We were back outside in January...a bit. I had my weeks when I just didn't have the energy to bundle up the kids much. So, there have been times when I've felt a little cooped-up. The canal is now open for skating and we've been out a couple of times. It's a popular spot in the city. I have seen people out early in the morning and even later in the evening. I've even seen my neighbour walking home from work with skates over her arm. That's inspiring.

We celebrated Patrick's birthday at the end of the month. We tried something new and made our own sushi, here at home. It was revealing what an art sushi is. Our sushi ended up tasting pretty great but it didn't look very pretty. Patrick was so happy...there ended up being more sushi than he could eat (this never happens!) 

The toboggan really flies on the ice.

Especially when Daddy is showing off!

One can skate from Carleton University (near where we live) all the way to Parliament.

Inside the quinzee before it melted.

At this point we were a little stressed...still not sure if it was going to work out.

We made salmon and tuna nigiri and maki.

Felix looked so excited when he grabbed one of the colourful maki...

His expression says it ALL.

Brig hasn't yet acquired a taste for sushi. But she did manage to work those chopsticks.

Loved having Matt & Sarah join us!

Brigitte helped decorate Daddy's cake again this year.

And Felix did his part as well.

Sweet Felix

Yes, so sweet because he ate the sugary dough of my apple-poppyseed squares!

Felix's finger 'prints'

We're loving the sun in the house these days.

Thought this was cute: Brigitte's playing 'Mom's Group' with her toys.

And we misplaced this picture from Christmas...Matt asked Brig to pose. This is what he got!

And I'll end with a drawing of Brigitte's. She's still in Christmas mode. Take care everyone!