And finally...the journey home

After the whirlwind week in NB, it was time to pack up and head west. We left Saturday morning with mommy driving, I knew we make 'good time' With everyone fast asleep within minutes of our departure, this was my chance to reflect on the past weeks festivities. It felt almost comforting to return to the places where I had spent most of the childhood summers. I thought it would be strange visiting my mothers family without my mother but it wasn't. It was just like old times.

The second last leg of our journey ended in Drummondville, an hour outside of Montreal. This time we planned ahead and stopped fairly early got two adjoining rooms, and let the kids run wild. Once in the room, they rolled around the beds and screamed like banshees for a good hour before we had dinner then a bath. With the joining rooms everyone had their own baby to sleep with.

We decided to stop and visit Auntie Shannon in Ottawa before heading to the cottage where we would spend the night. As we were dropping off Everetts new girlfriend I think I may have actually heard her say she would travel with 3 babies again. Well Dawna, we do have a camping trip planned in July if you're interested.

We made it home on Monday about 3pm, and daddy called shortly after that informing us he was on his way home. Thank god no one walked, crawled, spoke any words, or got any teeth because Jason would never let us leave the city limits if they did.

Its nice to go away, but it sure is nice to come home.

Final destination - Auntie Marilyns

At about 4 pm local time, we had finally arrived at our destination. A little worse for the wear, and in dire need of diapers (Grace had used up more than her share) but all in all everyone was glad to see us. The primary reason for our visit was Grandpa Howatt was helping Uncle Robert build a new sunroom and deck off the back of Marilyns home in Oromocto. After I got the kids all settled in I called Jason that evening, and the first thing he told me was 'I didn't think you'd make it'. Ha, how little does he know me. There was no way I was turning around and accepting defeat.

The week went by in the blink of an eye, but by the time we left the sunroom was up and enclosed and the deck was built stairs and railing included. I didn't do much but the girls managed to supervise for a day or two. But it seems that during our visit Everett managed to find himself a girlfriend. For the week, Everett and Dawna were inseparable. They would sit together, eat together, nap together. The napping thing was his favorite so he was awfully sad when we dropped Dawna off at home and he realized he was now going to have to nap on his own.

Thanks to Marilyn & Kelly for all the hard work they put into cooking and baking for the week. I don't remember the last time I ate so well. We did what every other long-weekend vacationer did lounged in the sun, ate until we were full, and slept in late.

Day 3-4 Pembroke to Montmagny, QC

We managed to get away Saturday morning fairly early around 10 am. With Grandpa Howatt behind the wheel we got as far as Beachburg (approximately 12 minutes from the cottage) before we required our first stop. The kids seemed to have inherited their mothers bathroom quirks. Only until they are in a safe environment are they able to use the washroom and in this case their pants. Less thasn 5 minutes into the trip Grace needed a bathroom break. Since we were close to Dawna`s moms house, and since she didn`t really get to see them when she came over, we decided to stop at her house. But to our disappointment she wasn`t home so we just parked it in the driveway ans stripped her down. We were back on the road in less than 8 minutes (I had been timing myself for diaper changes before the trip, and practicing both my speed and quality changes) Oh my God! I think I am turning into Jason Simpson.

Back on the road and less than 40 minutes later did we need to stop again. It seemed as though Grace wasn`t finished the first time we stopped. We made it to Quebec around lunch and stopped at the tourist information center. It was a beautiful sunny spring day and we had a lovely little picnic.

Back on the road only 40 minutes later we drove until supper time and stopped at the dinosaur graveyard. I believe this is the place where ALL the dinosaurs came to die. What I believe to be a `tourist attraction` was a plethera od half-beaten, chewed up, heads missing dinosaur park. I should have known what kind of red-neck hickville we were stopping in when I saw the prized monster-truck displayed outside the store. We had our dinner out in the sunshine, and tried to avoid looking at the dinos.

Our goal was to make it to Riviere-du-Loup about 5 hours away, and stay there the night and get up early Sunday, adn only have a short drive to Oromocto. But it wasn`t to be. Approximately 10 minutes outside of Quebec City Everett had decided that he had had enough driving for today. He launched himself into a crying fit that nothing could stop. Because this was an unplanned stop we did not have a contingency plan in place. During our lunch stop at the info booth, we smartly picked up an accomodation book-map. Dawna quickly got her phone and started calling the first place in the next town. All booked up they said, so we went to the next town. Montmany, our savior town. Good ol` Montmany. We picked to first place in the book, and fortunately they had space. But its an INN you know, the lovely proprietor Carole Gagne said. Whatever Dawna said. When we finally arrive at the INN, we were welcomed with open arms. They had given us the BIG room which included a king-size bed and a pull-out couch. She offered us dinner once we had settled, and told us just to let her know what we wanted. With the kids all relaxed, bathed, fed and ASLEEP, Dawna and Grandpa Howatt went to the kitchen to see if they could rustle up some grub. This is where they met up with the chef. They asked for sandwiches, but this was not acceptable to chef Lucien Dube, he told us he would prepare a plate enough to feed us all and deliver it to our room. About 15 minutes later he arrived with a gourmet meal on hand. Dorned with veal fillets with bone, asparagus, carrots, and probably THE best potatoes I have ever tasted. We were all in awe at the sight, but once he saw the kids all strewn about the room he was even more amazed.

