A Visit From The Easter Bunny

Last weekend the Easter Bunny did some egg hiding in our yard while Hannah took an afternoon nap to sleep off grumpy..

Fast foward an hour later..

Grumpy was nowhere to be found (not suprising).

And colourful Easter eggs brightened up our pathetic backyard.

To dress for the hunt, the rain hat and sunglasses are a must!

With a heart to heart chat with the Easter Bunny..

 

 

Mr. Cotton Tail left behind a collection of plastic easter eggs - some chocolate filled while others exploded with stickers, pony tail holders, craft items and a finish line bag with two children's bunny storybooks.

I hate the idea of only chocolate at Easter..Chocolate filled cheeks of a three year old? Only if I could run away first!

This family had the perfect Easter..hope yours was too!

April Fools Fail

I know..it was yesterday! I didn't get a chance to post this last night - so if you missed a day to pull pranks..I  give you permission to have an extra day for my late posting (just don't tell anyone).

Over the years, I have had my share of fun on April 1st. This year, nothing was popping up into my brain in enough time for action. In searching, I admit there were a few that were close to the "heck ya, I want to try that one! Geoff will kill me! But reality set in..

Do I really want to sprinkle flour/powder on our ceiling fans while they are turned off, for Geoff to turn them on and get snowed on? I'm not taking a chance since I would probably be the one finding powder months later behind furniture! I would LOVE to stick a chicken bullion cube in the shower head..but that just seems crazy!! Food dye in the soap would totally have been a green light - but I didn't want Geoff to get in trouble at work because his hands are covered in pink dye that didn't wash off. Note to Geoff: Your welcome! 

Nothing seemed to be innocent enough..even though April Fools is meant to be a day were anything goes with no limits!! I was just about to let the day pass with no "got you! April fool's!" Until linner (lunch and dinner - it was that kind of day). We were about to sit down for soup and grilled cheese sandwiches (like I said..that kind of day) when brilliant hit me! 

Geoff had made himself and Hannah grilled cheese/ham sandwiches and was cooking me a plain grilled cheese sandwich because I am a vegetarian (and have been for 18 years). Hannah was already scarfing down her meal, pulling the ham out to eat - still leaving her grilled cheese intact..I couldn't resist the opportunity! As soon as Geoff took a seat at the table, I snatched Hannah's now ham-less grilled cheese and took a big bite in front of him..the look on his face was priceless..until he exclaimed..I saw her slam down the ham..it was just a plain grilled cheese sandwich. Sigh..an April Fool's Fail.      

Lights Out

Last night, our family was one of many who participated in Earth Hour. From 8:30pm (until later than 9:30pm) our house became unplugged. 

In general, we try to be conscious of our actions and their impact they have on the environment. Its a small difference, but one none the less. We do what we can to be smart in our decisions every day.

Our night, in recognition of Earth Hour was spent at the kitchen table littered with candles and Scrabble tiles.

We always try to keep the game friendly, but our competitive spirits end up bringing the house down whenever the Scrabble board surfaces! 

Our first game, I won with an extra 20 points. With a second game played, I gained my gloating power with an extra 100 points on my score card. I couldn't help but feel victorious. 

I also couldn't help but ask my good sport husband if he was up for a best out of three games..

I'm guessing the Scrabble board won't be coming out in the next little while. 

Back On The Block

Hannah and myself did some lovely artwork this morning to hang on the front door in honor of Geoff coming home TODAY!!  A month ago we were saying our goodbyes...and today we get to have him back..for awhile...

Time For Take Off

Now I know the secret to what my husband has been up to all these months (kidding..he isn't a Marshall)..

http://youtu.be/tOISlJ-dEgM

Although dancing lessons isn't a bad idea! 

Two more days till we are back to normal (for a month)..and then ONE MORE training adventure before our first family posting!!

A Lesson In Lasagna

I attempted to make four lasagnas with no idea how to make one. The thought of multiple different layers, intimidating noodles that curiously fits into a pot forever stumped me. 

Spaghetti or macaroni and cheese always won over the pasta war. I have eaten lasagna oodles of times, but never been the chef behind them..until now!

I'm okay using recipes, but I love being free of rules in the kitchen. Since Hannah and I are the only human eaters in the house at the moment, I decided to forgo an over-sized casserole dish and do more conservative portions so we don't have to eat only lasagna until Geoff comes home. These foil tins were perfect and allowed me to make four perfect sized lasagnas to freeze until ready to consume. 

I began thinking about making lasagna awhile ago. I only bought the tins and noodles. I had to start somewhere. They sat in the cabinet for ......... My next step involved shopping for the remaining contents so my lasagnas wouldn't be compiled of just tin and noodles. After a visit to the store and a phone call to my mom in the dairy section, I was ready to attempt the lasagna. 

