Tuesday, June 21, 2011

More Beach Fun

Last Friday, we enjoyed one more playgroup at the beach before we broke for Summer break. Once again, it was a beautiful day on the beach, not too sunny, but warm. It was great to relax and see all the kids enjoying themselves. They played so hard and didn't want to leave when it was time to go home...we even stayed longer than normal. I am so lucky to have found such a great group of women that I have bonded with over the past year. And Arabella has such a great group of friends that I hope she will be friends with for a very long time. We are looking forward to spending a great Summer with great friends and more time at the beach!



Allergy Season

I have seasonal allergies, but this year they have been worse than normal. So bad, that a few times I have woken up in the middle of the night with itchy eyes that needed eye drops! They have even been affecting Jay, which is a big deal since he was tested for allergies and the only thing he is allergic to are cats, rabbits and horses. His allergies were so bad one night that his eyes swelled shut and he had to make a trip to the clinic the next morning. I never actually believed that your allergies change, but after seeing Jay's reaction to them this year, I believe it. I that that by now allergy season would be over, but not so. Just check out the pollen or what ever all this white is in our garden (and everywhere)...

All this white just floats in the air and even got into the car, Arabella thougt it was a snow flake! It is ever present just like the yellow-green pollen that gets all over everything! Until it stops, which I hope is soon, I will be keeping eye drops and allergy pills on hand!

Catherine's 1st Birthday Pool Party

Last week, we celebrated the 1st Birthday of our friend Catherine! She is such an adorable little girl and we had the perfect day for a pool party in her honor! Everyone enjoyed swimming in the pool and a yummy lunch prepared by Linda. Instead of cake, we all enjoyed ice cream cones with all different sprinkles to choose from, YUM! Catherine enjoyed opening her gifts with a little help from the older kids. It was a great afternoon and we are happy we could share in Catherine's 1st Birthday Celebration!



The birthday girl!

Fabulous Find


Arabella loves playing outside and one of the outdoor play items that I have been wanting to get her is a playhouse. A few of her friends have them and every time we have play dates at their houses, she gravitate towards the playhouse and it is hard to tear her away. She just loves them, Jay on the other hand, doesn't. He also doesn't think that we need "another yard ornament". So when he wouldn't budge on not getting one, I let it go. But when we were at Laura's house on Saturday, I made a comment about wanting one, and Cynthia told me there was a great one on the curb near her house. Seriously, was it in good condition, she said yes, just looked like it needed a good cleaning but was all in one piece. So Laura and I hopped in the car to go check it out while Cynthia and Carrie watched the kids. And sure enough, it was right where Cynthia said. We made sure that it was free for the taking and it was! So we started to take it apart and load it into my car, but it wouldn't all fit. We went back to Laura's and I had to call Jay and ask him to drive out, with the his company car and tie downs, to get it. I was surprised when he agreed, but really, why wouldn't he, it cost us NOTHING! It took me about 2 1/2 hours to clean up, and I did a little research, it looks like Little Tikes doesn't make the Victorian Cottage anymore, but people are selling them used for $175 to $200...so when it was new, I can only imagine that it cost about $250 or more! So needless to say, this a Fabulous Find and Arabella is on Cloud 9!

Following the company car and parts of the play house home!
And a very, very happy Arabella in her new play house!

Petit Gym Graduation

It is hard to believe that another 20 weeks has gone by and Arabella has officially graduated into another class at Petit Gym! She will be in the Funny Bugs/Giggle Worms in the Fall when classes start back up for her. I am amazed at her progress so far this year and she continues to develop into quite the little gymnast. She loves going to class and is great on all of the equipment. (She does however need to work a little on her listening and waiting for her turn, but that will come as she gets older, she is after all only 3!) Arabella, Mommy is so proud of you, keep up the awesome work...I can't wait to see the gymnast you will become!









Boys & Their Toys

I find it comical when Jay has something to say when I buy a new pair of shoes or a new purse. Sure I have my favorite brands...some more expensive than others. I like that I have a wide variety of "price points" in my closet as far as clothing, shoes, bags and other accessories. Don't get me wrong, I love my Coach and Kate Spade bags, my Michael Kors & Jessica Simpson shoes, but, I also love my Old Navy flip flops and tank tops and Target has some really cute pieces that I have added to my wardrobe. I love when I get a huge deal on a name brand item and I am not shy about shopping at the outlets or sample sales to score a great bargain. My husband on the other hand seems to have only very expensive taste when it comes to his "accessories". Let me introduce you to his latest purchase...


Yup, that is right, another car and another BMW...just look at that smile, he was so excited! (Kind of like when I found my Rachel Roy heels!)
Here it is, the BMW 745i Individual being unloaded off the truck from Toronto!


It was delivered on a Friday night and the next morning when I woke up, Jay was no where to be found...so I finally looked out side and sure enough, he was sitting in the car - just like a kid in a candy store. He told me he woke up at 5:30 and couldn't go back to sleep since he was so excited about it.
Arabella has been allowed to sit in the driver's seat!
He is so serious about his cars that he has a special lap top with BMW software on it that can "talk to the car"!
The day after it was delivered...still basking in the new car glow.
When I can't find him, I only have to go to the garage and there he is!

So this makes 3 personal cars at our house (plus the company car). I did make a request, that if he is going to go and purchase another BMW that we get something fun, like the 6 convertible, so at least I could have fund driving it! His newest toy has caused a little bit of tension in our house, since he went out and purchased it without any input from me, but I have gotten over it. He likes his toys as I like mine...so I think I get a pass on my next few purchase, don't you think???

Monday, June 20, 2011

Happy Father's Day

Three short years ago, Jay celebrated his first Father's Day. I remember the first time at he held Arabella, he looked so scared...

And now look at them...

Yesterday, we celebrated Dad! And I think we had a great day, Jay enjoyed himself and he got to relax a bit. Arabella had been asking for days for croissants so since we got up early, the only thing open was Tim Horton's so we decided to go there to get breakfast for Dad. After that Arabella and Jay spent some time outside. The had fun lounging in the hammock and then had lunch in her new playhouse. After lunch, we headed to a park and the lakeshore to enjoy more of the beautiful weather we had. When we got home, Jay and Arabella took a nap and snoozed the afternoon away. Before we knew it, it was time for dinner and Jay had to pack for his trip to Nova Scotia this week and Arabella had to go to bed. It was a great day yesterday and we had fun celebrating Dad.







Thanks, Jay, for all that you do for Arabella and our family. You are a wonderful father and we love you!