Summer Heat And A Tea Party

After a week of fun and sun at the cottage, we packed up our cars and headed on back to the city.  It felt good to be leaving.  I was looking forward to a sand-less bed to sleep in and not having to slather on handfuls of sunscreen each time we stepped out the door.  However, I suppose I was not prepared for the wall of humidity that we drove into as we came back to London.  It was the kind of heat that makes it feel closer to 40 degrees celsius and breathing in feels thick and heavy.  Totally hot! 

For the rest of the week, the expression that came from me almost every hour became  "Its stinkin' hot."  I mean, it was so hot that I sweat just walking out the door, I got blisters from walking in my sandals because my feet were sweaty and I couldn't stand the feeling of any hair on my neck.  

It was the kind of heat that means having to keep the blinds closed inside and living much like a vampire just to ensure that the internal temperature of the house doesn't dare compete with that of it outside. 

But despite not being able to enjoy long periods of time outside, we filled our second week with some really fun things.

Like staying cool in the shade of Grandpa's backyard.....

And baking "no bake" chocolate squares with Auntie Jilly....

and then playing dress up.....

But the ultimate in dress up and girly girl goodness is having lunch at Once Upon A Tea Cup.  If you've got girly girls, Once Upon A Tea Cup is a "whimsical land of make belief and magic" in which to set them free! 

The concept itself is centered on the time-honored tradition of the tea party. Women can share a pot of tea and light fare, while their little ones can join in with their “tea” (warm infused milk topped with sprinkles!) being served in miniature teacups and saucers. To enhance their experience we have our featured “Closet” - a wonderland of costumes to ignite their imaginations. Playing dress-up and enjoying tea with their mommies is a wonderful way for any little one to spend their afternoon.

And if you didn't know already, Once Upon A Tea Cup was founded by Christopher Noth (yes, the Mr. Big) and his wife, who is from Windsor, Ontario. 

my sister's little king, kingsley

The Closet is the place where our girls transformed into fairies, princesses and other fun characters.  Despite my efforts to keep it somewhat organized during their excited and multiple wardrobe changes, I just had to learn to give it up. 

the magical closet.  something for everyone, or simply trying everything on!

This is by far Rachel's favourite place to spend an afternoon.  She is the Queen of Dress Up, for sure.

rachel proudly announcing that she is a beeeeaaauuutiful bride

When we were here at Christmas time, Kamille wasn't too interested in the dress up part of it all, but this time she got right into it.  

Sweet Cordelia mostly stayed on the sidelines this time.  She was lovin' up the hot chocolate lattes while the two girls danced around her. 

And of course we used this dress up affair to try our luck on another Cousin's photo.  Again, no perfect shot, but together they all make for a giggle.  Gotta love the chaos! 

Once Upon A Tea Cup was such good fun with my girls.

We finished off our holiday in Ontario with some more time spent with cousins, good friends, our Nana, Grandma, and our Grandpas.  Despite all of the fun we had, the girls and I were ready to come home to some kind of normalcy, cooler temperatures and our Daddy. 

And speaking of Kevin.  We were all excited to see him when we got off the airplane.  The anticipation rose as we headed down the elevator to the baggage claim area.  In the elevator, a woman commented on Kamille having taken off the bar in the front of the stroller.  I informed her that she was making sure that she had a fast getaway so that she could run to her Daddy.  And with that, the door opened and in the distance I noticed Kevin.  Once Kamille spotted him it was that perfect moment of Daddy and Daughter running towards one another.  Priceless.  Kevin had 3 colourful gerbra daisies in hand and appeared equally excited to have his girls back.  But for me, the most impressive thing about meeting Kevin was that he looked 100% awesome.  He had had some time to himself, some time on his motorcycle and then some time at home to do a number of home improvement jobs, but the one thing that made him stand out on this day was that he had got his hair cut, and well, he just looked amazing!  Fresh, happy and ready to resume life as the K4 family.  So great!