The Magic of Mickey

We had a bit of a vacation within our vacation, as we headed into Orlando for 3 days and 2 nights to ourselves, with the added benefit of allowing the condo dwellers to have some peace and quiet. The main destination for the weekend was near and dear to Isabelle's (and soon Oliver's) heart, the Magic Kingdom itself. Having spent a day here last year, we were now considered experts, which means we at least knew what to expect and where we were going (somewhat). We were all ready for a magical day and, of course, Disney never disappoints its fans!

We had an early appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a place tailor-made for petite princesses like our Isabelle. Located right in Cinderella's castle, it was the perfect place to start the day. While Oliver and Daddy headed off in search of fun, Mommy and Isabelle started the transformation from princess to PrincessTM.

While Oliver and Dad were off meeting Pooh and Tigger (Oliver surprisingly hugged them both and offered his binky to Pooh!), Isabelle's makeover was well underway. She had a fabulous fairy godmother's assistant, in fact a Red Wings fan from Detroit, Michigan that has been working in the castle for 120 years! She did a fabulous job of making Isabelle feel so special.

The finished product! This year, Isabelle went for the traditional princess bun, as opposed to the hair extensions she went for last year. No need for extensions when your hair is already to your waist! She received many compliments on her dress as well, who knew Target was the place the princesses shopped!

With the kids still so little, rides are not typically a big part of the day for them. Or so we thought. OLiver was obsessed with the carousel. He took a ride while Isabelle was at the boutique, then kept wanting to go back over and over again. The good thing is that this is one of the few rides that has a very short line all day long, otherwise we would have spent most of the day in it! "Horsey? Horsey ride?"

Four-year olds can love it just as much as two-year olds. Such a simple ride can bring so much joy to these kids. Isabelle has ridden carousels in Ottawa, Orlando and Paris, quite the impressive resume!

It wouldn't be Disney without a spin on the teacups. Isabelle was a much bigger fan of this ride than her brother. I guess he prefers going in an easy circle on the carousel to the twists and turns of the teacups. Or maybe the 30 degree was getting to him like it was to all of us. Time for a break for lunch.

Rejuvenated after lunch after they each chose a toy from the giftshop, it was time to chill out and wait for the big parade. We parked ourselves in the perfect spot near the start and got a great view of all the characters. We got to see so many of them up close and Isabelle was thrilled to see the princesses wave to her and acknowledge her fancy dress. Soon after she would be seeing them one-on-one!

We got the chance to meet the biggest stars of the Magic Kingdom. Oliver was so excited to see them that when we got back in a different line for the princesses he kept saying "Mickey? Mickey. Mickey?" 

Not just the happiest, but also the most exhausting place on Earth!

Disney 2011: Another magical day!

Condo Life

When Mommy and Daddy first met several years ago in Ottawa, they both owned condos, but neither was anything like Isabelle and Oliver have been experiencing on their annual trip to Florida. Needless to say, the biggest differences are the weather and the view! It's such a familiar drive to us coming in, the Dunkin', Publix, Food Lion, Mi Mexico and then you've arrived. We have stayed in 3 different units over our visits to Seascape Towers, but what has been consistent has been the sight of the ocean and the sound of the surf. The place has an awesome pool area for little ones, small enough to keep an eye on everyone but big enough to let aspiring swimmers spread their fins. As an added bonus, it's not a busy place so often you can have the pool to yourself. Combine this with private access to the beach and it's the perfect playground for young and old. Not surprisingly, Isabelle settled in quite nicely as always, ever the friendly resident around the pool. Oliver has been happy just to follow her lead. Let's just hope they don't get too used to how comfortable things are here, vacations can't last forever!

Poolside snooze

Drinks on Martha's balcony

Surf-loving sweetie

Sandcastle crew at work

At home on the beach

Is there a better way to end the day than with ice cream?

Vacation paradise

Let's Hug it Out

We only had a couple of days for Oliver and Isabelle to enjoy the sun and sand together with their Haligonian cousin Olan, so we made the most of it by packing in as much playtime as possible. It has been almost 5 months since they were last together, so they had a lot to catch up on. The two older cousins have shared a special bond since they first arrived in 2006, and with Oliver now around and desperately looking up to his bigger cousins they make quite a formidable trio. Olan and Isabelle are both Florida veterans, each on their fifth visit, so they know the ins and outs and all the hotspots. Given that Olan has already been here for a week, he was happy to brief all the new arrivals on what's what in NSB this year, but most of all the three of them just stuck close to the condo, with the beach and pool providing enough fun to keep them plenty busy. Isabelle and Olan would stop every once in a while just to give each other a hug, tugging on everyone's heartstrings in their vicinity. Looking back over all the times we have been here, we will never forget what these two have shared on every visit, these memories will last forever. What great kids.