I researched the basics of how to layer the ingredients from the internet. Everything else was left up to an experiment. Makes cooking fun. I cooked vegetables and added them to tomato sauce for the bottom and top layer of lasagna. I combined ricotta cheese, 2 eggs and included some pesto sauce for the middle layer to put between the successfully cooked noodles. To finalize the four lasagnas, I grated a whole lot of cheese to cover the top. 

I am one happy cook. I have three left in the freezer and had one super easy night where all I had to do was cook an already prepared homemade lasagna. I enjoyed my slices and Hannah caught licking her plate seems like a ditto. 

Two Peas In A Pod

The past two days, Hannah and myself have both been sick! 

My half of the survival kit was our full (not anymore) bottle of laundry soap to be on top of the laundry piles caused by the little one's flu. I have also been fully dependent of cepacol tablets and halls cough drops for my infected throat. Hannah's half of the kit was the children's gravol and advil to help her through her sick patch.

Geoff will be home next weekend, don't want to be sick! 

Hopefully we can just sleep it off!

A Hairy Situation

Having a daughter is an amazing day to day journey. Some days are instinct, and some days require a bit of

research.

Before Christmas, there wasn't a doll in this house who had (life-like) hair. Now with two in the house..

Meet Princess Belle..

..with the worst case of dreads I have come across..

And "Katie" or as Hannah calls her "Dora.."

...a repairable case of bed head..

After finding a cure for these doll hair woes online, my night (should have started with wine) shifted from mom to hairdresser. 

With a spray bottle full of water/few drops of liquid fabric softener and a wig brush (wishing I had a glass of wine..) I cured the dolls of their bad hair days!

Mission accomplished with the added attempt to prevent another hair fiasco - or at least minimize their future torture by giving them a pathetic updo..these dolls join in on grocery shopping, walks, and sleeping so they have to look good, right?

Feedback Karma

Ages ago, I posted about my project of emailing companies and giving them feedback about their products. I'm still gradually going through my list of relevant corporations who were going to receive a personal email from me about how their products rate in our household. 

I began to feel happy and satisfied sending out good karma to these companies. A whole lot of thank you emails. The squeaky clean shine we get on our floors from this, thank you. The softness and refreshing fragrance that comes from using that, thank you. The delicious quality food you distribute here, thank you. I was having a blast. 

I have been getting some responses via email of their gratitude for my message to them. Your very welcome. But, one day I got a little more than bills from our mail lady. I got this!

A snail mail letter, and a whopping five dollars in savings for my next vegetable grocery outing. We like "Fresh Express" and the variety of salads (and salad kits) they offer, so sent them an email. Score on the personalized letter and the coupons I got back! 

A Peachy Afternoon

In the days leading up to Geoff's departure, we decided to have some fun around town. The sleepy little town of Peachland was the perfect choice. A short drive, a beautiful view, good food and provided us with an afternoon of memories. 

With the military we are unsure of how much longer we will be in the Okanagan, so we need to take advantage of all we haven't done yet! 

We enjoyed the views of the lake...

Taught Hannah about totem poles...

Played in a new playground before pigging out on massive plate of schnitzel and then drove home with a doggy bag. A perfect afternoon. 

Goodbye Daddo!

The countdown calender is back in business. 

The brightly colored pages have become a tradition around here  with Geoff coming and going for his military training. February and March are up and the house is quiet and clean, yup he is definitely in Comox. 

We miss him already (two days in), but glad he is back on the road to complete his career training. We loved every second of him being home over the holidays. We wish he didn't have to go away again but the sooner his courses and job experience are complete, the sooner we can move ahead and start our lives together as an Air Force family.   

Happy Valentines Day Contest

I thought it would be fun to enter. Our local news website has a contest running for Valentines Day. Yesterday it asked people to email in their favourite places to kiss in town. I submitted my email, not knowing what to expect. Woke up today to this! 

That is us in the photo - and my quote of one of the most beautiful (and perfect) places to kiss in Kelowna is at the Myra Canyon Trestles. Its one of our favourite spots in the Okanagan. Not sure who is the winner yet, fingers crossed for a free dinner at the Keg!

We ask, you tell: local kissing spots

by Contributed - Story: 70975
Feb 14, 2012 / 5:00 am

Photo: Contributed - Geoffrey & Kate Keighley

Okanagan residents share best places to kiss

It’s Valentine’s Day.

Guys, gals, you still have time to procure a card, chocolates and/or gift that shows that special someone in your life that you love them.

Or perhaps the skeptic in you believes the holiday is one created by greeting card companies to make you feel like crap.

No matter how you feel about today, like the Amazon.ca survey that finds Kelowna the #3 most romantic city in Canada, Okanagan residents are one amorous bunch!

We asked you to email us your favourite Okanagan kissing spots, and the response was astounding. 

