Halloween

Our trip to Canada this fall overlapped Halloween. Initially, Daniel was going to drive up this weekend and stay with the boys at least a couple days into the week, possibly the entire week. Then he got a new job that required him to travel this week (our last week here) and fly out on Nov 1st. So, that left us spending Halloween apart. It's not my favorite holiday and not as sentimental as Christmas or Thanksgiving, but I would still prefer to trick-or-treat and go to pumpkin patches and harvest festivals as a family. But that was not in the cards this time. I had to miss the boys trick-or-treating and Daniel had to miss the girls, Allie's first time to dress up for Halloween- she was only a couple months old last year.

It was really sad and we missed each other but at least we're here with friends and weren't alone. Poppy is here during this schedule as well so we were able to spend Halloween with her, Hayley and Danny. Maggie and Poppy just love each other, they're so cute together. We went to their condo this afternoon for some activities hosted by the condo; the girls had fun dancing.

Then we went upstairs where the girls tried bobbing for apples and fell in love with it! They did it over and over again. Hayley made us dinner then we all went out trick-or-treating. We had a great time and if I couldn't be with my whole family, I'm glad we were with good friends.

 My camera battery died while we were out, so this picture in the lobby was the last one I got before trick-or-treating. We stayed out about an hour and half when the rain started to pick up. Me and the girls got back "home" around 8 and I charged the battery a little to take a few more pics of my Princess Aurora and ladybug. Happy Halloween!

The boys visit

The boys just left after visiting us for just over a week. They arrived on Friday, May 29th, surprising us by coming a day sooner than planned. Daniel, Will & Jake showed up at the clinic while we were on a break- I was actually planning to stay at the clinic during the break, but I wanted to get to the Farmer's Market. They're usually closing up around the time we're done for the day, so I had to go during our break. The boys were waiting for us when we returned from our little excursion. I  parked and they both ran to me, it was good to hug them again! Daniel opened the back door to find a very happy Maggie and gave her hugs. Then Daniel and I were finally able to hug. The reunion was sweet, then we headed inside the clinic and finished our weekend before heading to "mommy's house" as Jake called it. Maggie rode with Daddy and Jake rode with mommy, very excited to be back in "mommy's car." That sweet boy loves his cars!

Unfortunately, it rained most of their first and only full weekend here. We were able to get to the park Saturday morning and relax but it was raining by the time we finished lunch so we were indoors most of the remaining day and Sunday. Will was pretty upset about the lack of pool- swimming is what he's been looking forward to the most since summer commenced. And they left for Toronto the day after school let out, so there was no time before the trip. We still enjoyed being with each other again. I'll admit, it took me a few days to get used to the extra mess. Three more people really bring more stuff and clutter.

We were able to make it to the park a few times during the week and go for walks.,I did, however, forget the camera each time. But my hands were full anyway, so. Plus Daniel and I took trips going to the clinic so the boys didn't have to go each time. This also gave me a break from going or having to take both girls and Daniel a chance to watch Maggie work and see her progress. When we did all go, though, one of us stayed in the back room with the boys and Allie. Lots of toys back there to keep them busy. Everyone went to the end of the last session to watch Maggie walk.

invasion of the Belcher kids!

Daniel didn't really want to leave- he wanted to get home- but didn't want to leave us and needed to get the drive over with before heading back to work Monday. So they stayed long enough to have lunch with us then hit the road. It was hard to say goodbye. At least we're over halfway done with our trip so there's only a few weeks left before we're together again.

 last morning together

The boys are on the road and it's just us girls again. The weather is beautiful today so we'll be back at the park soon. We miss you boys and love you!! Can't wait to get home!

Fundraisers

We're still in fundraising mode, getting ready to take Maggie to Health in Motion again, for three sessions (12 weeks) if we can raise enough. I've been working and held a couple fundraisers since we returned last fall and am wrapping up in with a couple more in March before we leave in April.

My friend offered to do a Pampered Chef fundraiser so I invited friends and family, a few came to my house where we fixed a meal with PC kitchen utensils and then they buy stuff and a portion goes to Maggie! This was on Thursday, March 12th. We had a lot of fun and even had a little chef in the kitchen with us :).

Then yesterday (Sat 3/28) we held a yard sale fundraiser-- it's the last Saturday in March and I leave in a week. I ended up getting the flu last week, but thanks to  my good friend, Ginny, tons of donated items came in and everything got set up. I took a few pictures of the items to post on Craigslist and Facebook for advertising purposes but didn't get any at the actual sale. Ugh! We were barely done setting up when people started arriving, then I was just too busy and forgot to take pics. My friend Ginny came out to work for a couple hours, my parents came and my aunt Patti and uncle Don. With Daniel and I, there were plenty of eyes and hands for the sale and the kids. It was sunny, but cold! Still, we raised $1200 for Maggie, so it was awesome! Thanks so much to everyone who came out to help, shop and donate items for us to sell. We really appreciate you!!

Niagara Falls & the Zoo part 2

Technically, this was my 3rd visit to the falls, but 2nd on the Canadian side. Our visit was much colder this year than last but my mom was so excited to go, I don't think anything would've stopped us. Last year my mom came with me the first week- we arrived Sunday evening and she flew out early Saturday afternoon so there wasn't time to do much sightseeing. And she didn't come at all my trip in March/April, so I already knew a trip to Niagara Falls was in the plans. We picked her up Friday from the airport, so we had the whole weekend to have fun.

 Me and my girls!! Even though she doesn't know the difference, I just had to get Allie out a couple times for just a few seconds because she was there! And I wanted her in the pics too. 

What I didn't get to see last time was Niagara at night. The falls are beautiful all lit up! The picture certainly does not do it justice. We were freezing by this time and super tired when we got back to the apartment but it was worth it for sure!!

The day at the zoo, though sunny, was actually a little cooler. At least there was more bite to the wind, which meant it would've been even colder at the falls. We got to the zoo early afternoon so we didn't get a full day, but we decided to eat out for breakfast and that restaurant was so delicious, so worth it.

We did not have a very restful weekend, but it was fun. And Maggie sure was happy to see her grandma, especially after having to say bye to our boys.