Santa Came to Town

Santa came to Barrie a little early this year...and he had a parade. This year we braved the crowds, and the elements, to get a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick. Rather than the usual roadside seat, this year we decided to watch the parade from a streetside tavern patio. A tavern, you say....with kids? Yes, a tavern. It was the perfect spot. Elevated above the crowd, we had an unobstructed view. They served hot chocolate for the kids and hot totties for adults—a fantastic combination. It was a great way to usher in the festive season: family, friends, Santa...and Shriners.

Night at the Americana in Niagara Falls

Riley, Simon and Amanda headed down to Niagara Falls to a hotel called the Americana to meet Nee Nee and Papa for a night away. Jason couldn't go with them because they went during the week....another perk of Amanda working half time. The Americana has an indoor waterpark which is similar to the Great Wolf Lodge but on a smaller scale. They spent the night in the wave pool, going down water slides, playing in the water swing, watching the giant bucket dump water on people and eatting $35.00 hotdogs. The food there was very expensive!!!!!! Amanda and the kids had a joining hotel room with Nee Nee Nee and Papa, it made life much easier with naps and bedtime. We had a blast there together and hope that we can return sooner than later as a family of four.

Snow Fort

Riley and Jason took advantage of the major snowfall, and built a snow fort. Tons of fun, but it's right in front of the house and is often a detour when kids are supposed to be going to the car. Oh well..."let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

Swimming Lessons

The kids have been enjoying swimming lessons this fall. This is the first time that they have been able to be in the pool together. Both Amanda and Jason are in the pool with them--Nothing like wading in a shallow pool full of pee to create a family bonding experience. Riley and Simon are in different groups so they do their own thing for the most part, until they see each other and want to trade parents...keeps it interesting.

Riley is like a fish. She puts her whole head under, jumps in off the side of the pool, blows bubbles, and kicks and uses her arms. She is so good, that--unfortunately for mom and dad--her next session of lessons will be "sans parents." Swimming is one of her favourite activities.

Simon takes after his big sister. He is starting to blow bubbles, slide in from the side of the pool, and he is kicking his feet. His favourite part is chasing after the ducky.



We are taking a bit of a break from swimming lessons over the winter--cold and flu season. But we are going to family swim times and are practicing in the bath. Can't wait for the beach this summer.

Simon's First Haircut

Our little boy is growing up...sniff...sniff. Goodbye golden baby locks..hello Mr. man. Simon went for his first haircut. We took him to a place that specializes in children's hair. Simon was really good. He sat in a little airplane (a fun replacement for the traditional barber chair), and put on the tiny blue smock--so cute. He sat there and watched as they trimmed his hair. This place is great. They have a TV in front of the chair so that, if needed, a kid's dvd could go on as a distraction. They even give out a certificate and lock of hair from his first haircut. Turned out to be an enjoyable experience--minus the realization that our baby is growing up...even if it is only a year.

Well, a little time has passed, and Simon has adjusted to his new do. With a little help from his stylist, Mommy, he is a real lady-killer (not unlike his old man...haha). Attaboy!

Girls' Weekend...Hooray!!!

Girls' weekend!!! Amanda, Riley and Nee Nee got the chance to have a weekend getaway to the big city: T.O. The fun started Friday afternoon when Nee Nee checked into the room--quite a bit early. Later in the evening, when Amanda and Riley arrived, Nee Nee had started the party in the hotel lounge. The three took the party to their suite, where riley called her "peeps." The beds/trampolines got a good workout, and saw both Nee Nee and Riley jump the gap. What a fun night.

The torrent pace continued for the rest of the weekend. Everyone shopped. Everyone had nice meals. Everyone took a dip in the pool--Riley loves to swim. She also had a great time in the hotel playroom--lots of toys and dollies. A perfect weekend!

Gymnastics

Move over Nadia Comăneci, a new face has hit the gymastics scene. Riley has begun a new and exciting activity. It involves wearing a pink body suit, and playing like a ninja. Oh, to be young again...well at least the ninja part for Jason. She is having a great time running on the mat, jumping on the trampoline, balancing on the beam, and hanging from the (monkey) bar. We have loved watching her do all of these "rad" moves...especially out of the house; off of the furniture. A photographer came in during one of her later sessions; here are a few snapshots.

She will begin a new session at a new club in January. We have changed clubs because Simon will be able to begin gymnastics (ninja training) along side of Riley. It will be quite an adventure for Amanda because the sessions are scheduled while Jason is working...should be a blast!!!!

Finally!!!!!

We have been wanting to do a family blog for a long, long time. Have tried a few times before, but with dial-up service out in the country haven't had much success. Well, try, try again--or perhaps the definition of insanity...trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. With high-speed lines being laid a half mile down the concession, and the prospect of speeds in excess of 9.6 kilobytes per second--not even joking--we shall see.

We will use this blog to tell about our family adventures and give updates on Riley and Simon. Hope you all enjoy our little slice of heaven.