The New Jogging Stroller

They look pretty comfy right?  This stroller is such a sweet, smooth ride.

 

I know it seems like we already have the porshe of double strollers (and really, we do) but I felt as though we were lacking in terms of an all-terrain stroller.  I don't know if you remember Kingston's amazing single stroller -- but the Baby Jogger City Elite made it to Mexico and back (loads of sand), was pushed through snow and ice, took a beating and then some.  It was a phenomenal stroller and I still recommend it to anyone with one small child/baby.  Obviously we're not there yet :)

We sold our Elite in exchange for the Baby Jogger City Select which is pretty much as good as a double stroller can be - if you want your babies to be one in front of the other.  This was ideal for going in the mall/shopping or tight spaces since a double is pretty wide.  So we've been using this stroller since last October and while we do love it - we're both pretty annoyed with how difficult it can be to push sometimes when we're outdoors.  I also feel that Kingston is really crammed in there sometimes, and he looks really uncomfortable.  I've been 'mentioning' it to Michael for a few months now that I'd like an all-terrain jogging stroller but neither of us wanted to pay full price for one.  He also felt as though we didn't need both and we should sell the select (which I refuse).  We both love the Baby Jogger brand and appreciate the way they stand by their strollers (warranties and repairs) so we knew that's what we'd get.  

Well -- two days ago I was browsing one of my favourite boutique-y baby stores and I found our ideal stroller on sale for $300 off: The Baby Jogger City Summit XC.  I couldn't get home fast enough to tell Michael.  After examining our budget and re-examining our need -- he agreed to it! 

When we went to the store to purchase it, he put the kids in and pushed them the showroom, telling me, "I love the handle brake, I love the way it steers, I love the seat recline, I love I love I love."

Can this be another, "Wife is always right" moment?

We went to Springbank Park this morning to test it out and both babies loved it!  Normally after 5 minutes in the stroller, Kingston is screaming to get out (I think it's because he can't see as much in the Select), and prefers to walk.  Charlotte is upright a little more than she should be so that there is room for Kingston's legs, and tends to whine a lot.  In the Summit they both have TONS of space, a great recline, full canopy and open view of .. everything!  While Kingston still got out to walk/run and get some exercise, I was able to get him to stay in the stroller for a good amount of time (so I could get some exercise myself!).

I am so so so so happy I found this stroller on sale.  So happy.  Yaaaaaay.

I Know.. I Know..

I suck.

But with the summer coming to an end, I figured this was no better time to resurrect my blog (well, that combined with the weather outside being sweater & jean required to not freeze my ass off.. I might as well come back inside..). 

Let's face it - I'm probably NOT going to backlog all of the summer's fantastic escapes and adventures because even though it was beyond amazing, as we forge ahead into the fall -- we have just as much going on!  The only real difference is a lot of our up and coming events/activities are indoors instead of out.  I will however compile a bunch of photos from this summer that are my favourites and post that in my very next blog (mostly because I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get my photo-drive-thing).  

ahem... I wrote that at the end of August.  And then someone was crying and it got saved until today.  It's now half-way through September.  This is exactly my point...

OK.
Take two.
This is my SECOND attempt to resurrect my blog.
Stay tuned.

The Vacuum

I have no idea why.. but Charlotte is in love with the vacuum cleaner. 

She will follow me around as I vacuum all of the floors (yes, I vacuum the hardwood/tile because it's easier/faster.  I do the floors almost everyday -- sometimes more than once.  Don't judge me for taking the easiest way.  Plus we don't even own a dustpan).

Kingston doesn't know how he feels about our Dyson on a GOOD day.  He still runs as far away as possible when I vacuum and makes sure that his feet aren't on the ground.  Usually under the kitchen table.  

OK -- so it's not only the vacuum she follows -- she's also pretty fond of her big brother!

 

A Whole Month

... has passed without a single blog post.  A friend last night reminded me that I haven't blogged in a long time, and I told her honestly I had somewhat abandoned the blog in favor of sunshine, relaxation, a clean house and of course my beautiful children.  June was a busy month for us -- and we knew that coming in.  The last few months have been preparing us for craziness and exhaustion, and while it was fun, I'm glad to be onto July. 

