Time away from it all in St. Jacob's

We finally went on a trip as a family this Summer - our first trip overnight anywhere since Calder was 10 months old. That meant it was Easton's first trip, too!

We decided to go to St. Jacob's - to visit the Farmer's Market, go to the Outlet Mall, and take a horse-drawn trolley tour of a Mennonite Farm. Calder loves to go to farms, so we thought that he would enjoy that.

Our stay started after quite a long journey. Even though it's supposed to take only 1.5 hours to St. Jacob's, it took us 3 hours, thanks to some guy, trying to escape the Police, who thought it wise to go the wrong way on the highway. This effectively shut down the express lanes for some time, creating a nice traffic jam. :)

Once we got to the hotel, we relaxed for a little while, and Calder explored the room. He was intrigued and excited that there was a TV in the room - something he says he 'always' wanted in his bedroom. If you ask him now, he might just say that was the best part about the trip. Kids. :)



We went out for dinner at a lovely little restaurant called the Stone Crock Restaurant. A great place to go for comfort foods. Gary had the buffet, I enjoyed some delicious cabbage rolls, Calder a Pogo stick and fries, and Easton ate what Gary and I were eating.

After dinner we wandered over to the St. Jacob's outlet mall, which was pretty much deserted on a Friday night. We went into the Lego store, and Calder loved it! It wasn't just a store, a large portion of the space was designated to building your own lego creations as well as display of huge, wonderful Lego sculptures. Wow, some people are so talented, but they also have a lot of time on their hands. ;)






That night Gary and Calder took a trip to the oversized Whirlpool, and off we went to bed, ready to start our journey the next day.

The next day we took a trip to the market...I have been there once or twice before, but I don't remember it being that crowded. It certainly has been hit with the commercial bug, but it's still nice to see what you expect to see at a Farmer's Market, like fresh, local fruits and veggies, home-baked goods, local honey, etc. From the market, we took the horse-drawn trolley tour to a local, working, Mennonite Farm.

The owner of the farm was only about 35-40 years old, already had 5 kids (and likely would have more), and owned 160 acres of land. This land had been passed down from generation to generation for SEVEN generations. 7!! What lovely history to have like that. The family that owned the farm were 'old-order' Mennonites, meaning that their lifestyle is accomplished much in part by using limited technology. They use a black horse and buggy to get to and from places, they do not purchase items for consumption or use (for the most part) from commercialized stores - we were told they have their own 'stores' within the community to purchase what they need - such as fabrics to make clothing. They have their own schools, but often school is only completed until Grade 8. They do not accept any sort of health care from the government, preferring to pay with cash should the need for care arise.

Part of me is really drawn to this lifestyle. It's the same part of me that is drawn to Pioneer times - I know that times can be tough, being self-sufficient, not using a car to get places, etc...but the simplicity I think is something that I sometimes crave. For that short time, in St. Jacob's, I almost felt like I could get away from it all. Escape the hustle and bustle of 'real' life and imagine what it would be like to have a simple, but happy life not dependent on commercialism or making money.

We ended our time in St. Jacob's later that day, and went home weary from our whirlwind family vacation. It was a fun time, and I look forward to the day when we can explore a new destination together as a family again.

Our trip to Montreal and assorted stuff!

About 2 weeks ago, Gary had a business meeting to attend in Montreal so Calder and I came along for the ride and we stayed in Montreal for the weekend. It was Calder's first time flying in an air plane, and also our first time away with him and his first time sleeping in a place other than home! Yes, it was a trip of firsts, and they all proved to be successful ventures.

Calder fared well in the airplane, a much smaller plane than a normal flight as we flew out of the Toronto Island Island Airport with Porter airlines. I'd definitely fly that airline again! What with comfy leather club chairs, trail mix, cookies, free pop and cappuccinos at your disposal, plus a cheaper flight than Air Canada, it was a great experience.

Calder sat on my lap for take-off and the landing, and did very well, sipping water from his sippy cup when offered so his ears wouldn't be bothered by the pressure changes, and enjoyed looking out the window at the world below.

Mommy, Daddy and Calder had lots of walks around Old Montreal and surrounding streets, eating yummy meals and Calder even had his first taste of Raspberry Gelato! He loved it so much even though it was a bit tart. Mo! As Calder would say, when he wants more of something.




We also took a trip around Montreal in a horse-drawn carriage.

Remind me not to do that again unless I have taken an allergy pill - I was a wreck. Calder enjoyed it so much, but too much I think as he fell asleep part-way through the ride - his face cuddled against my leg. We moved him to Daddy's should and I think after that he was much more comfortable. He loved the horses though, every time he saw one in the city he would say Do! (his word for dog - we're working on that - it's a horse!)




Might I also say that our room was just luxurious on this trip. It was in the Hotel d'Armes and it was in a building that dates from the 1880's, I believe. I've included a few pictures for you to see.



Every night there was a wine and cheese for the guests, and although we only went once, Calder was on his best behaviour. He loved the cheese! Every morning we'd have breakfast together and Calder always attracted a lot of attention, from Francophones and Anglophones alike. He was always a good little boy, albeit a flirt with the ladies.

Over the past two weeks or so Calder and I went to the zoo twice - first with Daddy, and our friends Denny and Alicia and their daughter, Norah, and then with Grandma, Auntie Colleen and my friend Carrie and her daughter, Jaden. I think it was after all the walking with Daddy and Grandma both times at the zoo that Calder took off with walking on his own. Now he toddles around the house like crazy.










He is also practically running with his walker - it's amazing and hilarious to see! Over the past week he's really come along, and will walk quite far before finally grabbing something for support or falling down. Twice we've even had a family walk around the block - yes, Calder walked for most of it, although he did hold my finger - I didn't want him to fall on the concrete!

Here's a cute picture of Gary and Calder playing 'Strutter' on Guitar Hero. I HOPE Calder doesn't grow up wanting to be the next member of Kiss - I can't imagine him with all that makeup!!!

Calder also has two another teeth - his eye teeth - making that 7 teeth. One just popped up this past night. Maybe that would explain his horrible sleeps of late - the other two nights he was up from 2 to 5 am, and 2 to 4 am, and last night he was up from 3:15 to 5:45. UGh! One night I had to put him in the car and drive into Whitby for him to finally fall asleep.

If anyone has any tips for getting a baby to sleep on their own (Calder has to fall asleep in my arms) please let me know - I am getting desperate!

Have a wonderful week everyone!