Sugaring Off

One of the big events that is currently happening here in Quebec is Sugaring Off! It is a Quebec tradition to go to a cabane a sucre or a sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made and to take part in sleigh rides, traditional Quebec food, song, dance and maple toffee on the snow.

Arabella a field trip today where we went to the Morgan Arboretum where we learned all about maple syrup - where it comes from & how it gets so yummy! It was a cold and overcast day, with some snow flurries (gulp, isn't almost April??), so we had to bundle up to stay warm. Arabella loved the tractor ride we took, all the kids did! It was so cute to hear them answer the questions the guide asked about the trees, sap and syrup. Arabella was so cute answering so many questions - and she had the answers correct! I am amazed at how much information she retains - I can't even remember all of it, but she is one smart cookie!


Learning about how the Indians discovered maple syrup.


The sugar shack!
Maple toffee...everyone had some but me! It is too much maple for me to enjoy!
Arabella loves it and was so excited! Look at the smile!

Any Guesses??

Last week and this week, Arabella has been learning all about transportation at preschool. They have done so many art projects and yesterday she brought this one home...
when I was asked to guess what it was, I guessed a train...since we had gone on the train last week, it made sense right?? But I was wrong - what do you think it is?

The correct answer: A Steam Ship!

Wacky Wednesday

Our weather is pure craziness! Last week we were in the sunshine, warm temperatures and flip flops and now, we are back to snow boots, hats, mitts and heavy coats! This was the scene when we left for preschool this morning:

When we were doing errands today, this was the sky:

It looks like 2 evil eyes to me...

Arabella also went to the dentist today and she did OK, she freaked a little when they were polishing her teeth, but I think it was because she tried to touch the polisher with her tongue and she started crying. But looking at these pictures, you wouldn't know!


And for a little bit of sunshine, just ignore the disaster of a playroom around her...she was having fun!

Birthday Parties Are Beginning

It seems as if there are a lot of birthday parties starting to happen. We missed one earlier this month when we were away, another friend in the States turned 2 this week and yesterday Arabella went to her friend, Ethan's birthday party and there are more coming up in April!

She had a blast yesterday at Ethan's 4th birthday party and it was nice that it was indoors since the weather had turned cool again. Spiderman made an appearance...Arabella was scared at first but then warmed up to him. There was also face painting and lots of fun to be had.

Field Trip - Train Ride to Centre-Ville

Last week, Arabella's preschool class talked about all forms of transportation. On Thursday, we all met at the train station and took a ride into Montreal. All of the kids were super excited and they had a fun time. When we arrived downtown, the kids had a snack and story time and then it was back on the train for our return trip home. It was a fun morning!


I would have had more pictures...but I forgot to charge the battery in my camera...

Spring Fever

Last week, we had WAY, WAY ABOVE normal temperatures for March! It felt like June or July out - we hit 24 c one day - total flip flop and short weather. I even had windows open! Since it was so beautiful out, we made sure to take advantage of it. We played outside as much as possible, went to the playground and took walks. It was so nice and there are only piles of snow in places that are few and far between.




And it is a good thing that we did get outside - it is now almost back to normal and rainy out! But it is almost the end of March and the days will be warming up again soon!

Spartan Race

Maybe it is Spring Fever or I am just plain CRAZY but I signed up to me a member of the Monkey Bar Gym Montreal's Spartan Race team!

http://http//www.spartanrace.com/montreal-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2012.html


Click on the above link for some more info on what I will be doing June 10th at Mont Tremblant! I still can't believe that I am going to be doing it, but I like this challenge and am just hoping to finish and overcome some fears, I don't care about my time. Jay and Arabella will be there cheering me on and taking pictures. I have 76 more days of training...

Spring Thaw

Starting last Friday, the temperatures here in Montreal have gradually gotten warmer and warmer. Today it is almost 75f out - so warm that we walked to and from school today and had a picnic outside for lunch! What a beautiful and perfect way to celebrate the First Day of Spring! Almost all of the snow has melted and the weather is supposed to continue this way for the rest of the week so I am sure that what is left will be gone by the weekend!

On Saturday, I decided to take Jay & Arabella to Angell Woods for a hike outside. It was still a little chilly but the sun was shining and the spring thaw was happening. We had fun hiking around the trails, splashing in the mud puddles and we even saw our 1st Robin of Spring! We spent over an hour exploring and by the time we got back to the car our Wellies were perfectly muddy!

It Is Official!!

I received my IIN Diploma in the mail today! I am so excited!!

Swim Lessons

Arabella has been doing great with her swimming! She will be in the same level for her next session that starts in April. Mommy is so proud of you Arabella, you have been working so hard and have come a long way. Keep it up!!


Swinging...this would never happen in the States!
Arabella and her friend Cristina before they were spun around!

Butterflies Go Free

Last Friday, Arabella and I joined Bram and Ronald for an outing to the botanical gardens to see the Butterflies Go Free exhibit. Arabella loved it last year and was even more into it this year. She wanted to have a butterfly land on her so badly and when one finally did, she was ecstatic! There were so many beautiful butterflies and plants and it was magical to see all of the butterflies flutter around without a care. I loved watching them, it was calming and so beautiful. We even had the opportunity to see some that had just come out of their chrysalis and couldn't quite fly yet. A great time was had by all - it was the perfect way to start our Early Spring weekend!