Royal Wood

Saturday night Matt and I went out on a date, like an actual one, with grown ups and no kids. It was dreamy. Well, actually it was weird but you take what you can get.

Royal Wood was playing at St. Matthew's Church downtown, it was such a cool venue. Church by day and host to any number of things at night. We went with Katie and Brennan and sat in the balcony. They have concerts there regularly because of the size and the amazing acoustics. It was the best show I've ever seen, not just because of Royal Wood and Peter Katz, but because it sound so dang good in there with those high ceilings.

But about the weirder parts of the night, we decided it would be easier (famous last words) to get the bus downtown from Katie's place instead of looking for parking on a Saturday night. The bus was twenty minutes late, and the driver could not deal with it. She was on the phone/radio the whole time trying to figure out what she should do to make up for lost time. She then chased down the bus on the same route that was on time, flagged him over and tried to pawn her passengers off on him. When he drove away she honked the horn wildly. She chased him down again and we transferred buses. That was all fine, we were a bit later than we had hoped, the plan was to eat first but our dinner window was dwindling.

We get to our stop in front of the church and next to where we had planned on eating. After a fairly uneventful second bus ride, we thought we were in the clear of strange happenings until the bus driver called after Katie. Apparently he had directed a play she and I were in, in high school and remembered her! So weird. That Katie sure is unforgettable, even the director-turned-bus driver can't forget her, ten years later.

The restaurant was crowded and a waitress directed us to stand in the middle of it and wait to be seated. No one came so we left. How embarrassing. With a lineup outside of the church and not a whole lot of time left, we skipped food and went to get a coffee to warm up and kill some time. We sat at the biggest, most awkward booth and Matt had a bad encounter with a filthy bathroom. Told you it was a weird night.

Then it was concert time, finally. It was beautiful and huge and kind of novel to be attending a show in a church. Peter Katz opened and while I'd never heard of him before, I'm a big fan now. He was charming and told sweet stories and played lovely acoustic music. Once Royal came out, I realized we had seen him outside earlier and then spent the rest of the evening lamenting the fact that we hadn't said hello/gotten a picture or something. Either way, he was fantastic and engaging and I can't wait to see him again.

Next time though, we are driving and eating beforehand. Walking aimlessly in the cold looking for food at 10 p.m. on a Saturday in downtown HRM is not something I ever want to experience again.

Free Comic Book Day

Matt worked all through last weekend so it was us chickens left here to fend for ourselves. We had already skipped a soccer practise the week prior because Matt was working, so I was determined to get there this week. Saturday also happened to be Free Comic Book Day so obviously we had to go. We bussed to soccer, which took almost an hour, Max was goalie this week! He was so excited when he came out, telling us very dramatically about it. We had some time to kill before we had to catch the bus downtown, so we hit up the playground next to the rec centre.

The bus downtown was long and uneventful, full of "are we there yet?" and people watching. Once we were at the comic book store (Quantum Frontier), we got some pictures taken with out favourite heroes to kill time while waiting in line to get in.

Can you spot the Boop?

While waiting at the front of the line, Katie's husband, Brennan was walking by. Talk about good timing, he got to skip the line and go right in with Max. Line cutter. There was lots to do and see, and I had a good chat with the owner about making the day more stroller friendly, his idea, not mine! It was a tight squeeze with the stroller but do-able.

Afterwards we grabbed some lunch with Brennan and then caught another hour long bus home. Three hours on the bus total, which could've been a nightmare, but my city kids didn't mind at all.

Max ended up with four new comics (all free) a little keychain toy and a balloon sword (also free, because he's cute and people just give him things). We'll be going back next year, for sure, maybe not by bus though, hopefully for Momma's sake.

Happy Easter... a few days late

Happy Easter! We were away for part of the long weekend so I'm a little late on my holiday greetings.

We spent Easter Sunday and Monday at Matt's parents. We had our egg hunt Sunday morning before we left for Little Harbour. The kids opened their baskets had a big breakfast, got their Sunday best on and went downstairs for another egg hunt, put on by our buildings super. E cleaned the place out, she had a full basket and had already eaten most of her chocolate by the time the big kids were finished.

