A Wee Bit O' Shamrock Paintin'

Brynn had a wee bit of fun today making her St. Patty's Day craft. Future artist?

She may need to work a bit on her technique, but at least she got into the spirit of things!

{Throwback Thursday} Skogafoss, Iceland

Skogafoss, Iceland: One of the most breathing-taking, awe-inspiring places I have ever been. Thousands of litres of water rushing past to tumble over the edge, hitting the ground sixty meters below and meandering off into the ocean. Add to this wonder the thunder of an erupting volcano not more than a kilometre and a half away and billowing clouds of ash rushing by overhead... I still have no words. I can only recommend you get there as fast as you can!

A Spring Bucket List

The Groenwold Family Spring Bucket List:

- go to a maple syrup festival

- visit the Lindsay Lilac Gardens

-have a picnic down by the river

-go for a hike

- plant some vegetable containers

-play at the park

-splash in the puddles

- take a spin on our bikes (with the bike trailer!)

- visit the Lindsay Farmer's Market

-take the canoe for a spin

-pick strawberries!

-feed the ducks

-blow bubbles

Having a child is the best... 

it gives you the excuse you need

to enjoy all the best spring activities again!

{13 Months}

This past month Brynn went on her first sled ride, graduated to real shoes, delighted her grandmother by saying, "Grandma", gained a new doll cousin, and has a new favourite game called "throw things over the side and say uh-oh". It has been a good month.

{Kushog Lake} Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a cold and dangerous sport, but James and his buddies attempted it this past weekend up at Kushog Lake in the Algonquin Highlands. They had a blast scaling the walls of ice and camping out in a quinzee on the frozen lake. My fears of  them falling and breaking things were unfounded and by the looks on their faces when they returned, I'd say it might even be something I would like to try (for a day). These pictures tell the story of their adventure!

The climb... 

James

Chris

Jeff

Under the ice

a long exposure night-time shot 

Chris breaking the quinzee the guys slept in

The best things in life are simple, but not easy. - Al Humphreys

{Throwback Thursday} Gros Morne, Newfoundland

Winter is a long season, and when the travel bug hits, it can sometimes seem unbearable. So I decided to create a throwback blog post to some of the finest days I've spent travelling in beautiful places... since I can't travel anywhere new, I can at least reminisce about the beautiful places I've been. 

First on the list: Gros Morne National Park. We travelled here with our good friends Bonnie and Chris in July 2013, and it was one of the most stunning Canadian places we have been. We are excited to go back to Newfoundland in the future and explore more of the beautiful island. Here are a few of the best pictures from our trip there!

Western Brook Pond (The Fjords)

The view from the top of Gros Morne Mountain

Green Gardens coastal trail

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 
― Anita Desai

A New Family Member

 We gained a nephew this weekend- little Ezra Carl Daniel! It's amazing how new life is always so exciting and refreshing. He is our third nephew and number 6 of all our nieces and nephews, yet the feeling of a new baby in your arms never gets old. Those baby cuddles are to die for- it's the feeling of "all things new" and never ceases to amaze me or create a sense of awe and thankfulness in my heart. He was perfect, with his long, long fingers and teeny, tiny little body. I can't wait to see him grow!

 Brynn was excited to see him, but I'm pretty sure she thought he was one of her dolls. She just wanted to poke him and pull at his hair. She kept coming back for looks though, so it couldn't have been too bad!