Weekend Recap

We enjoyed a hot and humid weekend (and will try to remember these days when we are freezing mid-January).

E finished up his two weeks at Humriva Camp - his team won the Humriva Cup!  And he received the "Most Enthusiastic" award, of course!

Dave had made some ribs and as they finished up on the BBQ, we enjoyed the backyard.

Dave's parents were stopping in on their way down East.

After the kids went to bed, we watched the Ted Bundy movie on Netflix (Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile).  

In the morning I biked to my work out class.  You could tell it was already going to be a hot day but it was good to get a workout out of the way first thing.   I sat outside for a few minutes with this guy.

Then we got in the car to drive to a three year old's birthday part at Lionel's Farm in Whitchurch-Souffville. They had pony rides and since a few of the other kids weren't interested, my kids each went three times. 

Waiting for his turn.

Then to feed the animals. 

I was too frightened to feed this emu, I thought he could take my fingers right off.

Cake time!

We drove home and then watched a movie while some of us (ahem, me) napped.  Then with the promise of margaritas and tacos, we got on our bikes to go to the bike store to pick out my new bike.  I picked one out but it needed to be put together, so I didn't buy it that day.  We went back to the playground for a bit where Q ran into one of his friends from school. 

And then to Mad Mexican!

Success!

Sun didn't help this photo but Q looked cute in my glasses. 

Back home for a bit of TV before heading to bed. 

Our plans for Sunday included a bike ride and swim.

Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool was so refreshing and we were some of the first people through the door.

After our swim we went around the corner and ate lunch at the Sunnyside Cafe.  We felt like we were on vacation. 

We biked home and then I went to pick up my new bike.  Our cousin Lucy was in town for work, so she came over for supper.  We enjoyed a pleasant evening in the backyard chatting, sipping wine, and bird watching (we have baby robins in a nest over the backyard, and then we saw cardinals and a woodpecker).

And the boys wrestled. 

Dave and I finished up our weekend with A Handmaid's Tale. 

Toronto Summer Tour Guide

Here are some things I think you should check out if you are in Toronto this summer (not an exhaustive list of course):

Toronto Islands - This place has a variety of activities and it is worth the ferry ride for the views of Toronto alone.  If you have small children, the Centreville Amusement Park is fun (what I like is that the rides are by tickets or bracelets so the whole family doesn't have to pay an admission fee if only the kids are going on the rides, with a parent going every once in awhile).  There is also beach, biking trails, boats to rent, restaurants, and a playground.

Canada's Wonderland - We hadn't been to Canada's Wonderland for a few years but when we went last year I was impressed.  The rollercoasters are really thrilling (some so thrilling in fact that I will not go on them), there is a lot of rides for little kids, a water park, a some great food and drink options.

St. Lawrence Market - I always enjoy a market and this is definitely a popular tourist destination.  The peameal bacon sandwich is slightly cliché but is really good.  I prefer to get mine with the egg and cheese too.  The surrounding streets have some good stuff too - including Balzac's Coffee and a fish place.

Union Summer Market - I know, I know, I can't stop talking about this place, but I think it is a perfect place for people to pop by right in the centre of the city with a view of the CN Tower, it's very "Toronto".

Blue Jays Game - Even when the Jays aren't the best team, an afternoon or evening at the ballgame is always a good time.  Try the vegan nachos if you want something a little different, but the foot long hot dog is always popular too.

Distillery District - I will admit this isn't the greatest place for kids, but it is nearby the Corktown Common so you can pop by there for a playground/splash pad experience.  There are some neat shops, art galleries, and places to eat.  My particular favourite place to eat is El Catrin.

Sunnyside Pavillion - If you're staying at an AirBnb or a hotel without a pool, don't be afraid to check out the public pools, especially the Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool.  It's not fancy, but it is a refreshing place to cool off and it's free! (well aside from the quarter it costs to use the locker) We also like to head around to the Cafe that is on the lakeside of the Pavilion for something to eat and drink where you can watch the beach volleyball and the kids can play in the sand (full disclosure, the water here is not always safe to swim in).  I'm sure there is an equivalent on the East side of the city, but we are West siders so this is what I'm recommending.

I'm sure there are things I am missing that I would normally recommend but these are my top choices for sure.

Check out my downtown restaurant recommendations here.

Friday Favourites

I wore this new dress this week.  It is so comfortable and light.  I have a white sweater to wear with it now and then in the winter, I can wear it with a blazer too.  I got it at the Banana Republic Factory Store at the Stockyards.

Q was on the sidelines at E's soccer game this week. E's team had a great game too.

We don't have a basketball hoop and we have a sloped driveway so it wouldn't work anyway, but E likes to practice dribbling. 

E played a few different positions at his t-ball game this week but I caught him in left field.

Little brother waited around for snack after the game.

We are enjoying the Amazing Race Canada this season - it is a great show to watch with E.

Check out my posts from earlier this week:

On Monday I wrote about three things going on with each of us at the moment.

On Tuesday I shared our weekend camping trip to Arrowhead.

On Wednesday I gave you my top three of a random assortment of things. 

On Thursday I told you about my favourite places for take out food. 

Also looking for tips for a road trip to New Hampshire.  We are going there at the end of August for a few days to meet up with some family and friends but want to stop in Upstate New York or Vermont for a night too.  Has anyone been around there and can recommend some good places for a (kid-friendly) hike and/or restaurants?

Happy Friday!