Re-Capping New Years Past

Since this new years has turned out to be a less adventurous new years, it has had me thinking about new years past. 

Growing up we used to spend new years at the local arena for family skating, and would then ring in the new year at home. 

As I got older, new years was spent with friends either out on the town or enjoying some beverages at a friends house. 

The last few new years have been spent excitingly abroad in places such as Mexico, Sydney Aus. and Dominican Republic. 

Whatever way you spend it, a new year will be on the other side! 

Niagara Falls Getaway

We took a mini family getaway for a night following Christmas.

It started with a stay at the Whiteoaks spa, where we all relaxed and enjoyed a spa treatment.

We then enjoyed some time in the Niagara Falls, which included time skating, enjoying the lights and spending some cash in the Casino.

It is always nice to spend time as a family over the holidays. Another great family trip.

The Beauty in the Ice Storm

It`s a story we`ll be telling our kids... the ice storm of December 2013 knocked out our power for 3 whole days, and the temperature in the house dropped to 50 degrees and we couldn`t even charge our cell phones!

Despite the many negatives the storm caused, Dad convinced me that the beauty in it was something we wouldn`t see for a long time. With this in mind we set out to take some pictures to capture the beauty.  Enjoy... 

Christmas Traditions

It was another Christmas full of traditions, to which we added some new ones as well!

Christmas eve was spent once again with friends, filling our bellies with all the Mandarin has to offer.

Christmas morning we were greeted by presents under the tree and snow on the ground outside.
                                               

Picture Perfect for a Christmas Morning!

We enjoyed my Mom`s traditional Christmas breakfast, which after being away for the past two years tasted even better than in the past!

                                     

After being thankful for all we have, we headed downtown Toronto to volunteer at a local soup kitchen to help serve those who are less fortunate this holiday season. It is always nice to give back at a time when you feel so fortunate.

To cap the day off we went to grandmas for Christmas dinner.

Lighting the Christmas pudding 

A Christmas Dinner to Remember...

Christmas is always planned far in advance, who is hosting, what everyone will be bringing, but when the city gets hit by the worst ice storm in 25 years plans sometimes change...

Christmas was supposed to be hosted at our house this year on the Sunday prior to Christmas so we could have all family members attend. When I came home I was excited to see all the preparation my mom had done which included a beautifully set table for 21 people.

On Saturday Toronto and surrounding areas was hit with a huge ice storm which knocked the power out for many including us. This meant a change in plans, in which Christmas dinner and all the fixings got moved to what seemed like the only house in Pickering that had power (my aunts). Despite the change in plans and cozy setting, we still managed to make family Christmas dinner one to remember (including our game of secret santa).

Celebrating 25 Christmas Style

For my 25th birthday the family and I had a great evening in Toronto at the distillery district Christmas market.

Despite the frigid weather, we had an enjoyable time getting into the Christmas spirit.

Weekend Time Out

It is that time of year again, where the white fluffy stuff begins to fall from the sky, the streets are lined with lights and trees glimmer on seemingly every corner.

I have to say the month of December is one of my favorites of the year. Christmas movies, Christmas music, Christmas baking and Christmas shopping all the say the very least! But all this at the culmination of a long year also brings a lot of stress, and is often nice to get away even just for a weekend.

This year Laur, Rebecca and I took a nice weekend time out up in Blue Mountain. We took some time to enjoy the village, relax at the spa and enjoy the Christmas weather.

Can`t forget to enjoy some Beavertails! 

The Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is a famous event that happens every year, yet before visiting Oz I really had no idea about it. After attending in person two years ago it`s an event that I stay up late to watch/listen to every year now, and reminisce about my attendance in 2011.

As the leaves change color

Fall is my favourite time of year, so of course for the few months it is here I am out taking full advantage.

This year I had the opportunity to show my favourite Aussie my favourite season which included apple picking and exploring the pumpkin patch.

Of course fall includes my favourite holiday, Thanksgiving, which always includes our family tradition of apple picking. Needless to say, I have enough apples to last me until next fall.

The other event that is always a fall tradition is reuniting with my Uni friends for Homecoming! This was the first time in several years that we were all in the same country to attend. McMaster played a great game, and it was great getting everyone back together. 

The weather is definetley starting to sway in the direction of the dreaded w-i-n-t-e-r. This fall has been one of the best in a while with the beautiful weather and all the fun activities. 

OAFL Grand Final

Another very late recap, but a few weeks ago my footy team the Hamilton Wildcats made it into the OAFL Grand Final (kind of like the superbowl of the Aussie Rules Footy world).

It was a close and hard fought game in the rain, so we had that to be proud of, but unfortunately the outcome wasn`t in our favour. I think we all look forward to taking on the push to the Grand Final next year.

A few weeks later we had a celebration of the footy year. As a rookie, I`ve never been part of a more supportive and fun team!

See you next season Wildcats!

Niagara Falls as a Tourist

Niagara Falls is one of those places that I have been a few times, but never really had the full tourist experience. Andy`s visit was the perfect time to do so. We were lucky enough to have the most amazing weather for a September visit.

With the sun shining we embarked on the maid of the mist ride. I have to say the ponchos were just one of the many great things about this experience. 

At night we took to exploring the entertainment area of Clifton Hill. The number of attractions on one street is almost to much to believe. We decided upon the arcade and rock n` bowling. We even managed to find the AFL Grand Final on in one of the bars. 

 Niagara Falls is a must see for all the tourists out there!

Summer 2013 Recap

Well it is officially the last week of summer and I cannot believe how quickly it has gone by! Blogging clearly has not been on the top of the priority lists this summer, as I have managed to keep quite busy with a few other things, so here`s a bit of a rundown. 

JUNE 

LP`s housewarming and birthday celebration in Toronto. 

                                    

Family outing to the Wizard of Oz. 

Dad and I at the Jay`s vs. Orioles 

JULY 

Canada Day long weekend was spent enjoying the cottage. 

We finally got some nice summer weather, which was the perfect time for patios by the waterfront. 

Can never turn down a summer night out in Toronto. 

Beck and I took our first trip to beer fest. It was quite the day to say the least. 

AUGUST 

August long weekend at the cottage. Not sure how it can get much better than this! 

Spent a day walking along the Hamilton Waterfront. The hidden  beauty of this city ceases to amaze me daily. 

The summer tradition of John Mayer at the Molson Amp. was revived. 

Our footy road trip to Ottawa was a success. 

Loving the summer weather by the pool with friends. 

The 'Catters' at our last regular season game of 2013. 

Even though summer is coming to an end, I think we`re all hoping the summer weather will stick around for a few more weeks. Looking back it was another summer full of great times with friends and family, and I`m not sure you can ask for much more than that!

School starts up again next week, so things will be right back into the swing of things.