painting in a bag

Painting in a bag, it's just that simple! I have often caught myself saying several times this fall that I wish the trees would stay their stunningly vibrant colours all year long. The landscape just seems more alive, but with the winter months approaching, the leaves are falling and I am wishing I could stick each and every one of those pretty little leaves back onto their tree.

The kids have enjoyed the fall months just as much as I have as they provide unlimited opportunities for some colourful artwork. As the leaves fall to the ground, I am not quite ready to say goodbye to those bright colours. When I need a few minutes to start dinner or even put on some make-up, I turn to one of my favourite go-to activites to keep the kids busy for a few minutes (let's be honest, their attention span these days are VERY short) - one that does not create a huge mess for me to clean up - PAINTING IN A BAG! It's so simple. I whip out my trusty ZipLock Bags, squirt some paint into the bag, press out the excess air, zip it up and tape the top for extra security. The kids love finger painting and I love love love the no mess clean up!

If the kids have ants in their pants, I love taping the bags to the patio door so they can paint in a bag without having to be confined to a chair. This activity is great for all ages. It is simple, fun, and let's not forget, most importantly, mess-free!

Happy painting everyone!

celebrating the big 3

Little Miss L. turned the big 3 last week, but with the long weekend and busy schedules, we decided it would be best to wait and celebrate her special day on the weekend with family and friends. Our little girl is pretty easy to please and when we asked her how she would like to celebrate she said "with all my friends and cupcakes." She does take after her mother in one way, we both love love love sweet treats.

I may have enjoyed preparing for this party more than I have any other party. As I baked away, I had to taste every goodie to make sure it was just right for my little girl's sweet treat table.

It was a wonderful day spent with family and friends enjoying our little one bouncing about in her pink and purple tutu. She giggled about all afternoon as she stuffed her little face with sugar, opened some pretty awesome gifts, and even had a little dress-up party with her friends.

Thank you to everyone who came to share in her special day, you made one little girl very happy.

The birthday girl.

The girls had a fascination with this cutie but who wouldn't?

Baby C, I love those cheeks.

Two happy girls!

Little Miss L. with godmommy and Baby C.

I picked up this character board. We had a blast passing it about. Aunt Vickie looked pretty darn cute!

Baby D always knows who to go to when he wants a treat.

The girls waiting patiently to open the gifts.

Little Miss L. with candy in each hand and waiting to dig into her cupcake.

Time to blow out the candle.

I love how passionate my daughter is. This is her getting very upset with her Uncle as he is telling her it's not her birthday, that it's his. She had some choice words for him.

My boy.

Siblings. 

Cupcake party!

Thanks for sharing Little Miss L.'s special day, she loves her dress-up chest!

The girls loved reading the cards.

Someone is excited!

Crowning the birthday girl.

My precious daughter is growing up so fast. 

Reading her cards with mommy. 

I love love love when our home is full of love.

Three little princesses.

Princess T.

Just hanging out. 

thanksgiving

I have been under the weather this past week, along with two other members of our household which means I am behind on my posts. I quickly want to share a few photos from our thanksgiving dinner on my father's side - my aunt has a beautiful backyard which we ventured out to enjoy while we were there.

It was a great afternoon spent with family and catching up with everyone. We had an awesome surprise visit from my cousin Derek who traveled all the way from India, dined on yummy food, missed and chatted about those who were not there to join us, and finished off the evening gathered around the television to watch an old video of my father as a young boy growing up. My father and family are so lucky to have such great memories captured on film to share with their loved ones. I see so many similarities of my son and my father when he was a young child. It also reminded me how much I have been slacking lately in the video department. I hope to someday provide my children with the same pleasure of witnessing precious moments in their lives.

I love spending time with family, and gatherings like these remind me how lucky we are to have such loving and caring people in our lives. I hope all of you had a fabulous long weekend.

The enchanted forest as I like to call it.

Grandma and grandpa with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our attempt at a group shot.

Pretty good looking family :)

My beautiful grandmother. One radiant women. 

Little Miss L. and cousin Katie.

Best part of the evening , everyone gathered around watching fabulous memories.

birthday pancakes

We just wanted to send out a great big thank you to everyone who called, sent messages, stopped in for a visit to wish our little girl a fabulous 3rd birthday. She appreciates it more than you know. Everyone has been a little under the weather around here but we still made sure we celebrated the day with lots of hugs and singing. Little Miss L. made sure the Happy Birthday song was repeated several times throughout the day.

Little Miss L. requested pancakes, home-fries and bacon for her birthday dinner. Who were we to disappoint? Little Miss L. had a great birthday dinner spent with her Uncle Brady and to finish off the night, she received a surprise visit from Grandma and Biba who came bearing a yummy birthday cake.

Little Miss L. sends lots of hugs to everyone!

Was happy to see her request of pancakes with a pink candle was fulfilled.

Time to blow out the candle.

Birthday cheers!

Seriously, when is this party going to be over?

Grandma and Biba brought over an outfit fitting for a princess on her big day.

Cake time!

The best part is.... more candles to blow out.