In this video, Jack gives us a quick review of the Fair he recently attended.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday of Few Words: Hotels Then and Now
I have always been a lover of hotels. Staying in them is always a treat. While I still really enjoy staying in them, since having kids a few things have changed when it comes to a hotel rendezvous. First of all, romance is kept to a minimum. We sleep with kids or the wrong way on a king sized bed. But there are a couple of other things that are different when it comes to staying at a hotel with our kids.
Before kids, your concern was when the pool closed because a night time hot tub and swim can be a nice way to end the day. Now that we have kids, we are concerned with what time it opens because the pool is the first thing our kids ask for every morning.
Before kids, curtains were for blocking out light to keep the room dark for an extra sleep in or to get some privacy. Now that we have kids, curtains are good for an old-fashioned game of hide and seek.
Happy Wednesday!
Before kids, your concern was when the pool closed because a night time hot tub and swim can be a nice way to end the day. Now that we have kids, we are concerned with what time it opens because the pool is the first thing our kids ask for every morning.
Before kids, curtains were for blocking out light to keep the room dark for an extra sleep in or to get some privacy. Now that we have kids, curtains are good for an old-fashioned game of hide and seek.
Happy Wednesday!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Our Kid Friendly Seattle Vacation
We just returned from a three night trip to Seattle. We stayed within walking distance of Seattle Center and packed our days with adventures, activities and lots of fun. It is funny how vacations change once you have kids. Fluffy robes, nice restaurants and swanky lounges are no longer part of the vacation equation. While I really like fluffy robes at a hotel, the rest doesn't matter much right now because there is nothing like seeing the sights through the eyes of your kids. Their excitement and enthusiasm makes up for those other things ten fold. I had an amazing time and at the end of each day I got slip between cool, crisp sheets of a bed I did not have to make and snuggle one or both of my kids.
If you are looking for or planning a kid friendly vacation, here are my recommendations:
The Children's Museum- Seattle I had heard so many great things about this place that is was first on my list when planning our vacation. Imagine a 22 00 square foot play area, almost entirely hands on. The museum is divided into different exhibits such as Sarah's favourite the Imagination Studio where kids can draw, paint, sculpture or mold. Cog City was Jack's favourite where balls are moved through mazes using levers and pipes.
Pacific Science Center Second on my list when planning our trip was the Science Center. We are already members at Science World Vancouver so I knew our membership got us into the Science Center at no extra charge. The Pacific Science Center is comprised of five buildings. From the Butterfly House to the Dinosaur Exhibit there is so much to see and do. The Kids Works area is packed with fun things to do for the under 6 set.
Seattle Center Monorail The Seattle Monorail connects Seattle Center to the downtown area. We used it to get to Westlake Center where we ate several meals and to get to Pike Place Market. Jack loves trains, so for him it was an added bonus to the trip.
Pike Place Market
I am not going to lie to you, one of the reasons that I love Pike Place Market is the food. The bakeries provide so many beautiful things that taste amazing. One of my favourites is the Russian bakery Piroshky Piroshky. The line up is almost always out the door. When offering Sarah any treat she would like at the market, she chose a bouquet of flowers. Watching her love on her bouquet of flowers and seeing her pure joy made me a little verklempt.
Sarah also could not get enough of the street performers. She danced her way down the street and took great pride in tipping the performers.
Chuck E. Cheese As we headed home today, it was time for Momma to do a little shopping. Retail therapy does the body good. So Captain Canada took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese in Lynwood while I headed to Alderwood Mall. It was good times for everyone.
We had a great time in Seattle. So much so that we are going to do a repeat performance this summer.
If you are looking for or planning a kid friendly vacation, here are my recommendations:
The Children's Museum- Seattle I had heard so many great things about this place that is was first on my list when planning our vacation. Imagine a 22 00 square foot play area, almost entirely hands on. The museum is divided into different exhibits such as Sarah's favourite the Imagination Studio where kids can draw, paint, sculpture or mold. Cog City was Jack's favourite where balls are moved through mazes using levers and pipes.
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| Sarah creating a masterpiece in the Imagination Studio |
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| Jack enjoying himself in Cog City |
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| Sarah participating in one of several dance parties held throughout the day. |
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| Jack loving the water in the Kids Works area. |
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| Jack couldn't get enough of the dinosaur exhibit, but only if Daddy was holding him. |
Seattle Center Monorail The Seattle Monorail connects Seattle Center to the downtown area. We used it to get to Westlake Center where we ate several meals and to get to Pike Place Market. Jack loves trains, so for him it was an added bonus to the trip.
