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.
