Joy to the world

Could it be Christmas time, already? I've been waiting and waiting so patiently!

I've been a good girl all year, you can even ask my parents. And I sent my letter to Santa last month so I know he must have gotten it.

Heyyyy Dad, you're not Santa!?

Oh, but what's this? The real Santa told you to give this to me? Really?

Thanks Santa-Dad! This will help me on my path to being a veterinarian one day, because I love helping animals and making them feel better.

Mom and Dad, you spent the last two days blowing up all of these balloons, and now I understand why!

Because they're fun, festive, and pretty!

Okay, now that I've calmed down, let me just say Merry Christmas to all of you.

May you have a safe and relaxing Christmas filled with peace, happiness and joy.

Lots of love,
A+K+D

'Tis the season

Hey Arabella! Christmas is just around the corner, and you're counting down the days.

You are incredibly excited, and your list to Santa this year is so long. It's endless!

Now that we're basically into winter, it's time to frolic in the snow. It's time for winter activities.

We'll gladly take advantage of any mild weather to get outside and have some fun.

When it's too dark or chilly we have no choice but to hibernate indoors. But there's always a game, or craft, or something else to keep us occupied.

Anyone up for a rock concert? Arabella loves to perform for a crowd, and she'll ask Kiera and I to sit on the couch while she entertains.

When you're a little older, Bella, you can have the guitar that my Dad gave to me, if you want. You just need to be strong enough to pick it up and hold it!

 

We had some unusually warm days into November, which were awesome. Those nice days were like a beautiful gift. We savoured every minute.

"Say cheese!"

Do you love throwing rocks too? That was officially the last rock-throw of the season.

So let's bring on winter, and hopefully we can get through these cold and dark days ahead.

Thank goodness for Christmas, and everything wonderful that Christmas brings. We had our tree up in early November (as we always do) and it made us feel so happy to see those decorations again. Something about them just satisfies the soul, doesn't it?

Because there's nothing quite like Christmas - the best time of the year!

Oh Deer! What a year!

Happy Halloween!

It really was a happy Halloween at our house this year. So much fun and laughter.

This little reindeer looks to be in training. Maybe one day she will be strong enough to pull Santa's sleigh? Let's hope so!

Dad the make-up artist? Don't worry, I won't quit my day-job (I have to admit I did enjoy it).

Mom and Arabella have some pretty good ideas. With all the beautiful fall decorations and costumes this year, it sure looked festive.

Well done, ladies!

Arabella only visited one house this year, and it was ours. Trick or treat! We had a glow-in-the-dark toy hunt, danced around our living room, and simply enjoyed each others company. This Halloween will surely go down as one of the best I ever had. We had a blast!

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

Smile, Pumpkin! The warm weather is over, is that right? It's time for hoodies and headbands.

On the plus side, it's perfect walking weather. And if there's any place we can walk, hike, or bike around, that's where you'll find us.

"Just look at all these leaves placed into a neat pile. It would be a shame if someone...

...THREW THEM ALL OVER!"

We always try to squeeze every last drop out of a fine day. We just can't let good weather go to waste, now can we?

We'll use any excuse to stay outside. Even if that excuse is washing the car (which is my least favourite thing to do) but it beats staying inside!

"Sweetie, I think you missed a spot!"

Outdoors is when I'm most at peace, and Bella is very much the same. Especially in times like these, fresh air and mother nature are a sanctuary.

So if you're feeling low, there's only one place left to go. And that's up, up, up!

Bella yells, "Come on, Mom! You're almost at the top!"

Now for a quick rest and a glimpse of the view.

"Going down is much easier, right Mom?"

"Let's do it again tomorrow?!"

A warm autumn walk

There's nothing like a nature walk on a warm autumn day. The tail-end of September always looks so marvellous.

Want to come along with us? We'll show you!

Let's gooooooo!

"Come on guys, I know the way. Follow me!"

"Bella, can you please pose nicely with Mom? I just want to get a nice shot of the two of you."

CLICK 💜

Wherever we go, we must take Bella's leopard cub and Peppa Pig backpack. It's a requirement!

What a great way to say farewell to the summer.

The winds of change are upon us, and soon we'll have to make way for another season. Ah, that's life, ain't it?

So long, summer! So long, fall! See you again next year.

We learned a ton and grew so much over the past months, didn't we, Bella?

We spent so much time together too. It was nice having dad around the house, huh?

I had the best time with you too. We always know how to have a great time, don't we?

It's interesting because you likely won't remember this global pandemic when you're older. You'll ask us, "What exactly happened mom and dad?"

All you will remember are the people that love you and surround you.

All the memories that we shared.

All the moments that defined us.

That's how I'll remember it, too.