My Absence Excuses

My lack of postings are due to the following excuses:

:: no internet access, but just with my username (hmmm ?)

:: the camera was last in Scott's possession which he thinks he left in the shed which has the basketball sized hornet's nest in it!

So once I get these two issues dealt with I will be back to regular postings but for now I'm taking my time and enjoying the lazy days of summer with the kids (poor Daddy has to go to work).

Medieval Festival

We went to the Upper Canada Village Medieval Festival since Sir Carter is so interested in knights and castles. It was incredible and we going back next year but in costume. Carter and Gabe can be knights, Madison a princess, I'll be a gypsy and Scott can wear a Peter Pan hat!

Madison and Scott making candles.

His sword is bigger than him!

This was a real Heavy Armour Jousting Match, they actually went at each other full force and knocked each other off their horses.

Upper Canada Pioneer Village

In keeping with our learning about pioneer living we took a family trip to the Upper Canada Pioneer Village to explore what life would have been like for Canadian pioneers in the 1860s. I was the most excited and interested and would like to go back by myself. This part of Canadian history really interests me and I can't stop reading about it. There is something that captivates me about truly living off the land and a simplier way of life. Our pioneers worked hard and endured many hardships yet their lifestyle still appeals to me. I do believe that I am a 19th century soul livng in a 21st century body.

Here a few of the many photos I took with a link underneath in case you want to read some more.

Sawmill

Flour Mill

Shoemaker

Tinsmith's Shop

General Store

The Dressmaker's Shop

The School House

Spinning & Weaving

Crafting Duathlon

This shirt and skirt for Madison was my crafting duathlon combining both knitting and sewing. Its the Summerlin from Kathryn Ivy. The bodice is knit and the bottom portion is sewn on with a matching skirt. It is knit with Sublime Organic Cotton dk and the fabric is a 100% cotton. I made it really big so that it will fit her longer. We are both really happy about how it turned out.

Vacation Notice

We are currently on vacation and won't be posting regularly but,

Please come back and visit us next week for some exciting posts about . . .

:: The Upper Canada Pioneer Village

:: The Medieval Festival

:: The Canadian Bushplane Museum

:: The Norgoma Historic Ship Museum

and other Simoninigan antics!

Take care friends and Happy July 1st (Canada Day eh!)

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice means to me . . .

:: A trip home to the the Sault (not the Zoo, Carter) t0 visit my roots

:: Having my Madi home with me all to myself

:: Being in awe of Mother Nature, especially through the children's eyes

:: Trips to the Farmer's Market & many fresh summer salads

:: Many a Field Trip in our nation's capital as we explore our hometown as tourists

:: Working on the kids' fort in the backyard

:: Camping sleepovers in the tent (in the backyard)

:: Sipping homemade lemonade and iced tea

:: Pulling weeds from the garden 

Our Little Big Boy

Carter found a friend caterpillar yesterday and named him "Harry".  He giggled as he walked across his fingers and was so gentle with him. Eventually he did drop him in the grass and couldn't find him but continued to look and call his name. "Mama I can't find Harry and I've looked everywhere for him, I think he's lost". I hope he didn't step on him while looking!

I can also officially announce that Carter is fully potty trained now! We are so proud of him and he is also very proud of himself. We put him in underwear starting last Saturday morning and he tried and tried all day with no success. Now since Sunday he hasn't had any accidents and dry diapers in the mornings! It took one day. There really is something to be said about waiting until the child is ready and not the parent and not focussing on their age. Oh, and some gummy worms as bribes and cool underwear help too.