christmas morning

I love love love Christmas. Yes, it is always fun to rip open a big ol' present but I love how this time of year brings family and friends together. I love starting new traditions with our family and also carrying on those from my childhood.

We spent our Christmas morning in low-key fashion. We all cuddled in our bed until everyone was up and ready to head to the living room to see if Santa had made his appearance. The kids all giggled as they told us stories about how Santa and his reindeer had been flying all night and filling their bellies up with lots of yummy treats. They wondered how it was possible for Santa to eat all these scrumptious goodies.

After everyone was up and ready to head to the tree, they made a mad dash down the hall. Excited squeals came pouring out as they reached the tree. It was a blur of wrapping paper, toys, clothes and laughter as they went through their Christmas stash. I loved watching their faces light up with excitement when they showed each other what they had received.

After the madness slowed down it was time for us to enjoy some breakfast. We went with crepes - a favourite around here. Wish I could have shared a few photos but we were all too hungry to snap a picture. After our bellies were filled, we relaxed and enjoyed our new gifts.

Then, for the afternoon, it was off to my parents' house for Christmas dinner. More on that tomorrow.

Really, not too sure you should hug me so tight, sister.

Wow, look at this!

Look guys, Santa and the reindeer ate their goodies but left some crumbs.

Chilling as the tornado of wrapping paper happened all around him.

I am blessed to have all of this on Christmas morning.

Little Miss L. was thrilled with her new Hello Kitty neckless. Thanks TuTu Chic Boutique. 

Cool, sandals for the summer.

Mr.D was super excited about his new airplane and airport. He had played like for hours. 

santa visit 2013

Alright, it's time for me to fill you all in on our holiday adventures. I thought the best place to start off would be our visit with Santa. Little Miss L. is all about the big guy in red. The boys on the other hand have a different feeling when it comes to him.

The hubby and I didn't know how it would go down once we got up close and personal with the jolly ol' man. Well, Little Miss L. was a regular chatter box as she chatted away in two different languages and was so excited to inform us "Santa speaks English and French! He knows everything!" Mr. D decided to take a run for it a few times and in the end daddy had to join in on the group photo or it just was not going to happen.

This year, they were sticklers about taking photos so I was hiding in the corner trying to snap a few (hey, don't judge me lol)

After it was all said and done, the kids were super pumped about giving Santa their wish list and getting a few goodies to head home with. Mr. D decided as he was walking away that it wasn't all that bad.

Until next year...

Our little girl is growing up!

Checking out the big guy.

My attempt at a photo.

Baby I chilling with Santa.

santa loves bubbles

I feel like I am a broken record but here I go again... things have been super busy around here and that is why I have been MIA. We are still trying to get accustomed to being a family a five, trying to function on very little sleep, dealing with three sick kids - did I mention I hate this time of year? - keeping our household afloat and trying hard to accomplish all we can when it comes to our work. Now, the holiday season is upon us and our calendar is pretty full. Don't get me wrong, as most of you know I am not one to sit around and enjoy being busy, but I am trying my best to find a balance between work and family. Right now, I feel guilty that I am not accomplishing as much as I would like when it comes to my businesses. When I do find the time to get work done, I feel guilty for leaving my family. When I am spending time with my family I feel guilty because I am thinking about how much work I need to complete. It has been a vicious cycle over here but I know in time things will all even out, so until then please bear with me everyone.

I have been trying my best to get our family into the holiday spirit. I hope to share with you guys a few holiday-inspired crafts and activities that we have been up to. Until then, check out these two mini Santas. Both Santas were in a fabulous mood but it's hard to tell with Baby D who has been under the weather. I hope that we can clear this house of all those nasty germs before Christmas so we can all enjoy ourselves.

nepean museum

Last week, we traveled to the Nepean Museum for the first time. This museum is a little gem. It's small but cozy and wonderful for small children. We enjoyed a morning of crafts, carols, and story time with Santa.

Little Miss L. loved everything about it. She could have not been more thrilled when Santa asked for some helpers to come up front and read with him. Little Miss L. was the very first one to jump up on her feet to be by Santa's side. Baby D on the other hand decided to keep his distance and watch Santa from afar. He did however, show lots of interest that day in the crafts which usually aren't his thing.

If you are looking for something to do with the family in a kid-friendly, safe and clean environment, I would definitely recommend the Nepean Museum. The staff were very welcoming. I will be sure to go back again soon!

Craft time.

Where is Baby D?

Do you see me yet? This is a much better place to be.

Time to read with Santa.

Little Miss L.  was such a good helper.

Hanging out with the big guy.

This will be the third time, but I will tell you again just so I can make sure you know exactly what I would like for Christmas...

Seriously, mom? You are making me sit on this guys knee again?!? Did you not realize the first two times that I was not a fan!

