What a chaotic day! All of us were here, there and everywhere, and for the most part, I must confess, I forgot my camera. But you'll get the gist of things anyway:
Nothing beats Caden for sunny disposition in the morning. Here he's trying to win an insult-fest with his dad. He didn't come close :)
Got it finished! Was it ever fabulous. I cannot believe I let it sit on my nightstand for close to a year before I started reading it. One more reason to read review, buy book and read immediately! I have a bunch more sitting and waiting. Wonder how many other gems await?
While I was reading, I managed to eat what has become my regular breakfast: smoked turkey on organic granary bread with some dijon mustard. Yum. And a clementine. Double yum.
Time to get wrapping. Years ago, for extra money, I would spend my lunchtime and after-work hours at the mall as a gift-wrapper. I got really quick! But I have to say, I do love bags, very efficient for odd-shaped gifts - and recyclable. Perfect.
Chaos in the Appleby parking lot! I was there to collect Claire from her science exam and Chloe from her choir rehearsal. Clearly a bagillion other people had business there too. The poor security guard was at his wit's end by the time we cleared out.
My husband is a dangerous man. Well, dangerous in that he love cheese, and he shares! Today it was brie with a fig/walnut spread. Totally decadent. Even better? I warmed up some goat cheese and spread it on crackers with the spread. The tongue loved it, the hips? Not so much!
Photos were distributed at Cole's hockey practice. He insisted this year that I get him trading cards. I was sure to get one for Grampy to go on the mantle with Cole's only other trading card from Tyke, his first year playing, in 2004!
After plenty of stops and starts all wrapping was completed! Just in time.
ETA: I've received a couple of e-mails asking if this is a dining room or stairway in my home, my family home or any other home ... technically, yes, it is a home; but, not mine or that of my parents. It is an old mansion located in downtown Toronto which was converted years ago. We have been very fortunate to be able to have our Christmas dinner and photos taken every year. Love tradition!
The traffic into Toronto was moving quickly so we were able to make it early! I got this shot of the table before everyone arrived. The flowers are always so beautiful.
Each year the kids pose for the photo on the stairs. Wow, how they've grown and changed in such a short period! Eventually everyone settled down and I'm sure there's a good photo or ten with all of us mums snapping away :)
Cole was our master of ceremonies this year. Following in the footsteps of his sister Claire and his cousin Will. I believe that means Sydney will be our master of crazy next year! Cole did a good, if reluctant, job leaving Grampy to close out the evening.
But not before we got some entertainment from my daughter Claire, and sister Bryn, who entertained us with "Last Christmas ..." lyrics from Claire's phone!
It was a quick ride home with little traffic. We were back a the house before midnight. I took a quick shot of the lovely flowers - each daughter receives a centrepiece - before I headed off to bed.
A big day:
Claire had her science exam, Chloe had her choir rehearsal, I collected them both, Cole had his hockey practice, Chloe then had her choir concert, Louis went off to run some last minute errands then off to Toronto for the family Christmas party. What a whirlwind. Loved every minute of it.
Hope you had a great 12th of the month too! Be sure to join in the fun: 12of12 and let me know in the comments where to find your photos :)
