This awesome spring weather has meant bare feet appearing, shorts coming out, rosy sun touched cheeks, a filthy bathtub, sound sleepers. Being in the land of lakes, we have been planning trips to the beach throughout the winter. We couldn't wait any longer- high of 18- meant first official beach trip of the year was first on the agenda. The wind was cool, there were still some ice flows- but it was glorious to sink our toes into the sand.

There is a new Gang in Town!

A Perk

For the past 6 years Chris has driven between 3 and 6 hours a day communting to and from work. Most of the time this driving was done in crazy traffic, not providing the calm de-stressing time he could of used. He currently leaves just before 9, and is almost always home by 5 (if not earlier). Since he works downtown, we often meet him for a coffee, ice cream or as we did today, met for lunch. Spontaneously I picked up some pizza, and we all walked over to the picnic tables beside the lake to share lunch. It was so amazing to share this beautiful weather together, but to have the opportunity for him to be part of our day with such ease. As we walked him to his office, hand in hand, surrounded by our 'guys' we looked at each other thinking the same thing- how great that was.

The Cherry on the Cake

To end a fabulous day outside......a campfire of course.

A breath of fresh air

This week has been incredible. The weather has been so fabulous, clear skies, warm and sunny. I find myself saying numerous times a day, breathing in deeply and feeling so thankful for such beautiful days. Shaking off the layers of clothes, bringing out the bikes, taking the skateboards to the skate park, climbing at the park, finding green growing, has been so rejuvenating for all of us. Everyone is covered in dirt at the end of the day, too exhausted to do more than have a quick wash and fall into bed, asleep before the audio book as really begun.

Every Day Is a Concert Kind of a Day

These two love to entertain. A song, a poem, a dance, a joke. You name the time and place, they will be there. I am a fan, so I get front row seats.

Family Time

It was a joy to have my family over for Easter. Shared cooking, relaxed eating, yummy food, great company, cousins playing, long chats. Sunshine, time outside, archery, ATV rides, visits from deer. It was nice to be together.

Very friendly friends

When we moved here at the beginning of November we created a wildlife spotting book. We have been recording the animals and birds we have been sighting. This past week and weekend we have sighted deer on our property 21 separate times. One night we had two babies and four adults a few feet away from our front porch. Today we sat on the grass and quietly watched a young adult nibble on some grass and spilt bird food a few feet away. The baby with its mama in the picture above was very comical. It would jump and trip over its own feet trying to get away from the leaves blowing in the wind. There are a few we think we may recognize from return visits. Names are being tossed around for a few of them.

A sign pointing home

For his birthday, Elias got a wood burning tool kit. He has great enjoyment making and gifting signs. He placed this one at the end of the driveway the other day- it's these special touches that is making me feel more at home.

Hop Little Bunny, Hop, Hop, Hop!

Carrying a basket, finding eggs, and jelly beans or chocolate inside! Needless to say, this bunny was loving the Easter morning hunt!

Hunting in the Woods!

We have always had our egg hunt outside. This year there was the special treat of hunting in our little wooded area. It was a big hit.

The opener of ball hockey season

Three practices on Friday night, one after the other. Three games Saturday morning, one after the other. Three very happy kids.

First of Many

You know how much we love frogs. And patiently waiting to hold one, can definitely be an art. Aria caught the first of the season. A sleepy leopard frog. There was some discussion of having a hat or something passed on to the person who found and held the first frog of the season; it is a proud honour after all.

Perhaps there is an award for best frog catching outfit?

The Changing Face of Story Time

I have found memories of library programs with Elias. We would listen to stories, play with puppets, use felt story boards, work on a craft (well I worked :). I enjoyed the time with other mamas, it was exciting watching me interact with other toddlers. We would take the bus, picking up a cookie at the bakery for the ride. It was all good.

I attempted programs with Ben, but he was a different kid. The thought of sitting for the story, being quiet and 'paying attention' was not his version of a good time. He wanted to hold the book and have everyone follow him, he wanted to dance, lay on the puppets and hide the felt pieces. When Aria was little, the thought of asking three kids under 4 to sit and listen to the stories was comical.

Obviously, time changes things. Story time happens, it just looks different as the family's needs and ages change. This week it changed again. We all headed to the library for a program Shai was signed up for. He loved it. Singing the songs, sitting for the stories, working with Aria on the craft(an Easter Bonnet he has been wearing since), looking at the felt board. It was a good time.

Keeping up with the Jones...make that the R family!

Friends of ours posted a very cool find- turtle eggs! These were eggs containing turtles that didn't make it past this stage, giving our friends an opportunity to learn about turtles at a very early stage. We were all amazed (and a little grossed out-lol) at their find.

We recently had a cool find of our own, and the kids wanted to share it with their friends. (and since this blog is something they consider to have part ownership- here it is!) As we have already mentioned, we have voles here at the house tunneling everywhere. While cleaning out the garage we found this little guy....considering the tunnels its very little.

Our Secret Weapon

The kids claim they pulled out all the stops and used their secret weapon to keep their friends over night- a spring storm. We were glad they got here safely, and over the moon they stayed longer than planned. It takes no time for everyone to fall into their groove with each other, pick up games played before, conversations continued. No matter how long, its always too short.

Boiling Off

There have been many things we have dreamed about over the years, many to do with having a bit of land. We are currently in the process of planning an outdoor oven, a move able chicken coop and of course chickens, play structures, gardens, outdoor art, and dreaming new dreams.

One of these has been collecting sap and boiling it to syrup. Thanks to friends we have been doing that.

Three trees tapped have given us close to 40 Ls of sap. After boiling we finish boiling all of it we expect a few cups of syrup. We have set up a tripod over the outdoor fire and have it going all day. Which of course means our expert fire tenders are put to work, lunch is cooked outside and more plans for the tripod are made. There is lots of talk about maple syrup plans- special giant pancakes, eaten on the back deck, washed down with maple syrup tea. A ceremonial meal to celebrate.

Pond time

We have a love affair with ponds. How could you not? The water, having the option to wade in rubber boots or bare feet. Its generally not too deep, making falling in kind of fun. The living wonders; water striders, pond snails, dragon flies, painted turtles, frogs, toads, red wing blackbirds, herons, ducks, and these are just the common ones. The plants, slime, cat tails, murky water.
One of the things that gave this house extra merit points for us was the pond. Oh the afternoons of exploring and filling jars with specimens, the early morning quiet spent watching a visiting heron, the evenings listening for frog songs. Its exciting. The snow is gone (for now) and the nets have been unpacked. We have two mallards who spend part of everyday swimming around. I can just see the laundry line filling with the clothes to dry.

It's the earmuffs!

I love this stage. Mismatched shoes, two pairs of pants, hats, one mitt, a sparkly cape and adement that this is thee outfit for the grocery store. Such pride goes into put each outfit together.