Auld Lang Syne 2009

2009 was tremendous, so special to us as the year that Oliver joined us. A year to remember to say the least. Once again, we are faced with a difficult task. With so much having happened in 2009, what to do for an encore?

Back to Ottawa

All good things must come to an end. After two weeks of pure Christmas bliss, we all boarded a flight back to the nation's capital for the final two days of 2009. We had a fabulous time, full of love, happiness and endless activities. Poor Isabelle will feel like life is a little boring around here after the full social schedule she has experienced the past 14 days! Oliver grew by leaps and bounds during his time out East. He was crawling carefully when he shipped out on the 16th, now he is literally chasing his sister around the house on all fours and pulling himself up on anything he can grab hold of. All in all, another hugely enjoyable holiday season and they can only get better and better as these little ones grow every year. Santa, keep your eyes on these guys, they'll be happy customers for years to come!

Isabelle preps for her next client


Fast asleep with popcorn in hand


The galloping gourmet in action


Isabelle sharing her yogurt? She must love this guy.


Storytime with Gran

Farm Friends

After the frenzy associated with Christmas Day and all that comes with it (including the sugar crash and the toddler search for even more presents), it was time to head off into the great outdoors for some fresh air and fun times. So we headed off to Hatfield Farm for a wagon ride, bouncy house fun and all-you-can-eat hot dogs. Infatables, jousting arenas, plus a mechanical bull were just a few of the items for everyone's enjoyment. Not only fun for the kids but for the whole family as you can see in the pictures, although the wagon ride in the chilly winds made the parents wish they were as bundled up as their kids! Who knew that holidays in the Old West were so much fun?!

Chuckwagon chums


The eye of the tiger


Yee-haw! Mommy tames the bull!


Auntie, sister and now star cowgirl Meghan!


Oliver the wagon snoozer

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

A Christmas Day like no other. It's so hard to sum up in a short post how great it is to see three little ones enjoying all the festivities associated with not only the season but the big day itself. Big stockings in the morning, after which Isabelle stated "Santa didn't bring me my Princess Fiona dress!". Rest up, little one, lots more Xmas to come after the stockings are done. A wonderful breakfast, consumed while Isabelle took a tiny peek into the family room, "I saw something pink, and it's just what I wanted!". On to the main event, which definitely did not disappoint. Isabelle's highlight was her new salon, complete with hair dryer, curling iron, and of course, nail polish. She was going around drying anyone's hair that she felt needed it. It was a hectic whirlwind of snacks, phone calls, multiple outfit changes and presents stacked as high as the Peace Tower. Oliver happily watched all the action, and has practiced lifting him up to get an even better look. Isabelle capped off her day with a brand new guitar and a jam session with Olan, all before retiring to an awesome turkey dinner with all the fixings. What a day. Thanks so much to everyone who thought of us, especially the little ones, who appreciated all your calls, cards and presents. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Stockings stuffed by the chimney with care


Yay, a new Rudolph!


Stocking cap


"Welcome to the salon", as Isabelle says when she answers the phone


Tep's shortbread? Let me have some of that!


Snow White the movie comes to life


Climbing the mountain of presents


Look out Logan, new rock star coming back to Ottawa


Turkey testers


Best Christmas Ever

Christmas Eve in Pictures

RIght Down Santa Claus Lane

Santa's final night of taking visitors was tonight and Olan, Oliver and Isabelle needed to see him in time to get a few more gift requests in at the 11th hour. Santa was only too happy to entertain such a festive trio before he zipped off to the North Pole for the final flight preparations. Oliver continues to have no fear of the jolly old elf, thrilled to search Saint Nick's eyes for that world-famous twinkle. Olan and Isabelle were a bit more focused in their mission, clearly in awe of Santa Claus, at the ready to answer any and all of his questions. A wonderful sight to see, two little ones that have been talking about this guy for weeks on end finally getting up close and personal so close the magical 25th. As we drove home, massive snowflakes fell and reminded of what a special time of year this is for young and old alike. Ah, Christmas-time....what could be better?

A snack before heading off to see the big guy


The red-coated hero and his fans


Hey, dude. Merry Xmas!

Howdy, Holidays!

