Thursday, December 22, 2022

Merry Christmas from Toronto SAM!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!  

I am sincerely appreciative that you stop by here on a regular basis to read what I have to say and see our photos.



No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground:
He comes to make his blessings flow 
Far as the curse is found.
v.3 Joy to the World

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Maybe someday we will hire someone to take our Christmas card photos, but that was not this year. Instead we grab the tripod, scout a location and do it ourselves.  They certainly aren't professional, but we usually have at least one that works for our card.  This year we went to James Gardens on the west side of the Humber River, north of us.  It was slightly chilly and Q fell in the mud almost immediately after he got out of the car.

Checking the camera before leaving. 


Being entertained by the ducks while Dave set up the camera.


Tree shadow ruined this angle.



Then it was too bright!



Who needs the top of their head anyway!?


Please indulge me, I have to share these lovely brothers :)












We were pretty quick and happy to get it done.  We went home, chose a photo, did a bit of editing, and then ordered the cards that same weekend. 


Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Weekend Recap

I'm not sure we could have packed more into this weekend, but we came out on the other side no worse for the wear.  
The younger grades were having a pancake breakfast on Friday morning and they got to wear their PJs.

I did some errands and treated myself to a Peppermint Mocha Latte.


Dave and I both got to go to the Raptors game, although we were there separately.  I was in a box, and Dave met a friend who had free lower bowl seats.

They are over my shoulder.


Blow up Raptor is my favourite Raptor! It was a great game but a loss in the end.


On Saturday morning we were up bright and early for our first ski day of the season.

We have been at Snow Valley for years but this year we are trying out Mount St. Louis-Moonstoon. So far so good.






We met up with our neighbours and I managed a lift line selfie with everyone.


We had a great first day getting used to the hill.  Then we drove to Shelburne to visit my family.  The kids quickly made themselves at home.


We went outside for a big family photo and then for a quick gender reveal for Laura and Jake.  It's a Boy!


Blue confetti!


Kyle did a beautiful job with this tree.

Not sure how successful this was but I was told to take a photo.



Another pretty tree, my Nana Do would love this one.


Cousin time!






There was a big horse to "ride" (or be pushed around by willing older cousins).


Brenda took a turn too!










We got home around 9:00 and I went right to bed!

On Sunday morning I had a few quiet moments by the tree.

After church we went to the golf club for Christmas brunch. 



Santa was there too!



Our friends were there and the kids played a few games after we ate and the parents had a chance to chat.


Pretty view.



Q wasn't feeling a photo, but E looked festive.


We had some quiet time when we got home, then did some school work, and I took Q to the grocery store with me.  We watched the new Santa Clauses series on Disney Plus before the kids went to bed.