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.

Our Weekend 017

So, E got sick. I spent the weekend playing nurse, running from a sick Max to a sick Ellie and back again.

Good news though, Max seems to be over whatever it was and Ellie is just about the easiest sick kid ever. She hasn't stopped eating, or playing just stops to be sick every now and then and keeps on going. It's kind of remarkable to watch.

There were lots of snuggles and movie watching over the weekend. Max totally milked his illness to get more tv time. He has probably watched more television this weekend than he has in his whole life. And, he gets to drink juice, so I don't think he'll ever admit he's feeling better.

I slept in Max's room while he was sick, and in the living room with E since she's been sick. I haven't slept in my own bed since last Tuesday. I don't even remember what it's like, it's going to be so good to when I actually get to lay in my own bed. I'm not leaving t for a week (I wish).

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.

Our Weekend 014

And the award for best weekend goes to this one.

Matt started his new job today (more on that later) so I planned a little surprise party for him on Saturday. Earlier in the week Katie and I planned the whole thing and Friday we went grocery shopping and headed back to her place to get everything ready. We spent the afternoon preparing the food and scheming how to get Matt out of the house before the party.

Friday was also our anniversary, I had totally forgotten all about it (I know) but Matt hadn't. He took the kids out to get me flowers and cheesecake (my favourite) and had Indian take out waiting for me when I got home that evening. He really deserved this party.

Brennan had the idea to go to the movies with Matt and Max so we could set everything up and all the guests could arrive and wait for the boys to get back. We all hid in the dark and waited what seemed like an eternity for him to find us. Even when he did, he had no idea what was going on. He was completely shocked!

In all the excitement, I completely forgot to take any pictures of the actual party, just of the food. Shows where my priorities are.

It was a small party, but an awful lot of fun, I think planning and setting up was more fun than the actual event, for me anyway. Matt's Dad and brother came up from Little Harbour too. While we waited for the boys to show up we all kept remarking that Matt is the best person to throw a surprise party for. He's so trusting that we could've sent him anywhere at a weird time and he'd just go with it, no questions asked. He wouldn't think anything was up - and he didn't.

The whole week was busy with party planning and secret texts, it was so completely worth it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to plan a better party, I think he might be on to me now, I might have to wait a few years for the next one.

Our Weekend 013

It was so warm all weekend, (like winter warm, not Bombay warm) we spent our time enjoying some vitamin D, playing in the snow and counting down the hours 'til Daddy gets home from Newfoundland.

E's still not sure about snow.

fishin' in a parking lot, as you do.

The giant cardboard space ship also made a re-appearance this weekend, out of boredom. This thing is  MASSIVE (like 3ft. high, 4ft. long, not an exaggeration) so it's usual home is in the back of the coat closet all folded up, only to be brought out in emergencies.

Also, thank goodness it's March. I love me some March, so much better than January and February. More outside play, less baby layers. Come on spring, we're ready for you!

Our Weekend 012

Matt flies out to Newfoundland today, so we spent the weekend lovin up on him and squeezing in as much family time as we could. 

He had a weird work schedule last week and had to work Monday and Friday only, which threw the kids for a loop since they usually have him home for a week at a time. They waited in their bedroom window Friday evening, watching the parking lot and refusing to eat dinner until Daddy came home. It was sweet and a little sad. He was met at the door with big hugs and squeals. What a nice way to end your work day, no? 

Saturday we had dinner at Katie's, she over fed us like always and we left full and sleepy. The babes helped me make orange juice, raisin scones for dessert, and by helped I mean they quietly played on the iPad and let me do my thing. Awful nice of them. 

Sunday morning we made a big brunch and watched the Olympic gold medal hockey game. We're not really hockey people but it was kind of a big deal and the first time the kids have ever seen a game. So, it was fitting that Canada won! Max was really into, Matt was really into the fact that Max was into it. Ellie was really into brunch. 

Go Canada! 

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 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! 

Our Weekend 008

You guys can just skip this post, because we did bupkiss all weekend. There was nothing happening to attend, no pressing matters, no errands to run, nada.

We got outside for a little bit, these babies are so spoiled when it comes to winter. We don't have a yard and the playgrounds near by have been covered in snow for weeks so they haven't really had a chance to get out and play in the white stuff. So, when they do, oh boy, it's hilarious. Max just wants to hit people with snowballs and E's confused by the whole concept. She does't understand why we're standing around in the cold. She's a smart lady.

Lil snow bunnies

and that pink nose, I mean...

yes, we're playing in a bus shelter. city kids.

We baked lots of banana bread and made some "Welcome Home" cookies for Daddy (not a type of cookie, just what we call whatever cookies we make before Matt comes home).

You're welcome, Matt :)

I spent most of the weekend playing email tag with people from Kijiji. I bought some new cabinet type things, that aren't here yet and we needed to make room for them all, four in total. Cue me selling all of our belongings on Kijiji. We had been meaning to get rid of these things anyway, so this was the kick in the pants we I needed to just do it already. I sold all three pieces over the weekend, so I may have a future in sales... if I can do it in my jams via email. Or not.

Anywho, that was our weekend, still with me? Just as bored as we were? Thought so.

Our Weekend 007

Most of our weekend was spent showering the Goose with love, in between snuggle fests we entertained family from to of town. My grandparents and great aunt, Nonna, came up for Max's birthday and treated him to a day out. A trip to the arcade and the movies with lots of sugary treats that only grandparents give kids.

Captain America goes to the movies

Since we had the day to ourselves (and Ellie Boop too) we deep cleaned from the night before and gave E her own little movie experience. We watched the original Doctor Dolittle and ate some snacks. Then we had a mini tournament with Max's new Star Wars Operation game. E's not very good, yet.

The party was a huge success, but more on that another day. Matt had a few extra days off to extend the birthday celebrations so we treated the weekend like a long one, still going actually! Hope you all had a good weekend.


*Today is Aunt Anna's 15th Birthday!! Happy Happy Birthday Anna, thank you for making incredible toys for my babes and teaching them to use their imaginations. I am so impressed with you for your ability to see things the way no one else can. We love you.*

Our Weekend 006

This weekend marked a milestone for our Goose. He went to a friend's birthday party. We only know childless couples here in the city, and since Max isn't in daycare or anything of the sort, he really only has one friend. Sad, I know. It's something I always feel guilty about. Especially when I'm trying to plan a birthday party for him, with 12 adults and one kid, besides his sister. Poor guy. But anyway, he was SO excited for this party, even if he did have to take Ellie and I with him. He picked out a gift, talked ad nauseum about what you do at parties and made the card himself.

We never get a chance to dress the babes up and take pictures for any reason other than our own entertainment so this was kind of nice.

In non-little related news, I finally went to the Forever 21 that opened here months ago. And, Holy Hannah, it's just as intimidating as I thought it would be. I get the vapours just online shopping there, in store it's a whole other experience. It's not as other-worldly as Holister with their dark, loud stores pumped full of musk and patchouli, but it's something. I did take home a shrug, giant scarf and really cute earrings thanks to a gift card from Christmas.

Besides the shopping, I got to have a whole baby free afternoon with the best friend a girl could ask for. Shopping, coffee and silly good conversation, I am now ready for birthday week.


P.S.
Some outtakes of the babes after the jump...