FALL MIN-SESSIONS!

FALL!

My absolute favorite season. I just love the warm colors, cozy knits and all the things that keep you warm.

My sweet friend Karen from Sweet Dreams Photography did a little mini-session for me and it was filled with all the fall things. Pumpkins and leaves make for the prettiest little backdrop. I loved that she was able to capture fall in a tiny picture!

And I'm excited to share that Karen will be offering a FREE fall mini session on October 27 from 1-4pm. Yes, free! All you need to do is bring a non-perishable food item and the first picture is on her. I wish I had figured out my kids Halloween costumes in time, but you can definitely bring yours to the mini session!

If you'd like to book, send an email off to karenley.sweetdreams@gmail.com to secure a time.

This is really such an amazing deal, and I've loved seeing Karen for photos for my kids. Plus, it's for a great cause (food bank!) and you'll get the cutest fall or Halloween picture to share.

If you want to see more of her work, visit her Facebook or Instagram!

OUR NEW HOME!

We've moved!

Over the summer we decided in a very short amount of time that we would move. Not far though! Right now we live in a duplex with my parents. There are two units, and we each occupy one unit. We were in the upstairs unit before and it's been the perfect home for our family. But as we've grown, we started to feel like the space was slightly too small for us. Originally I wanted to do a small kitchen reno to open it up so that it was more social and open for watching the kids when I'm in there. But after talking to someone about the logistics, we realized it probably wasn't the best way for us to use our finances.

We were so surprised when my parents came to us and offered to trade their downstairs unit for our upstairs one. The layout is slightly different than ours which allowed for more living space. We ended up giving up some of our bedroom space, but we've gained 2 separate living spaces, which has been so wonderful. 

After we moved (which was no easy task!) and settled in, I was so excited to work with Darren from House Stories Canada for a home shoot. I loved the concept of House Stories - it was such a wonderful idea of capturing the little details of your home that tend to get forgotten. It's amazing how many small little detail bring so many memories to life. And I love that Darren has such a great eye for photographing the personal details that actually make up a home. 

SUMMER BEACH SESSION

Each year I love getting family photos in the summer. We always do it in the summer because there's mostly guaranteed good weather.

We usually choose a green park for our pictures, but this year my husband requested beachy pics. I happily obliged!

FALL APPLE PICKING

Fall is here!

NEW YORK

A few weeks ago I got to take a trip with Josh without our children! Josh signed up for a 2 day course in New York, and we were able to make it work for the both of us to go. It was such a fun experience and I loved that we got to spend some time together exploring the city.

I was able to spend two days exploring Manhattan on my own while Josh was at his course. I bravely took the subway and to my surprise was able to get around really really easily for the most part. This blog had the best post about how to get around NY on the subway. I read it and it helped me understand the subway alot! 

I spoke to a few friends who had visited New York many times before and asked for some suggestions on what to do and where to go. If you have any friends who can offer some sound advice, I would suggest you take it! I was really lucky to have a friend who shared all her little secrets and favorite spots with me which really helped. Reading a few New York blogs also helped me prepare for how to take the subway and what to do in the different boroughs there. 

The first day we arrived we checked into our hotel in midtown. Our hotel was really close to Central Park so we spent some time walking around the park and had brunch at a little spot right by there. We were pretty exhausted after a red-eye flight and took a quick nap before heading out to see times square and having dinner at a Korean Restaurant.

The second day I was on my own and ended up doing some sightseeing, exploring, and shopping. I loved being able to enjoy my coffees and shop leisurely. It's the little things that I really enjoyed! I went to the shopping district in Union Square, SOHO (which was my absolute favorite neighborhood) and walked through Chinatown & Little Italy.

The third day I spent some time in Chelsea at the Chelsea Market. It was such a cute little market place and I had the best tacos there. I also stumbled onto a sample sale and got to sight see a little more. I talked along the High line which is a 1.5 mile park up on an old railway. It was beautiful (but hot!) along there.
I loved walking through some local neighborhoods and seeing the streets and homes all lined up in a row.

