A visit to the Toronto Zoo

Yesterday my mother in law, my mom and me took the kids to the Toronto Zoo. My mom told me she took me there when we were just toddlers, so it was nice to be able to come back and take my son to it. It was a beautiful day when we arrived around 3:oo and spent 4 hours just walking around and enjoying all the animals. We got to see one of the younger tigers who was the active one, chasing a tire and prance around while the other ones looked on in amusement. The snow leopard also gave us a show while he paced back and forth and jumped up on some wooded ledges. He was so beautiful.Then there were some pretty crazy monkeys that were only around 3 inches long all jumping around like...well ..like monkeys, they were pretty funny to watch. The seals gave a good show swimming around in their pond. Then we went to the Australian Exhibit that had some amazing colorful coral and beautiful fish swimming around. They also had a case of jellyfish which were pretty cool to watch up close. I think that area was my favorite part. But they also had a great set up for the mountain goats. It looked like a part of Arizona with all the red rock formations and caves. The kids had a blast climbing all around that area. It's amazing to see how those goats can balance their big old bodies on tiny little ledges. It was pretty cool. I only had my small camera on me to the pictures so some didn't come out clear at all. I'm so disappointed. I should have known better, that whenever you go to a zoo or any fun outing with the kids to always remember to bring a good camera so you can capture the moment. But I am thankful I have something instead of nothing. So as soon as I edit them I'll post them up.

Time to think

Well Mike and the teens are gone for a few days for a camp so I'm alone for awhile, which I guess is good in a way. It gives me time to think about things. Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a difficult situation I get emotional and confused. Things haven't been easy lately and I'm not sure what my future looks like at this point. I glad for this alone time to get my thoughts together and figure where to go from here.
Mike's family came up here from Michigan to visit and attend the camp. His dad and older brother and sister went to the camp and his mom and younger sister are here with Devin and me. So we're planning on spending some quality time together, also since their up here we are thinking of having Devin's birthday this Friday so they can be here for that. He's birthday is not for another 2 weeks but it'd be fun to have it while his grandparents are in town.

I've been reading up on Meditation lately as I feel my mind is awhirl with so many thoughts and feelings that I can feel overwhelmed at times. I need that outlet and ways to relax and focus .
 Here is a quote I read

Meditation has physical benefits, especially for the nervous system. Stress and tension negatively impact our health in various ways—raising blood pressure or accelerating the aging process, for example. It stands to reason, then, that relieving stress would pay off in better health, and it does. Resting the mind has a profound effect on brain activity, which results in a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and a reduction in stress hormones—and the nervous system gets temporary relief. If meditation is practiced regularly, these beneficial changes become relatively permanent.

Andre's Birthday pictures

I'm home

I had a wonderful time at the seminar. I've very thankful to all those who made it possible for me to attend. I'll be working on posting lots of pictures that I've promised all of you for so long but have failed to do.....sorry for my neglect! Working on it!

Happy Birthday Andre

Yes, today is your day bro. I love you lots and wish you all the best this coming year. So please everyone if you'd like to wish him many good things ...comment here! The night before I left for the seminar we had a good time with our family for Andre's birthday, my sister Christina came down with Dan and Cassie. Had some beer and pizza and played some great games. I took some pictures that I don't have with me so I'll post them later. But for now I just want to say Happy happy 18th Birthday Andre, your the best! Have a wonderful, amazing year!

Going to a seminar

Things have been pretty busy lately, don't have much time to post these days, still lots to do but a bit more relaxing. Last week I found out I'm taking Mike's place at a seminar since he's paper work didn't come through fast enough. Poor guy, I do feel bad for him as he was really looking forward to going. I myself just got my paper work in order, a bit of running around but I'm glad it's done. I'll be leaving this Sunday for a week so probably won't write till I get home.
I'm looking forward to seeing all you lovely people down there! Love you xoxo

family get together

Well a few weeks back I went up to visit my dad because my older brother James and his wife were coming to visit. So we wanted to have a small family reunion. Sad to say not all of us were able to make it. (We missed you guys) But Devin did have a lot of fun swimming in dad's cold pool. Ha! Actually Mike was pretty brave a got in as well.
The Guys: Older brother James, Dan (sister's boyfriend), Dad, and Mike


Then we had a wonderful BBQ . Thanks dad and Jaana for making everything so good.
I know Devin sure enjoyed it!Here's baby cousin Clarie. She was so cute and Devin was so happy to meet her.
My sister Christina beautiful and funny as ever.

Enjoying the moment
Devin did his best to take care of Claire, although he was a little rough. Not use to smaller children, but he did well.
After dinner, we sat around the new fire pit my dad made. Pretty nice no?
A little more talking, drinking and roasting marshmallows
Jaana caught Devin and me getting tired and starting into the fire.
We had such a good time there guys. Thank you again for inviting us all up. Hope to do it again soon.
(Still working on Kids camp photos!)