'tis the season

We are busy getting the house all decked out for the holidays this weekend. We are a bit behind schedule however, as I usually have my tree up by now, but it's been a busy week. Brent was in San Diego for a few days...and I hope to have a few pics of his adventure up on the blog soon. It looks like a very fun place to visit one day. Aidan agreed...but I think it was only because he found out that there was a Lego Land! Anyways....we are warming up - finally - after a very, very cold week. We are also battling a few colds and fevers around here, but we are still managing to keep in the holiday spirit of things. The shopping is done, the baking plans are in the works, the decorating is almost finished, and we are also gearing up for a joint birthday party next weekend for Aidan and Maelle. So looking forward to that!
Today, however, we are taking things in stride. We have had a nice relaxing afternoon, putting up the trees (the kids have their very own) and working on getting the house finished up, so I can start on a few fun little Christmas projects! I love Christmas projects! I promised myself no "new" and "unnecessary" projects this year - hence more time just to enjoy. So far so good!



Bree and Jenna are going to be way too much fun this year. Their curiosity is never ending!

Oh....and I can't forget the most important aspect of a holiday season at the Snider house....


...the rink is underway! As soon as we shovel off a very large area of snow that is about a foot deep!

blasted by winter

It has finally stopped.  I think.  At least for the moment.  It has snowed since Monday night, and today there were moments that it actually wasn't snowing, and my goodness the sun came out for an ever so brief amount of time.  The temperatures however, well, that's another story.  It is cold!  Welcome winter!

At last check (which was this afternoon) it was minus 18, with a wind chill of, oh, let's just say minus 25.  Give or take.   Depending on where you are in the backyard the snow depth ranges from about 8" to 12".  Definitely "fresh" outside, and oh so very beautiful.  There is something to be said about the beauty of a fresh snow - especially after a snowstorm like we have been having since Monday evening.  We have been bundling up, enjoying peppermint hot chocolates after school, and shovelling every day - oh wait....that was Brent and Aidan.  The kids have made snow angel after snow angel, and have been busy building forts in the backyard.  How I love winter!  And....it sounds as though there just might be some more white stuff heading our way over the weekend.  It may not be over yet!

6 years old

It might just be me, but when your oldest turns 6, do they look taller?  Are they supposed to just grow up that quick over night?  Does this really happen?  Well...in Aidan's case I think it did.  The morning of his birthday, when he came into our room to see if we were up (at 6:15 nonetheless) my once little guy did look taller, and he definitely looked older.  It could of been his white dress shirt that he was wearing (did I mention it was 6:15?) that he wears for all special occasions, but I am pretty certain it was just Aidan, turning 6 right before my eyes. 

We had a great day - thankfully there was no school for Aidan or for Brent - so we spent the entire day just hanging out.  We celebrated Aidan's birthday dinner at a nearby favourite pizza place, and then came back to the house for a much requested and enjoyed  "chocolate construction cake".  I am pretty sure that Aidan had a fantastic birthday, as he did not stop smiling all day.   Mission accomplished!

But there is one thing for certain, even though Aidan is now 6, even though he is more independent than ever, and even though he is growing up right before my eyes, he will always be my little guy.  No matter how big he gets, he will still be my little Aidan.  Happy Birthday buddy!

it's the most wonderful time of the year!

You know it's the holiday season when....

....Starbuck's has their Christmas drinks!  Woohoo!  Can we say gingerbread latte?  Or, how 'bout the eggnog latte?  Or, maybe the gourmet hot chocolate to warm up with.  All such tasty choices...you really can't go wrong!
And yes, the snowmen are popping up all over my house!   The kids are also eagerly anticipating a special visitor to make an appearance soon for the holiday season.  Do you remember who?  Stay tuned!

the best Halloween....EVER!

From making our own trick-or-treat bags, decorating our own cupcakes, having a swing or two at a pinata, and then to top it all off with trick-or-treating with friends, this by far was the best Halloween!  First off, a HUGE thank you goes out to the Thomas'.  They were the masterminds behind making this such a fantastic day.  Not only did we celebrate Halloween, but a combination of birthday parties for there kidlets made this day such a huge event.   Even the adults got in on a little Halloween treat from one house...coffee and Bailey's to go!  Who does that?  Awesome!  It was nice to warm up with a hot bevvie as the kids made their way around the neighborhood.

The kids had such an amazing time running from house to house.  I have never seen such huge smiles on all of their faces!  Thank goodness the weather was perfect for our little outing. 

Even Bree and Jenna got in the action handing out treats to all the kids that visited our house.  Maybe next year they can join the bigger kids in all of the festivities.

Needless to say, our gang was exhausted.  Once we turned off the lights, and tucked them into their beds, I am sure it was only a matter of minutes and they were out. 
Now I get to start thinking about decorating for my most favourite time of the year!  Yes....the snowmen are making their way up from the basement, and replacing the witches and spiders and taking their positions around the house.  A few more weeks...and it will be Santa and his entourage of little elves!  Did I mention that this was my favourite time of year?  Oh yes....I did!