:: Fish Tales ::

 

 He watched those tiny little waves come in, listened to the noisy boats and got quite a kick out of the wind.

As tired as I get trying to think of creative ways to entertain a 9 month old, sometimes it's the simple things that work best.  After throwing him in the car for yet another I-don't-know-where-I'm-driving-I'm-just-driving episode, I called my parents, and they said they were at the river trying their luck with the fish.  Perfect - I crashed that party. 

















As soon as we arrived at the water, Simon's mood changed.

It wasn't long before dad put him to work, figuring he may have beginners luck.

So, all those times your mother said, "go outside and get some fresh air," ... it really does do wonders for kids.  (And mums).  Who knew?

Amy

Long weekend in VT

We decided to scout out a destination within 5 hours driving distance from Ottawa.  Burlington, VT was recommended to us by my parents, and so off we went.

Knowing that a four hour drive with a baby could likely turn into an 8 hour drive, we decided to leave first thing in the morning after Simon had his breakfast.

We got 2 hours of driving in with a sleeping baby in the back and then broke for lunch under wind turbines somewhere in NY state.  So there we were.  Having a picnic on the side of the road, three of us huddled on two receiving blankets, Simon adding grass accoutrements to his mashed peas, Fisher Price toys singing in the background and our little family venturing out of our comfort zone for the first time.

We checked into our beautiful resort, did some shopping, and then got ready for dinner.  We decided to try the pub at our resort, (it is actually a culinary resort and spa) and we were not disappointed!  However, we could have done without Simon "finding his voice" during dinner and shrieking in 5 second intervals.  I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm looking forward to the day when I can have a meal in public without a baby on my boob, leaving me with only one free hand to eat. 

We enjoyed the following day in Burlington at the Farmers Market, Church Street and by the lake and then headed back to our hotel for the bonfire and a cold one before calling it a night.












Travelling with kids is possible
(and dare I say fun) as long as you have realistic expectations. 








Amy

Shoo fly, don't bother me

My sister, Simon and I braved the elements and went on a little nature walk today in search of the "rare red trillium" in the Mer Bleue bog.  You find things to do, that normally, you would have no interest in doing, when you're at home all day.  Anyone about to go on mat leave doesn't understand it.  Anyone on mat leave, totally gets it.  Ya feel me, girlfriend?  You know what's up.

So, off we go in the pouring rain, trying to avoid serial killers and dangerous wildlife, in search of a potentially fictitious flower, and, nothing.  All we had to show for our troubles was mosquito bites, mascara meltdown and a soaker.  Ah well... better than staying at home, I suppose!

Simon at Mer Bleue, removed from his stroller for a photo op

Simon was spared from bug bites because of this nifty little thing that snapped over his stroller by Jolly Jumper:  http://www.amazon.ca/Jolly-Jumper-Insect-Strollers-Bassinets/dp/B002FIQ7I4

Easy to use, compact, and runs about $8.  Worthwhile investment.

Amy