Stoked for Minnie Mouse Play Doh

We came back home and opened some gifts sent up from the grandparents in Cape Breton and then it was time to hit the road. We made it to Little Harbour just in time for another egg hunt. The boys spent the rest of the day playing board games with Grampie and the Uncles while I got to sit, drink too much coffee and eat nothing but sugar with Grammie and the girls.

Why are gifts from Grandparents always more exciting?

Late night parties at the Brown's with lots of wine and cheese are what Holidays were made for. All the "big kids" stayed up waaaay past bedtime and had the silliest conversations with Matt providing some acoustic background music. Quick trips to Little Harbour are good for the soul, I have my theories.

Little help from the Aunties

The next day on our way home we stopped at a friend's place, she's actually the one who set Matt and I up all those years ago. She has a little gal around Max's age and a new little guy who lets me snuggle him. Its win win for everyone.

Once we got home it was a rush to get supper on the table, everything unpacked and to put two very sleepy little bunnies to bed. Then it was time for the adults to unwind with a new episode of Game of Thrones and pass out like we hadn't slept in weeks. Happy Easter indeed!

Our Weekend 019

What an excellent, productive weekend. We got so much done, in the same amount of time normal people do. That never happens. Errands and chores take eight times longer in this house, for whatever reason, but not this weekend. We were all motivated and the kids were even kind of, sorta, helpful. What?! I know, crazy talk.

Saturday, bright and early, was Max's first day of soccer. Parents couldn't stay in the gym, unless absolutely necessary (which is why there are no pictures) and Max was cool with it. He jumped right in and starting running around like he'd been playing for years. He wore the cutest little gym shorts and fancy new sneaks that I had to go to three (!!) different stores to find, but he was so proud of himself. When I went in to pick him up the first thing he said was "I was a good boy, Momma!" And then I melted into a puddle.

Trying to keep E busy while Max was having all the fun.

We signed up for a 5k run to support the Lung Association, through The Credit Union Atlantic. If that seems out of character for us, it was, but Katie works for the Credit Union so we did it for her. It was really not that bad, I can say that because I didn't run. I'm sure the people who actually exerted themselves might have a different opinion. It had been raining all day, but minutes before the run started the sun came out. E had the right idea, she sat in her stroller, eating Cheerios  and then had a nap. Girl, is smart. Max wanted to run but that didn't last long once he got going. Afterwards we came back here, Matt BBQ'd burgers for us all and we (even the babes) stayed up way too late.

Sunday was day one of swimming lessons for Max. He is normally a fairly cautious child but he jumped into the pool immediately. So I guess he was excited about the whole swimming thing? He spent the next half hour ignoring the instructor and trying to do his own thing. I'm sure she loved him.    

The afternoon was spent picking out seeds and soil and planters for our little Summer garden. We've been in this apartment two years and have barely used the deck. Hopefully, this is our last Summer here, so we're making the most of it.

We planted spinach last night, that's as far as we got because it was pretty chilly and E couldn't hold the shovel anymore. Little pink noses are a sign to go in and warm up.

So much in one weekend. Super productive, only a handful of breakdowns (from me and the kids) and lots of fun. Easter weekend is around the corner so I'm glad we got a lot out of the way this week, because I don't plan on doing much during a long weekend.

Birthday Outing

What was up with Monday? It was like, 16 degrees all day, was it just for my birthday? Because, yesterday and today have been cold, wet and windy. Mother Nature, you crazy.

Since it was nice, and we've been cooped up for WAY too long, we took to the streets for a big dose of Vitamin D and some playground action. Katie had the day off, so she got to join us. We had the place to ourselves right up until the lunch bell rang and we were swarmed by school kids. That was when we went to stalk a potential new apartment to call home and grab some lunch.

doing their best Miley impressions.

