Family Day in St. Agapit

So here in Ontario we have a holiday in February called Family Day. Now the sad thing is there are a lot of people that actually don't get the day off because it isn't a national holiday. So instead people end up having to find daycare for their children on this day. The point is to make time for your family and do things together. Which is what I think we should do all year long not just around the holidays.

This year we actually skipped half a day of school on the Friday and drove 7 hours to St. Agapit to visit friends. The kids had a blast with their friends and even enjoyed the skating rink they had in their backyard.


The picture isn't great because I obviously didn't have time to frame it before snapping. My hubby actually fell! It was quite funny. It wasn't even from him trying to avoid running into one of the kids.

Marcus actually had a lot of fun. It was the first time he actually tried to play hockey. He is so afraid of falling on the ice it was good to see him engaged in the gameplay. It helps that Henri is so athletic and is so comfortable on the ice Marcus really opened up to playing.




The boys played hockey and the girls went to the horses. I never went to the horses because, well I could barely stand in the snow and take pictures!

In the evening everyone went out to skate again this time McKayla enjoyed trying to learn how to skate backwards. Julie figure skates so was giving McKayla pointers on what to do.



Maddox even took to the ice. The first time and he didn't really know what to do, but hey he stood by himself! Every time he tried to skate it was at full speed and he would fall down. Luckily he is tough and it didn't bother him too much.

Here is a video of the boys playing hockey against hubby and then the girls joining and Maddox stepping on the ice for the first time. I don't know why I didn't get video of the races, but before we went in for dinner the boys raced the girls doing different relays. The girls pretty much smoked the boys. They kept making up new races with new rules to create a way for them to win. Oh and the music you hear is being played from speakers set outside from their computer. "Playing with the boys" Now I have it stuck in my head!



Luckily the weather was sunny despite the strong winds we spent a fair bit outside. McKayla was able to ride the horses again. She was thrilled! She even had her first lesson as she tagged along with Henri and Julie. Marcus is not so interested in the horses. He is actually allergic to them and has a real rough time trying to concentrate when he is sneezing and rubbing his eyes. Marcus even participated in a swim meet the Saturday morning at the University pool in Quebec City. It had been a while since he stepped into a pool like that,and despite being put with the older group he did well. Made me realize I really have to enroll both of them in swimming in the fall.

Me? Annoyed because this is when my back was completely thrown out and I barely had the strength to do anything. In fact, the drive almost killed me sitting in that same position for so long. We wanted to go into Quebec City and do some things there, but I really don't think I could have made it walking around everywhere. Oh well, inspires me to try to make another trip up there in the summer.

We ate our fair helping of poutine (I know I have a picture of it somewhere. Must be on my hubby's phone) and more cheese than anyone should ever eat.



The kids made homemade pasta for the first time. Maddox loved it!




The end result? Yum!

We headed back on Monday morning. Quebec doesn't recognize the holiday so back to work and school for our hosts. Visiting them is definitely always an adventure with so many different things going on you can never have a moment to be bored. It is awesome.

For us our extended family includes all of our great friends who we can enjoy each others company and have a blast with. When you live so far away from your family good friends are the key to happiness. They are also a relief from stress when they bail you out at the last minute and show up to lend a hand.

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Foie Gras Farm

I almost forgot about these pics. They were on my phone. I found it so exciting that I had to take lots of pics. I know I am a country girl living in a city probably too long, but this is definitely only found in the country. I stopped here to get a birthday present for a friend. I heard it was supposed to be really good. Foie Gras. If you haven't had it before it is goose liver made into pate with truffles. I bought three containers and then as she was kindly putting them in a great brown paper sack she told me she had a farm that was open to the public out back.

I had seen the geese when I pulled up and actually thought to myself, "Isn't that convenient to have the shop right at the farm". I quickly said yes and we ran out back. As you can see we found a lot more than just geese. (chickens according to Maddox)







McKayla found her family! She is calling out to them.



The nice man opened the gate and held one so that the kids could pet them. McKayla loved it, but Maddox was a little uncomfortable with that idea.



Much better when there is a fence between us don't you think?



These had gotten out, but McKayla was a good shepherd and got them back inside the gate.



They were happier here anyway there is a pond.



After seeing this big baby I was in the mood for Thanksgiving. The guy feeding them said that here it is puffing up itself to look really big so we would get scared away. He did look pretty mean I was going to test it.



They opened the cage so that the kids could pet the rabbits.



But as you can see they didn't want to go near my kids.

I think it was a perfect way to end our trip in St. Agapit and the recipient of the foie gras seemed happy for the gift. So we piled in our car and hit the road again. I think it is good for my city kids to get out in the country and experience a slower, quieter pace of life. I think it was a hit! Thank you friends for making it a great vacation!

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Day Five Quebec: Part Two

So on really our last fun-filled day in St. Agapit we tried to stuff a lot into one day. Horses in the morning, poutine for lunch, and then to the Chute in St. Agathe for the afternoon. (As well as I made a chocolate cake for Mika. Her Birthday was on day three and no one told me!! So using my sister Stephanie's recipe I made a deliciously moist chocolate trifle cake.)