We woke in the morning, dressed and ready to start another day. With the knowledge we had gained from the previous day we kn ew we had the get an early start. We ordered up breakfast, and head down to the dining room. With the kids in their booster seats, we all enjoyed a lovely breakfast. It really didn't even feel like we had been travelling.

For those travelling within Quebec or on their way to the east coast I highly recommend this stop over. The food was fantastic and the service impeccable. For those interested the name of the inn is La Belle Epoque Auberge-Restaurant Inn. We couldn't have selected a better place to stop.

We have returned! Day 1-2 Sudbury to Pembroke

Well our journey to the center of the earth is now complete. We have finally arrived back safely from New Brunswick with everyone in tact for the most part. Our journey began Thursday May 17th when we finally managed to shove off around 11:30 am. A little later than I had anticipated, but Grandpa Howatt had a minor dental emergency from the overly-crisp french fries from night before. Jason, who was not joining us was thrilled at Grandpas misfortune as he automatically assumed we would be cancelling the trip. We think Jason purposefully gave Grandpa the super-crispy fries secretly knowing that Grandpa has weak teeth in hopes they would crumble in his mouth and we would cancel. But his plan was foiled and with his teeth fixed we hit the road. We made it to North Bay just in time for lunch and stopped at the Wendy's parking lot where everyone ate, pooped, and played for awhile. Our lunch stop ate up an additional 1 hour. By this time it was 2:40 pm. All my years of travelling with Jason Simpson has ingrained a new internal timing system. Anyone who has had the pleasure of travelling with him knows that what makes or breaks a trip is based on whether or not you are making good time. Well were were certainly not making good time at this point. So mommy got behind the wheel and made every driving second count. We finally made it to the cottage around 5:00 pm with Grandma Graham eagerly awaiting our arrival. The last leg of our journey found the girls in less than giddy spirits.

We stayed at the cottage for the whole day on Friday where Auntie Shannon, Karen & Mike joined us for a visit. Grandma & Grandpa Graham couldn't have been more thrilled that we were there. Grandpa Howatt and Mike took the kids for a 2-hour walk which gave Mommy a nice break. We had a number of visitors that day so the kids got a tast of what its really like being at the cottage. Although still a little young, I am sure they enjoyed it.

Being the beginning of a long-weekend, Grandma Graham figured to avoid any potential driving hazards we should leave on the following Tuesday and since we were planning to return on the Friday it really only left 1 day to visit New Brunswick so we might as well just stay at the cottage. I think her and Jason were cahouts. But since Grandpa Howatt 's carpentry skills were required in NB, we packed up the van, picked up our additional passenger Dawna, and started our journey east.

Ready to hit the road

As our upcoming journey to New Brunswick is quickly approaches, Everett is anxious to hit the road. Our journey begins on Thursday when Grandpa Howatt, myself and the travelling wilburry's embark on our 10-day world-wind, cross-country adventure. Our first stop-over is in Pembroke to visit Great-Grandma Graham. This will be our first visit with them. The last time she saw them was in the NICU back in August. I think she will be surprised at their progress. We plan to spend a couple days there and then head out on Saturday to NB. Auntie Shannon and Great-Auntie Karen will also be visiting.

Upon our return, I will be updating the blog, so until then Bon Voyage!

Prepping for Clown College

I understand that it is a long way off but it is imperative for the babies to start prepping for their post secondary education dreams. As everyone is aware, the 3 amigos did not come cheap. With 3 in university Jason & I have decided that its clown college for everyone.

With the university entrance standards set so high, Avery has decided to get a head start on her entrance qualifications.

Nanny Di visits

Nanny Di just couldn't stay away. She has come for another visit but this time it was only for 2 weeks. I thought we had worn her out during her last visit, but I guess not. She had a lovely visit with the kids only to discover what a handful it can be. She was surprised at how much they had changed, especially Everett, who is now tipping the scales at over 18 lbs. Its like lifting a lead balloon. She got a taste of Avery's temper, and a taste of Grace's night rituals. She left this morning saddened by her departure, but don't worry Nanny we'll see you in the summer. Hopefully by then, we'll all be walking, and really give you a run for your money!

Auntie Shannon comes to visit

Over the past weekend, Auntie Shannon came for a visit. She arrived Friday night, and left on Monday morning. On Saturday morning we decided to go out for breakfast at the local diner. This was our first child-dining experience, and I have to admit it went much better than I had anticipated. Everett got the highchair, Grace got mommy's lap, and Avery was more than happy to remain in her car seat and learn how to zip up her jacket. Now there were more than 1 highchair, but since Everett used up all the extra seat fillers (blankets, coats, etc.) there was nothing left to fill Grace's seat so she helped me with my breakfast. Saturday night was your typical evening at the Simpsons, feeding, bath, playtime, nap, adult nap, feed, bed.

She had a nice visit, fed lots, played lots, and experienced that overall tiredness of child-rearing. I think she'll be back.

Our newest baby sitter

We have frequently been out walking around the neighborhood, and it appears we may have found ourselves a future baby sitter. Our next door neighbors son Carver, has joined us on a few walks, and has turned into quite the baby walking pro. During the course of the walk he is quite attentive and monitors the 'baby status' at all times such as who is currently sleeping, who is currently not sleeping, who is currently crying and who is currently not crying.

If this keeps up we may have recruit Carver to be our baby sitter in about 5-6 years, which works out perfectly.