Holiday season is in full swing, cowpokes! Snow is everywhere you look and holiday spirit is in everyone you meet, most notably Isabelle, Oliver and Olan. The countdown is still on until jolly old Saint Nick arrives, but this household is certainly not lacking for activity and preparation. Isabelle has been lucky enough to be the big-time partygoer since she touched down in Halifax, first attending Olan's daycare party, then a friend's birthday party (where they got to decorate and keep cowboy hats!), plus a couple of hosting affairs at the Bangay house. All these engagements have our little party princess exhausted every night, but she has a toddler's energy in spades so her and Olan just wake up the next day and start all over again! As for Oliver, the boy is clearly on the move and charming everyone left and right, shooting his killer smile to anyone in his vicinity. Plus he has taken a big interest in trying to stand up so look out world, the crawler is obviously not content enough to stay low to the ground! Still quite a bit on the agenda as we get closer to the 25th, both kids and adults cannot contain their excitement!

Holiday prepped for the flight!


Crashed out in the car


Look, Mom and Dad, on my feet!


Cupcaking cousins


Orange-loving Oliver


Colouring herself to snooze-ville

Xmas Vacation is Here!

At long last, the big day has arrived and we are headed off to the East coast for two weeks of family adventures and general Christmas merriment! We can't wait to take the weeks of holiday cheer we have built up and begin spreading it throughout the Maritimes. All the best to you and your upcoming celebrations, it is truly the best time of the year. And no one ever tells you how much better it can be with little ones in your midst. In fact, tonight Oliver himself did a last minute sweep of Isabelle's suitcase, just to ensure that nothing has been left behind!

On the Move!

Look out world, Oliver has figured out how to go places. Keep a close eye on your belongings, because if his eyes spot something that he likes, he's ready to trek over and get it. Poor Isabelle, no more just leaving her favourite toys safely out of his arm's length, she really has to protect them now! Ah, isn't sharing fun?

Day at the Office

After coming home from the big parade, Isabelle went to sleep (eventually!) with dreams of Santa in her head. In fact, all she had to was wake up the next morning and she was off to see him again at the Canada Post Christmas party! Every year, Head Office is converted into a fantasy land for kids, including bouncy castles, busker shows, cookie decorating activities, crafts tables and of course, the recipient of all those letters little kids are writing, Santa himself. After some time loading her cookie with more than enough sprinkles and enjoying a joyful turn dodging the boys in the bouncy castle, it was time for her and her brother to pay a visit to Saint Nick. Last year at the same event, Isabelle was a little bit stressed about visiting the big guy. This time around she's pretty clear about who supplies the gifts on Xmas morning and is willing to get up close and personal to earn them. Oliver was his usual self with any new face, smiling away and continually looking back over his shoulder at this bearded fellow. Just one jolly fellow meeting another. Two kids making their way onto the Nice List!

Cookie monster strikes again


Oliver the orange fan


Festive family

Congratulations Rhiannon and Matt!

The Andrews family must be besides themselves as they have their second set of engagement news in just 5 weeks!!! Fresh on the heels of her brother's big announcement, big sister Rhiannon was beyond thrilled to accept the proposal of her boyfriend Matt. We are so excited for them and couldn't think of a better couple to be delivering such great news. Already nicely situated in their swanky new pad in Old Ottawa South, they have the perfect foundation for a life of love, prosperity and happiness. With Rhiannon having been a bridesmaid a couple of dozen times, we are all looking forward to seeing her be the star of the show! While Isabelle is bowled over with the prospect of not one but two brides next summer, that surely doesn't hold a candle to what Ron and Menna must be experiencing! All the best, Rhiannon and Matt, enjoy all the deserved attention and well wishes. Can't wait for the big event!

Looks like Matt traded in his pirate earring for an engagement ring!

If You're Happy and You Know It...

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

More like Santa Claus is IN town, thanks to a fun night of taking in the 40th anniversary of Ottawa's Santa Claus parade. Isabelle, Logan and Oliver were all on their best behaviour, knowing that the big dude was in the general vicinity. Finally some sub-zero temperatures came to mark the event, but still no sign of the white stuff. It was definitely chilly enough to be felt when standing in one spot for 90 minutes, although it was the adults who were doing all the complaining! The three kids all were happy to take in the floats, the clowns, the music, the marching bands, and of course, the arrival of Santa. A big cheer went up from the crowd when he turned the corner, prompting Isabelle to tell her Mom and Dad "I'm being good!". Santa waved to all his fans and Isabelle was happy to report that he put his thumb up and looked at her, "That means I've been good!". Another great harbinger of the holiday season, and one that Isabelle and Logan are happy to attend together, this time showing Oliver what it's all about! Next year they will have to share any candy canes they get!

The crew, in warmer climes before venturing to the streets!


A real life "bundle" of joy


Daddy, I can see everything now!


Santa Claus Fan Club


The North Pole's most famous resident