a little bit of everything

It's just over two weeks till Christmas, and here I am, taking a moment to catch up on where our lives have been taking us.
Fall was beautiful and busy for us. I ticked some big goals off my bucket list, and also discovered some new found time for myself. Winslow and I went on a date to see Jenn Grant (my favourite musician). I hiked Cape Split with my friend Tania- a hike I've been wanting to do for the last 4 years. We hosted a few families for Thanksgiving dinner.

November saw us celebrating Katia's 8th birthday. Of course I always have felt that she is older than her age. For her birthday, we welcomed a sweet bunny into our family. His name is Baxter Bunny.
And here we are in December. We've been busy with choir Christmas concerts, traditions such as cutting down our tree, and our kindness elves. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I have enough time to get it all done- the baking, the crafting, the cards and the gifts, but I'm trying to let go of all those unrealistic expectations (that I put on myself), and just enjoy some of the simple things, such as reading our favourite books and watching our favourite movies.
And so I will leave with s smorgasbord of photos. This time of year is so magical, I just want to capture it all.
xox

christmas magic

We spent a lovely Christmas in Ottawa, surrounded by family and friends. It was busy and loud and we ate a lot. We enjoyed parties and food and visits. As per usual, we packed a lot into our 6 days in Ottawa, and here are some of the highlights. 

to tuck away

I sit here, a few days after Christmas, with gratitude and an incredible amount of peace and fulfillment in my heart. We have just spent over a week, being surrounded by our family and friends, and having our cups filled up with lovey memories to last us into the New Year.
Last Christmas I found myself, so deep in sadness and I now know, anxiety. I look back now, to what was a very lonely and hard Christmas, and that gives me all the more gratitude for this year.
Is it different because we came here to Ottawa and were surrounded by our support- our people?
Is it different, because we had Winslow home, and I had my partner there to share in the highs, lows and work of the season? Is it different, because I have grown and have learned how to prioritize myself and my needs? I think it's a little bit of all of these things that have made this Christmas a gift for us.
Our time in Ottawa has been a balanced amount of fun, relaxation and adventure. We've tried our best to visit with friends and family, but also make time for naps, walks and the freedom of no schedule.
I've made time to see friends, one on one. To have coffees and walks, to prioritize the people and things that matter to me. When we leave on Friday, I will leave with a full and happy heart.

Some memories that I want to tuck away and remember....

~ Our big family-friend walk at Mer Bleue Bog. I knew that I wanted to see all of my friends and their little ones, but wanted to think of a way that would be easy and very little work. We decided to host a walk around the conservation area, feed the chickadees (out of our hands!), have some hot chocolate and snacks, and to also have a candy cane hunt! It was the best morning ever! We all got out for some much needed exercise and we were free to be as loud as we wanted. And the best part for me, was to see all of my friends and their little ones.

~ Christmas Eve dinner at my sister's house. She is an amazing cook, and we got to be together for a lovely afternoon and evening. Being with family is such a gift.

~ Visits with old friends. The safe and familiar feeling of sharing time with someone you've known a long time. Going for coffee. Late night walks. Trips to the Art Gallery. An afternoon full of coffee, snacks and reminiscing about our university days.

~ Cousins playing. Drawing and colouring. Skating. Games of hide and go seek.

~ Witnessing our family make memories, nurture our relationships and connect. Cousins. Aunts. Great Grandmas. Grandparents.

Some pictures to cap off our time here.
xox