E slept in her stroller right up until the food arrived. Smart gal. We hadn't really done much up to that point, but all the excitement or lack of excercise all winter, and I was spent. Thank goodness for downhill walks home. There was still plenty of ice cream cake left and two spots on the couch for the over 25 crowd to rest on.

Such an amazingly simple but fun day. Thanks for taking a girl out, Katie!

Our Weekend 016

Oops, took a week off. Totally didn't mean to but with Matt being home in the evenings I find things here move a lot more quickly and before you know it, it's bedtime. Or time to watch another episode of whatever we're watching that week. So much more fun to watch new things with someone else. Now I'm not just talking to myself in the dark. 

Anyway, long week of restless babes, evenings were spent relaxing.

Started the weekend off right with a girls night with Katie. Coffee and two different Targets were involved so you know it was good. I didn't get home till way past the littles bedtime (planned that, bedtime sucks) and when I walked in the door, the house was quiet and Matt was looking for a movie for us. Neddless to say, best night ever. There was no way the rest of the weekend could top this. 

I realize how low my standards are.

Saturday was warm enough to make a trip to the Farmer's Market. I really love farmers markets, in an irrational way. If I'm near a veggie stand, I'm content. I'm sure that has a deeper meaning, somehow. Went got there close to lunch time so naturally we searched for food right away. We sat outside on the  second floor deck, overlooking the harbour and ate our breakfast pizza and sipped our hipster-y coffee and then the unbelievable happened. A helicopter flew by, right in front of our little el fresco brunch. The babes lost their minds. We did too though, it was so cool. We spent the rest of our day eating our market haul, including steak from our friend Phil. It caused the whole house to go up in smoke but Matt said it was the best thing he'd ever eaten so, worth it?

Sunday kind of drove itself. We left early in the morning for Dartmouth because Matt wanted to show me this cute little fruit and veggie shop near his new job. We figured since we were in the are, we'd stop at the mall and get some gym clothes for Max (he's starting soccer next month). While Max and I were shopping, Matt and E had some sneaky business to do. When we met back up with them, they had a new phone for me! An iPhone, no less. We ate at the food court, let the kids ride on those money grabber rides that cost way too much and last all of 5 seconds and got a little people watching done. We are totally not mall people. I think I've been there four times in two years. But this was fun, we got what we needed to get, there was no pressure or timeline to follow and the kids loved it. 

First picture with the new phone...

His reaction when I told him he couldn't have the phone.

Once we finally left the mall (I'd forgotten what sunshine looked like) we came home, made tacos and watched the Sword in the Stone. So, bring it weekend. Try and top this one. 

Also, I'm probably going to over post this week to make up for last week. Maybe? Don't hold me to it.

Our Weekend 015

Super busy weekend, but a good busy. We had a surprise visit from Grammie and Grampie, they brought pizza and the two littlest Aunties. Matt and I snuck out for an hour to grab dinner at the new taco truck down the street, because romance.

Saturday was Katie's birthday, she'd invited us all over for wine and snacks but Philip had the idea of bringing a party with us. Guerrilla birthday party. It was a lot of fun, showing up in party hats with garbage bags full of balloons. We love you Katie!

Earlier in the week I had purchased a Groupon for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and since it was March Break here there was a pirate scavenger hunt. We dressed the littles up like pirates and headed out. Matt has most of the pictures so that will have to be another post for another day. It was so much fun though. The babes had a blast and it was practically free so, win-win.

Not too shabby for our first real weekend together. Can't wait for the next one, five days and counting.

Feels Like Spring

Today was so nice. Cool and crisp and spring-jacket appropriate kind of weather. The littles and I took a little walk, it took a lot of convincing on my part because they think it's always cold but not today!

So, pictures or it didn't happen, right?

I hope Mother Nature isn't just teasing us and this weather is here to stay. All this fresh air knocked E right out. Epic nap times make for happy babies. And Mommas.

