valentine's day in quebec city

I was one lucky lady this Valentine's Day. Our family traveled to Quebec City - I couldn't think of a better spot to spend Valentine's Day with the ones I love! We woke up early and headed out to explore Old Quebec City by foot. I love love love old buildings and churches, I totally got my fill in this beautiful city. The old stones houses were stunning and I loved the frescoes adorning several walls. After a morning of walking in the chilly weather, it was time to fill our bellies and warm up (seriously, we couldn't feel our toes!) At this point, we decided whatever restaurant was the closest was going to be the lucky winner. This is probably not the best technique when choosing a restaurant, but everyone was getting cranky. We were pleasantly delighted with our choice. They were very family-friendly, the food was scrumptious, and the service was good. 

After a great lunch, we headed back to the hotel to unwind and change into our swimming suits. Little Miss L. was so excited to hit-up the pool, she loved splishing and splashing about and Baby D took a quick liking to it as well. Once we had turned into prunes, it was time to head back and change for dinner. We walked a few blocks down the street to a cute restaurant. Little Miss L. had a blast at dinner. She was so proud of herself for ordering her own food. We had a wonderful meal to finish off our Valentine's Day. I heart Quebec City! If you are looking for a romantic getaway - this is a great location (even with the kids.)

Old Quebec City.

I love frescoes.

 Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec.

Stunning!

My lunch date.

My two handsome men relaxing.

Baby D loved the fluffy pillows.

All dressed for Valentine's dinner. Baby D thinks his sister is hilarious - "check her out!" he says.

Daddy and his little girl at dinner.

6 months

Dear Baby D,

You are 6 months old today!

I really do not know where the time has gone. It truly feels like just yesterday I was bringing you home from the hospital to meet a sea of smiling faces.

Each and every day you brighten it just a little more. I always look forward to waking up and watching you grow. More and more, your personality is shining through. We like to call you "Mr. Smiley" around here because you always seem to have a big cheeky grin on your face. I must squeeze and kiss those cheeks of yours a million times a day. You are also one cool cat, extremely laid back. Nothing really seems to phase you. Your easy-going personality is a breath of fresh air around here.

You are a growing machine. You still are enjoying mommy's breast milk but you also like a good bowl of oatmeal or rice cereal. As for being laid back, that is true 95% of the time, but when your hunger strikes, you definately have something to say (I think you may get that from your daddy.) Your cheeks have been rosy and full, you now have two bottom teeth. They are partially out, can't wait for them to make their full appearance. They have brought you a lot of pain for the last month.

You're still working on sitting up by yourself. For the most part, you understand how to sit but it is just that head of yours that tends to get in the way. You are a rolling machine. You have mastered the roll and know it will get you wherever you need to go. I also like to call you my little worm. You now slither your way around the room, looking for your prey.

I love listening to you talk. I will never get sick of the "bah, bah," and "da, da" but please, for mommy's sake, just come out with "mum, mum" already! Your giggle is infectious, it is music to my ears.

It has come to our attention you are not a big fan of sleep. You still like to wake once in the night and during the day it seems like you think naps are overrated. I just think you want to spend more time with mommy and your sis - you don't want to miss out on the action.

Baby boy, you are growing strong - continue on this path. You bring so much joy into our lives.

Love,
Your Momma

mini getaway to quebec city

You may have noticed I have been MIA the last few days on the blog. It was time for our family to take some much needed quality time together. We decided it was the perfect opportunity to take a mini getaway to Quebec City. This was the first time the hubby and I have traveled to this fabulous city and it sure did not disappoint!

I love love love exploring new places and meeting new people but I hate coming home to unpack, do laundry, and the struggle of getting our kids back into a routine. Let's just say I am one busy momma today but I wanted to share a few photos from our trip. I went a little snap happy, here is a sneak peek.

The hotel was in the perfect location. We were able to walk to old Quebec City within minutes. Everyone loved site seeing. There was a magical feeling you get when walking through town- old buildings, beautiful churches, the ambiance is overwhelming.

We filled our bellies with delicious food the whole time we were there. Every restaurant provided great service. We were very pleased with how kid-friendly all the establishments were.

The kids loved swimming in the pool. It was Baby D's first time in the pool and he could not get enough of the water.

We enjoyed all the cuddle time too!

Baby D and Little Miss L. loved exploring the city. The fresh air was great- there was no need for a fight at bed time.

Before heading home we stopped at an awesome mall. The mall had a skating rink, and amusement park in the middle. Little Miss L. was in her glory, she loved all the different rides. This child has no fear!

I am so glad we were able to take the kids on a mini getaway. They loved every minute of it and Little Miss L. can't stop talking about it.

a little eye candy for friday

This week has been long and draining!

I have no energy left. I am looking forward to the weekend...fresh start...yes, please!

I have a billion things I would like to post but just haven't had opportunity to this week. So, instead I leave you with a little eye candy. I thought he was pretty darn cute!

valentine's lacing craft

Are you looking for a fun way to work on your child's fine motor skills? With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it is the perfect time to take the opportunity to make your every own lacing activities. This is a inexpensive, fast, and easy project. I stopped by our local dollar store and picked up a pack of pre-cut foam-shaped hearts and pink and white yarn. I pulled out my hole-punch and a roll of tape. I punched holes around the edge of the heart about 2cm apart, cut a piece of yarn and taped the ends. Voila! It literally took all of two minutes to complete.

Little Miss L. loved threading the yarn though the holes and I loved the fact she was developing her fine motor skills. We need to remember that fine motor skills are the foundation children often need before they learn handwriting. Lacing activities are a great option to match with different themes or holidays.

valentine's fever

We have Valentine's fever around here. In preparation for the big day, we have been getting our bake and craft on. If you walked into our home right now, you might ask "who threw up pink and red hearts all over the place?" Everybody perceives Valentine's Day differently. In our household, we have so many things to be thankful for, and I can't think of a better way than celebrating "love day." If you are looking for a few crafts to spice up your space, check out what we have been up to...

Each month I like to have a new theme when it comes to our playdough table. This month it is all about hearts.

Little Miss L.'s favourite thing to do...heart shaped cookies.

Time to make our tissue paper hearts. Super easy to make, all you need is card stock, tissue paper, and glue.

Little Miss L. working hard.

The finished product.

Our heart-shaped mobile.

The kids loved making this Valentine garland to hang in our playroom. 

Baby D loves spending time just looking up at the pink, white, and red creation we made.

Baked Valentine's ornaments we made to hang throughout the house.

Little Miss L. loves her magnetic wall. I purchased pre-cut heart shapes out of foam at our local craft store and glued magnetic strips on the back. The kids spend countless hours making heart-shaped caterpillars and snowmen.

just give him teeth already!

My poor little guy has been battling with the awful first tooth. It seems like he has been in the process of cutting his first tooth for some time now. My heart breaks when I see how much pain he is in. Baby D is constantly chewing on whatever he can get in his mouth. We have been going through at least five pairs of socks a day because the minute I turn my back, he grabs that little sock and puts it right in his mouth. Please tooth, make your appearance asap, as this momma can't take it anymore!