So, if you’re looking for a place to go (and kiss) after your romantic meal tonight, here are some romantic spots - as suggested by our readers:

• Best place to kiss in the Okanagan would be on the Kalamalka lake dock as the sun goes down, no matter the time of year!

• One of the most beautiful (and perfect) places to kiss in Kelowna is at the Myra Canyon Trestles. It is one of our favourite spots in the Okanagan.
• Stuart Park Ice Rink at about 10PM any evening.
• Hardy Falls...lovely scenic trail up the the beautiful falls.  Peace and tranquility.
• Take a scenic hike or a cool-weather drive up Giant's Head in Summerland. A short hike from the highest parking lot brings you to a stunning lookout over the entire lake, valley and mountains. Truly a place where angels come to kiss!
   
• The best place to kiss in Kelowna is on Knox Mountain. You have to drive (or bike for some sweatier romance) all the way to the top. Once parked walk North past the gazebo there are numerous benches along the trail all offering slightly different views of Okanagan lake towards Vernon. It is so calm, quiet and peaceful and tends to be very private at night. Bring some chapstick, a blanket, some chocolate and a thermos, cuddle up with your sweetheart either on a bench or on the grass. The mood is set for you with the stars above and a fantastic view all around you. It’s best in the spring, summer and fall but dress warmly and you can kiss all year round.
   
• The very first kiss I shared with my sweetheart was at Hardy falls in Peachland. It was amazing, and here we are 2 kids later and everytime we go back to visit the falls (not very often as life is busy with 2 little ones) I still get the same feeling as the first kiss we shared :)
   
• Best Places to kiss in my opinion would have to be anywhere! But, if you are in a relationship, the most sentimental place to kiss would be maybe where you had your first date, first time you talked, first real special occasion.. somewhere that means something to a couple. If your not in a relationship, then anywhere that is new and some where you can make that first memory with a special someone.
• In a physical place, the best place to kiss would have to be Kayola Beach in Oyama. Its so beautiful there, and makes any occasion special.
• Still, after being married for 26 years, it’s the front stoop of our home where I’m greeted by my wife as I return home from work each day.
• I think the best place to kiss in Kelowna is under the stars at Kuipers Peak on a warm summer night with the city lights glowing below.
• I believe the best kissing in the Okanagan occurs while lost on a quiet, snowy pathway trying to make your way to the Big White village for the New Years' Eve fireworks; of course, being lost, you don't make it on time, so, instead of a crowded, loud countdown, you end up with a peaceful, serene Winter Wonderland lit up by the colors of the distant fireworks, making that midnight kiss give you more goosebumps than the cold wind ever could.
• The best places in Kelowna to smooch are: on a chairlift at Big White, lookout points and Knox Mountain... and, saying good-bye each morning at your front door

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO EVERYONE!!

Monday The Movies

A few Mondays ago, Geoff and I took Hannah to her first movie. There was nothing better than a big screen, popcorn and 3D glasses that night. 

Luck fell into our laps that Beauty & The Beast in 3D hit theaters for our first time movie going experience as a family. Some girls love Dora, some girls love Barbie. Our girl watches Beauty & The Beast on a daily basis. Her choices are infinite, but her decision is ever predictable. "Princess Belle."  So when we received a chance opportunity to see Beauty & The Beast on the big screen, how could we resist?

A family movie night out - a big success! 

Hannah in awe of her first movie going experience. 

By the start of the movie, this little girl was set. A few giggles from surrounding Beauty & The Beast fans at some of Hannah's animated reactions to her favourite movie completed our family night at the theater with highlights. We are so proud of Hannah for enduring an entire movie experience, and so proud of us as parents for surviving our first attempt at the movies with a 3 year old. A night memories (all good) are made from. 

Superbowl Sunday

For a cold cloudy day, we decided to have a Superbowl family day! I had no idea what to expect since I have never seen a Superbowl game and I have never watched a football game. Should be fun right? 

In the entertainment department we present..

The Superbowl 2012. 

The reaction to the game..

Moxie preferred to catch up on some sleep..

Daisy couldn't keep her eyes off the men in tight pants chasing after a ball. 

Nothing says a Superbowl party without..

A mountain of 

sinful nachos for lunch..

 And a crockpot full of chili for dinner.

The best part of the game was the half time show.

I love the Material Girl.

So does Hannah. This is her half time show.

Congratulations New York Giants. Good game! 

Six Year Milestone

In December 2005, two people connected on a website called www.lovehappens.com. And

 six years ago yesterday, the same two people met in person over a cup of coffee for the first time. Those two people are Geoff and Kate Keighley. 

Can't believe six years ago I was wearing these shoes to meet my future husband. 

I was carefree enough to wear fuzzy leopard print footwear on a first date, and Geoff was brave enough to date such a fuzzy footed girl. It must have been love..because an afternoon coffee turned into sushi lunch and the day ended at the airport watching planes take off past midnight. 

Here is our first official picture taken together at a car show some six years ago..