Future Gold Medalist

On Sunday, after watching Canada win the gold medal in men's hockey, by chance we got a call from Grammie and Grampie Brown. They wanted to come visit and thought it'd be nice to go skating. The original plan was to go to the Oval but that didn't pan out because of an unseasonably warm day (naturally) but we found a rink ten minutes from home that was having an open skate.

We packed up our winter gear and met them at the arena. Matt's two youngest sisters were already on the ice when we got there. There were Max sized skates waiting for us there, which was a surprise and even a pair for Matt. I don't skate and Matt hadn't for at least ten years but Grampie is a pro. He convinced Max - the child who won't participate in anything - to go out on the ice with him. It was Max's first time.

Ellie, Grammie and I sat on the bleachers and watched. E had a ball just watching everyone and gave little waves to everyone who skated past us. It was an awful lot of fun seeing Max not only do something, but enjoy it. He had one little spill but he got right back up.

Afterwards he and Ellie had a snack while we packed everything up and he talked about coming back to practice, so he could be like Sidney. And Grampie. Gosh he's cute, that Max.

Matt caught the skating bug too, so we're going back next week. Probably more than once. I may have to learn how to skate.

Our Weekend 011

So, we didn't really "celebrate" Valentine's Day on the actual day.But, I did get beautiful flowers and the sweetest handmade card from the three amigos so I guess that's better? It's totally better.

Clearly Matt's the artsy one in the relationship

 Katie came over to watch the littles on Saturday while Matt and I went out to dinner. We figured we'd skip the V Day crowds that way. We went to 2 Doors Down, downtown and it was amazing.

When we got there, they didn't have any tables available but they would call us when one opened up. We walked down to Starbucks to grab some fancy coffees and wait it out but it ended up only taking fifteen minutes. We tried the Dine Around menu, which is a set menu of three different options to start and three more for an entrée and a dessert of your choice. Everything sounded delicious. Matt got the Finnan Haddie to start which was like a haddock chowder and the seafood vermicelli as his main course. I had the kale caesar and the cheeseburger. It was massive so we split the burger. Oh. So. Good.

His & Hers

We'll definitely be going back. Although before this date we hadn't been downtown for dinner since last summer, so who knows when we'll make it back. We were actually so tired from going out to dinner (I know) that I'm still recovering. Can you tell we don't get out much? Oh, and we were home by 9:30 that night. Good grief.

Sunday was a bit stormy so we stayed in and had a movie day. The best sort of Sunday afternoon. Beth came over for dinner that evening and played with the babes until they fell asleep. Aunties are great like that.

I couldn't think of a proper way to end this thing so... that's all :)

Our best date

Since it's Valentine's week, (I'm making that a thing) I thought I'd share one of favourite dates Matt and I have had.

We were staying at his parents place while he worked in New Glasgow, since they're only an hour and a half away and always willing to have us, we stayed with them for the week last summer. They insisted offered to babysit so we could have a night out. They even let us take the convertible!

Jump to us running out of the house waving to the babes behind us and hopping in the car. We had no solid plan, we were just happy to be out together and in a really cool car. We're simple folks.

We drove for a while and ended up at a chinese restaurant that I use to go to all the time while I was in school in New Glasgow. The food is subpar, at best and the atmosphere is cheesy but I get nostalgic sometimes, is what. I ordered my usual and Matt (ever the adventurous eater) ordered some sort of shrimp dish. When it came, I was too busy devouring mine to notice he hadn't really touched his. When I looked up and saw that he wasn't eating and had this look on his face, something was up. His food was... not good. Let's leave it at that.

So we left, still early we got back in the car and drove some more. That's when Matt had the best idea. There was a new brewery in Pictou that he wanted to try out. OK! It was the cutest little place, run by a husband and wife team, the wife was actually the only one there and she was THE sweetest gal. She gave us a little tour and let us taste some beer.

