Beach Party - Ideas wanted!

My soon to be 9 year old daughter has just informed me that she would like to have her birthday party at our local beach. I like this idea, because I won't have to worry about my poor little house!!

I'm looking for some beach themed ideas, I think she is leaning towards a hawaiian theme..

Also, she wants to invite her whole class - I told her no, but am I insane for re-thinking this?? We'll see what Daddy says about that ;)

If you go out in the woods today...

Yesterday was my youngest daughter's dance recital. She is 4 years old and begged us to put her in ballet.

I have to say, she is really interested in dance, and followed along quite well through the whole recital, I was quite impressed. They danced to "Teddy Bears Picnic". Next year she says she wants to do "fast dance", so either Jazz or Hip hop.

One thing that I noticed, is that in previous years of attending dance recitals, they costumes were always very racy, almost too revealing. That was not the case this year, in fact, I'd even go so far as to say that they were very boring. I would like to think that there could be some middle ground, not sleazy, but at least some sparkle and pizzazz for the $60+ you pay for your costume. Her costume is one of the nicer ones with the tutu - but some of them just looked like spandex dresses - boring!!

Adventures in Wonderland.

This past weekend, the family and I went to Canada's Wonderland. Known formerly as Paramount Canada's Wonderland. Unfortunately, Paramount, you will be sadly missed. I'm not sure who thinks that Snoopy is cool with kids these days, I'll assume that there is a really cheap licensing fee.

It's really amazing how much the characters add to the magic of the place. It was still a fun day, but I guess when you have grown up going to "Hannah Barbera Land" and then taking your kids to the "Nickelodean" theme park, "Planet Snoopy" just seems kinda lame.

Also, they have changed a lot of the height restrictions, so my youngest wasn't allowed on a lot of the rides... not even White Water Canyon, a very mild water raft ride (it's my favourite).

We did have a fun day, and we do plan on going back, as we have season's passes this year... and well, I guess the plus side is that there is less of a temptation for the kids at the gift shop!

Fess Up Friday

I could probably write an entire book on the imperfections of my homemaking skills... but since this one is still fresh on my mind, I'll share my Mardi Gras Pancake flop.

Having seen some gorgeous rainbow pancakes featured on Ohdeedoh a few weeks ago, I thought that Pancake Tuesday would be the perfect time to try them out. I don't like to use too much food colouring on a regular basis, so I really like to make a big deal out of special occasions.

They turned out beautifully. I think next time, I would cook them on a lower heat so they didn't brown so much - it took away from the food colouring a bit.

So... here's where the flop comes in. The girls sit down for a great picture..

... but then they take a bite. YUCK!

I had accidentally put in two tablespoons of baking powder, instead of one! Oops.

So, after all of that, we ended up eating leftover roast beef.

At least the picture is perfect!

Valentines and Family Day

We had a great Valentines day this year. The boy was away for the beginning of the weekend at his paternal grandparents house... so it was me, Mr Joy and the girls.

I had originally planned for the girls to help with breakfast, but they didn't come when called, so they missed out. Mr Joy was happy to step in.

It's a little hard to tell in the picture, but the pancakes we made were pink with chocolate chips - heart shaped, of course.

I also had a few valentines treats for them, including 'ring pop' type suckers that had big plastic lips on the end, making them extra-smootchable.

Then for Family day, we just relaxed. We watched the Olympics on TV, and played board games. My favourite right now is the Harry Potter edition of Clue. Although.... it's hard to play with an eleven year old boy who 'forgets' about cards in his deck.