or in the case of the first attempt… a bat! What is universally agreed is that they are cute! And will be up on my Facebook page It’s a Hoot for sale for 5.00 a piece plus shipping soon! 

1st attempt

Much more dragon-y

Tomorrow friends start arriving for Ken’s LAN party so I don’t know that we will get much done. BUT we have managed to complete ALL our Halloween pages and activities, and tomorrow we have our mouse books to read. Gotta finish going over what a mouse actually is like vs. the Stuart Little version(s). The twins have shown some interest in making some felties of their own so once I get a spare moment I am going to enlarge the penguin pattern to a more manageable size for tiny learning fingers and let them try! 

Got your nose Fat Sheep