celebrate

I didn't really feel like turning thirty but a nice bottle of champagne helped :)

  

You can't help but feel a little celebratory while sipping champagne.  It was a thoughful surprise and brought back some memories of France, especially since we visited G.H. Mumm.  We enjoyed it with brie, fresh berries, crackers and almonds.  M-m-m!

strawberry fields

Jean and I went strawberry picking during their visit and it couldn't have been more enjoyable.  It was a beautiful morning to be outside and the strawberries were ruby red, sweet and as juicy as could be.

It only took Jake a couple of days to finish off the lasts of the strawberries, eating them by the fistful for his bedtime snack.    

When we returned home, Jake had exciting news for us... he got to ride along in the garbage truck.  The garbage man showed him the camera and all the leavers and then when he began to lift the bin, the tremendous noise was just a little too overwhelming.  This marked the end of the ride but he was still radiating excitement over the encounter.        

cinnamon bun heaven

Billy's grandma makes, hands-down, the best cinnamon buns.  Ever.  They are the perfect balance of sweet, sticky and cinnamon-y and you could not find a cinnamon bun in a bakery or cafe that tastes better.  

So imagine how happy we all were when Billy's parents brought a big batch here on their visit.  

     

We also enjoyed her homemade pickles and buns too.  

We felt so spoiled!   

grandparents

Billy's family came to visit and we were able to get some great family pictures.  Thanks grandparents for making such a big trip to come and see us.   It was wonderful seeing you all and of course, Jake had a blast!

anniversary date

We were lucky enough to have Bill's family visiting, so sneaking away for an anniversary date was easy. We went to Summerhill Winery and enjoyed wine - a sparkling for me and rich foch for Billy -  artisan cheeses, organic strawberry crumble and a beautiful view of the vineyard and lake on their patio.  It made for a perfect afternoon.

And there was also a surprise flower delivery, so sweet and thoughtful.  I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest girl.  Ever.

four years

I feel so blessed to have married this wonderful man.  Today is filled with warm memories of our past and bright hopes for our future.   

The last four years have left us so full of love and joy. 

our weekend

A trip to Oliver was in order this weekend.  Off to Great Grandma's house we go.  We spent as much time in the pool as we could and in this hot, hot weather the pool temperature was up to 89 degrees.  Perfect.

The other big hits of the weekend 

(aside from Grandma's cooking) were...

Raspberry picking.  Or in Jakes case, raspberry eating.

The sandbox.  The combination of super soft sand (thanks Dad) and humongous construction trucks (thanks Aunty Brenda) was heaven for Jake.  He spent a lot of time "working real hard" and working up a sweat in the heat.

Wine tasting at Hester Creek, Road 13, Oliver Twist and Stoneboat.  Always a favourite.  This was Hester Creek's Late Harvest Pinot Blanc, which I loved.

Fruit stands with freshly picked fruit. 

We came home with cherries, apricots and honey.

And...
 Kait's Oreo ice cream pie!  So delicious.  

ocean day

Our morning exploring the beach couldn't have been better. The waves, hot sun and cool breeze was just what we all needed.  Thanks Vancouver for the beautiful weather.  

The ocean is so full of treasures, especially when you are a happy and curious two year old. 

There are boats and ships of all sizes

There is mud - always a huge hit

There are rocks and shells

There is even MORE mud.

And tiny sea creatures to be found, like these little crabs.

The perfect recipe for a fun summer day!

celebrating one month

Our first month together has been full of snuggles, late nights, early mornings and more love and happiness then we could have imagined.  In such a short time, you have brought us great, great joy.  We cannot wait to see what the coming months bring and cannot wait to watch your little personality grow.   

10 pounds 8 ounces

23 1/4 inches

big boy bed

Although Billy and I were initially sceptical - REALLY sceptical - the "big boy bed" turned out to be a success.  phew!  He was instantly interested in his new bed as soon as we set it up in his room and put on the alphabet sheets. 

The first night was full of tip-toes and giggles; he snuck out three times and ended-up back in the crib.  Night two, he read books for two hours and ended-up back in his crib.  Night three, he fell asleep!  Then repeated the feat the following night and even napped in bed.  Hooray.  Now we just need to cross our fingers and hope it lasts.    

The "big boy bed" is aptly named.  When I see him all sprawled out and sleeping soundly he looks so grown-up.  More big boy than toddler these days.

peanut butter and maple granola

We've been loving this granola recipe lately!  Our new favourite and a big hit with Billy and Jake.  The peanut butter gives it a really rich but subtle flavour and it isn't nearly as sweet as this recipe.      

You will need:

4 cups rolled oats
3 tbsp. ground flax seed
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans and/or hazelnuts)
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1-2 tbsp. cinnamon 
1 tbsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup real peanut butter
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
…………………………………….. 

Preheat oven to 300.  Mix first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. 

In small sauce pan, melt together coconut oil, peanut butter, and maple syrup over med-low heat until smooth and runny, stirring constantly. 

Pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture and stir well to combine.  Spread onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45 - 60 minutes, or until golden and dry, stirring every 15-20 minutes.