... as in beer

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Free whiteboard markers (well, excluding postage for the coupon)! Who can't use more whiteboard markers!

http://acco.ca/pdf/Quartet-EnduraGlide-Free-Offer-MIR-English.pdf

Guess who

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The girl made up her mind pretty early about costumes this year. Don't know how she'll pull off the look with a 50 pound down jacket, though.

Turning to indoor activities

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

All the leaves around here fell, pretty much overnight, so the city has moved indoors.

Reminded me to finish up with the hilights from early summer.

I challenge you ...

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

About 3 weeks ago, my kids rocked. Now, thanks to "Band Rock" (as the boy says), they Rock Hard!

Just catching up on the "Places I've sulked" series: in our backyard; at the Royal Canadian Mint; at the Children's museum; at the Forks terminal; and, in Canmore.

Would you, could you sulk with an ox ...

As simple ... but no simpler.

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

6 years old and the girl just stumped the band.

I showed her the battery acid from my car that was on my shirt, so of course now she wants to know what chemicals are. Hmmm, lessee ... nope ... none of my thermodynamics schooling hits the spot. High School chem? Nope - can't get past Mr. Lussier's perm.

I got as far as - the "H" and the "O" in H2O stands for Hydrogen and Oxygen ...

So, how would you answer "What are chemicals?" to a 6 year old?

Just in case there was any confusion.

Bravo.

Happy Birthday Mo.

R&R

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Thanks for a nice 2 weeks in the Rockies, ye-ye and nai-nai.

Mommy come home!

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I promise, I'll clean up when you ask without fussing. I'll stay dry over night. I'll even eat meat. But, when you're not home, daddy tries to cook. We've had whirly pas-ghetti ... with vegetables! Then we had eggs for supper!?!? Then yesterday, he made Pillsbury hot-dog wraps, but he didn't use hot-dogs!!!

Actually ....

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... it's because he insists on playing this game and he cannot win.

Toot-toot

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

I'll see your "BTB" (http://formwork.blogspot.com/2008/07/ll-meets-bob.html) and raise you a day out with Thomas ... only more like 1/2 a day with Thomas and actually only about 20 minutes with Thomas which is equal parts 10 minutes going backwards in a straight line along a farmer's field, then 10 minutes forward.

Still, some good supporting attractions. Ye-ye - I think a return visit to see your neighbours trains may be in order - if your ban has been lifted that is.

Happy Canada Day

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Nothing says large celebration of our Nation's Day like clowns, inflatable structures and stuffed animals mimicking people. Free doesn't hurt either.

BTW - In case you missed it ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekCNkRB9VJ4

We'll get em next year

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Overall, a successful first year of soccer for the girl. She says she had fun and she wants to play next year - and that's where I set the bar. Being a year or two behind the others didn't seem to be a big issue and next year she'll be on an all girl's team.

It turns out, everyone says and thinks she's fast. Fast like stink. Greased lightning fast. Kid Flash fast. I think runners have to get up too early in the morning, so I think I'm going to put her on that all-bacon diet.

Thanks coach Shane!

Progress report

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The boy's getting all the press, but the girl is doing well too. She's fastest to the ball (just needs to be less cautious around the boys). She's got great form on her kick (just needs better foot-eye coordination). She's a defensive stopper and knows how to find the right spot on offense. Hope she wants to play next year!

BTW - That's a built in effect in Paint.Net on a cropped JPEG.

Longest day ...

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Nice weekend to have the first day of summer. No real chores, just mow lawn, weed a bit, maybe wash the screens - that kind of stuff.

But first, let's go relax and play while it's nice outside. When we go to the schoolyard - the tire swings are the first stop. Each time I watch the girl play, she's learned a new trick. Before this maneuver - she was whipping the tire around and ducking under it. She was grazed once, when I called "time" on that game.

... and not so daring.

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

The boy is more rough and tumble, without so much daring-do. More of a bull - which is his secret on the soccer field. Anyways, our lazy first day of summer outside has been interrupted by sporadic, but heavy showers. Mario Karts, here we come.

I don't know what this game is called ...

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

... but they can play it forever - until the boy starts to sulk. Anyways, an excuse to try out a Sony A200 to see I can start getting more/better action shots.

Short People

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Originally uploaded by Lao Er

Went to LA and actually went to LA (instead of Anaheim) for a conference. There's really nothing much around downtown LA and they fed us each night (don't be impressed, it's actually a way of controlling expenses rather than letting people loose on the town). We did make it down to Santa Monica for a walk along the pier the last evening, but I've done the Pacific. I need to get to the other side.