... at the Zoo/2006.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Shotgun
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.
Maybe the thinking is, this is more exhilerating when you throw in the threat of frostbite.
To answer your question ...
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.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
When I was just ...
... a little boy, I asked my mother, why can't I be what I want to be for Halloween?
So, should it be this ...
So, should it be this ...
... or this.
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?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Like the guests who won't leave ...
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.
In hindsight, we should have gotten christmas colours.
Fall supper
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 ....
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 ....
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
happy is ...
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.
Happy birthday sweetie.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
open letter
To whom it may both concern and be possible to affect change,
Please stop shooting your allies.
Please stop shooting your allies.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
summer update
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?
Clearly not from my side of the family. Anyone within the shared gene pool out there who would call themselves a strong swimmer?
Monday, August 07, 2006
Callaway
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
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
... 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
The boy's experience was less than fulfilling. They need to supply phone books to sit on so he can reach the pedals.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
This was the pool ...
... we blew up last year and served us fairly well. It's got two small rings that blow up relatively quickly and it holds enough water to have fun in, but small enough that I can empty it without feeling too bad about water conservation ... beyond what it does for the lawn.
But it developed a mystery leak ... coulda been when it blew into a tree last weekend; coulda been rough use ... who knows. It lasted a year, which was about 50 weeks longer than I expected it too.
But it developed a mystery leak ... coulda been when it blew into a tree last weekend; coulda been rough use ... who knows. It lasted a year, which was about 50 weeks longer than I expected it too.
So now we've got ...
... an inflatable crodocile - the rare Canadian prairie croc that appears to have a spout. And a giant hollow snail, good for rolling, sliding, jumping on and all other forms of activity that are detrimental to it actually lasting beyond a week.
New science
I hated chemistry in high school and thermodynamics in University. It just wasn't logical - like Physics. I'm tempted to challenge all the snotty prof's who told me to memorize the table, with explaning the property of a kids nose that allows ice cream to stay there for 2 hours - the same ice cream that when served in a four litre cone, can't last 30 seconds in the sun without ending up as a pool of schlep at the boys feet.
Then on to the English dept to taunt them with my sentence structure - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Then on to the English dept to taunt them with my sentence structure - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Poser
Actually, she's not posing for the camera. She's posing for some other unfathomable reason. Don't ask me to explain - I cannot fathom it.
fathomfathomfathomfathomfathom
This was taken at the Circle of Celebration down where the two rivers meet. (I just finished the ubiquitous book brun ... I'm gonna to learn to speak in vague references and using symbolism.)
fathomfathomfathomfathomfathom
This was taken at the Circle of Celebration down where the two rivers meet. (I just finished the ubiquitous book brun ... I'm gonna to learn to speak in vague references and using symbolism.)
Sum'in-Sum'in
I was struggling to finish this entry based on the - something old, new, borrowed, blue - theme. Too much of a stretch for me, so let me return to my comfort zone ...
I betcha that outfit is really sweaty.
I betcha that outfit is really sweaty.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Nu-moronics
So it wasn't until mid-day yesterday that I realized it was June 6, 2006 - the date of the beast. Everyone else in the office who reads the newspaper in real time, listens to those insipid morning radio shows on the way into work, or knows which station broadcasts news rather than puppets - had already made their jokes. So I was left on the sidelines, becoming increasingly worried that I had noticed the date of my own accord, rather than having to be prompted.
Now I've got a few really busy days coming up and I have to focus so here's my joke, and hopefully we can leave this all behind (if you haven't already left)...
Today - it's 6-6-7, the number of the beast's neighbour.
BTW - in case you aren't making the connection, the photo is "the boy" spending the last half hour of our dinner out, outside getting 3 time-out's in a row, to be followed by waiting in the car because "I've had enough". I suppose I should be worried that the girl will scold the boy using that phrase too.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Ba-rumpa-bum-bum
... and back to the kid's museum. Except, this is the first time ever that we've availed ourselves of the outdoor music area. They've got huge windchimes; these "kettle" drums; some sort of combo zither-metal drum thing; and these long plastic toobs that you play with paddles.
(I know it's "tubes", but if I spell it "toobs" then you can "toobs" like Ah-nawld.)
Clearly, we'll be spending more time there.
(I know it's "tubes", but if I spell it "toobs" then you can "toobs" like Ah-nawld.)
Clearly, we'll be spending more time there.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
All better
Turned out to be a one day thing with the boy. Today, his breakfast, lunch and supper - hotdogs outside no less - all stayed where they were intended.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Turn your head ...
... and growl.
I think I mentioned earler that we have a season's pass to the kid's museum? Well, we have one b/c we got it with a season's pass to the zoo too.
This was from our 2nd visit this year so far. For some reason, they had the grizzly and the polar sharing space, like a bruin co-op or something. Anyways, the grizzly had a stash of fish and was not sharing, so mostly they were slapping each other. Here, it appears that the polar bear was trying a more diplomatic tact. I have more slapping photo's that follow this shot.
