Winnipeg: Part 2 ~ May 25th

Saturday was a low-key kind of day as we anticipated our big road trip Sunday. (You'll never guess where, and will have to wait for the next posting!) Off to the park we went, feeling somewhat chilly today.The big draw here was playing in pea gravel, with my shoes getting trashed with dust. At least Ann and I had quiet time to visit.

Sometimes everyone got along, here is one of those times. 

Pea gravel dust is even more fun than the gravel itself?!

The secret to good photos of children... getting down to their level.

All worn out, it was time to mellow while lunch was being made. Putting in a video with this crew is like giving them all sedatives! On the table is the "I Spy" quilt I was finally able to finish for Aiden, after it's start in 2010. (Yikes!)

Can you spy my toes?

During nap/quiet-time, I was able to start picking out squares (which I lugged to Winnipeg with me) for Isabelle's quilt, which helped her feel less left out that she doesn't have a quilt yet. Let's hope it doesn't take three years! Meanwhile, Ann multi-tasked at her laptop... finding recipes for dinner, checking email and then entertaining kids by watching videos of them as toddlers.

Nora loves her Auntie.

 Okay, these may be creepy but the girls had so much fun. This photo feature alone is worth getting a Mac!

Aliens

Chipmunks

 Frogs 

All the laughter must have woken up the other two. Soon everyone moved to the couch to make room for a good view.

How to pass Winnipeg winters?!

Bugs

As adorable as a two-headed Izzy would be,

 I think Ann is happy with her the way she is.  

Knowing that we risked potential disaster, we bravely decided to go out for pizza at a nearby restaurant that overlooked the street. (It seemed fitting to go out as Lewis was celebrating his birthday at home with Scott and his school friends with laser tag and pizza...) Our strategy to arrive before anyone else was helpful. Despite a 70's style decor reminiscent of Mr. Mike's, we enjoyed our pizza and achieved our goal of not leaving any damage. :)

Aiden was too preoccupied watching traffic out the window to be in a photo.

With daylight to spare, it was off to another school playground to burn off those calories!

Isabelle is the most photogenic right now, as she is still cooperative with multiple attempts. She sure is a cutie, and Ann takes lovely photos of the kids. 

As for Ann and I, our fun really begins after they're all in bed. Pulling out our snacks of choice, which is generally chocolate in some form or shape, we watched more of Downton Abbey, Season 1. (Getting her up to speed, I am...) Also a lot of quality time with kitty playing with string, and we're all happy. :)

Winnipeg: Part 1 ~ May 23rd -24th

We're back! As some of you know, Nora and I were off to Winnipeg this past week to visit "Auntie Ann" and cousins while Uncle Steve was away for work. I wouldn't say our presence made life easier for Ann, but it was a lot of fun for everyone and the time seemed to fly by. Between the two of us, Ann and I have way too many pictures that may overwhelm everyone but when you're with four beautiful children, it's hard not to see life through the lens at their level. Here's to future reminiscing of their good times together. (Let's just say I am presently recovering from my "vacation"...)

Some parts of vacations you don't want to remember... Nora had her moments on the plane;
 seeing her head finally bob down was one of my favourite ones! Overall she was better
behaved than last year, and I learned greatly from then by taking a direct flight!

With the recent return of Spring to Winnipeg, the greenery was a pleasant change from our last visit in April, even though it was likely warmer overall during that time. The city seems softer, the concrete and brick buildings less noticeable. We headed off to The Forks after a good night's sleep, specifically to enjoy the heritage-themed playground. With the kids running amok, we were busy continually trying to locate them. :)

 Variety Heritage Adventure Park

I don't think Nora will ever play the cello.

Ann, her camera always at the ready...

Isabelle loves wolves!

 Did I mention the running?

A reflection of a bilingual city.

 

Nora ponders...

Pretty cousins.

After Nora's nap, we mellowed out at home waiting for Abby to come home from school on the bus. Here we enjoy meeting the newest member of the family, Lily. I am declaring myself vice-president of her fan club. :) I certainly enjoy a friendly kitty, and even one who's not. (We females all have a general understanding of our mood swings!)

The kids kept busy playing in the basement or going through the dress-up box.Throw in a birthday call to Grandpa back at "home", and it made for a lovely afternoon.

Princess Abby

Nora, the bag-lady.

After dinner was the daily ritual of running off energy at a local playground. (This one was just a block away at a nearby school.) At this point, I was looking for a boost of energy!

Abby was so helpful in looking out for Nora.

This slide of rolling cylinders was a riot!

I joined in on the action, too.

Life is exhilarating!!

Great pic, Ann. :)

Victoria Day Birthdays ~ May 20th

Monday thankfully gave us a brief reprieve from the rain in time to celebrate Lewis and Grandpa's birthdays early. It's always fun to catch up with family and enjoy BBQ fare. I've too many photos here, but wanted to include everyone. Thanks to all for a lovely evening.

Lewis and Kailey enjoy a friendly game.

Kailey is getting super tall!

 The day was extra special with a visit from my cousin Luke's family. Here are the second cousins....

 Cute Koen

Pretty Makena

Adorable Asher

Their amazing Mom, Tricia.

 Our two Dads, where the grown-ups gathered...

Uncle Stewart, always a big tease...

Uncle Rob... always has a story to share.

Cousins hang together.

Nora is in her glory, with so many kids around.

She is especially happy when she sees the "Baby".

Her nurturing side comes out easily, with reassuring pats on the arm.

The whole gang... if you're not in here, we missed you too!

 Sixty years apart, this year it's 72 and 12.

 Lewis was determined not to have any girlfriends... 12 candles out in one blow.

 We're all blessed beyond measure by this man. So glad he's cancer-free now!

Kelsey joined us for dessert, and was a good sport for putting up
with Stewart's comments about what she didn't bring for dinner. :)

I had worked Sunday nightshift, so wasn't too with it at the party
 but was really happy that it came together so well.

James wrecked another decent picture. Kelsey and I were not impressed...

How sweet!

A squishy time of gift-opening.

It's great to have Charlene and Stewart around now
for family events. They keep the boys in line, too.

Kieren was awesome in playing so much with Nora.

Grandpa has a way with little ones.

They all love him!

Luke and his little darlings.

After the guests left, Lewis convinced me to give him the gift I had bought him, as I won't be here on Saturday when he has his "real" birthday. He wasn't too sure about it at first, until he realized that it wouldn't be his only gift... I just needed more time to shop still.

A floral bag just for fun.

 Nora loves birthdays!

A few photos of Scott seeing as he missed all the photo ops prior.
It's lonely work at the BBQ, but he sure is good at it.

A cordless drill might not be your first choice for a 12 year old, but if they were like Lewis
  you'd understand. Scott's surprised as well, and Thomas sulked for awhile that he
 never got a drill at that age! James can borrow it off Lewis, maybe pay per hour...

And one last photo... here's Nora the day before, after "helping" make the cake. I loved her little pose on the chair. I don't think I can do that even on the ground...