Yep, I will just sit here and watch the big man chat it up.

santa

Happy Friday! I just realized I never shared our photos from meeting the big guy in red last Friday. Let's just say that one of our children were over the moon excited to see Santa and the other one was able to turn every head in the mall with their bloodcurdling scream.

Little Miss L.'s eyes lit up as she saw Santa walking towards her. She was the first in line and quickly started chatting it up with the big guy. She was quick to tell him her request for Christmas. She would like two dollies, one being purple and the other pink and if he would like, she'll take a computer as well.

After a few minutes by herself, it was time to bring her little brother into the action. Well, Baby D did not want to partake in this what-so-ever. With the tears, the screaming and almost diving right out of Santa's hands, it was clear to us he is not a fan. Often times I wonder why we torture our children like this, but mere moments of their unhappiness bring many years laughter for us.

We have since then met up with Santa two more times and each time proved to be like the first. More on those in some upcoming posts.

Have a great Friday everyone. May this bring a smile to your face today!

I love this photo - she was in absolute awe of Santa walking towards her.

Nice to see you again Santa.

Two dollies please.

Who is this guy?

Why is he holding me?

Seriously, I am not impressed guys!

We did it. Thanks, Santa for the goodies.

ho...ho...ho...pictures with santa

The time had come, it was time to see the big guy dressed in red. The hubby and I have been reading stories about Santa for several months to Little Miss L. in hopes she would better understand who the jolly man in the red suit was. We woke up bright and early Sunday morning, got dressed in our winter best and headed to the mall to meet Santa Claus. We have learned over the years that if you don't want to wait in line for hours, then you must be there 30 minutes before Santa's arrival.

As soon as we arrived, Little Miss L. lit up with excitement as she saw Santa's workshop all set up. As we were walking around to keep the little miss occupied, Santa made his grand entrance. It just so happened that Little Miss L. caught his eye and Santa made his way over to talk to her. Santa asked if he could have a high-five and Little Miss L. obliged. He continued on to his big chair and Little Miss L. got in line so she could have her picture taken.

Little Miss L.'s turn finally arrived - as she slowly walked up to meet Santa, her emotions got the better of her... she decided that she did not like Santa anymore and did not want to sit on his lap. After mommy and daddy told her everything was going to be okay and that Baby D was going to sit on Santa's lap as well, the mood changed. I guess Baby D was a comfort because as soon as he joined the party, Little Miss L. was ready to tell Santa all about anything and everything. Little Miss L. informed Santa she would be leaving him treats which consisted of cookies and milk. Santa than gave the kids a little gift and we were on our way. I have to say we are improving each year (you can look back at the last two years here) Even though it has been days since we met up with the big guy, Little Miss L. is still telling everyone about seeing Santa and giving him a high-five.

All dressed-up and ready to see Santa.

Look, there he is!

Where? Over there mom!

Umm, maybe I don't want to sit on your lap.

30 seconds before the crying started.

Look, Baby D is coming to join me.

I guess it isn't as bad as I thought.

Well Santa, do you have all day because I have a lot to talk about.

Please smile for the camera... no way!

Baby D meets Santa for the first time.

"Look, Santa gave me a prize" as Little Miss L. puts it.

weekend catch-up

Tis' the season to be busy... fa la la la la... la la, la la. This weekend was go, go, go but I loved every minute of it. Little Miss L. had been patiently waiting for Saturday to arrive in anticipation for her friend's 3rd birthday party. The birthday party was held at a great facility where the children were able to run free on the gigantic play structure, run through the obstacle courses, and to end the party off right, they filled their bellies with pizza and ice cream cake. It must have been a good party because as soon as Little Miss L.'s seat-belt was buckled up, she was fast asleep. The rest of the day we spent making some goodies we plan on giving out to our friends and family over the holiday season.

Sunday morning, we woke up bright and early for a special day - Little Miss L. and Baby D were going to visit Santa. More to come tomorrow about our visit with Santa. The rest of the day consisted of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. To end the day, we had a great dinner at the in-laws. I can't believe Christmas is only two weeks away!

My kiddies were full of energy this weekend. Little Miss L. loves spending time with her brother.

I love love love this smile. Baby D, I love the way you giggle at mommy now.

Little Miss L. has no fear. She wanted to show mommy what a big girl she is by going over bridges and through tunnels all by herself.

Baby E, I love love love your hair.

Baby E and Little Miss L. were having a blast in the ball pit.

Little Miss L. covered Baby E with all the colourful balls...Baby E thought it was the funniest thing ever.

My handsome nephew.

Baby J getting so big.

Fun time with the parachute.

The children's faces lit up when they saw the trampoline. 

Happy Birthday Miss T. 

Time to help mommy make one of daddy's favourite things...

that's right, chocolate-covered pretzels.

Baby D meets the big guy for the first time and for once, Little Miss L. didn't have a break down.