Fun: A Song on the Radio on a Snowy Friday Morning

Image the scene:

Snowy Friday morning.

Slick roads.

Traffic. (the opposite way that I was going, so I was ok)

Margot and Noa sitting in the backseat discussing Zelfian issues (more of that in a future post).

I, eyes on the road, driving them to school. 

CBC Radio 2 Morning on.

And this song comes up.

I smiled and tried to sing all the way to school. Awesome! Rocked my morning!

Here's why I like listening to the radio: you never know what song will play and surprise you. I love a good oldie once in awhile. 

To Inspire: A Spring Manifesto

Yes, I know, our Family Manifesto looks awfully similar (identical!?)  to Winter's (or last year's), but I think it's important that we are reminded of a few focus areas throughout the months. I like having goals and this encourages us to go out and play as a family.

I will also share my own goals for Spring:

(You'll quickly note that they are mostly focused on my physical well-being, but that's what I need and want now): 

-Sign up for a 5km - done! May 23rd is the day - and train 3x a week.

-Try something new. Last Summer, it was cello. This Spring, it's Modern Dance (although it's not quite new as I have taken a class more than 12 years ago)

-Finish knitting my poncho so I can enjoy wearing it on walks!
-Keep up my daily yoga practice.

What are your plans for Spring? (either individual or as a family)

Simple Pleasure: Sunday Evening

There is a quietude to Sunday evenings.
Here are some moments of my Sunday evening routine:
*Tidying up the kitchen after Simon's Sunday meal. note: I love how he cooks on weekends and I, during the week. It works with our schedules.
*Margot's earlier bedtime routine.
*Making lunches: chopping veggies, steaming broccoli (my lunch for Monday and Tuesday. I add grated cheese and pop it in the microwave for the cheese to melt. An easy lunch that makes me happy!)
*Organizing Margot's things for school: her class folder, her washed blankets, her lunchbox. I even lay out her snowsuit, mitts and hat by the front entrance. note: she picks her clothes before going to bed.
*Organizing my things in my work bag (marking folders, wallet, phone) Car keys nearby.
*Sometimes watching an episode of a show on Netflix. (We started watching Broadchurch a few days ago).
*Tucking into bed a bit earlier to catch up on a bit of reading. Delightful!

It's nice to have a slower pace on Sunday evenings. Once the work week begins, it quickens and we sometimes lose track of that Jazz and Candle soundtrack of Sunday evening.

Spring!

This is what Spring should look like, right?

Not quite yet…
However, milder temperatures are hovering in the air.

I find a change in the seasons (even if it's just a date on the calendar), quite rejuvenating. Spring! A new season! Time for plans and dreams and embrace something new. Even the word Spring creates a feeling of bounce and spark and lightness.
I wish I could properly celebrate the Equinox. I used to - way, way back - as a university student , when I had ample time, and it was acceptable to be dancing in the woods, lighting candles and chanting blessings. Have I piqued your curiosity? :) This deserves a blog post on its own.
I now write my seasonal Family Manifestos which I post on the fridge. I admit that it does work and all our monthly Winter outings do happen. Awesome!

***

On another note, family and friends, you will be thrilled to hear that I have decided that one of my personal plans this Spring is to blog more regularly.
Here are my topics (which I will rotate):
-A Moment with Margot
-Thoughts
-Simple Pleasure(s)
-To Inspire
-Randomness
I know that I haven't been consistent during the past seasons, but I'm not ready to let this blog just flop and dwindle. I have more to say and to share with you.

Kissing Winter Goodbye?

Well, the sun is shining; the birds are singing; the grass is peaking from under the snow. Can it be? Is it possible that a new season is under way?

Before we kiss Winter goodbye, here's a reminder of how fun it can be:

But also how cold and unfriendly it sometimes is:

I hope this is the last time you see me with my white and black coat, black snow pants and red tuque which I have adorned on every walk this season:

Skating!

It's that time of year! We laced up the skates and hit the longest outdoor skating rink in the world! Right here in the Nation's capital!

On the canal - Margot was a bit tentative as this was her first time this year:

At a rink by Noa's house - you can see the confidence building in her! 

The Magic of Disney

A fun family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Here's the gang at The Grand Floridian Cafe. It was our last group meal of the trip:

9 of us

Here are some famous landmarks:

Epcot

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Mid-week Simon and I hit the 'town' sans Margot. We hit the roller coasters, the spinning tea cups and enjoyed a romantic dinner (ooh la la! - Simon's addition). Here are some photos of what Margot missed (shhh don't tell her):

OK…we also had some fun with Margot…well maybe not on the roller coaster:

The most child-friendly roller coaster. Simon had fun...

…Here's Margot's reaction at the end of the ride.

She did like meeting the local "celebrities":

Princess Sofia

Ariel

Margot much preferred seeing the characters from afar.

...and finding the Magic Mirror at Downtown Disney:

No trip is complete without a few ice cream treats: 

the fireworks at Magic Kingdom were worth staying up for (8:00 pm):

I love these photos of Noa and Margot being adventurers with their maps on the Pagnini trail at Animal Kingdom:

Margot's favourite ride was the carousel. We went twice!

Here are some other shots of us having fun.

mmmm funnel cake