Pals at PJ's

All dressed up in their Sunday best

We should totally come here again next year, Olan!

 Surf, sand, sunshine...what else can a kid ask for?

Can I get in on this?

Family Night at PJ's

After some interminable lines at security and US customs in Ottawa, we arrived in Florida safe and sound. With the four of us and all our bags stuffed in our mid-sized rental (although to us it seemed smaller than mid!), we headed east from Orlando to our home for the next 2 weeks, New Smyrna Beach. We couldn't wait to arrive and lucked out as it also happened to be Tuesday night, time for all you can eat pizza buffet at PJ's Sea Shack! They have tons of different wood-fired slices, even a Mac and Cheese version that delighted some of us and turned off others just as easily. We had a huge crew of famished vacationers, including Gran, Grandpa, Olan, Auntie Meggie, Auntie Leslie, Liam, Sarah, and Aunt Janice (broken foot couldn't keep her from Florida!). We had the outdoor patio almost all to ourselves as we noshed and caught up with each other. It was great to wear shorts and flip flops for the first time in months and we had a great night as we looked forward to two weeks of sunny climes and fun times. We're only just getting started!

Oliver meets the beach for a quick walk before dinner

Cousins reunite in the sand

Mommy, can you order for me?

Big O and Little O (and Big Crab!)

Preview of spring break 2030?

Storytime with Auntie Meggie

Leavin' On a Jet Plane

We're off on a much-needed vacation, moving from grey Ottawa to a green (and warm) escape destination. We can't wait to report back on all the goings-on in Florida. Stay tuned to see how much fun two little kidlets can have in the sun, sand and surf of New Smyrna Beach. We have already learned one thing. Oliver LOVES the pool as much as his big sister does. It's amazing. 

Hunting Season

Easter is much later than usual this year. Often by mid-April, we've already painted eggs, decorated the house and searched the premises and the outdoors for all kinds of chocolate eggs. Usually by now, we are digging into the candy stash after dinner each night. Well this year it's not for a few weeks and since we need to be well prepared to search for eggs on the beach, we went out this weekend and got a practice round in! On a beautiful, we headed out to Stanley's Farm, a sugar bush operations just south of Ottawa, where we got the chance to hunt for eggs and have a great afternoon enjoying the farm and its many animals. Logan, Brooklyn and Kaitlyn joined us for the fun. We all piled onto some hay bales and a big tractor (Oliver was thrilled!) pulled us into the bush to hunt for eggs, which was a madhouse with other kids having the exact same goal. Luckily, there were more than enough eggs for big and little kids to get their share. After we finished, every kid got a bag of treats and we went back to the barn, where Oliver was beyond excited. He got to see horses, goats, cows, turkeys, even a huge pig. Getting him out  of the barn to visit the playground was not an easy task! The five kids had an awesome time checking everything out and enjoying the wide open spaces. After an awesome treat of taffy on the snow, we called it a day and considered ourselves officially ready for Easter. Can we expect a repeat of last year with Oliver? Bet on it.

Enough instructions, let us at those eggs!

Tally-ho! Mommy, Daddy, I see some more!

Focused on the task at hand

What's this stuff coming out of the tree?

For a rookie egg hunter, the boy was a quick study

The crew shows off their egg haul

Bunny buds having a conversation

Wheeeeee times three

Swinging with the sisters

Mommy admires her little dude

Come have a seat! There's lots of room!

Whoa, we are way up high!

Easter egg posse chills out at the end of a fun day

A Wild Week

The daycare days are over for now so everyone has been busy experiencing (and getting used to) a different daily routine. No more rushing through the mornings to get dressed and out the door. Want to sleep late, Isabelle and Oliver? Go ahead! Nanny Caitlin is on her way and can take over no matter what state you're in. So mornings are a bit more relaxed as a result and each day has started with pyjamas for both little ones. Why not be comfortable, let the workers of the world get dressed when they first get up! The kids have had a great time with Caitlin this week, making a few road trips on the bus and train and spending lots of time getting reacquainted with their outdoor vehicles from the garage. They have worked on crafts, visited storytime at Chapters and dropped by a couple of neighbourhood parks. Luckily the weather is starting to turn just in time for their first week around the house. The transition has been really easy for both kids, it's been like turning back the clock to last summer. Not one morning has been an issue, in fact they are so focused on playing or reading with Caitlin they have to be prodded into a kiss goodbye! It means a lot to us to know they are happy and well cared for each and every day, and the familiar surroundings certainly help. Looks like they are set for a great spring of fun each and every day. If only us adults could have as much fun as these two from Monday to Friday!

Cutest farmboy ever!

A couple of goofballs run wild

Snappy chapeau, dude!

Silly siblings

The boy loves to roam the upstairs hallway

Looking fine in his Fedora