It was such a simple date and even though the meal wasn't great, it was such a novelty to drive around with the top down and visit a cool new spot, just the two of us. All of our best dates seem to happen when visiting Grammie and Grampie. We never need to worry about the littles, they rarely know we're gone with all those aunties there and unlike Halifax, you really have to look for something to do, Which is the best part. We always end up doing something we could never do at home in the city. Like that one time we hit up the indie art gallery owned by Matts friend, or the time we got cheesecake to go and sat on the waterfront to eat it in the dark. Just cute little things that are hard to pass up when there is nothing else to do. Life in the city is so busy and there's so much to do here that we forget to not do anything sometimes.

We're struggling to come up with something to do on Friday that doesn't involve being shoved into an over crowded restaurant with a hundred other couples. Romance and all that. If only we could go to New Glasgow for the weekend.

Our Weekend 009

It's finally February. January is always rough, the decorations from Christmas are gone and the weather is less than stellar. But then February arrives, and while it's still cold and nothing of note happens in this month, at least it's short. So there's that.

We spent last week and most of our weekend organizing, cleaning and going to job interviews (if you're Matt). It was a whirlwind five days home for Matt and we didn't really get to enjoy it very much.

Our new to us cabinets arrived on Friday thanks to Matt and the lovely people who sold them to us. Four in total and they're pretty much perfect. In every way. They are big and roomy, mid century, walnut, German made and dreamy. They're arrival prompted me to re-organize everything in my house to justify having them and giving them a purpose besides being beautiful. Wouldn't it be nice if we all had that problem?

featuring a rare appearance from Penny cat.

We did have dinner with friends on Friday, they brought Chinese takeout because they're the best, is why. And we went to playgroup at the library, but other than that the last five days have been a blur. I think. I'm not sure of anything anymore, my brain is mush.

Sunday we had planned on having a Superbowl party but then half of our party had to cancel - you were missed friends! - so it ended up being us and Katie (hetero-life mate extrordinaire). It was a lot of fun despite it being not really a party and more three adults eating way too much junk food while one enjoyed the game... me. And, then Denver lost immediately, so.

Oh, and the babies watch me do yoga from time to time and have picked up on it.

Max is crazy flexible...

I have big news I'd like to share soon(ish) but for now that's it. Cliffhanger! 

Working on My Resolutions

So, I haven't been doing great so far with my resolutions. We haven't taken the juicer out of the box yet. I didn't pick up any knitting supplies. And, I've yet to start reading a novel. But, that's because I got two new Nora books and a Diane Keaton memoir, so I really have no other option but to read those first, obviously.

I have, however, been in front of the camera, if only slightly more. I gave the camera to Matt during Max's party so that I could be in a few and kept the the sneaky pictures the kids take of me with the iPad.

and bathroom selfies, naturally.

The most important resolution on my list was getting Max involved in something. I didn't have much luck finding a class or program for him because January is a weird, in between time to sign up for things. But, I found a free library drop in, twice a week and Ellie can go as well. We went to our first one on Saturday, it's only half an hour long and right up the street from out house so it couldn't be more perfect. It's not terribly structured and because it's free, we don't feel bad if we miss a session.
Both babes seemed to really like it, so we'll definitely be going back.

The actual program calls for all of us to sit in a circle, listen to a story and sing kumbaya. Max wasn't having any of that, so we opted to stay in the kids section, with the books and toys and just play. There were tons of kids there, which is what we were looking for. Both babes had fun and willingly left at lunch time because they were hungry. I was fearful there'd be tears when it came time to leave, but little rumbly bellies worked in my favour, this time.

As far as weekly meal planning goes, I'm still working on it. I make a list each monday morning of things I'd like to/think I could make that week, tack the list up on the fridge and cross one off each day. I'd like to get a bit more organized than that but for now, it's working.

One slight problem though, I'm a rotten cook. Only know a handful of decent recipes and we're all a bit bored with dinner time. Pinterest is my usual go-to source for new ideas but lately it's been a bust. Matt got a new Michael Smith cookbook for Christmas, so  might try a few recipes from there.

So almost a month and only a few things crossed off my list, but they were the most important things, so at least I have my priorities straight.

And a couple of random pictures, just 'cause...