That was yesterday ... today, the boy has failed to keep his food down 6 times.
Meanwhile, I continue to debate whether or not I should buy Johnny Marr and the Healers - after listening to about 8 seconds of all the tracks several times. How come blogger doesn't have a polling feature?
I think I mentioned earler that we have a season's pass to the kid's museum? Well, we have one b/c we got it with a season's pass to the zoo too.
This was from our 2nd visit this year so far. For some reason, they had the grizzly and the polar sharing space, like a bruin co-op or something. Anyways, the grizzly had a stash of fish and was not sharing, so mostly they were slapping each other. Here, it appears that the polar bear was trying a more diplomatic tact. I have more slapping photo's that follow this shot.
That was yesterday ... today, the boy has failed to keep his food down 6 times.
Meanwhile, I continue to debate whether or not I should buy Johnny Marr and the Healers - after listening to about 8 seconds of all the tracks several times. How come blogger doesn't have a polling feature?
Friday, May 19, 2006
Chez Chaise
Our new club chairs. I only get to sit in them after the kids have gone to bed.
Soooo ... has anyone heard anything about an upcoming Tom Hanks movie? Heard a rumour on the down low, that it's about museums or churches or some such ... must be a documentary.
Soooo ... has anyone heard anything about an upcoming Tom Hanks movie? Heard a rumour on the down low, that it's about museums or churches or some such ... must be a documentary.
Glass half-full
So the last episode of West Wing that I thought I had taped? Not so much. No one's allowed to talk to me about Season 7 of the West Wing until the end of the summer repeat season. Booooo
But, my DVD Box set of Seasons 1 - 5 (won off e-bay) showed up this week. Booooo-Yaaaaaaaa
But, my DVD Box set of Seasons 1 - 5 (won off e-bay) showed up this week. Booooo-Yaaaaaaaa
Monday, May 08, 2006
Weekend Report
Well, it's not France, but the kids still like the playground at the school. It's beyond me how long they can amuse themselves playing with rocks.
Somewhere along the way, the boy's decided he likes baseballs. And, even though I've never played catch with him - he's figured out how to throw one.
Somewhere along the way, the boy's decided he likes baseballs. And, even though I've never played catch with him - he's figured out how to throw one.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
Characterized
Here's the boy copying the girl some more. He had to get some books and lie down because she was lying down with her book.
Only, she wasn't reading - she was making lists - like her mother - of things she had to get done for tomorrow.
I've got a video clip that I'll link once I get it posted too.
Here is the evidence ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiVpQrDNZG8
Only, she wasn't reading - she was making lists - like her mother - of things she had to get done for tomorrow.
I've got a video clip that I'll link once I get it posted too.
Here is the evidence ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiVpQrDNZG8
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Look familiar?
The boy still loves to do everything the girl does. I hope we have a nice summer so I can complete "The Boy Jumps Off ..." series.
BTW - about 32 lbs and 37". He's about the size of an average 3.5 year old.
BTW - about 32 lbs and 37". He's about the size of an average 3.5 year old.
In case you're wondering ...
... this is not a special moment of close bonding, there's bird poop on the bench.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
STOMP
The boy and girl were jumping on me as they oft do. This time, while I'm covering my head because the boy has elected to employ the "Rikshi" on me, I distinctly hear the girl say "C'mon, let's jump on dad until he cries!"
A few minutes later, she swings her leg around and catches me on the bridge of my nose - bringing tears to my eyes.
I've decided they're not allowed to read Supremookie's blog any more ... at least not until I figure out how to setup our firewall to disallow content containing the phrase "Grand Theft Auto" or "GTA". I know they'll miss out on all the Greater Toronto Area content, but I'm willing to make that sacrifice.
I don't have a picture to go with this entry - so here's a duck that visited our yard on the weekend.
The boy and girl were jumping on me as they oft do. This time, while I'm covering my head because the boy has elected to employ the "Rikshi" on me, I distinctly hear the girl say "C'mon, let's jump on dad until he cries!"
A few minutes later, she swings her leg around and catches me on the bridge of my nose - bringing tears to my eyes.
I've decided they're not allowed to read Supremookie's blog any more ... at least not until I figure out how to setup our firewall to disallow content containing the phrase "Grand Theft Auto" or "GTA". I know they'll miss out on all the Greater Toronto Area content, but I'm willing to make that sacrifice.
I don't have a picture to go with this entry - so here's a duck that visited our yard on the weekend.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
New favourite shirt
The boy got a new favourite shirt in his Easter basket this morning. He wore it all day and he's wearing it in bed now. I have to work tomorrow, so I'm not the one that has to get him out of it in the morning.
It was a bit cool and windy this morning, when we took this; he's not crying he's just trying to keep the sandstorm out of his eyes while I try and focus.
I guess it could be the sawdust from the 50 pieces of wood I cut for a shelf I'm making ... no two pieces of which turned out the same. Guess I should have had the patience to try out that table saw that's been sitting unused for the past 2 years.
