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Monday, April 23, 2012

The New IKEA

We were lucky enough, to be one of the 5,000 people invited to the pre-opening of the brand new Ikea store! Wow- is it ever GINORMOUS! Seriously, it was somewhat over whelming.



I must admit, I quite liked the old Ikea. I knew where everything was, I knew all the short cuts, I could get in and our with all three kids in no time- if I needed to. Or I could check the older ones into the familiar play room- and browse with Kezia.

Anyways, we were lucky enough to get into the new playroom right away- where the kids got to try out the brand new ball room- before any other kids were able to puke, spit, pee, or cough all over them! = )
There are now two drop-off / pick-up windows to choose from, and definitely some routines for the staff to work out as the space for kid exchange is so much bigger! The whole area was very kid friendly, and had a warm and inviting zoo /nature theme to it. I wanted to go play! There is also now a space for the kids to put on shoes etc. outside which is nice.

The cafeteria is massive. I swear to you, it felt like the cafeteria alone was the size of the whole upper floor in the old building. You'd have to have GPS in your phone to be able to meet a friend in there!
The family friendly area....

had lots of little seats.

There are two different access lines to the kitchen now, and they had these amazing carts that can hold up to three trays!  Sorry no picture of the amazing cart, you'll have to go check it out for yourself.

Backyardigans !

Lately as the weather has been warming up a bit, we have been spending more time outdoors. One of my favorite times, is when we have accomplished enough school work for the day, and are able to enjoy some uninterrupted time together in our yard. We love our Co-Op, don't get me wrong, but it can be challenging to have any backyard family time as there are most often other kids in an ear or eye shot that will always be more attractive then playing or gardening with mom! So I treasure these secret moments that I get them all to my self- in our own space.
While I made the snack, I told the kids to set up our (usually INSIDE ONLY) play tent outside.



It was pretty squishy and got quite warm so Theo evacuated shortly after eating his snack!
Another day, there was a hockey match, it was so great to listen/watch them get along so well.

My wee posers.

I just entered a contest to win $100 with All About Spelling. I LOVE this program and soon I will dedicate a whole post to how much I love it. So stay tuned!

Easter

Sorry, I clearly have some catching up to do!
It sure was nice having my sister and her family in town for spring break.
They were able to do a house exchange with a family from the North Shore for the first two weeks, and then we were spoiled by being able to have them (just the girls by this point) come and stay with us! It was so nice to wake up in the morning and see all the cousins sitting nicely at the table colouring away.
We of course took the opportunity to do lots of Easter crafts and egg hunts.
Here are some pictures from our festivities.
Bunny envelope to hold...
Egg Card- BUT....

It's also a bunny!
  I got both of those craft ideas from Pinterest, my new internet love!
The girls hunting away in the special Easter dresses (gifts from a generous and thoughtful neighbour).

Must work on Kezia's "smile for the camera"!

 Sorry about the sideways photo. I did "right it" in iphoto, but for some reason it didn't transfer when I uploaded it here. Anyways, the Co-Op had a great little Easter party for the kids, where they got make bags and then go fill them with lots of chocolate! This is Theo's bag.

And here are the troops, after a hard days work of hunting eggs!


My dear friend Julee has a gift for baking, and bless her heart for hosting cookie decorating parties. My sister and I were able to go, before Easter and decorate our own little master pieces. Julee did ALL the work: she baked the cookies, made all the icing, and did all the clean up! Amazing I know.
And last but not least, after a lovely family dinner, a tear-jerking slide show (presentation honoring my mom's 65th birthday-made by my sister), there is always room for one last pajama dance party!
He is Risen! He is Risen INDEED. Happy Easter everyone. = )