Thankful

This kid loves his Papa. Lately he's been pretty lovey with Grandma but when it comes to playing, Papa is a sucker for doing whatever Gavin demands! He drags Papa around the house/yard making all kinds of demands. Push me. Pull me. Cover me with leaves! I'd say "poor papa" but I think he kinda likes it!

Algonquin Park

Continuing on with the fall traditions theme....
We will often stop in Algonquin park on our way home from Bala. It is one of the most beautiful places during fall. On this particular day, it was cool but there were several people out canoeing and enjoying one the last days out on the lake. Gavin was excited to stop and have a rest from the long drive.

When we were in Bala we bought Gavin this sweet little hat. I just loved it the moment he put it on. Ethan also got one but I didn't get a picture of the two of them. Someone did! Susanne, if it was you, can you please send it to me? I would love to have it!

I figure, when they are young and still very influenced by our decisions, we should make them look as cute as possible. Shawn says that's half the battle... but a hat goes along way with me and cuteness!

Bala Cranberry Festival

I know. It's been awhile and things are a little "old news" now but I still want to share the stories whether they are old or recent. They're too good to let pass by.

The weekend after Thanksgiving, every year, we head up to Muskoka country for a fall tradition that we LOVE! The Bala Cranberry Festival! And yes, we do love cranberries. But that's not the only reason we go... we love the atmosphere... fresh fall days... it always rains!

This year was extra special because we took our trailer and camped at Gullwing. The Fillmore's came along with their huge 31 foot trailer to join us (only 19 feet!). The best part was all the kids. Gavin loved having Maggie, Mitchell and Madison to keep him entertained.

On Saturday, the Antunes' family came and also Erin and baby Jessica. There were 7 adults and 7 children! We headed into the festival, all bundled up. First stop...Cranberry Marsh for some wine tasting and the popular cranberry chutney and peameal bacon sandwich! Delicious!

After, we went to all of the vendors...shopping of course and to the rides for some kiddie fun. Gavin had his first pony ride... too cute!

It was so great to catch up with my girls! I miss them so much between visits and yet it's like no time has passed when we get together. Oh, except we all have kids and husbands now!

I love a good fall tradition but it's even better when it's shared with friends!

It's happening....

My little baby boy is getting so old. He just seems older and it scares me to death! Tonight we went to buy his first pair of hockey skates and a helmet. He starts skating this upcoming Monday. He looked so cute in his little skates and helmet but it broke my heart. I thought about how wonderful this new stage will be but also how he'll never be my baby again. Cutest thing though... he kept talking about "jumping and jumping" when he gets on the ice. He said that's what Dora does. We replied... yes but hockey players don't jump. Bad...I know. Anyway, I just want more time. I just want more days of snuggles and songs and stories; more mornings of him climbing into bed with us. I just want more. Gotta go. I feel a need to go give him another kiss goodnight.

So Thankful

Today I was talking to Gavin about Thanksgiving and being thankful. He was so funny. He began thanking for all kinds of things like kiwi and fall leaves. He didn't really understand but I sure did like hearing the gratitude in his voice for the little things. It's not really about the big stuff anyway. It's good to be thankful for all the little things that bring delight and contentment to our lives... even kiwi.
We headed out for our annual fall tradition.. picking the pumpkin at Campbell's Orchard. We got all kinds of fun things like gourds, apple cider, fresh broccoli, apple chips and yes, the pumpkin. It's a tradition. I LOVE traditions. They give me that special something to look forward to.
Today, I am thankful for so many things. But mostly, I am thankful for my family and that feeling of contentment that I feel right now. It may change, but right now... I feel it.

new love

As I get older I make new realizations often.... like how much I LOVE fall. I think I always liked fall but I LOVED summer so much that I was blinded by all that fall had to offer. Yesterday, I was watching Gavin outside and just looking at our home with new eyes and I thought..."it sure is beautiful around here"! It's so fresh and yet the colours bring a warmth to our surroundings that just makes me love it. Today Gavin is at it again. He's collecting leaves to fill Frankenstein for Hallowe'en. I always said I would never have those on my lawn but what do ya do when your sweet 3 year old insists? You go with it and LOVE it!

Saturday Nite Scrappin'

So it may sound quite pathetic but really this is what I LOVE to do on a Saturday nite. No, maybe not every weekend but we've been away soooo much that I am just happy to be home scrappin'.

Getting caught up

Good thing coughing up a lung doesn't affect the blog. Really. I'm getting all the blogging in that everyone has been after me about. Who knew people would actually read this and care if I kept it up to date. I can relate as I read several blogs daily. Quite addictive really.
So, I am going back a bit here but thought it was about time to share the newest tradition for our family- Labour Day Weekend Camping Trip at Quinte Isles. We LOVE it there (back at the lake of course). Now, obviously this year was exceptional as it was PERFECT weather! Not always the way on this particular weekend.
Shawn and I decided to go there and leave an open invitation for others to join. We knew the Vanslykes would join us but really it was up in the air for the rest. Happily, we were surprised to have many family and friends join us.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND:
-Dog Fight (well, not really a good highlight but a highlight none the less)
-Poker (with Derek being the big winner- who knew?)
-Frog catching with Blair (Gavin's fave)
-Campfire sing-a-long with Sam (This old man- the new favourite)
-Badminton matches
-Delicious Food!
-lots of good drinks
-Kite Flying (thanks again Vanslykes for the great bday gift!)
-The kids playing so happily and having such a great time
-Gavin falling asleep fireside
-quality time with our family and friends

Thanks guys! It was great to have such a good turnout. We loved all the company!
See you all next year!

NOTE: MARTHA is talking about blogs on her show today!

Rainy Day Camping

This past weekend we headed up past Bolton for Faith's first hunt test. We stayed in the Albion Hills Conservation Area. What a wonderful park! Anyone who loves mountain biking or hiking would LOVE this place. There are tons of amazing trails and the park is sooo clean. Nice. One problem... I have pneumonia and couldn't enjoy most of it. We did venture out for a few walks. I think Gavin was getting "trailer fever" from all the indoor play! Either way, we had as good a time as we could. It rained all day Saturday but it was great for puddle jumping. We also got to test out the trailer's furnace (6 degrees Saturday night...brrr) and the oven (lasagna).
Faith passed her junior test! Shawn was proud with his ribbon but has his work ahead of him for her senior test. Faith has a lot of drive and gets really excited when it comes to fetching anything... especially ducks! This doesn't always work in her favour.
Our little "Trail-Cruiser" sure is getting lots of use this summer. Might be time for an upgrade!

Cimeron Farm's Annual Barn Dance

Okay, so this was way out of our normal weekend. We went here www.cimeronfarms.com
We actually took Wayne and Denise up on their offer and headed up to London for the weekend. Curiousity got the better of us. We knew that they had a beautiful property but WOW... this was unbelievable! (see the website for pictures of the HOUSE!) We had drinks at JT's before leaving for the dance! When we arrived we were greeted warmly by our hosts and their guests. We had Denise's famous ceasar salad, Wayne's slow fire-roasted beef, potatoes and corn on the cob. Delicious. The band was old country and even "Scooter" took the stage to sing some tunes! We partied well into the night and met alot of great people. More good times. Does it ever end?