A TRIP TO MONT TREMBLANT #2

Our annual wintry escape to ski at Mont Tremblant in Quebec was such fun. We travelled through a heavy snowstorm, making for a harrowing journey although it set us up with the perfect ski conditions -- piles of snow and brilliant sunshine.

Here are a few photos if you'd like to see ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The pumpkin is carved, the candles are lit and the costumes are ready. Halloween is here! Wishing you safe and fun trick-or-treating this evening ... hoot, hoot!

A WEEK OF FIRSTS

This week was Monkey's first day at big kid school. He started Year 1, which is the equivalent to Senior Kindergarten in Canada. It was a big deal with a new school, new teachers and new classmates.

This week was also Little Bean's first day at nursery school. She's now going three mornings a week to the same nursery school that Monkey went to, and she's so very excited to be a big girl.

The first day of school photos 

This week was also the first in almost six years that I found myself alone with no children to play with or coax along during errands. It was a strange sensation. I felt light, as though something was missing, but I accomplished a lot in just two short hours -- my grocery shop was extremely efficient and the search for a birthday gift was executed with military precision.

With new school routines, it does feel like a fresh new year is upon us. With my new-found solo time, I'm eager to handle chores and errands so that the majority of our time together after school can be spent doing the fun stuff. Wait! Is it possible that I might catch and match John with the claim of being the 'fun parent' now?!

A TRIP TO COPENHAGEN

The four of us recently spent 10 days in Copenhagen. It was glorious. The city is perfect for exploring by foot or bike (we rented a 'family bike' and the kids had a front row seat for our adventures).

Monkey and Little Bean were captivated by the imaginative playgrounds, diverse animals at the Zoo, interactive games at Experimentarium City, sea creatures at the aquarium, a castle with not one, but two moats, and of course the yummy Danish treats.

I was enamoured with the picturesque architecture, fresh nordic cuisine, an impressive modern art gallery, embracing chilly temperatures with blankets on sidewalk cafes and absolutely everything that made up Danish style and design. And, Tivoli, the second oldest amusement park in the world, sits in the heart of the city and enchanted us all with its bold colours, thrilling rides, carnival games and live band music that marched throughout the park.

There is so much to adore about this progressive city, and country, that it is no wonder the Danes are considered to be the happiest people in the world.

Here are a few snapshots of our trip if you'd like to see ...

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Mama bird flew the nest! I recently took a trip to New York City with my friend. No husband, no kids. It was the first time I had left the kiddos for more than a few hours with my husband. This was a big deal, in fact, this was a huge milestone for us all. Happily, everyone survived. I missed my family like crazy, but I so enjoyed strolling the city streets, eating at a leisurely pace, exploring bustling neighbourhoods and shopping with no distraction (and no stroller!). It was a surreal experience to have no schedule and to do as I wished -- a true luxury. 

Now let's kick off this weekend with an ode to NYC. Here's Empire State of Mind, one of my favourite songs about the vibrant city that is New York City. 

Happy Friday!  

OUR FIRST SKI TRIP

Our family ventured away from the mild temperatures of Bermuda to wintery Mont Tremblant, Quebec for our first ski trip.

The kiddos loved everything about winter. From bundling up in hats, mitts and snowsuits to rolling, sliding and licking the fresh falling snow. Monkey learnt to ski, making it from the top of the mountain to the bottom all by himself, and Iris tried hard to stay upright between my legs. When we weren't skiing, we trekked through the woods with a team of 10 husky dogs and painted a few masterpieces at a creative studio. 

Here are a few photos if you'd like to see ...

A BIRTHDAY MONKEY

This kiddo is now 5 years old! His earnest stories delight me, his compassion warms my heart, his budding sense of humour makes me laugh and his new-found creativity inspires me. Needless to say, this little Monkey means the world to me.

We celebrated his birthday this weekend with a bowling party with his friends. Here are a few pictures of the fun times ...

MY ANTIQUE FIND

I have been pining for the right antique Persian rug for our living room for what feels like years. My search was haphazard in nature with a quick peek in a warehouse here or a stroll through an estate sale there.

On a whim, I stopped by a consignment shop last week and I'm sure you can imagine my giddy surprise to find THE rug for me (pictured above)! It is handmade with bold colours, imperfections that make it truly unique and it has a history, having been made by a nomadic tribe in Iran. It was also spotless and affordable, which make it a rare find indeed.

I find that a Persian rug adds warmth to any room -- especially a bold patterned rug in a white or otherwise monochromatic like our living room.

Here are just a few images with rugs I adore ...

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