A popular present this year were the toy guns that shoot foam balls. Perhaps not the best choice, as evidence by the photo.
Actually, for all the apparent acrimony, these two happily staged this scene for me. Kayley seems to have a great knack for communicating moods to the camera...
Actually, for all the apparent acrimony, these two happily staged this scene for me. Kayley seems to have a great knack for communicating moods to the camera...
We decided to hold off on putting gifts under the tree until the grandparents arrived mid-morning on Christmas day.
The kids were so excited at breakfast, I just had to ask what they were looking forward to. I expected them to say "presents," or "Christmas".
To our surprise, and pleasure, they said, "Grandma and Grandpa!"
The kids were so excited at breakfast, I just had to ask what they were looking forward to. I expected them to say "presents," or "Christmas".
To our surprise, and pleasure, they said, "Grandma and Grandpa!"
So, apparently Kayley has another pose than "cute girl with head on shoulder". This one, I think, she calls "Magnum", and once again I have no idea where it came from.
We took a quick excursion to the Royal Alberta museum to see their very intriguing display of models of Edmonton historical buildings - made entirely of Lego.
Zach was getting over a very bad cold, and Cameron his surgery, so it was not exactly a high-energy trip, though it was fun. Took the kids all of about 63 seconds to finish looking at the models.
It took Lego enthusiasts months, and in some
case years, to build these models. You've got to admire their tenacity. There was even a model of the high-level bridge.
What stole the show for the kids, though was a Bob the builder exhibit. Mom and dad, on the other hand, quietly conferred about the appalling commercialism and general uselessness of the displays. It seemed more about product promotion than learning experiences. In fact, the only bit that Kayley really seem to take to, Bob riding a scooter, had the museum staff quickly asking her to get off. No signage, of course. So much for a kid friendly display. And did I mention there was a prominent "Bob gear for sale" display at the exit?
Zach was getting over a very bad cold, and Cameron his surgery, so it was not exactly a high-energy trip, though it was fun. Took the kids all of about 63 seconds to finish looking at the models.
What stole the show for the kids, though was a Bob the builder exhibit. Mom and dad, on the other hand, quietly conferred about the appalling commercialism and general uselessness of the displays. It seemed more about product promotion than learning experiences. In fact, the only bit that Kayley really seem to take to, Bob riding a scooter, had the museum staff quickly asking her to get off. No signage, of course. So much for a kid friendly display. And did I mention there was a prominent "Bob gear for sale" display at the exit?
Time for the annual pilgramage to IKEA for their discount-tree- and-$20-coupon.
Time to pull out the Christmas CDs.
And time to freeze my hands putting up the outdoor Christmas lights in -20c!
Is it just me, or does Kayley tilt her head to look cute every time she sees a camera? Who taught her this?
Time to pull out the Christmas CDs.
And time to freeze my hands putting up the outdoor Christmas lights in -20c!
Is it just me, or does Kayley tilt her head to look cute every time she sees a camera? Who taught her this?
After some agonizing, we decided to go ahead with Cameron's tonsillectomy. And, as it turned out, adenoidectomy.
Our main reasons were twofold - so he could sleep better, and so Zach could sleep better. Cameron was a very impressive snore-er, even by his dad's standards. Now Annette's wondering aloud if James should get an operation too...
Every doctor or specialist that looked down his throat said the equivalent of "Wow! Those are really big." For all we know, they've preserved these extra bits in some kind of anatomical hall of fame.
Everything went smoothly - including Cameron. Apparently the boy in before Cameron had a meltdown, and there were more than a few frayed nerves. The nurse (in the above pic) did a great job of talking him through the process, so our little guy was pretty comfortable with everything.
The only bump occurred when the anesthetists pulled a fast one on him and tried to put in his IV literally behind my back. Cameron was mildly irked, and said, "Hey, are they doing that already?" as the anesthetic was applied.
First thing he said as he woke: "Where are the Popsicles?"
He's been low energy since the surgery, but plans to be back at school probably Wednesday.
Our main reasons were twofold - so he could sleep better, and so Zach could sleep better. Cameron was a very impressive snore-er, even by his dad's standards. Now Annette's wondering aloud if James should get an operation too...
