Exporail - 25 July

We visited the train museum with Maman, Nelly & Hubert. It's William's second visit. This round, he was old enough to marvel and attempt to climb where prohibited. I took that as a sign of interest...

Honesty begins with me - 23 July

I recycled my Primary lesson for family night. We enter the temple by being honest. William was of the done-that-already attitude.

Lake on the Mountain - 20 July

This fresh-water lake is a geological mystery as it is unclear where its source is. Myths and theories have been put forth since its discovery - i.e. tears from the gods... Fact: It was a pretty picnic stop and an opportunity for a family portrait.

Rock Bottom & Birdhouses City - 19 July 2012

I indulged Philippe and agreed to find a beach called Pietre Point. After a lengthy not-for-a-family-sedan-off-road-drive we arrived. It was aptly named. The bank was all rock. I found a heart-ish shaped rock for Philippe and he swooned for the camera.

Philippe returned the indulgence and relented to a visit to Birdhouse City in Picton, Ontario. It is delightfully quirky. It's a collection of 100's of birdhouses modeled after prominent properties found in Prince Edward County. The birdhouse pictured is the "Crystal Palace."

Pony Ride - 18 July 2012

The best tourist dollars we spent. William has spoken often and affectionately about "his" pony, Cookie, and the donkey, Popsicle. He mentioned to his teacher a week later that if he were a horse, he would wear 4 shoes to protect his feet. At home he put Caroline's shoes on his hands to demonstrate.

Sandbanks on Lake Ontario - July 16-20

Previously I associated the Great Lakes with ice-fishing. Now, I know that Lake Ontario has pristine (Lake Tahoe-like) beaches. The best family fun in the sun we've had all summer.

Apples close to the tree - 30 June 2012

Bibliophilia is incurable chez nous.

6 Year Wedding Anniversary - June 2012

Sunrise, sunset the days have flown. For our 6th wedding anniversary, we planned a dinner and mini-golf date. When we arrived at the address we found on the internet, the course had been highly modified. The mini-golf had been bulldozed for an apartment complex. We went shopping and rode the metro instead (where the self-portrait was taken at arm's length.) It's the time together that counts, no?

Gladiator - June 9, 2012

While I attended a Mother Goose training in Toronto, Philippe took W & C to the Royal Ontario Museum. William enjoyed the Roman dress-up cape and helmet. Is Caroline giggling or smiling proudly at her precocious centurion brother?

Duet - June 2012

Caroline loves to climb up on the piano bench as much as she loves to strike the keys. (It is ultimately a percussion instrument...) William accompanied. I can't resist taking (and posting) pictures of this.

Caroline's First Haircut - 23 May 2012

When I asked for a souvenir snippet of hair, the hairdresser was hard pressed to locate something that was substantial enough. The hair clip lasted long-enough to take a photo.

Shedding layers - May 2012

We are wearing our Spring coats and swinging - worth a photo.

Eggs

William loved dyeing the eggs. He was lesser-thrilled when I days later suggested we crack and peel his "art" and eat it in a sandwich.

Neighborhood Walk-about

"Le Bain Publique" is très fancy on the outside. It is one of many sites that make walk-abouts in the neighborhood a perfect way to pass the morning.

April Showers

Tatie Nelly and Mamie sent raincoats from France. They are so cute that "April Showers" seem nearly agreeable.

I love you lily

William termed the red flower an "I-love-you-lily" Could give red roses worthy competition. William posed with the cactus.

Melting

We visited "Le Village des Neiges." It is a celebration held each year where a series of structures are carved from snow and ice. The weather had been so unseasonably warm the week we attended that most structures were closed due to flooding. (Tropical is good for butterflies, bad for snow ceilings.) The "church" was still open for tourist worship.

Butterflies!

Tamara, seen here with the ultimate accessory - clip on boys, organized a group visit to the annual butterfly exhibit. The exhibit detours through the botanical garden greenhouses. Because there were so many visitors, we saw the gardens inch by inch - very literally taking time to smell the flowers. Tropical gardens and South American butterflies banished winter from my conscious.

Little drummer boy AND girl

On Mondays we attend music "awakening." William and Caroline are deftly introduced to musical concepts and instruments. I glean musical vocabulary en français. Magnifique!

Generally adorable! - Mar 2012

I'll call you.


Too, (two) adorable