This past month included a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate our anniversary, Kingston's gymnastics graduation, Father's Day, the purchase of a new car, Several day trips and events, a bachelorette, and a beautiful wedding.  Throw in a toddler whose language is exploding and an infant who has become mobile (and quite fast!) and I'm surprised we're not hibernating through the rest of the summer.  I will attempt to post a recap of many of the above named events throughout this  month, however today I want to talk about our morning outing. 

We decided since the weather was beautiful once again, to take the babies to Pinafore Park in St. Thomas.  I had been there once before when I worked in childcare and It was exactly how I remembered.  It is BY FAR the best children's park I've ever been too.  There is also a splash pad attached but honestly, Kingston didn't even notice (we brought his swim stuff in case he decided he wanted get wet!).  We had a great time on the climber and slides, mini-zipline and swings (for Miss C of course!).  I packed a delicious picnic lunch and we found a table in the shade to relax and watch the other kids play (I'm surprised Kingston actually made it through half his sandwich before he wanted to 'sliiiiiiiiiide'). 

As I uploaded pictures.. I once again noticed that there aren't as many of Charlotte as there are Kingston.  Now before you jump to any 'second child syndrome' conclusions -- I will say that for most of the morning I followed Bubba around (and I take a LOT of pictures) and that daddy pushed Charlotte in the swing or cuddled with her in the shade, etc.  Daddy does not take as many pictures as momma. 

Climbing through the tube..

Daddy & Charlotte cuddle and swing..

Climbing the rock wall to 'my sliiiiiiiide'.

Chillin', having a cracker and watching everyone zipline..

Momma & Kingston on the BIG slide.

Daddy's turn -- please don't dislocate anything..

Weeeeeeeeee....

'My toooooo'

Lunch time!

Toes are far more interesting than lunch..

Family Photos

I am a strong advocate of professional photos, and we have them taken quite frequently (about twice a year).  My friend Amanda (Amanda Arch Photography) travelled from Barrie on the long weekend in May and took some amazing photos of my family.  She showed up early Sunday morning and came to gymnastics with K and I, and I must say I'm so glad she did!  We are so appreciative of Amanda and her patience, creativity, and outgoing personality.  She was able to get my children to cooperate, and capture some wonderful memories for M and I. I can't wait to get many of the photos framed and up on our walls.  So here is a look at MY favourite photos -- I'm not posting them all because there are A TON of photos..

(I realize I have a strange expression on my face -- but look at his face!! Love it!!)

(Doesn't it look like Kingston is pointing something out to Charlotte?)

(I don't usually prefer black and white over color.. but there is something about this photo in black and white that I love.  This one will be framed in our room for sure!)

Storybook Gardens

We decided to take the babies to Storybook Garden's this week and of course the best day for M (Tuesday) ended up being the hottest day of the year (so far). 

Needless to say 99% of our time was spent in the splash pad, in which Kingston has a love-hate relationship.  He LOVES running and splashing and ducking through the water, however hates the fact that its cold water and he gets wet.  It was quite funny to watch his face as the water randomly turned on and off...

OK - so my kid definately has some of my OCD traits.  Ie. sand in shoes/sandals.  He HATED the feeling of sand in his sandals..

"weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

K thought these tubes were pretty awesome..

Charlotte & Momma

Charlotte & Daddy

The carousel that Kingston insisted we ride twice.  Daddy & Charlotte also came on the first time but once was enough for Daddy who does not like spinny rides..

Us.

Charlotte really enjoyed her Tuesday morning playdate with her big brother, Momma & Daddy.



Michael and I had packed a small picnic for the babies; berries, cheese, kolbossa, and a juice for K.  C had bananas and a 'mum mum' I believe.  We relaxed and headed back home just in time for naps.  While it was a great morning, I don't know that I really enjoyed Storybook Gardens (other than it's fantastic splashpad).  But with a whole ton of FREE splashpads readily available here in London.. I think we'll probably take advantage of those in the summer before heading back to Storybook Gardens.   

The New House

We got a new house, didn't you hear?

Kingston and Charlotte received this house as a gift from Grandma and Papa at the beginning of this year -- and we just now put it together (we were waiting for our backyard to dry up but I fear we will be waiting a long long long long time).  So for now it's in the garage and we plan to bring it out into the driveway when we're playing outside.  Kingston of course helped daddy build the playhouse..

Helping daddy with the construction..

Talking on his cell..



Kingston took on the role of 'Supervisor'..

He was also took on the role of 'Home Inspector' ..

"C'mon in!"

... but we all know who the real boss is.. :)