Every doctor or specialist that looked down his throat said the equivalent of "Wow! Those are really big." For all we know, they've preserved these extra bits in some kind of anatomical hall of fame.
Everything went smoothly - including Cameron. Apparently the boy in before Cameron had a meltdown, and there were more than a few frayed nerves. The nurse (in the above pic) did a great job of talking him through the process, so our little guy was pretty comfortable with everything.
The only bump occurred when the anesthetists pulled a fast one on him and tried to put in his IV literally behind my back. Cameron was mildly irked, and said, "Hey, are they doing that already?" as the anesthetic was applied.
First thing he said as he woke: "Where are the Popsicles?"
He's been low energy since the surgery, but plans to be back at school probably Wednesday.
A great show on at the Art Gallery of Alberta - Baroque Masterpieces. Thought we would take a chance bringing the kids, and see what happened. Little did we know what kind of mark it would leave...
Smuggled along a camera. No idea if it was allowed, and didn't ask. But, out of respect for the art, kept the flash off, and only took a few. This one I call "Kayley Contemplating St Jerome Contemplating Death".
Kayley and Zach were perhaps to young to enjoy the masterworks, and were happy to spend extra time in the Children's gallery.
On the other hand, one picture captured Cameron's attention for more than five minutes. Which in six-year-old time is something like two years. He wanted me to tell him the story of Job. What had happened to him. Who the "mysterious" people in the picture were. And why was "The Accuser" so mean (Satan, for those of you stuck in the KJV), and make God do all those
bad things? He was earnestly trying to pick out details in the painting and put it all together.
I was struck by the recurring motif of the "memeno mori" in many of the paintings. This is usually a skull, a prevalent symbol of death, meant to remind humans of their mortality. And great for use with smart-mouth teenagers obsessed with the power of their youth.
And then my heart almost stopped.
Looking very closely at a painting, Cameron was curious what something was.
So in an instant he pointed right to it and touched the painting.
Cameron seemed oblivious to the sudden stir he had created, including the shocked gasp of his father and the quickly approaching steps of the security guard. Fortunately no damage to the painting, and they didn't see the need to throw us all to the pavement.
I just hope this painting is never stolen. Cameron's print is on it....
Smuggled along a camera. No idea if it was allowed, and didn't ask. But, out of respect for the art, kept the flash off, and only took a few. This one I call "Kayley Contemplating St Jerome Contemplating Death".
Kayley and Zach were perhaps to young to enjoy the masterworks, and were happy to spend extra time in the Children's gallery.
On the other hand, one picture captured Cameron's attention for more than five minutes. Which in six-year-old time is something like two years. He wanted me to tell him the story of Job. What had happened to him. Who the "mysterious" people in the picture were. And why was "The Accuser" so mean (Satan, for those of you stuck in the KJV), and make God do all those
I was struck by the recurring motif of the "memeno mori" in many of the paintings. This is usually a skull, a prevalent symbol of death, meant to remind humans of their mortality. And great for use with smart-mouth teenagers obsessed with the power of their youth.
And then my heart almost stopped.
Looking very closely at a painting, Cameron was curious what something was.
So in an instant he pointed right to it and touched the painting.
Cameron seemed oblivious to the sudden stir he had created, including the shocked gasp of his father and the quickly approaching steps of the security guard. Fortunately no damage to the painting, and they didn't see the need to throw us all to the pavement.
I just hope this painting is never stolen. Cameron's print is on it....
Or in this case, comics imitate my coffee order. Vaguely disturbing. And now I have a craving for a latte.
Hey! I thought this was supposed to be an el nino year!
We got pummeled over the weekend withe a foot of snow, and bitterly cold temperatures for October (-10c).
So much for my fantasy of the mums lasting until December...
So, how often has this happened to you? You're innocently going for a walk with your family at the Edmonton Valley Zoo on a gorgeous late-fall day, when over 2,000 lbs of Elephant walks within four feet of you?
Perhaps this is a somewhat common occurance at the zoo, but when Samantha and her handlers walked by, it certainly got our attention.
The kids didn't need too much prompting to stay out of her way.
No real cause for alarm, as Samantha is a mature, well-behaved Indian elephant who probably wouldn't dream of hurting anyone. But, it's still BIG.
Extra bonus video: here's a little number we worked on this morning.
