Merry Christmas! And yet another lockdown. . .
We had fun in December, with lots of skating, toboganning, xmas decorating and baking, and Daddy’s birthday. We also tried a dinner out at IKEA – but unfortunately the 4 person per table rule applies to families…and we had to split up at two tables! We didn’t think of it soon enough, but we could have put the kids at one table and had our own date night dinner alone!
We are definitely into the Christmas excitement phase of childhood. Though Cadence and Asher didn’t quite understand what was going on until after Xmas (Asher is in love with Santa this January) but they enjoyed the change in activities and watching the Santa parade through the neighbourhood at home and at Oma and Opas! They posed for photos in the Carlingwood mall staged photo shoot, with Olaf and elf and Snoopy’s barn. We met Dave and Barb for a walk around the mall after going a month without seeing them.
Grandma and Papa’s masked visit on Christmas morning was the highlight of Isaac’s Christmas he said. What’s your favourite thing today Isaac? “It’s not the presents mommy, it’s not! It was seeing Grandma and Papa!”. So Christmas was special this year. We were happy to have the opportunity to have Christmas dinner with Oma and Opa too. We were able to stop in to see the Magic of Lights on our way home on Christmas night – the last night it was open. We also went for a walk in the woods with Aunt Sam and Uncle Jeremy and Charlotte and Isabelle, and of course their new dog Winston. Uncle Greg also came by to deliver a remote control truck to Isaac! So we were lucky to squeeze in some family time, though just not the same as usual.
The two weeks off with the kids were surprisingly manageable, with both of us off work. Jon’s busy work schedule took a break too, and we spent several lazier mornings than usual which was much needed. And there were definitely a few xmas movies thrown in there too. Perhaps the abundance of new toys helped, as of course the kids were spoiled this year. But it didn’t stop cadence from getting her coat and boots on at 730am Christmas morning and asking to go play outside!
We spent a happy New Year’s eve at Oma and Opa’s and finally got some snow for the last weekend of the holidays!
As expected, schools didn’t go back after the break for Christmas…and we tried the first week of online learning with Isaac. He was excited at first, but his enthusiasm quickly dwindled, as did our patience with trying to get him to pay attention while trying to work our full time jobs. So when they delayed the return to school, we signed him up for full time care at daycare for the next couple of months instead. Everyone is much happier again now!
Next up : Two two year olds!!!
Wow…..love all the photos and your commentary.. So much has changed in a year. our grandkids are enjoying their childhood with so many various activities. Kudos to the parents.