The kids went on an adventure. Climbed up and over rocks and swam in the semi-cold water trying their best to get as close as possible to the waterfall. Monkey and I followed as best we could tag-teaming it up and around all of the rocks.





As Monkey and I tried to make our way there he was always ready to pose for me. I thought we had some great mommy and monkey bonding moments. He was really good to follow my instructions like "don't move", "stay right there", "be careful", "wait for mommy", etc.



I was really proud of him.

and then he had a little too much fun.

this is him about 3 seconds before he threw mud on me.



and yes I was wearing white and shouldn't have. We continued to have a mud fight, but he didn't like the mud being thrown at him. I wonder why?



The big kids climbed their way back to us and then we had our snacks by the edge of the water and were on our way home. I had to bribe them with the chocolate cake to give Mika and I some peace and quiet in the car!



mmm...I need another occasion to make it. Thanks sis it was really yummy!

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Day Five Quebec: Part one: horses again

So on Day Five we just had to go ride the horses again this time with saddle, but being as the pony we new she had a brand new saddle and the stirrups needed to have new holes punched for the little kids so instead we just grabbed the reigns and they got to go solo. McKayla was a natural. She had no fear going at it alone. She even had it trotting. I didn't take any more video, but I did get lots of great photos.

McKayla ride the most. She didn't want to quit. So you can see I got a lot more photos of her.


This photo is a little deceiving because Marcus looks so happy. I think he had fun, but I only took this one picture and then I got nervous because he was nervous. She didn't want to listen to his commands. Granted he is quiet, but I think she could smell that he was nervous because she went off and did her own thing. He didn't fall off again, but he also only rode her once that day. I think he had enough of the horses.



My Monkey enjoyed himself again. As you can see he even held on to the mane as tight as he could. McKayla did a good job steering the horse while he was on. Mika was even impressed with how he rides with his heels down which apparently how you are supposed to ride a horse. I think he just had his foot flexed to keep from falling off the horse!



The kids also allowed me to take some photos of them and Julie couldn't help herself she loved it! Doesn't Julie look like she could be McKayla's sister?

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Day Four in Quebec: Musee du Civilisation

Alright so I told you about this museum that was free for kids and super cheap for adults. Well now you get to see some pics. It was so much fun. My favorite part was the fairytale world. So much fun first you get to pick a costume...



In my dream world I have money to buy gorgeous fabrics and super fabulous sewing machines and on top of that top notch sewing skills and don't forget endless hours to create. Alas, I do not have any of these things so that is why I was in love when I walked into this room. Did I dress up? Oh yeah!



McKayla and Monkey/Puss in Boots would not stand still long enough for me to get a decent picture. They were so excited as the ran up the tower to go down the slide,



played in the witch's/Three Little Pig's house (you can see in the background the blocks that had a different image on each side including candy for the witches house),



jousted,



stepped on musical footprints,



helped Jack climb the beanstalk,



stuck their hands in creepy holes in the trees,

got inside a tree and freaked out when lightening and creepy witches cackled,



climbed through tiny doors,



sat on large leaves (I think from like Thumbelina or something),



and sat in a carriage.



I know a lot to do huh? Can you imagine having a play room built like that? Being able to go into another world whenever you want. It was very cool.

At one point we took off our costumes because it got hot and we were done. Then, we found the other room where McKayla found the little door and funky mirrors.

The Egypt section of the museum was also a lot of fun the dressed up in egyptian clothing,



and played an egyptian game (Which they played so loudly a security guard came over to tell us to keep it down. So embarrassing! )



They played the circular game not the rectangle one. I would have taken photos as they played, but like I said earlier I was trying to keep them calm and watch out for cheating. Apparently everyone at some point or other cheated. Marcus one which made him super happy. He can be competitive at times.

It also had a room about mummies and how they were prepared and things very hands on including fabric organs you sort into the different jars. Also rubber hearts you put on a scale to weigh and see if it is lighter than the feather. Monkey liked the mummy and opening up the flaps to see the different things they used to keep it.

There was also a science type area with different kinds of rocks, an earthquake simulator, a tornado simulator, and little mini quizzes about oceans and seas, etc. They enjoyed it too, but as you can see I didn't find it fascinating enough to take any pictures. sigh.

Hopefully you were not too bored with this post. I think it went on a little too long, but I definitely recommend going if you are ever in Quebec City!

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Day Three in Quebec: Riding Horses

This is from day three in Quebec. Finally on the horses. I was impressed they all rode bareback. I was worried that they would hurt themselves. Marcus and Maddox both fell off the horse, but didn't get hurt and more importantly got right back up on the horse to go again. Plus when I say fall I mean they slowly slid down the side of the horse. Although Marcus fell on his side and cried like he was broken. I think he was just a little sensitive and upset he fell in the first place.

This first one is Maddox with Julie on the pony. He was so happy. Oh and yes that is Marcus informing me that I almost stepped in poop!





