Gwen's First Day of Kindergarden!

Gwen had her first day of school on September 1st! She was really excited and had no problems at all. We drove to the Daniels' house (they live right by the school) and walked over with them, as it was Jordyn's first day too. The girls are not in the same class, but are at the same time (mornings). The first day was just an hour but at least they got to meet their teachers and see the classrooms. When I picked Gwen up she was happy and had a special cookie with her that they had decorated at school. She said to me that night, "I want to go back there". Well, she'll have to go everyday, so that's good! :) The second day was longer, 3.5hrs and she loved every minute again! Her teacher, Mrs. Barge is very nice and her class gets together with Jordyn's class everyday for storytime. So happy she loves school!

Heritage Day at Heritage Park

For the August long weekend we didn't do much but thought we would take the kids to Heritage Park. It was a great place for Evan to run free, although it was usually in the opposite direction of where we wanted him to go! I explained to Gwen that this was what things were like in the olden days. I think she liked it - especially the rides and candy shop. We took them on the train and the paddle steamer boat. It was a really hot day and the only relief was on the water. Gwen loved the old fashioned rides. I wouldn't go on the caterpillar with her (terrible, I know!) but Jamie did and she loved it. She also loved the Whip and merry-go-round and went on the kids ferris wheel all by herself. We spoiled them a bit and had cotton candy, cookies from the bakery as well as candy from the candy store. Jamie had too many sausage rolls to count. :0) Fun times!

Trip to Wales

Jamie's brother, Lee got married in July so we decided to go out to Wales for the wedding. Gwen was lucky enough to be a bridesmaid (flower girl)! It was Gwen's second time there but Evan's first. The flight was the part I dreaded - 9 hours with a little boy who NEVER sits still - yikes! It actually turned out not too bad. Both Gwen and Evan handled it quite well and the flight went by reasonably fast.

We had a great time on our trip. The wedding was lovely and miss Gwendolyn was a total pro bridesmaid. It was like she has done it a million times before! She even practiced her smile for all the photos :) The reception was at an old house in the country which was beautiful and really interesting. Gwen liked the old stairs and there was even a secret room in the floorboards which seemed right out of Harry Potter. During Lee's speech, he thanked the bridesmaids and held Gwen up for everyone to see. She told me later that was her favourite part.

We took the kids to Barry Island so see a real beach (first time for both!) and there was also rides for little kids and Gwen loved that. We had to take Gwen to at least one castle out there since she loves princesses and castles. I remembered one that Jamie had taken me to - Castle Coch. It is all decorated with furniture so I knew Gwen would like that one. We had a good visit with everyone - even got to see Jamie's Nan quite a few times.

Jamie's mom, Lesley, had gotten everything ready for our stay with her. Gwen had her own little room with a pink bed and a castle nightlight from Nigel's shop! She loved it. I wish I had taken a photo of her in her room :( Lesley even got a bike for Gwen - she had a great time on it and wanted to take it home!

It was a great trip - went by way too fast of course though.