April...Back to Reality

After five wonderful days in Tenerife, it was back to reality. The kids still had a week and a half left of their term break. We made sure to fill our time with some play time with friends and a few trips into the city. I gave both kids one day to choose what we would do. Ryan decided that he wanted to go to the Ripley's Museum and then to lunch at Rainforest Cafe. 

Of course on Mandy's day to choose, we headed back to Madame Tussauds. Both Mandy and Ryan have such a fascination with this place, which cracks me up considering they only know about 1/4 of the figures in the museum!

On the 12th of the month the Castonguay Family arrived for their week long visit. The kids were so excited for Julia and Lila to arrive, they had a full itinerary planned for them. Luckily they had to go back to school four days into the visit so Kim and Kevin were able to make some of their own plans!! All nine of us spent some time in Kew Gardens together. Feeding the birds was definitely the highlight for the kids.

After a morning in Kew Gardens, Kim and I took Mandy, Ryan and Julia to Fortnum and Mason for afternoon tea in the city. It was very posh and I think Julia thoroughly enjoyed the sweets!

Lila and Aiden had a blast making trouble together! The two were frequently found playing in the kitchen sink together, splashing and soaking everything in sight....these two are lucky they are so cute!!

So great to have the four of them stay with us for a week. We loved spending time together, catching up and sharing our London Life for a bit. Thank you Castonguay Family for making the trip to see us!

Despite having our visitors with us, Darell School PSA was still running full steam ahead. Another successful Cake Sale with a Spring Time Theme! 

London Sports Baseball/Softball started this month as well. Though still a bit young for the league, Mandy tried out for the 8-12 year old softball league and was selected for a team. She was excited to finally be able to play in an all girl league instead of the co-ed teams she played on the last two years. It was so much fun watching her out on the softball field. There were many moments when I had flashbacks to my early rec league years! Ryan also gave tee ball a go with "Coach Keith" by his side! Ryan has been so reluctant to join an activity or sport, I was so proud to see him out on the field. Though a bit apprehensive at first, both kids seemed to enjoy the new challenge and settled in quickly with their teams! Even Aiden did well as the cheering section for his brother and sister!

Post Game iPhone time!!!

We have been very fortunate in the weather department this month, April can go either way, cool, grey and rainy or warm and sunny. I have taken full advantage of the nice weather and have spent many mornings with Aiden in Kew Gardens or Richmond Park. Each and every time I set foot in one of these parks I am so grateful to have them right around the corner.  There is so much to explore and the beauty brings me so much peace...complete stress relievers! One day after dropping Mandy and Ryan off at school, Aiden and I set off with camera in hand. Here are a few of my favourite shots.