This next one is Marcus. You can tell he likes it, but he is playing it "cool". I think he would have enjoyed it better, but he is severely allergic to horses. By the end of the day he had a rash forming on his face and neck. Plus you can see how he wasn't holding the mane of the pony which is why he had nothing to hold on to when he fell.



This last one is of McKayla. It is longer because she fell in love! She didn't want to stop. Please ignore that scary high-pitched voice in the background. I admit it is me, but in my defense I really can't control how crazy it sounds! We did bring out the big horse which they rode as well, but I was busy chatting away as I normally do and forgot to take more video.




Saving the best thing for last I got on this poor little pony. She probably was crying inside with me on top of her, but the kids really wanted me to get on and I didn't know at the time that we were going to bring out the big horse. Also they made me wear the helmet because they were sure that I would fall off. So get ready...





It looks as if I am riding a donkey! No!I did not fall off the horse, but yes I look like a dork. I would love to have a horse and go riding with McKayla. It would be fun! I think we might have to make this trip every year!

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Day Two in Quebec

Day two started with a trip the park. Maddox played soccer mostly.




We went swimming in the afternoon, but it was an indoor pool so I didn't bother taking any pictures. It was kind of funny though because you are required to wear swim caps in the pool which I found kinda nice. Made it feel so much cleaner.

In the evening we went to dinner with some friends that Henri, the son of our friends, made while in hockey camp the week before. They are from Germany which is exciting because well for those who don't know I was born there. I think it is great when you can just meet people and become friends. dinner was so yummy I have a photo of my leg of lamb which was to die for. Really! Didn't smell and fell off the bone. mmmm... I want to go back! Anyway while some f the adults stayed behind to chat Mika and I took the kids for gelato and then we sat on the hill to eat it. I attempted a group shot, but well between the distraction of the gelato and being 7 kids and all I didn't successfully get one, but they at least let me take a few before running off.



Then as sugar normally does the ran around like mad! Julie enjoyed getting her picture taken meanwhile the boys just ran around playing tag. I didn't get any of those shots they were zipping by me too fast. In the background you can see the Rue St. Jean in Quebec City which is a tourist area with cobblestone streets and lots of boutiques and cafes. I like it there. The tiny streets and criss-crossed ways reminded me of Paris.



After the ice cream we met together again and walked to the square where two young men were performing circus type acts. They were very charming and grossed McKayla out at one point because they removed their shirts and then continued to remove their pants revealing cartooned pyjama pants. They said they want to be in the circus and I found them very entertaining. Lots of jokes as they interacted with the crowd. I did take video so maybe tomorrow I will get that uploaded so you can watch. It was a lot of fun.

After Day Two we realized that you never stop with this family they are always on the go doing something which was fun for my kids because they are not used to never sitting still ie. movies, reading, t.v., which was really non-existent the entire time we were there. I don't think it bothered the older ones, but by Saturday my little monkey was in withdrawals asking for his "Makka Pakka" and "Iggle Piggle".

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Day One in Quebec

Well the first day we rushed from Montreal to St. Agapit which is about 30 minutes from Quebec City. In 2 hours and 15 minutes we pulled into the driveway excited to be there on time to leave and get into the car again! We went along as our friend had a catamaran lesson at the beach in Quebec City. I really wasn't paying attention so I am really not sure what it was called or where we ended up exactly, but it was a lot of fun. If only the wind wasn't blowing so cold I would have enjoyed it more.

We brought swimsuits for the kids, but they were way too excited to get their feet wet they didn't bother to put them on. What a mess that turned out to be! I took so many photos on this trip I had to make a lot of collages so you could see more! In this first one you can see my friend Paul starting his lesson on the catamaran as well as Marcus running in and out of the water not even caring he was getting soaked. I think he enjoyed it most of all.



In this one McKayla tried to get Monkey into it by guiding him carefully to the waters edge. He would have none of that as you can see by the expression on his face.



Instead he decided on his own terms to watch the crazy kids prance around in the water while he was smart and stayed dry. He did pose for a few pics which was much to my delight.


McKayla tried very hard not to get her clothes wet as she held them up as far as she could. In the end the waves got the best of her and she fell face first into the water getting soaked. She just laughed and continued to play in the water which is easier when you are already wet.



Our friends Paul and Mika, French Canadian and Japanese, have two kids age 8 and 6 whom the kids love to play with. They speak fluent French and Japanese and are learning English. Last time they saw each other not a lot of talking occurred, but this time they were chatting up a storm sometimes in French and sometimes in English. This first day though there was just a lot of laughing! Julie their daughter wasn't camera shy. In fact, she jumped in front of me every time I pulled out the camera, which I must admit was all the time!



After Mika and I grew tired of the wind and were worried about the kids catching a chill we headed inside to dry off change into swimsuits (the only thing we had dry) and went to the playground. Probably the largest I have ever seen. As Marcus says, "It was really hard.". Trying to get through all the obstacles without falling and touching the sand proved to be difficult. My monkey enjoyed the slide, but soon grew tired of the fact that he was too small for a lot of the obstacles. So he resorted to chasing birds which he really enjoys anyway.



It was a good day. The kids really enjoyed themselves and I was happy I decided to make the trip all by myself.

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