Yesterday was our (Ontario, Canada) first ever Family Day.  A Statutory holiday in February!  Now, I know there are so many people who wrote all sorts of stuff about what a waste Family Day was and why couldn’t it be in the summer, etc., etc.  You are not going to hear that from me here, no way.

For so many years when I was out in the workforce, I heard nothing but grumblings about how there were no long weekends between New Year’s and Easter.  Except for the March break, there was nothing to keep you going during the winter.  I for one, wish that I had had Family Day way back when.  Well, when I didn’t have a Family.   I wish I had that long weekend to make winter not seem so bad.  Our American cousins have the best deal, Martin Luther King  Day in January and President’s Day (which coincided with our Family Day) in February.  The best way to get through the drabbest (for a large portion of North America) months of the year.  Actually our American cousins also have Veterans Day in November, which is no longer a Stat for us (it was no longer a holiday when I was in grade seven) and Columbus Day in October.  Hmmm… wait a minute….  I really think I am living in the wrong Country now, you guys seem to have as many holidays as France!

Oh yes, Family Day.  Despite the fact that Hubby had to work, his company was not closed for the Stat, despite most others being closed,  he had to grab his bus as usual.  I was thankful though as it meant that we didn’t have to do the dual walk two hours apart.  It was great!  J and I lounged around in our PJ’s, a true luxury, until 9am.   Apple was miserable due to her pending teeth so it was nice that we didn’t have to do anything we didn’t want to.   J even had a choice as to whether or not he wanted to go to gymnastics.  He opted for it and was thrilled that his best friend’s Dad was there to watch.

All in all Family Day was a big hit around here, we even got a visit in with my Sister and her kids so happiness was abound.  My only wish is that the holiday had not been called Family Day.  I think that is part of the reason so many people had nothing good to say about it, that and it was a little disorganized (some stores were open, some closed).  But, for us it was a great day.  I think we will consider it Louis Riel day, just like our neighbors in Manitoba did, they chose to honour the founder of Manitoba on this day and it apparently was a hit out there.

I’m always game for another holiday, even though it does mean an extra dose of work around the house.

p.s.  I also tried out my scanner on Family Day!  Check out BeachMama on her bike!!!

Book your summer beach vacation.

Yesterday we had yet another snowstorm. Argh. The January thaw that saw us wearing spring jackets and tickling out toes in the grass was just too good to be true. We got at least another 15cm yesterday, I missed the official count because I was out shoveling. I didn’t have to shovel, Hubby would have done it, but I wanted the break from the kids climbing all over me. I did take J and the dogs out with me but, he climbed the mountain of snow instead of me.

As I was feeling sorry for myself that I lived in such a snow laden climate, I decided what better way to make it though the next bout of winter than to ensure that our wonderful annual beach vacation was booked solid. The agent called in December and our usual house was not available the week of July 4th, so we waited to book while we decided on the week. When I called yesterday our house was open from the 5th so we booked it with plans to stay with my family for the 4th. Yay!!

It won’t be long beach, until we meet again…