The ultimate afternoon date!

About a month ago Jim and I snuck away on a Saturday afternoon, intending to just do recycling and a couple of errands. A random comment about the baked brie appy at the Shinglemill had us heading there for what was supposed to be a late lunch "snack". I got the brie and he got onion rings and a beer and we sat on the patio and enjoyed the beautiful May afternoon. 

THEN while eating those appies we started talking about our dinner at Monk's on Marine two weeks before and the next thing I knew we were heading there for a big lunch, complete with a super yummy steak sandwich (my favorite in town!) for me and the dry ribs and a salad for Jim. 

Turned out to be just the afternoon that we needed. Quality time together is never a waste of time or money. Investing in our relationship is important, even if it's rare that we make the time to do it!

After our big delicious lunch we went home and forced our electronics attached children into some good old fashioned FFF (forced family fun) with a walk through the Penticton trails. Overall it was just such a great 6 hours we spent together on a very rare quiet May weekend day. After the craziness of the 8 months long hockey season it was wonderful to get out and enjoy time as a family where we weren't rushing off to the next thing we had to do. 

 

6 months with our Koda Bear!

Today marks 6 whole months since we got this big handsome nutty boy! He drives me crazy but I look forward to seeing him every day when I get home from work. He loves snuggles on the floor, loves belly rubs and loves going for walks/runs. He is a very good boy, when he isn't eating food off of our counters and kitchen table (seriously....no food can be left unsupervised or it's gone!)

I don't know that I've ever seen a dog that's so photogenic before. His smile is just the best!

Saturday Smiles - Jordie and Kennedy edition

Some of my new favourite photos of these two little besties together!

The other night we took a way-past-bedtime walk to give our Koda bear some exercise without the heat and of course I had to take some photos while we walked!

I love these two and their bond is so sweet to see at 10 and 6 years old. I know that another 4 years from now and this is not likely what their relationship will look like so I’m cherishing these moments while I’m experiencing them. I feel so lucky to have them and get to spend my life with them. 💙❤️

A scary flashback Friday

A memory from 8 years ago. 

As a family this is still one of the biggest near misses we’ve ever had. Whenever I think about how bad this could have turned out I cringe and then feel grateful that he escaped with no serious injuries. We were very lucky that day! 

Throwback Thursday - Baby and Toddler James!

While trying to pick a baby photo for the Grade 7 slideshow I was flooded with memories of what life was like for us when James was a baby. It was only 13 years ago but man it feels like a lifetime has gone by. He was the best baby and such a happy toddler. He was smart and funny and cheeky and so loving. So many of the same qualities he still has today! 

Just because I think they are adorable!

Here are my favorite recent pictures of my 4 loves! 

💙💙💙❤️🐾

Wildplay day for James and Dad. This is a day that I know I'll never forget! We both really loved getting to see him do something that he loved, right along with some of his best friends from school. Total heart warming day for us as his parents.

This is the lunch she packed for herself the other day! Never have to worry about this kid, prefers the fruits and veggies over anything else. I hope this continues on in her life because getting the oldest one to eat anything healthy these days is sometimes quite the battle!  

My two walking buddies. I see many more hours ahead of us in the next two months of evenings walks along the sea wall in the setting sun and cool breeze. I have loved these moments with my middle boy so much and treasure these times because I know how fast it could change where he won't want to spend any time with me. I'll take any chance I get to spend time with my kids and spending it doing something active is even better!

And of course just because...this guy is maybe the cutest of them all! Pretty sure I already shared this photo on this blog and IG/FB, but I LOVE it so I'm sharing it again! 

She grew something...

She definitely didn't get a green thumb from me. I kill every living thing I get...except for my kids (those I've managed to keep alive 13 years already!)

Our neighbours are the BEST people and last summer they came over and together with Kennedy they weeded the raised garden bed and threw some seeds into it and hoped for the best. We got one small head of lettuce last year that was attacked by a slug and some deer and that was it, our season was done. Not a single thing they planted actually survived to be eaten.  Hahahahaha....right about par for my growing abilities!!

Fast forward to about a month ago and I look out and see the girls gardening once again in the back yard. There was one small head of lettuce started so they weeded the rest of the bed and got to planting once more...and again we hope for the best! 

Last night they came over to check the garden and told Kennedy it was time to pick this GIANT head of lettuce that had grown in the past few weeks. 

She was so proud of herself...and now the plans are starting for a big veggie garden next year. 

Peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, berries...we'll see if we can actually pull it off!

But for now, she's just thrilled with this victory!

Another day…another dog post!

Yes, I’ve turned into the crazy lady who loves her dog maybe more than her kids. 😉

This dog is just too cute and the bond he has with these kids just makes all the barking and dog hair absolutely worth it, even on the days he drives me crazy. I still get excited when I see him when we get home and he's so happy that he howls uncontrollably until every person has given him his pets. I love that he waits for me to go to bed, falling asleep behind my chair at my desk in the den. He has the best doggy smile and loves being anywhere with us that he can. He loves to be in the car going for a drive, at the ball park watching the game, or just being outside in the yard while we jump on the trampoline. 

School Photos from 2022-2023

I always buy these photos but then never do anything with them. So, at least they'll be here on the blog!

James - Grade 7

Jordie - Grade 4

Kennedy - Kindergarten

And now just for fun...here are the last 3 years in a row! 

James Grade 5, 6, 7

 

Jordie - Grade 2, 3, 4

Kennedy - 1st year Preschool, 2nd year Preschool, Kindergarten

Just because - the true beauty of where we live

We live in the most beautiful place...and love having a gorgeous view of the sunsets. This photo doesn't even do it justice. 

I am loving the weather and spring evenings with the kids. Tonight we didn't have any sports and we spent time together going for a walk, baking cupcakes for Jordie's birthday party, and just laughing and having fun. The countdown is on till the end of school and baseball season and I can't wait for more quiet evenings together :)