Easter Sunday at Cootes Paradise

It was a gorgeous day at Cootes Paradise, a part of the Botanical Gardens, in Hamilton, Ontario. Cooler temperatures made us bring our jackets though we didn't really need them. We walked about 7 kms starting at the Bruce Trail head office and going as far as the Bull's Outlook where we had a lunch that included hard boiled Easter eggs (of course).

We're all a little weary, especially the 5 yo and the dog, who seem to travel twice the distance that us adults do, especially considering their shorter legs!

Some attached photos include my ongoing quest for the perfect honey bee picture.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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I love my new computer

Okay, so I'm still getting used to this baby. The computer is sweet. Vista ... not so much. However, I keep plugging away ... and it is much faster! I enjoy that part of it. If only Vista was never invented. Erg.

Anyway, Christmas has come and gone and I would very much like to post some of our better moments...
These two photos were from John's school Christmas concert. Don't ask me what the "Buy More" banner meant. We weren't required to stick around. I feel some apprehension about having a child in an older grade. Apparently, it was a long night.

Nonetheless, John sang like an angel - despite losing a shoe early into his performance.
This happy fellow has just consumed at least one Kinder egg and probably a lot more.

A quieter moment...
John's gift to Uncle Andrew was hand-picked by John himself. Uncle Andrew loved his new drink shaker!

Mommy LOVED her gift from John. A Richard Scarey story book. Perfect for bedtimes!
Jake loved his Christmas present!
A 28-piece whisk set - who could ask for more? Compliments of Andrew with help from The Onion.

The wreckage.


The entertainment. A bit of late night boogey-woogey for everyone to enjoy.

A snowy Sunday with the family

This morning, we enjoyed a fun breakfast at Runways Cafe located at the Waterloo Regional Airport. Food is fine but most come for the opportunity to play with the creamers.


















I've always liked the ceiling which is decorated with model airplanes.
















After leaving the restaurant, we made a last minute decision to visit Wings of Paradise. After all, it was a frigid 0 Celsius and the snow was threatening.
The promise of a tropical paradise sounded good.

John had a wonderful time with the butterflies. He was very gentle and learned how to move quietly so they would stay on him. He had several winged visitors.


























It was such a relaxing place, daddy even had a nap. :)

October in Ontario

So, I'm going off-topic and away from Grand Manan. It's amazing what a month will do to the brain and body.

Since then, we've enjoyed a mostly cooked bbq turkey and family gathering and started getting ready for Halloween. I'm attaching some recent pictures.

Let's just get this one out of the way. Next year, this turkey is going to be golden brown and beautiful. Well, maybe not THIS turkey. Nonetheless, let's just chalk this one up to a learning experience. :)

This is one of those great father - daughter pictures. Good balance, April! She's a future gymnast!

Dinner for the kids and for the adults. Very civilized. Until Aunt Liz got into the wine... :) This is a "bladder" from the inside of a wine box. Apparently, they make good pillows in Australia. No kidding!