creativelykate

    Last week we packed up the family for a few days and headed to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  We had such an amazing 3 days!  From the moment we arrived until the final minutes before our departure, it was non-stop fun and of course craziness.  I was thankful for all of our friends who had recently made the trip with their own families.  Listening to their experiences and following any of their advice was the first step to planning our own successful getaway. However, despite our best efforts to plan ahead and be prepared...there's always room for improvements or at least trying things a little differently next time around.  And like any family vacation there's always room for little mishaps (or some really big ones).  I feel like it wouldn't be a real family vacation without them...like when the sink gets clogged the night before you're leaving and you can't get anything done because you have...

  We had such a fun Holiday weekend!  As I mentioned last week, my brother and his girlfriend came home for a few days to visit and join in on all the celebrations.  It's honestly so fun when they're around.  The kids love having them here, and my hubby and I are always so grateful for everything they do.  They always have things planned for the kiddies and they even find time to help us with all the party prepping.  Sometimes I wish they lived closer...but on the other hand, because we don't get to see them very often it makes having them here extra special.   On Sunday we hosted our annual Easter Party.  We were expecting 27 people but unfortunately some of our guests weren't able to join us.  Instead we had just over 20.  It was still super fun and thankfully we had a bit more room at the table.  I think it's great how our family just keeps growing!  I'm always so excited for the celebration because w...

Happy Easter!   ...well almost.  I'm so excited for the next couple days and today was the perfect start to the Holiday long weekend.  We did it all today!  Playdates, baking, cooking, cleaning...all in preparation for our Easter Party on Sunday.  We're hosting dinner for 26 family members and friends, and I couldn't be more excited.  My brother and his girlfriend also arrived this evening.  The kids were patiently waiting all day for their arrival, but unfortunately Hudson and Irelynn were the only ones still awake when they pulled in...it just means we're going to have a very exciting morning when everyone wakes up.   I wanted to share a short blog and wish everyone a wonderful weekend before the chaos begins.  On Wednesday I made the most adorable shoes for Georgia and myself, after seeing a similar designer pair on Instagram (that cost way too much!).  I figured I could make them for next to nothing - and indeed I...

As many of you know my grandfather (on my mom's side) turned 100 on February 18th.  Over the years we have acknowledged each of his birthdays, usually a small celebration and only immediate family.  This was always at his request.  However we made him promise that if he made it to 100, we were going to throw him one of the best parties he had ever been to.  And so...that's exactly what we did.   It was the most beautiful celebration of his life.  He was surrounded by family and friends who had arrived from both near and far.  I was overwhelmed by the number of people who took time out of their busy lives to celebrate with him.  It was simply the greatest feeling seeing him all dressed up in his suit and tie, corsage on his jacket and the biggest smile across his face.  His eyes lit up every time he turned to greet a family member, an old friend or a surprise guest.  His entire life he's always been one to put o...