Friday at our place:

Last day of school before Christmas, so Susannah and I got up early and went to Timmys before school.  It's really nice doing this now and then :)  

Today was bitterly cold - but it made for good pictures.  Laurence took this one:

I spent this morning making some snow globes:

Laurence bought me a Holiday London Fog and a lemon tart:

I took him to The Italian Centre for lunch and to see their bakery....

and then to Southgate to look round the stores:

Laurence got this gorgeous picture of my girly:

Today was Yule, the Winter Solstice, and the shortest day:

We celebrated by having a fire and burning a log....we also have smores to make on the fire...

Samantha called round for a chat - I forgot to take a picture of us by the Christmas Tree which I normally do every year :(  

This could be to blame:

Susannah sat by the fire all evening and Rosie sat on the sofa watching me to make sure I don't go anywhere :

The last couple of days....

Susannah and I went to see Twilight - Breaking Dawn part 2 on Wednesday evening.  Susannah was given a GC for the movies for her volunteer work at the library this Summer - so we used that.  Kind of makes me feel better that we didn't pay much considering how BAD the movie was - even Susannah thought it was awful!

Yesterday it was sooooo horribly quiet here without Sam and Abby - I was very glad that I had plans to go out for the day.  Trish and I headed to Bedrock Supply to see what they had - WOW, I had never been there before but it's AMAZING!!  Have to take Sam there during French class one day!  I got the supplies for Susannah to make her friend a necklace for Christmas.  

I've been busy crafting - making snow globes and little ornaments:

Last night 7 of us met up at Oscars for the weekly pub quiz...it was Christmas themed and fun.  we got 26 out of thirty:

Rosie is making the most of Sam not being here - and is hogging the bed:

Friday fill-ins

1. Ahhhh coffee :)  

2. I'm preparing my children for a happy life!

3. Creating a JYC Christmas journal is something I look forward to. 

4. a warm bath is my idea of relaxation. 

5. Kick start the new year with a list of ideas for activities and planned field trips. 

6. I don't understand end of the world believers. 

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an evening out with Susannah, tomorrow my plans include no clue and Sunday, I want to see what is happening in the city and do something festive! 

Maisies Christmas House....

Last night we met our friends at Maisies Christmas House - it was a very VERY chilly night but that also meant it was very quiet there compared to last year!  We had a quick walk around and took pictures of each other, and then said goodbye and headed off - but it was a lovely way to end the day.  

Our Christmas Dinner......

Last night we had our big Christmas dinner - a week early as tomorrow Abby and Sam go to their Dads house for two weeks.  Everyone helped set up the table, and we used the centrepiece I won in the tacky gift exchange to decorate the table.

It was a fun dinner with crackers to pull as well. 

After dinner we watched a movie together - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation #2 - the sequel to the Chevy Chase movie!!  We had Christmas pudding half way though the movie :)

Yum!!!  :)

Cheers!!

Family traditions :)

Abigail made us a huge bowl of brandy butter last night.  Enough for the whole Christmas season and ready for last nights Christmas pudding :)

Cookie Exchange!!

My friend C organized a Christmas cookie exchange for us all - I chose not to take part as Abby and Sam leave for two weeks at their Dads, and I wanted to make the most of their time here before they leave without being stressed out by baking 11 dozen cookies lol!!  

I did however ask to join them for the actual exchange - which was an excuse for a playdate :)  I took dreidels and gelt, and a paperchain kit for the kids :)

It was a lovely afternoon - the children played and us grown ups ate and chatted :)

My amazing friends surprised me with some cookies to take home even though I didn't take part.  I really do have such incredible friends!!!  :)