Holiday road trip

For the first time since our babies were born, we're traveling to Nova Scotia for Christmas. And we're doing it by car. Now, we've driven the 15+ hours there before (several times in fact) but not in December. And not with an 18 month old. I'm rather afraid.

But I'm also excited. I haven't been "home" in 1.5 years and I'm wanting it. Once we get to Nova Scotia, Christmas will be waiting for us. And while I'm no Christian, it will be festive-fun nonetheless. All of my siblings will be there, a first in many years. I get to meet my sister's new German fiancee. I'm going to get together with a group of my high school friends (not seen for 10+ years) as well as my good Uni friends! I expect to come back sated. And happy. And ready to go back to work (10+ days in close quarters with small children will do that).

For now, I'm packing, cleaning, and trying not to think about the long, long day of travel tomorrow (we leave for Montreal tonight where we'll stay with my brother and shove off first thing tomorrow morning).

Home, oh my sweet Nova Scotian home, here I COME!!

(And Merry Christmas Everyone!)

F-U Winter

Dear Winter,
I know we are only a few days into our relationship this year, but seriously, do you have to come on so strong? Maybe you are only thinking of me and my cardiovascular health when you dump a fuck-ton of snow in my driveway for me to shovel at 6:30 a.m. (and continue to shovel for 60 minutes while all children cry in the car)? Maybe you think it's funny and are playing cute jokes when you are so freezing that all of our cars decide they've had enough and break down all at once due to the stresses of your cold? Obviously we don't share the same values and views on lifestyle. I'm sorry to say that I've had enough and I am dumping your wintery ass. If you continue to threaten me with your winds and snow drifts and freezing rain, I will get a restraining order. I'm not joking. Go fuck yourself.
I hate you.
Emily

It's Winter on my island

Yup. It's true. Winter has arrived. The long term forecast says "it's gonna be a long one." Yikes. We're tying to make the best of it by going out into it and trying to have fun (I'm not really a "winter" type of person). This year's goal: teach one or more of the kids to skate. Step one: be on the ice in just the boots. Step two: bob-skates. Step three: fall down and cry. Repeat. Only five months until spring...but who is counting.

Neville, smiling at the snow.

"The Crack." I believe we are going to die, says Dexter.

Walking on water.

Bubble Bath

Bubble beards.