a peek inside the fishbowl

First, the annual pilgrimage to Saunder’s Farm:

Then, the annual Choosing of the Pumpkins, which took place here:

Which was followed by Sunday dinner at my in-laws and resulted in two very tired children and two pooped parents who later zoned out in front of a Parks and Recreation marathon.

Today’s to do includes: Laundry. Halloween decorations. Dishes. Gym. Dinner. Gah!

p.s. have you entered the giveaway for the trip to Syracuse yet? The draw is tomorrow, so get cracking!

Sarah had TWO birthday parties to attend today. And yesterday, weary and ill, I took Sarah down to Westboro Village to shop for gifts.

I was feeling mentally drained even before I started. And I had a devil of a time figuring out what to buy as birthday gifts.

Don’t kids have everything nowadays? These little girls are 8 and 9 now. When the girls and I go shopping for birthday gifts I can’t help but picture bedrooms already brimming with WebKinz and Barbies and who knows what. Why add to the pile?

There’s always books (I love buying books for kids) but there’s no bookstore nearby. What about consumables? I’d love to steer Sarah to the chocolate shop or the candy store and buy $20 worth of loot, but I figure that might be not appreciated by the parents.

Is this or is this not the age where kids start moving away from toys? It’s tough.

Anyway, all of this was swirling around in my head as we browsed. There are a number of great little shops in the village, including Mrs. Tiggywinkles, one of our favourite toy stores. But we decided to pop into a newish store called Quichua World Market first.

Oh man. I’m glad we went, because that’s where we found this sweet little beaded purse ($9.95)

We also picked up a friendship bracelet for only $2.00. A pretty nice little thing for a horse-lovin’ gal, don’t you think? 

But I got totally sidetracked by some really fun robot and animal hats which come in both adult and kid size. Here’s a puppy:

I couldn’t resist buying myself a pair of raccoon mittens:

And we went back today to buy Emma a bunny hat:

 
Aren’t they cute?

I know we were supposed to be shopping for others but I think this was money well spent. And just in time! Have you seen the forecast? Brr.

(Quichua World Market is located at 325 Richmond Road in Westboro.)

Mark your calendars because the date of the Ottawa Help Santa Toy Parade has been announced. This year it’s going to be on December 5th, 2009 ! I know it’s early yet but I am TOTALLY EXCITED.

Did you know that the Ottawa Santa Claus parade is celebrating its 40th anniversary?

Please note, there are some changes this year:

• The parade is going to be in the evening instead of the daytime (the new start time is 6:00 p.m.)
• There’s apparently a new route, so check the website before you go
• Due to numerous unsuitable used toys that have been dropped off along the parade route over the years, they will be no longer accepting used toys of any kind. Used toys can be dropped off at Salvation Army thrift stores. NEW toys will be collected along the route and at any Ottawa Fire Station from November 21 to December 19, 2009

Can’t make it to the parade but still want to donate? There’s an online donation feature at their official website.