New Uke!

As a birthday present to myself, I added a member to my ukulele family: a beautiful, bottle-green Outdoor Ukulele. It just arrived in the mail last week!

Since I already had soprano and concert-sized ukuleles, the natural next step was to get a tenor-sized uke (the largest of the three). This uke is 26.5" long and has 19 frets. And the best part is: it's made to endure all outdoor conditions, from extreme heat to extreme cold, exposure to wetness or dryness. Perfect for keeping in your trunk and taking on any outdoor excursions.

She's a beaut!

The body of the uke is made from composite polycarbonate, which is slightly translucent. This makes the ukulele glow a gorgeous green when the sun is shining through it.

I opted for a low-G string upgrade for a mellower sound, which will be nice for singing. Plus some of the fingerstyle songs I've been learning lately have been for a low-G uke. Bonus!

Go green

I'm very happy with my purchase so far and am looking forward to playing with my new uke, especially this summer!

Let's go outdoors!

March Break Highlights

Emily and Jessica are back in school today after a week-long March Break. Aside from all the birthday celebrations, our March Break was wonderfully relaxed and under scheduled. Our main events were rock climbing at the Boiler Room and a playdate with friends on Friday. Otherwise we were hanging out at home, playing our instruments, going outdoors, building Legos (with Emily), and crafting/sewing (with Jessi). Lots of pyjama time!

Harnesses on for climbing

Checking out the view

Emily has really taken a liking to climbing! She and Steve went climbing twice more during the week while Jessi and I went swimming instead (our preference).

Legos with Daddy

Crafting with Mommy

The weather started to warm up a bit, so the girls spent a lot of time outdoors. Their activities included sliding down the hill at the side of the house and making coloured snow by mixing it with chalk dust. Steve and I went for a couple of walks around the neighbourhood and even attempted a bike ride (a bit too chilly still).

Playing with Kaitlyn

Playing with Kassie (and Ludwig!)

By the end of the week Jessi and I got into sewing when a friend recommended the site Sew A Softie. The site has plenty of fun and easy sewing projects/tutorials for kids. Jessi picked a bunny softie for us to work on together. Then she designed and sewed up a carrot all by herself for her little bunny.

I do the machine parts

And now it's back to school and routine.

Happy Spring!

Not 35 Anymore

Lorelei turning 6 meant I was turning 36! We celebrated on Sunday by hosting dinner for my family. Meatballs & noodles, broccoli, bread, and a chocolate fondue for dessert. The kids played, the grownups chatted (and played Crokinole and ping pong!), and there were even a couple of gifts for the birthday girls.

Playing Lorelei's new game -- Spot It!

Chocolate fondue was a hit!

Birthday girl

Yesterday was my official birthday. My day was filled with all the things I love most: family, nature, chocolate, ukulele, and a few hugs. I feel so lucky!

Birthday hug ♥

Trying out a new recipe

Out for a winter walk at

Marshlands Conservation Area

Some slippery slopes...

The trail ended right by Great-Grandpa Gerald's old apartment building. So many memories there! We said hello to him in spirit.

Tired from the walk... And we're only half done!

We made it!

Dinner was chicken wings, homemade bread, and a yummy salad. A perfect day for me!

36 ain't so bad after all... :)