in awe of life: Cranlicious!

My parents took us to breakfast this morning - it's always fun to go out to eat; it's a novelty for Caitlin...

And it's a novelty for us too, especially when there's extra hands to help feed and burp!

With full tummies, Mike and I took the kids to the cranberry marsh for a tour and samples of treats!

Even though it's a bog, it's SO pretty.

When we got closer, she noticed that there were tons of cranberries floating in the water, and lots on shore. It was fun to throw them in and make them plunk.

We started walking along and Caitlin discovered someone looking at her. She wanted to inspect...

It was a cluster of froggies sizing her up!

It's neat how this berry grows; on a bush in a bog, and when it's time to harvest, they flood and scrape it so the berries float up for collection.

Time for a sample - this one was right from the water! We tried to tell her it was going to be sour, but she didn't care. (You can see Adam camped out in his stroller in the background - he was asleep as usual and enjoying the fresh Muskoka air).

Strange kid seems to like the fresh bitter taste!

There's a trail that goes around the perimeter of the marsh, and with the gorgeous fall colours in bloom, we thought we'd take a little hike.

Caitlin and daddy followed the true trail...

While Adam and I stuck to the dirt path :)

The sights are just beautiful. Inukshuk!

Colourful tree stands and big smiles :)

Some tree stands weren't so colourful, but were just as beautiful.

Then it was off to the gift shop and winery for snacks! We've had the cranberry wine before; quite tasty, but didn't feel compelled to buy another bottle this year. Opted for other treats and some apple cider instead.

As we sat down to enjoy drinks, Caitlin wanted to try another cranberry. Guess this one was a bit more tart!

Or maybe it was just a ploy to wash it down with my apple cider...

That's okay, I got a hug out of it :)

It was a great trip to the marsh, but it was that time of day, so we packed up and headed back to the cottage for nappy time :)

And we got back just in time! Caitlin snoozed away in her room and Adam had some awake time in his swing :)

Just like his sister, he loves looking at the evil bumblebee!

Okay, he's not so bad :)

He even started cooing at the little creatures hanging off his swing; his little noises is so sweet!

Shortly after, Caitlin woke up happy and well rested, just in time for a tea party in the za-gee-bo!

Even Adam had something to sip!

He's such a great eater - not only does he eat it quick and burp easily, he's not distracted whatsoever. Such a treat not to have to fight to feed unlike someone else...

Adam's first tea party was a hit! I suspected he'd be dragged into doing girlie things like this - Caitlin is really into baking, tea parties and pretend play. I'm sure she has more in store for him :) He's a willing participant though, and I have to admit, I enjoy it too!

But what's even more adorable - she knows his routine. Eat, sleep, change bum. Knowing that he just finished his bottle, she came over to see if he wanted his soother. Caitlin appreciates her menamo so much, she is always handing Adam his. So thoughtful!

With a full tummy and menamo in mouth, he started to get sleepy :) Like the flower holder? That's an obvious hand-me-down. We have a penguin one somewhere but it hasn't been on my priority list to find it. Now seeing these pictures, I'm going to hunt it down... no little boy should have a big pink flower attached to his face!

Off to grammy for cuddles!

This seems like the perfect spot for a catnap :)

It's starting to get dark earlier now, so after a quick dinner, grandpa lit the chiminea for a marshmellow roast! Caitlin waited as patiently as she could, brimming with anticipation...

With sharpened sticks bearing a speared cylinder of sugar, she was ready to go! Daddy showed her how to do it, and she stood there silently absorbing up all this important information.