Maybe S should go away more often!

Of course I don't mean it.  It's just that S's departure to Ontario nicely coincided in a weather change from a week of heavy rain mixed with temperatures of 7 C back up to 23 C!  So while he was away, we made sure to explore the city a bit more before things cool in prep for winter.  It's helped not to rush home and worry about meal prep, either.  Just chicken strips, peas, pasta and other kid meals that require minimal effort and are eaten with gusto!  

Mmm - frozen blueberries!

Another good thing about S's absence is that I've still been battling what's become a chest cold.  I've been rather tired once getting the kids to bed so have enjoyed sitting for a couple of hours - before washing dishes and tidying up - checking out local Winnipeg blogs.  Blog browsing isn't something I've previously done, but it's been a fun way to unwind and get to know my new city.  It's amazing how many diverse bloggers are out there, writing from different angles on this place.  The bonus Friday night was that I learned Assiniboine Park Zoo was having free admission this weekend.  I'm always up for a deal . . .

We already had hair appointments booked for Saturday at 9:00 am.  All 3 were bathed, at the hair salon on time and had their trims.  Then a surprise detour on the way home . . . to the zoo.  They were thrilled.   Those of us who know and love A can guess her favourite exhibits - the tiger (truly magnificent), snow leopard, lynx and lions.  She's consistently been a cat lover since she was just walking!  Ai most enjoyed the monkeys, easily imitating their behaviour and sounds outside the cages.  Iz loved the kangaroos - and they were cute and funny as they hopped around.  We managed to make it home, eat and be in bed for 1:00 nap time. I was happy it all worked out with few discipline interruptions (a usual way I have to extend my energy when I have all three together).  Not bad for a non-morning person!  My only regret is that the camera battery died at the first zoo exhibit!  Shame.  We'll be back but not this season.

My only zoo picture outside the buffalo and you can't even see the animals!   Lame!

Friday night we also took advantage of the much improved weather.  We picked A up from school at 3:30, ate our snacks, then drove over to the Forks.  With their bikes, we had a fun time riding around for a couple of hours and then enjoyed a plate of Chinese food and ice cream together at the market.  Took in a free concert and still managed to be in bed by 7:00.  Yay me!

Its all been a nice reprieve after last weeks' stress and thankfully, Iz's back in her bed with no new bites.  To further improve my life, we just need to figure out a solution to the laundry situation.  Thursday after school I'd taken the kids with me to the laundromat and they had almost as good a time as they had at the Forks! I only went as I urgently needed to tackle the growing mounds of wash, but I'll hopefully never take them there again!  Controlling three kids thrilled at the swirling suds, the rows of machines with buttons, slots and doors to open and close - ug.  I'm sure you can imagine.  Thank goodness they sold popcorn and the kind lady gave them some ice cream!


Last night we anxiously awaited S outside the Greyhound station.  They were delighted at his return, as was I.  Thankfully the weather will continue to be nice through this week so we can explore some new parks together.  I have minimal goals of what I need to accomplish before we move again.  Keeping the kids happy and learning to like this city (for all of us) is one of my main ones.  Its been a great weekend for that.

Playing in the backyard together

Anxiously waiting for Daddy's Greyhound to arrive

Delighted to see his bus roll in!