Love that extra hour when we "fall back". But just so we don't get cocky, mo' natural is gonna throw half a foot of snow at us today.

That preceding blurb was all preface for this ... remember that episode of Happy Days where Fonzie and Pinky break-up? The line I can't get outta my head this morning is "She treated me like an em-plo-YEE."

BOO

IMG_7706
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

... at the Zoo/2006.

Shotgun

IMG_7705
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

After Calloway park - I don't think the travelling grocery store parking lot Fair really cuts it anymore. (I know I said this was at the zoo, but I recognized the carney's "responsible" for the rides from their stop at the local Safeway.)

Maybe the thinking is, this is more exhilerating when you throw in the threat of frostbite.

To answer your question ...

IMG_7672
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

With the boy, it's all about the trains. So if he had his choice, he'd probably opt to go as Thomas or Sir Topham Hat.

When I was just ...

IMG_7686
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

... a little boy, I asked my mother, why can't I be what I want to be for Halloween?

So, should it be this ...

... or this.

IMG_7680
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

Or does it not matter because we're going to make him wear a parka and moon boots so no one will see any parts of the costume anyways?

Like the guests who won't leave ...

IMG_7569
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

I don't know what they spray in these balloons - for what they charge I'm assuming it's some class of balloon-grade plutonium - but these suckers are like a bad smell.

In hindsight, we should have gotten christmas colours.

Fall supper

IMG_7637
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

Happy Turkey day ... or vegetarian facsimilie if that's your "taste".

A crisp weekend, but nice enough to get out a few times. Everyone's in the same boat - looking back thinking of the nice summer and how little they took advantage.

But it's look fwd time ... the girl's trying new things: karate and soccer and sticking with the swimming that she's been doing pretty well at since the start of the summer.

The boy is in gymkids but is having some problems grasping the concept of group activities. On the other hand, he's learned to sulk at a very advanced level - the co-ordinated triple threat: grossly exaggerated arm-crossing; a decisive "hmmphh"; followed by stomping to some corner of the room. Too bad the comic effect overshadows any of the intentioned reactions.

Brrrr ....

happy is ...

IMG_7562
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

A girl and five (minus one) of her best friends dressed as their favourite princesses with free run of the house, some games, a lil brother to boss around ... and dishes of candy cupcake decorations and no rules ...

Happy birthday sweetie.

hey, uncle K. This one's for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9acGBQhbbk0

Cheese

CONVAR173
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

The girl is quite the shutter bug. That's grandpa, caught in the act.

open letter

CONVAR199
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

To whom it may both concern and be possible to affect change,

Please stop shooting your allies.

RP

IMG_7036
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

Robaxacet Platinum ... goooood

summer update

IMG_7007
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

Couple of lazy weekends before the girl starts school. She (wtf - my apostrophe key takes me to seach in Firefox) has done really well in swimming. Had a week of Sunfish in Canmore and another session when we got home, and she is ready for the next level ... crocodile I believe. This from starting the year, not happy about having to put her face in the water ... to going down the big slide in the deep end.

Clearly not from my side of the family. Anyone within the shared gene pool out there who would call themselves a strong swimmer?

summer 2006

IMG_6771
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

Spent a little over a week in Canmore with ye-ye and nai-nai. Really relaxing.

Callaway

IMG_6802
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

I think the season passes to Callaway were a hit. The second day we went, it was cold and rainy, but the kids didn't complain a stitch and held out for 3 hours.

the thrill of it all

IMG_6713
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

The girl couldn't decide which ride was her favourite. They both liked the (smaller) roller coaster. But the girl said her favourite was either the whirl-around ( no pic 'cuz I had to take her on the ride ... twice) ...

wimmin drivers

IMG_6703
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

... or the bumper cars. It took her two tries but by then, she was pretty much able to cruise around and discrimenently pick off other drivers ... and by other drivers I mean her brother.

once around the track

IMG_6804
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

The boy's experience was less than fulfilling. They need to supply phone books to sit on so he can reach the pedals.

back to reality

IMG_6978
Originally uploaded by Lao Er.

... but now we're back home, trying to make the most of last day of vacation.