during and after

Yesterday was a small glimpse into what our life will be like if/when we do our huge renovation. I realize it is hard to compare one day to months and months of upheaval. But it was still very exciting for most of us. Everyone was home from school (Nathaniel and Abigail were sick - sort of) and got a front row seat to the excitement. The boys, especially Nathaniel, were glued to the workers for most of the morning.

The truck couldn't have gotten here sooner. Our kids were banging on the window when they arrived which confused the workers when they were looking around to see who was making all the racket. You can see our new door in the truck.

Here is our wall being prepared for the new door.

What our family room looked like yesterday. The foreman came in and was in awe of what Andrew had rigged up to keep out the dirt and cold. He said he had never seen anyone do this before. (Big pat on the back for Andrew! That's my guy!) Oh, and I almost missed Nathaniel in the far right corner. He found a small hole in the plastic and watched all the action. Can you see him in the orange shirt?

Things got a bit loud for Jesse. Nathaniel immediately found the earmuffs and put them on Jesse.

Things were getting a bit chilly but that didn't deter Nathaniel from watching. He just got his warm winter hat and mitts and kept on watching the excitement.

There goes our wall. After I took this picture, Nathaniel stood in this very spot for about 40 mintues watching the men put in our new french doors.

And check out the light.

Here is the after. It is amazing that everything is back to normal in a short 24 hours. And in case you're wondering about the couch in front of the doors, here's the scoop. We plan on building a deck out these doors at some point. The couch will be moved closer to our tv (the kids are watching the Olympic highlights from last night) to allow us to have easy access to these doors.

And the outside view. We used to have a small shed right here. This got torn down last summer (we finally found out where all the ants were coming from). Andrew put up a temporary handrail until our new deck is designed and built. And the verdict - I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the light. I am realizing how important light is in a home. I'd put that up on the top of my list for designing any space.

before

Inside view.

Outside view.

Be sure to pop by tomorrow for the after shots.

lately...

we've been getting a lot of snow.

Which means I've been doing a lot of this.

Which also means the kids have been doing a lot of this.

Generally they have been very happy about the amount of snow that fell. Although, every once and a while I hear a comment about wanting spring to arrive.

Then there will a whole bunch of other activities that can be enjoyed.

But I am thankful that my children do find joy in our Canadian winters. Seeing your breath...

digging in snow,

and of course tasting it too.

day trip

On Friday, a friend asked what we were up to for the weekend. I thought "Absolutely Nothing". My wheels started turning as I thought about what we could do on Saturday. Of course there are always things to do around the house, but I kept thinking "It is time for a daytrip!" We've never taken all the kids to the Science Centre and I thought this would be a perfect way to spend the day. My kids were super excited to head to Toronto.

Before going to the kids area, we went looking for the rainforest exhibit. We came across these cars. Our kids practiced their reaction time. I love how Jesse makes this work, despite his short legs. This was Nathaniel's favorite thing about the day.

We explored the science arcade. Andrew had fun with the mirrors. Jesse's little head tilt is so sweet.

A presentation began, so we sat down to learn all about electricity.

Did anyone guess where we were from my picture on Saturday? Abigail was interested in having her hair stand up on end, but started getting apprehensive once we got up on stage. She conquered her fear and even went up a second time.

We finally found the rainforest area. The warm, humid temperature was so nice.

Diaper change time. Yes, we could have gone into the washroom, but this is so much more convenient.

Nathaniel and Abigail participated in some paper making while the diaper change was underway.

Everyone got a chance to participate.

The kids area was a real winner. Most kids are drawn to the pin wall. Here's Abigail's body.

We ventured into the market area. Jesse got right down to business filling his basket with healthy, nutritious foods. That's my boy. Abigail took charge as the cashier. Nathaniel didn't quite find his groove and helped with restocking the shelves. This was Abigail's favorite spot. She was here for close to 45 minutes.

The boys discovered the building area. I loved watching them get comfortable, then get right into the thick of the action. There were pieces of foam that you could use to build the roof, walls, columns. Here Jesse is using the conveyer belt to lift pieces up to the second floor. This is where the boys hung out while Abigail worked at her skills in retail.

As we attempted to leave, our kids were drawn to the music room. With lights, music and pretend instruments, our kids were hooked. There were even screens to watch your performance. Jesse chose this activity as his favorite. I love a good day trip!

take a guess

Any guesses on what we did today?

olympic spirit

I love watching the Olympics. And thankfully so do the other members of my household. Our television is generally not turned on a whole lot. But with the Olympics on it usually gets turned on after school and can be on most of the evening. Our kids love cheering on our Canadian athletes and get so excited when we get a medal. I love how they've caught the spirit of the games. Abigail made these rings with her Bendaroos from Christmas.

This is also made from Bendaroos and are stuck onto her mirror.

Last night my kids lined up on the start line for some speed skating (we'd just watched Christine Nesbitt win the gold medal in the 1000m). Jesse had his "helmet" on. They had pretty good form too. Lots of arm pumping.

Nathaniel made this hat at school this week. He loves to wear it while he watches the Olympics. And this is a rare moment when Jesse is actually smiling for the camera.

that's a wrap

It is done. Complete. I don't need to do a single thing to it. My photo a day project for 2009 is on the shelf and ready to be enjoyed. It feels great to have it finished. Can you tell I'm a tad bit excited? Here are the last of my pictures from 2009.

Week 51...

Week 52...

The end of 2009 into 2010...

The last page...

Now for 2010...

family day 2010

Here's a look at how we spent our family day. After a relaxed morning of playing, catching some Olympic highlights (are we the only house that has the tv on all the time?) and a run for me, we headed out for lunch. Jesse was a bit grumpy for half the ride and perked up when we talked about the mango ice cream he would be having.

Nathaniel picked out his hockey shirt last night to wear for Family Day. He said he didn't want to go for sushi, but he secretly loves it.

Abigail kept track of what we ate.

Jesse enjoying some California roll.

It's nice when I get in some shots. Thanks Andrew for taking over the camera duty for a few shots.

We all love the edamame. We ordered 3 dishes.

Abigail polished off 2 orders of California roll.

Finally. What he was waiting for. After he was finished his meal, he made goofy faces at the other patrons. Thank goodness for friendly strangers that don't mind goofy 2 year olds.

Later this afternoon we made a bonfire in the backyard. I provided the snacks.

Everyone was very excited to be having hot chocolate outside.

Jesse waited to get his share.

The boys found theirs too hot. How convenient to just put it in the snow to cool off.

Nathaniel was really into being outside. He kept asking if we could sleep outside too.

Jesse has been a bit under the weather and didn't have a nap (despite my trying). He spent his time chillaxing (Abigail taught us this word today).

Our afternoon was simple to plan, but the kids loved that we did something different. Abigail especially loves when we do these special things together.

Abigail was trying to get a picture with Jesse and he kept trying to kiss her cheek.

Abigail loved it!

Jesse was having a hard time getting all his marshmallows that were stuck to the bottom of his cup.

We just couldn't get those last few. Jesse was so patient waiting though.