summer list

Well, I plum forgot to make a spring list but we jumped in plenty of puddles and planted tomato plants.  That will have to do.  As for summer, here are some things I hope we accomplish...

ONE | swim in the lake

TWO | go to the farmers market

THREE | picnics!

FOUR | go cherry picking

FIVE | fly a kite

SIX | waterpark

SEVEN | gelato at carmelis goat farm

EIGHT | raspberry lemonade smoothie or 

watermelon strawberry lemonade  

NINE | nature walk in rotary park marsh

TEN | birdwatching in maude roxby wetlands

ELEVEN | rent paddle boards 

TWELVE |  blizzards on the city park board-walk

Anything missing on here?

first tooth

Finally, a tooth for Avery!

At eleven-and-a-half months old, 

she is officially the owner of one very cute, very sharp little tooth.  

It came quietly.  I could see a little sliver of it beneath the gums.  Just waiting to peek up.  I waited for screams, late nights, and an angry baby but the only inkling that something out of the ordinary was going on, was a smiling little baby that woke-up for two consecutive mornings at 4:30, instead of 7:30.  I'm not so sure we'll be as lucky with the teeth that follow but I'll cross-my-fingers all the same.  

a fishin' we will go

They boys went fishing.  I was happy they were just fishing from shore.  Jake was very happy there were rocks to throw into the water.  While Jake collected and threw rocks, Billy and Elliot manned the rods and when a fish bit, Jake reeled it in.  What a prefect set-up for a three-year-old.  The new fishing rod was a hit and the trip a success.  They caught one Rainbow Trout and two Bass.  Just little ones, which they released afterwards.    

 And as if catching three fish wasn't exciting enough, Jake proudly announced he "fell in the lake" when they returned home.  The fact that he arrived home without any pants on confirmed his story.  I was relieved to learn that he actually only fell into a few inches of water.  Thank goodness.          

worm hunt

The first thing you must do when you get a fishing rod for your birthday is to go hunting for worms!  A shovel, a bucket, a dad and a grandpa; and you're all set to go.  The worm hunt begins.      

  

Boys, dirt and worms...

Jake carefully placed the worms in the bucket and hopped around the garden with glee.  The worm hunt was a great success.  Watch out fish, here they come... 

turning three

Here's how it looked...

He was smiling ear-to-ear and had the very best day.  Cake, candles, presents, hockey and golf was pretty much this three-year-olds dream come true.  Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful gifts!  He is one very lucky little boy.

Hip, hip hooray for three!

celebrating eleven months

Hooray for sweet eleven-month-olds!

Those kissable cheeks, sparkling eyes and busy little body are such a delight.  Her sunny little personality shines bright each day and we are forever thankful for her.  

  

Avery at eleven months...

only likes to eat greek yogurt, avocado, havarti cheese and bread

signs "all done" whenever I try a new food 

gives kisses

waves hi and bye

has no teeth

loves the bath

grabs the phone and holds it to her ear

take three or four steps

claps

still doesn't like grass

wants to be held by mom all the time

is shy 

and full of smiles

our birthday boy

Jake turns three!

And with it, is this happy/sad feeling.

(but mostly happy)

When we found out we were having a boy, I knew there would be cars and trucks and dirt and hockey.  I knew that he would be loved.  I knew that it would be magical.    

I didn't know he would say to me "I love you tremendously, mama", tell me my peach jeans are so beautiful or cuddle me on the couch with a pile of books.  

I didn't know one of his favourite foods would be sushi, that he would love golf, climbing, puzzles, pistachios or that he would have such a sensitive side.

We love this sweet boy, those shining blue eyes of his and his glowing smile.  We are so thankful to have this little guy in our lives.  He is clever, observant and so full of joy.    

One of my greatest accomplishment.  

Two was all about growth (almost four inches worth!), learning new things, testing limits and being sweet as pie.  Lets see what three brings.

PS.  Here is Jacob's first birthday post and his second too.  

lately (again)

More of the same in terms of sunshine.  Sunglasses, sunhats and of course sunscreen -- check.  It seems to me like the perfect time to start thinking about picnics, so that will be on out to-do list next week.  Isn't this the prefect picnic bag?!

Magnolia blossoms could possibly be one of my very favourite things! 

This week we had such a good bunch of books.  The most requested turned out to be The Three Pigs, which had Jake in stitches.  So well done.  And the runner-up, The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit.

I've been trying to squeeze in more reading time and quickly finished Speaking from Among the Bones.  I think this series is so unique and charming.   Now, what to read next?

And, just as soon as Avery wakes from her nap, we're off to meet Billy downtown for coffee and snacks.  This will be the first time in a long while and we're excited to see that guy!    

key lime pie

Confession: I thought I didn't like key lime pie, 

so I never ever tried it. 

  

Thankfully my cousin made one, I politely gave it a try and it turns out I was all wrong.  They are so darn good!  So after depriving myself of key lime pie for thirty years, I felt like I needed to play catch-up a little.  Now if the need for dessert ever arises, the first thing I think of is key lime pie, obviously.

This is the recipe I've been using and I may never try another.  I did however made a few little changes -- I made a little extra graham-cracker crust, used 5 medium egg yolks instead of 4 large ones and used regular limes instead of key limes and the taste was still great.

        Now you just have to imagine this picture above, topped with generous amount of whipped cream because I forgot to take a picture before we ate it ;)

What a perfectly spring-y pie.  Go ahead and make one.  Now.  Buy the pre-made graham crust if you must, I think it will be just as delicious.