Pike Place Market
I am not going to lie to you, one of the reasons that I love Pike Place Market is the food. The bakeries provide so many beautiful things that taste amazing. One of my favourites is the Russian bakery Piroshky Piroshky. The line up is almost always out the door. When offering Sarah any treat she would like at the market, she chose a bouquet of flowers. Watching her love on her bouquet of flowers and seeing her pure joy made me a little verklempt.
Sarah also could not get enough of the street performers. She danced her way down the street and took great pride in tipping the performers.
Chuck E. Cheese As we headed home today, it was time for Momma to do a little shopping. Retail therapy does the body good. So Captain Canada took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese in Lynwood while I headed to Alderwood Mall. It was good times for everyone.
We had a great time in Seattle. So much so that we are going to do a repeat performance this summer.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Birthday Marathon
A tradition in my family, is birthdays are week long festivals. As far as Jack is concerned, it has been his birthday since Saturday. Today being the actual day of his birth, 7:57 p.m. two years ago, we did it up right. The day was all about Jack (with a little help from his big sister) and we participated in an all out marathon of all things that he likes.
We started the morning off right with a special cereal that is not often consumed at our house.
We were at the mall for opening so that Jack could go on the coin operated rides and play on the airplane.
We headed to McDonald's for lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the fair put on by West Coast Amusements. We had already been there on Sunday and Jack had not stopped talking about it since. He kept saying, "Jack not afraid of the monkeys. Not afraid of the motorcycles. Not afraid of the horses. Not afraid of the fish." As you can see from these photos, Jack was clearly afraid of the fish. In his defense, the fish went really fast and we tried to talk him out of the fish, but his mind was made up.
The motorcycles were just his speed.
After the fair, we went skating. By then both kids were pretty tired and it was really busy, so we didn't last too long. After skating, we all needed a rest. So the kids sat down for popcorn and a movie.
We topped off the evening with some post dinner cupcakes.
Both kids were sound asleep by 7:00 p.m. tonight. I guess the birthday marathon wore them out. Thank goodness we have a couple of months to rest up for Sarah's birthday.
Any family birthday traditions to share?
We started the morning off right with a special cereal that is not often consumed at our house.
We were at the mall for opening so that Jack could go on the coin operated rides and play on the airplane.
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| I love, love, love this picture. |
We headed to McDonald's for lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the fair put on by West Coast Amusements. We had already been there on Sunday and Jack had not stopped talking about it since. He kept saying, "Jack not afraid of the monkeys. Not afraid of the motorcycles. Not afraid of the horses. Not afraid of the fish." As you can see from these photos, Jack was clearly afraid of the fish. In his defense, the fish went really fast and we tried to talk him out of the fish, but his mind was made up.
The motorcycles were just his speed.
After the fair, we went skating. By then both kids were pretty tired and it was really busy, so we didn't last too long. After skating, we all needed a rest. So the kids sat down for popcorn and a movie.
We topped off the evening with some post dinner cupcakes.
Both kids were sound asleep by 7:00 p.m. tonight. I guess the birthday marathon wore them out. Thank goodness we have a couple of months to rest up for Sarah's birthday.
Any family birthday traditions to share?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Birthday Night in Canada
As written in several previous posts, Jack has a pretty serious obsession with all things hockey. So as I enjoyed his party this weekend, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the party and a good old hockey game.
Jack takes pride in his appearance and arrived at the game in his pre-game track suit. You couldn't mistake the look in his eyes, he was ready to play.
Like all good hockey players, Jack took preparation for the game seriously and limbered up by playing balloon.
Once the game started, cousins became fierce opponents and Jack became very protective of the net.
Jack logged big minutes in the first period. He was happy to get a break and demanded snacks at the intermission. Jack is not afraid to share the limelight with his team mates and without hesitation shared his moment of glory and the snacks.
After snacks, Jack was ready to log more minutes.
Fans were out in full force, cheering and waving balloons.
Post game, Jack wore his jersey with pride. A testament to his team spirit and love for the game.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Let's Talk About our Feelings
This post has been banging around in my head for a few weeks. I have written it two or three times while lying in Jack's bed. It always sounds good in my head, but when I sit down to write it, the good parts don't sound quite as good anymore.
I am struck by the emotions of motherhood. How extreme and raw they can be. How high the highs can be and how low the lows can be and how my emotions can change from minute to minute.
It is that moment that I watch my kids play and share and a giggle together. Or when Jack goes and sits by Sarah and puts his arm around her because she is crying. When Sarah says, "It's ok Mommy, we can do it another time" when something is disappointing. Those are just a few of the moments, where I feel filled up with love, adoration and pride. Where I take a moment to be thankful that I am on this roller coaster ride of being a mom.
