February 5th marked the twins turning 14. What in the world happened?

Poor things, this year their birthday fell on the Monday. Which for our schoolroom means we still have a normal, though slightly lighter school day.

Lunch was present time. Once again Aunty Holly and family picked the best gifts. Trinity also coloured them a colouring page.

We had evening classes as normal at the YMCA… drawing class, leadership and then my R.I.P.P.E.D. class at 7pm. The leadership teacher and kids stuff made the boys and Emanuel their own cards! I love our YMCA so much.

We gave them a late supper choice and they chose Mexican. We went to the new place near the YMCA which says it is authentic. It was amazing. And the boys were so polite and respectful. It was such a good dinner.

We really went all out and stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home for an ice cream cake. Which Zander had to wait until the next day to eat.

They told me it was a great day, even with the schoolwork. We have a friend coming over for an overnighter on another weekend and of course there were the grandparent calls.

Happy Birthday to my first and oldest babies! Tiny miracles growing up so quickly.

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