Sneak Peeks: Whistler & 2nd Birthday

We just returned from an amazing week in Whistler, BC. Whistler Village, which was centre stage during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, was bustling with summer activities and we took advantage of every minute (rain or shine) we had in the scenic wonderland. From walking trails to alpine hiking, riding mountain bikes to riding gondolas up mountains, we racked up a few miles, and a few thousand feet of elevation, during our stay. Here are a couple pictures for a sneak peek while we work on the full photo gallery.

View from atop Blackcomb Mountain, elevation approximately 6,000 ft.

Yes, that is snow, packed to roughly 10 metres (30+ ft) in July, atop Whistler Mountain.

Henry didn't mind the rain a bit, in fact he rather enjoyed jumping in every muddy puddle he could find. And we love that about him!

Henry enjoyed a free concert in the main village on Canada Day...and the crowd enjoyed watching him dance!


In other news: Henry's 2nd Birthday photo shoot was done a few weeks ago and once again our fantastic photographer, Heather, has brilliantly captured our curious and energetic toddler doing the things he loves most. Click here to see the preview.

Hope everyone is surviving the record setting heat wave and staying cool!

Summer Fun!

Since our last post we've been welcoming an early summer and all of the fun activities that it brings. Ontario has hundreds of beautiful lakes with sandy beaches, parks with rolling green grass and miles of biking and hiking trails. Our goal this summer is to visit as many beaches possible, run through every park we come across and log as many trail miles as our legs will allow. Here's what we've conquered so far...much more to come as we are travelling to Vancouver & Whistler, BC in 2 weeks!


Chillaxin' in Lake Simcoe at Innisfil Beach Park.


Biking around Ashbridge's Bay Park on Victoria Day.

Click here to watch Henry dancing at the Woodbine Park Police Fair.


Tara & Henry take a break on a hippo at the Toronto Zoo.


Toronto Zoo's new white lion cubs...adorable!

Click here to watch Henry's version of Rock Band, performed with his friend, George, at the Ontario Science Centre.


Henry and his friend Janna getting cozy in the wagon after a play date at the neighbourhood splash pad.



Great-Gram and Auntie Liza came for a visit and we celebrated Gram's 88th Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Henry!

Our baby boy is two years old. He runs (doesn't walk) around the park. He feeds himself and drinks out of cups without lids. He strings 3, 4 and sometimes 5 words together. He can count to 10...and mostly get the numbers in the right order. And he knows how to throw a great party. To celebrate his big day we hosted a small party complete with lots of food, Elmo & Cookie Monster cupcakes and most of all, the company of our wonderful friends. Click here to see the photo gallery.

We brought out the infant bouncey seat for our friend's newborn, but Henry decided it looked like a good place to rest after everyone had gone. The photo on the left was taken May 10, 2010 (one week) & the right was taken May 5, 2012 (2 years). Time flies when you're having fun. And we are having the best time of our lives.

Hello Spring!

At the end of March we went to Mountsberg Conservation Area for the annual Maple Syrup Festival. The conservation is home to native birds of prey such as bald eagles, owls and raptors. We enjoyed the birds and learning a few fun facts (did you know that a bald eagle's head doesn't turn white until it turns five years old?) but let's be honest...we were really there for the maple syrup and pancakes!

Jake enjoyed the last "offleash" weekend at the beach.

Henry and his friend Janna enjoyed a walk on a warm sunny afternoon in Kew Park.

The first week of April we had a great visit with the Hurdle family (Tara's BFF in St. Joseph, MI) Vaughn (8), Cohen (6) and Courtney (3).

Henry and Great Gram playing in the sandbox before dinner at Papa's.

We arrived back in Toronto on Easter Sunday just in time to catch the neighbourhood parade. Click here to see Henry watching the Annual Toronto Beaches Easter Parade.

March Madness!

If you know anything about our family you probably know we are sports fans...ok...fanatics! The NCAA basketball basketball tournament has been the perfect opportunity to work on Henry's cheering skills. When he sees the MSU Spartan logo he screams "Go Geeen!" (And the occassional "Touchdown" which will be handy in the fall.) Aside from the Spartans loss in the Sweet 16 we have had a wonderful month. Grandma and Grandpa Kaasa visited and were thrilled to have an early spring in Toronto. They looked after our boys while we took a quick get-away to Vegas for a Home Depot convention and some much needed R & R. Mark received the prestigious "Merchant of the Year" award at the event which gave us another good reason for a special celebration on his birthday. (I will take the liberty to brag about him since he won't!)

It seems impossible, but in four weeks we'll be celebrating Henry's 2nd birthday.

Grandma enjoyed the sunny day at the beach with Henry and Jake.

Grandpa's iPad is now fully loaded with Elmo videos!

Spring came to Toronto early and we are taking full advantage of the warm weather.

When a boy is sick, all he wants is his dog.

Happy 5th Birthday Jake!

It's hard to believe we've had our Jake-ster for nearly 5 years. He is most definitely an important member of our family and considers himself the family body guard.

We celebrated Jake's birthday with a special treat from the dog bakery and enjoyed a sunny day at the beach.

Great Gram, Nana and Auntie Liza visited the same weekend and Henry got cozy with "Gate-Gam" on the couch.

Niagara Falls

Situated between New York and Ontario, Niagara Falls is just over an hour drive from downtown Toronto. We decided it was time to get out of the city and take a quick road trip to experience the magnificent falls.

Mark and Henry with the (still beautiful, but less impressive) American Falls in the background.

While Niagara Falls are impressive, Henry was more excited about the indoor water park.
Click here to watch Henry at the water park.

After 2 hours at the water park Henry decided it was time to go all by himself and didn't want any help from Da-da. Click here to watch part 2.

We returned to the city and took advantage of the spring-like weather for a day at the beach with Jake.