The Lake Lot

 A while back we headed north to Skeleton Lake, Auntie Jenn was there with Rob and her critters.  It was fun to hang out for the afternoon and explore.  There isn't much there yet, big dreams but right now a bunch of brush and a foundation for the future cabin.  It was a fun afternoon though!  Quad ride and exploring the brush total favourites of Mia.

Snapped a family picture - kinda dig these peeps!  So glad they are with me forever!!

PS An afternoon at the lake is my kind of camping

~ Mrs. P



Together a long time when...

You know that you've been together a long time when you start dressing a like. You know how it is when you just are 'SO INCREDIBLY INTUNE WITH ONE ANOTHER'.  hahahahha well sorta!!! 

Yup, that happened to us!

Graham just smiled because he knew I would insist on a pick.

~ Mrs. P

Yeah for Piggy Tails!

I am totally 'one of those moms'!!! You know the kind that give their kids snacks, turn on a show, bribing them to do thier hair. I also regularly put headbands where pony tails can not yet be made but a big event happened around here. 

Stella has enough hair to pull off her first set of piggies!!

  I love this pic because she looks so shocked about her new style.

Love it!

~ Momma P

Bike Bike Bo-Bike

Funny story.

We went shopping for a bike with Amelia but then were cautious that she didn't see us buy it.  On her official bday we kept it stashed away wanting to share the excitement we expected with our family when we had her bday bash....and then totally forgot to give it to her!!! Duh!!!! So she ended up getting it Sunday evening when we realized the chick hadn't gotten her big gift from us.  It was a hit and clearly her little sister can't wait to have her turn.

Our biker chick!

~ Mrs. P



Birthday Bashes for the LADIES!

My heart is totally full!  We had a super great weekend with our ladies and extended family!!!  We honoured both out little women with a party each on Saturday. 

Amelia Ann turned 3 on June 10th.  She is a quiet, gentle girl with a compassionate heart.  She doesn't hesitate to let us know her thoughts and has a streak of strong will...which in the moment can be a challenge but is a trait we love.  She loves babies, dresses and Thomas the train.  We had a Thomas inspired party.  We met downtown and took a ride on the Highlevel Bridge Streetcar.  Such fun!  A picnic and presents followed, the conductors even had a piece of cake.

 This chick was way into her presents this year.  It is thrilling to watch your kiddos have fun and experience things.  She was definitely showered with love and gifts at her party.

Stella Charlene is our baby girl and definitely a momma's girl!  Her striking blue eyes and spiky hair are her classic trademarks.  She is mostly serious but has an awesome 6 tooth smile and a heart stealing laugh.  We adore her!  We celebrated at home with a BBQ and went crazy with party hats, a candy bar and a time capsule (she'll get it when she turns 16).  Family also filled out cards stating why we are 'lucky to have Stella'.   Also, I actually made the cake with help from a friend.  Usually Alyson takes this on for our family but dang she is still in Ontario, I was pleased with the result.  Our baby girl had her official 1st birthday on May 30th. It was a real colourful party aka rainbow theme!

As always I am a fan of the decorations! 

Above, best smile ever and below...ummm first cake experience that got a little emotional once the cake got dumped on the floor.  The cake got dumped because the girl got mad because the momma walked out of view.

 Sadly the only pic we took with our whole family, yup the baby girl isn't looking and the big sister is camouflaged and blending in with the new pink couch.

Love it that our family does what I ask even though they think it is silly!!!

The cake, coolness that it actually turned out!

It was a wonderful weekend full of moments that will be cherished!

~ Mrs. P

Pre-Birthday Date with the Parents

Our Miss Amelia Ann is turning three!  I am in shock at how quickly this has happened.  As cliche as it sounds it truly seems like yesterday we were cuddling this tiny babe in the hospital in disbelief that she was ours. Now she is set to turn three tomorrow. We went out just the three of us to check out a movie, Madagascar 3...Amelia's first theatre experience.  She did well.  Was afraid of a few previews and asked to go home but we stuck it out and she enjoyed the movie, even danced during the songs at the end.  Such fun!!!! Sure love this big girl!

Much more to record, our house is bustling with celebrations.  I got weekends mixed up and so we also celebrated Father's Day at our house this weekend, hahaha yes I seriously didn't note the dates in my calendar.  Next weekend we celebrate the birthdays party style with our families. Should be good times.

~ Mrs.P

Encouraged vs Discouraged

First, smiles and sister love...they are totally my world!!  Oh and Mr.P too!

This is also to serve as a reminder to myself.

We live a life with easy access to cool ideas on Pinterest, great ways to keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Blogs and with Google we can pretty much find anything.  So I have adopted a personal philosophy as I use these various tools; BE ENCOURAGED NOT DISCOURAGED!

There are fabulous ideas out in the world for whatever interests you; cooking, home decor, crafting, kiddo stuff, really the list is endless.  I recently discovered Youtube for hair ideas, crazy that it took me this long to discover that (thanks Elyse)!!! 

Anyway, when we see cool things that others are doing it can be easy to feel discouraged that we aren't as good at _______ BUT each of us has our own talents, strengths, priorities and interests.  We need not compare.  I read once that this lady had taught herself to just appreciate beautiful things when she saw them instead of feeling the need to own them, bahhhh I should work on that!  I love that thought though, SIMPLY APPRECIATING the cool idea, the beautifully decorated room, the awesome hairstyle, fun kiddo activity or interesting recipe... we need not ALWAYS do it or make it! For sure there are things that we see our friends do on Facebook or follow a blog that shows something totally rad we feel inspired to do with our family.  That is the point though to BE INSPIRED NOT BUMMED.  Just a few thoughts on keeping it positive!!!

~ Mrs.P