Survivor Halifax

Well, today we entertained fourteen 4-year-olds and in my mind, those folks on Survivor have nothin' over us. Not sure how we ended up with that many kids but you know that expression 'it just started growing arms and legs' - well that would be a pretty good explanation for the extensive guest list.

From the moment his feet hit the floor this morning he was full of excitement and kept asking, "Is it time for my pawdy (aka party) yet?" Not yet Grant, very soon. "Aw, dats not fair, I been waitin' a long time!" Finally the moment arrived and I don't think he could have been any more excited as his friends arrived, gifts in hand. Of course, he was not the least bit shy about escorting the gift to the party table and remarking on how many presents he had. I'm not sure he even noticed the kids handing him the gifts but I guess he's still young enough to get away with such poor party etiquette! "I'm so excited!" was a common phrase throughout his afternoon.

Grant's actual birthday is April 15 but that would bring us into Easter weekend and it's pretty difficult to schedule anything on a long weekend. The party was held at a preschool that rents out its gym and kitchen so the venue was perfect. Trying to get all those 3 and 4-year-olds to want to do the same thing at the same time, that wasn't so perfect. However, Grant had a super time and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. He has made some really sweet little buddies that I hope he continues to share friendships with.

We are now relaxing at home, unpacking toys, installing batteries, and repeatedly reading instructions just trying to figure out some of these "preschooler" toys. I have had to increase the coffee intake today just to keep ahead of the game. Cheers Grant, happy birthday big guy!

It Was Good To Be Home

The weekend of March 31 found me visiting family and friends in good old Toronto. Rob and the kids surprised me with a weekend plane ticket home to visit as I think the signs of missing the family were becoming too evident. (I don't think I was that psychotic, but it depends who you talk to). Kelly was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and do chauffeuring duties. I spent Friday night with the girls (Kelly, Jenny, Jacqui and Kim) and met the new babies and toddlers that have arrived since I left. We ordered Chinese food and chatted. It was great seeing the girls again and I had a wonderful time chatting about everything and nothing! Sadly, I either forgot to take my camera out or left it in my sister's car so photos of my weekend home are almost non-existent.

I returned to mum and dad's house that night and kept dad up way past his bedtime!

On Saturday, my sister Ailsa and I went for a pedicure in Cobourg and she made fun of my "problem feet". It seems if she inherited any of the good family genes, they were in her feet. LOL. My brother Stuart and his family including new baby Alexandra were also home from Calgary for a visit so I managed to get my first view of cousin number 21 for Ashley and Grant. That night we went to Ailsa's house and had a great visit but not before a pit stop to see Fiona and the family who are all doing well and were busy redecorating. It must be a family thing! We finally made it to Newmarket and enjoyed a great visit with Maddie and Cameron...and Dan too. It was really good seeing them again as I haven't seen Maddie since just before she got sick. She is doing well and gave me the biggest hug when she saw me...that made everything good! Cameron is hilarious and spunky and reminds me so much of Grant (yes, that's a good thing). That night we joined Roxane (our childhood friend) for a late dinner and drinks in Newmarket. After a nice visit from my brother John and his kids, Ailsa took me shopping the next day and it felt good to spend money on a Sunday! Ahhhh, the smell of Sunday shopping...it was better than I remembered. Unfortunately, someone was in a bit of a hurry and rear-ended her car but fortunately it was minor and with the exception of a short scare, we were all okay.

Photo: Maddie and Alexandra at Grandma and Grandpa Dempster's house.

While it was sad to leave, I was missing Rob and the kids and was looking forward to getting home to see them. Ailsa brought me to the airport and I managed to keep the tears to a minimum...but did she? The whole family will be joining me for a visit to Ontario in July and I hope to see everyone while we're in town. Although with the size of our families, that could be a tall order!

Photo: Maddie and Jenna (aka Stew) in her room made possible by a huge handful of volunteers and local companies.

Hey, does anyone know what I have in common with Jessica Simpson besides the obvious?! We can both burp the alphabet. Perhaps that's a talent many of you didn't know I possessed. Maybe I'll perform for you next time I'm in town and completely drunk!