autumn fun

We have had such a beautiful Indian summer, which makes me want to get the kids outside as much as possible before the 'S' word falls.

The kids and I went to the zoo a couple weeks back and noticed something new. There were all these beautiful "statues" standing in the green spaces. We found out they were actually Chinese lanterns, in the shapes of animals and trees. They were so cool. So I wanted to get back there in the evening to see them all lit up (only there till November 1).

This T-Rex is monstrous and comes alive!

the kids transfixed by REX!

Skye knows this dinosaur - the Ankylosaurus!

A week later, we (finally) persuaded daddy to make a trip to the zoo with us and we had a great little outing. It was a bit cool that evening, but the kids didn't mind. They bundled up a bit in the stroller, but soon got the itch to be free. There were lots of people there, but still room to move. And the lanterns were amazing. The kids (or Skye) really liked them too. It was fun to see a glimpse of light up ahead and then turn the corner to see what surprise was there!

And this past weekend we went for our annual visit to the Calgary Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. It wasn't overly busy which was great. Skye loved the slides and bouncing "pillow". Rhys just liked to wander around.

I took the kids into the little goat and sheep pen and they almost had Rhys for a snack :-)

It was SO funny. I set him down to hold his hand and all of a sudden all the animals flocked to him and were right up in his face - which was the same level as theirs. And then Rhys had a freak out. He only really likes animals from a far. It usually takes him a long while to warm up to them and then he will try to touch them. But if they notice him while he is doing that he runs! So after that episode he rode on daddy's shoulders.

"Hi little goat - your ears are so soft!"

but they were always quicker than she was haha

This kid was on a MISSION to try and pet a bird!

We managed to find a few mini pumpkins that weren't spoiled, but I couldn't get the kids to stand still long enough for a photo. And Skye loved her ride on the MOO train! 

rest in peace Nonna

our world was saddened by the loss of our mother and our Nonna

on September 20, 2015,

after another short battle with cancer.

Although she can rest peacefully and without pain now, we will miss her dearly!

We love you and will see you again someday…

  PEZZENTE, Yolanda
  June 22, 1945 - Sepino , CB, Italy
  September 20, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta

  Yolanda Pezzente (nee Tammaro) of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the age of 70 years. Yolanda was born in Sepino, Italy on June 22, 1945. She married Nicola Pezzente on August 12, 1967, and they immigrated to Canada shortly after. Yolanda loved to spend her time cooking for her family and grandchildren and taking care of her little dog Ellie. Yolanda was survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Claudia and Will Gibson and their children, Nicole, Christopher and Matteo; son Leonardo and Kerri and their children Brooklyn, Ava and Londyn, son Dino and Della and their children Skye and Rhys as well son Maurizio and Jennifer and their children Jayden, Leighton and Parker. She is also survived by her older sister Pierina Pietraroia of Montreal as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Nicola Pezzente and brothers Michelangelo and Nicola Tammaro. Yolanda will be greatly missed by all but forever remembered for her everlasting strength, loving heart and beautiful smile. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church 10 Prestwick Avenue SE on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Mausoleum. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2 (403-521-3723). Many thanks to the doctors and supportive staff at the Tom Baker Centre and South Health Campus, Unit 58. In living memory of Yolanda Pezzente, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Special thank you to all our friends and family for your support and prayers during this sad time.
We are truly blessed to have you in our lives!

Shell Lake, Saskatchewan!

I'm a few months behind on posts again??!

a combination of being busy and tired…and somewhat lazy I guess.

Back in August, we travelled the LONG distance (9 hrs) to Shell Lake, Sk for a very SHORT visit. We arrived the Friday night at 6pm and left the Sunday afternoon at 1pm. It has been the longest drive with the kids so far. They did pretty good overall. Skye travelled great - a combo of watching movies and sleeping. Rhys barely slept and when he isn't sleeping, he wants to EAT! So that was the hard part. 

The reason for the visit was my cousins wedding. My family stayed in 2 new cabins, almost side by side, so it was nice and close for the kids to play. Unfortunately the mosquitoes were brutal Friday night and during the night it started to POUR and it didn't stop until we left on Sunday :-(

All the kids wanted to do was play outside, but it was a torrential downpour all day.

Rhys is bigger than Great Grandma Pauline @ almost 89 years young

Grandpa and all his grandkids

The poor bride :-(

Good thing she is such a good sport!

the super muddy road into the church and ceremony

It did let up for about an hour right after the ceremony - so perfect timing for a few photos.

And we all had a good time at the wedding reception, visiting with the family and friends we hadn't seen in years. The kids danced ALL night! They had so much fun. It was a very late night for them. 

birthday twin cousins! a little bit of a size difference ;-)