In the evening Josh and I went to the pub that inspired the show How I Met my Mother. We both really liked that show (so funny!) and it was only a few minutes from where we were staying. It was fun just stopping in for an appy and drink. Then we headed to a rooftop bar for drinks which was so fun. It was recommended to us to check out a rooftop patio for a fun way to see a view without paying for admission to an attraction. We got to hang out and see a sunset view which was pretty great. We were still hungry after drinks and ended up at a diner close to our hotel.

Our last day we went to visit the 911 museum which was so so sad. Josh and I were both in university when the events occured, and so it felt very real going to the museum. We stopped at Etaly and then walked over to the financial district area. Then we ended up at the Saten Island Ferry (which was free!). We loved the ferry ride and got a wonderful view of the city and Lady Liberty.

By the end we were ready to come home to see our little ones. Four days in the city wasn't nearly enough, but it was the perfect getaway for us.  

CALGARY!

This summer has been full of family!

We have been lucky enough to be able to spend alot of extended time with my sister's family. The cousins have had the best time together and I love that they're closer than ever.

Each year we try to visit Calgary over the summer and spend 2 weeks with my sister and her family. We grew up in Calgary so it feels a little like we're revisiting some of my old childhood spots. I love that I get to show my kids some of the places I used to visit when I was younger. And it's definitely nostalgic when I get to see everything through their eyes.

SUMMERTIME SUN CARE

Summertime is here and we couldn't be any happier about it! The sun is shining everyday and the weather is heating up. We love soaking up every bit of summer!

But with the warm weather and sun, I've been trying my best to keep my kids happy but sun safe.

Here's a few tips I use when we are out adventuring or spending the day by the water.

1. Time of Day.

We love venturing out and exploring the city over the summer. I cherish these summer months especially now that Ben is in full time school. It's the only extended period of time we get to spend all together everyday. The girls love it! But when the days are super hot, I always try to get out early in the morning. The earlier the better. The sun isn't at it's hottest and I find the kids are always in a better mood when it's not too hot. We try to avoid being out during the hottest times of the day (between noon-3) if possible. Usually we're headed home sometime after lunch and spend some time cooling off inside.

2. Shade.

Although I love summer, I'm a big believer in staying shaded if possible. Anywhere we go, I always try to find the shadiest spot to put down our stuff. Big trees are the best, and it's so much more enjoyable to be able to escape the direct sun when you're taking a snack break or wanting some cool off time.

3. Sunscreen.

My kids know that we always put on sunscreen if we're going to be under the sun. I've been putting sunscreen on them as soon as I was able to (I believe they recommend 6 months and up for babies). We put it on before we leave the house and usually I try to reapply around lunch. I know it can be a struggle sometimes, but it really is so helpful for protecting their sensitive skin.

4. Covering Up

If we are headed out to a place where there will be lots of direct sun, I try to put the girls in dresses with tiny sleeves. Their shoulders can get burned really easily and it makes it a little easier if they are covered up slightly.

If we are going to be in the water, I always put on a cover up for the kids. Ben will wear a water t-shirt, and the girls wear their swim cover ups too. I love buying cute swim wear for the girls - they love it too! And I usually do get some cute pics of them in their outfits. But once they're actually playing and IN the sun, I always put on their long sleeve shirts to protect them. They are SO good. And the bonus, is that I don't have to apply any sunscreen when they do. And you know what, they love that too!

5. Hats & Sunnies

I know hats aren't always comfortable, but they help so much when it comes to sun protection. Ben always wears a fitted baseball cap. And I get the girls 2 kinds of hats - one waterproof for water play, and another floppy brimmed hat for outdoor play.

And sunnies are the cutest! My mom had to get cataract surgery a few years ago, and she is always reminding me to wear my sunglasses. I guess that rubbed off on me, and now I'm always reminding my kids to wear theirs too! Haha! We keep spare sets in the car, and I always have another set in my purse just in case.

6. Stay Hydrated.

I almost always try to bring the kids water bottles out when we head out in the morning. They play so hard and are constantly thirsty. Keeping hydrated keeps them happier and playing for longer.

7. Be Prepared.

I always bring a big bag full of essentials for hot sunny days. This saves me from meltdowns and having to leave places early if we forget things. I try to include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, bows/elastics, a spare set of clothes, water and snacks. You know, all the toddler and kid essentials! I keep it by our door and double check each morning to make sure everything is refilled and ready to go.

Hope these tips are helpful for these next summer months ahead!