It was a bit cool and windy this morning, when we took this; he's not crying he's just trying to keep the sandstorm out of his eyes while I try and focus.
I guess it could be the sawdust from the 50 pieces of wood I cut for a shelf I'm making ... no two pieces of which turned out the same. Guess I should have had the patience to try out that table saw that's been sitting unused for the past 2 years.
Hunt cont'd
I heard one of the neighbour's up with their kid/kids this morning at 6:59AM - I'm guessing it was their Easter Egg hunt. We had an indoor one at 8AM. We had an outdoor one later on - 3PM-ish? Plus, when everyone came over for dinner - there was more choclate to be had. Through all this, I thought we were monitoring and controlling the choclate intake reasonably well. That was until both kids decided 30 min's of some insane duck-dance-ball on our porch was called for.
Somehow, the pound of choclate cake I has left me much less energetic.
Somehow, the pound of choclate cake I has left me much less energetic.
TWANG!
Not sure if I can prove my parents did it. I certainly did. Any I have evidence that my girl can air guitar as well.
Friday, April 14, 2006
More Signs of Spring.
They're back ... the boy and girl still get excited about spotting the deer. I'm more of the "Hey, you deer, get outta my back yard."
Deer poop is nasty to deal with - it's like rabbit pellets, but they're all balled up together into something between the size of a golf-ball and tennis ball. Unless you don't get to them soon enough, in which case the ball falls apart, then you have to deal with "a billion and nine" little pellets.
Somewhere along the way, that became the girl's expression for "a lot" - "a billion and nine"!
They're back ... the boy and girl still get excited about spotting the deer. I'm more of the "Hey, you deer, get outta my back yard."
Deer poop is nasty to deal with - it's like rabbit pellets, but they're all balled up together into something between the size of a golf-ball and tennis ball. Unless you don't get to them soon enough, in which case the ball falls apart, then you have to deal with "a billion and nine" little pellets.
Somewhere along the way, that became the girl's expression for "a lot" - "a billion and nine"!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Boy-Zilla!
A bit of a catch-up post. Not much time for this 'cuz ye-ye and nai-nai are in town. For some reason, having extra adults in the house causes more work with the kids than less. Haven't figured that out yet.
I took a course this week that included a certification exam at the end of it. The exam was a real throwback to rote learning. Supposedly, big on definitions and terms ... except they only seemed to focus on the nouns, but then would throw in really vague verbs like "geared towards" ... wtf. OK, technically an auxilliary verb, but my point is - you don't see "A is geared towards B as 1 is geared towards 2" on the Mensa quiz.
But despite the grammarical injustice of it all, and the extra studying at night - it's really Spring here now. I've already swept out the garage for heaven's sake! We've barbecued! The girl has been the recipient of a robust scolding for blowing through a stop sign on her bike! Good times.
I took a course this week that included a certification exam at the end of it. The exam was a real throwback to rote learning. Supposedly, big on definitions and terms ... except they only seemed to focus on the nouns, but then would throw in really vague verbs like "geared towards" ... wtf. OK, technically an auxilliary verb, but my point is - you don't see "A is geared towards B as 1 is geared towards 2" on the Mensa quiz.
But despite the grammarical injustice of it all, and the extra studying at night - it's really Spring here now. I've already swept out the garage for heaven's sake! We've barbecued! The girl has been the recipient of a robust scolding for blowing through a stop sign on her bike! Good times.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Good habits
The boy loves to brush his teeth - mostly because his sister does it. Since this photo was taken, he's advanced from "dumping" to actually "drinking" from his water cup.
Can't wait ...
... to get this thing outside. Motorized ATV. First few times, the boy couldn't figure out he had to keep the button pressed. He'd press it and let go, press it let go - so he'd jerk across the floor. Come to think of it, maybe he's just spent too much time in ye-ye's car.
Yeah - we made it outside!
Nutthin more to say than ... Yay!
Oh wait, there is more.
This was in the afternoon when a good time was had by one and all. Because of this, the girl got her choice of supper and she chose McD's ... because they love the play area. Usually, the boy's pretty anxious to go play and has a hard time eating. Yesterday, he refused to eat and kept making a run for the play area. I invoked the 3-count with the outcome being no play area. I made it to 3 so the boy and I sat in the car while the girl and mom played.
So far, I think the most compelling life lessons for the kids have happened under the auspicies of the golden arches.
Oh wait, there is more.
This was in the afternoon when a good time was had by one and all. Because of this, the girl got her choice of supper and she chose McD's ... because they love the play area. Usually, the boy's pretty anxious to go play and has a hard time eating. Yesterday, he refused to eat and kept making a run for the play area. I invoked the 3-count with the outcome being no play area. I made it to 3 so the boy and I sat in the car while the girl and mom played.
So far, I think the most compelling life lessons for the kids have happened under the auspicies of the golden arches.
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