The other extreme is the total frustration I feel sometimes. I want to run and hide and take a time out in my room (on a side note, I have tried taking a time out before and it doesn't go over to well with the little ones). The non-stop whining about something I cannot fix. The refusal to listen to reason. When both kids are crying at the same time for different reasons and I can't make anyone happy. Those are the times where I feel so frustrated that my head might explode. I think it is the feeling of helplessness that goes along with the frustration that is an especially wicked combination.
I guess what I am trying to say is that being a mom is not all sunshine and rainbows. There are hard moments, hard days and hard nights. It is o.k. to admit that and acknowledge that it is not always easy or fun. But through it all, through the frustrating moments and the self-induced time-outs, there is love- a whole lot of love.
I am struck by the emotions of motherhood. How extreme and raw they can be. How high the highs can be and how low the lows can be and how my emotions can change from minute to minute.
It is that moment that I watch my kids play and share and a giggle together. Or when Jack goes and sits by Sarah and puts his arm around her because she is crying. When Sarah says, "It's ok Mommy, we can do it another time" when something is disappointing. Those are just a few of the moments, where I feel filled up with love, adoration and pride. Where I take a moment to be thankful that I am on this roller coaster ride of being a mom.
The other extreme is the total frustration I feel sometimes. I want to run and hide and take a time out in my room (on a side note, I have tried taking a time out before and it doesn't go over to well with the little ones). The non-stop whining about something I cannot fix. The refusal to listen to reason. When both kids are crying at the same time for different reasons and I can't make anyone happy. Those are the times where I feel so frustrated that my head might explode. I think it is the feeling of helplessness that goes along with the frustration that is an especially wicked combination.
I guess what I am trying to say is that being a mom is not all sunshine and rainbows. There are hard moments, hard days and hard nights. It is o.k. to admit that and acknowledge that it is not always easy or fun. But through it all, through the frustrating moments and the self-induced time-outs, there is love- a whole lot of love.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Five on Friday- The J Edition
This post brought to you by the letter J.
1. Jack: My boy turns two on March 23. We are celebrating his birthday this weekend with our families. Truth be told, I was afraid to have a boy. I didn't think I would know what to do with one. From the moment he was born, I was smitten and now I can't imagine it any other way.
2. Jersey: I may have mentioned that Jack has a bit of a hockey obsession. We decided that with his love of all things hockey, a jersey cake was the only way to go. I can only take credit for the icing. The design of the cake was created by Captain Canada. I love how it turned out.
3. Jewelry: Tomorrow is also my sixth wedding anniversary. We celebrated tonight and Captain Canada gave me some charms to add to my Pandora Bracelet. He has excellent taste and chose charms that fit in nicely with my heart theme.
4. Just for Fun: We have a houseful of balloon animals at our house. Captain Canada thought it would be a good party trick. The crazy balloon hats are the most popular. But, the animals are fun too. After Jack and Sarah's birthdays, we may be able to take this show on the road.
5. Just Be: Spring break starts today. I have the next two weeks off. I want to do lots of fun activities with the kids and enjoy the time that I have with them. I can't wait to skate, swim, observe, read, explore and craft with them.
What are your favourite J words this weekend?
1. Jack: My boy turns two on March 23. We are celebrating his birthday this weekend with our families. Truth be told, I was afraid to have a boy. I didn't think I would know what to do with one. From the moment he was born, I was smitten and now I can't imagine it any other way.
2. Jersey: I may have mentioned that Jack has a bit of a hockey obsession. We decided that with his love of all things hockey, a jersey cake was the only way to go. I can only take credit for the icing. The design of the cake was created by Captain Canada. I love how it turned out.
3. Jewelry: Tomorrow is also my sixth wedding anniversary. We celebrated tonight and Captain Canada gave me some charms to add to my Pandora Bracelet. He has excellent taste and chose charms that fit in nicely with my heart theme.
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| Image taken from www.Denmark-beads.com |
4. Just for Fun: We have a houseful of balloon animals at our house. Captain Canada thought it would be a good party trick. The crazy balloon hats are the most popular. But, the animals are fun too. After Jack and Sarah's birthdays, we may be able to take this show on the road.
5. Just Be: Spring break starts today. I have the next two weeks off. I want to do lots of fun activities with the kids and enjoy the time that I have with them. I can't wait to skate, swim, observe, read, explore and craft with them.
What are your favourite J words this weekend?
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