Great-Grandpa is always such a gracious and hospitable host. He must enjoy the company, why else would he want a family of 4, including two rambunctious kids, to stay with him for an entire week? Isabelle and Oliver absolutely adore the man and all our visits have really shown the connection they have with them. They associate trips to Toronto with him and his condo, where we all really feel like we are at a home away from home. Oliver and Isabelle spent so much time walking through the halls and visiting the common areas of the two buildings, adding loads of enjoyment to the elderly residents, all of whom would stop to chat with them. They loved the attention!
Making sure Great-Grandpa is comfy in his favourite chair
We also got the chance to venture up to Stouffville and see Chris and Jessica, who are as busy as can be with the twins now past the age of 2 and a little brother or sister coming next month. Isabelle and Oliver loved the chance to explore a whole whack of new toys they had never seen before, as well as run wild with Carys and Peter. With so much to look forward to, 2011 will be a great year for them and it couldn't happen to a nicer couple. We can't wait to come see all 5 of you next month!
Checking out Carys and her new kitchen
With all the car trips and visits, Oliver always has to make sure he comes well equipped with his choo-choo trains!
We were lucky to find one of the few indoor playgrounds that was open during the holiday break and met up with Jessica, Carys and Peter. Oliver quickly discovered the roller coasters and he was hooked!
On New Year's Eve, with Oliver feeling under the weather, Isabelle and Daddy travelled to the big city to see Andrew and Lena's new condo. What a wicked place, with huge windows and a swanky style that we both loved. Isabelle was really impressed with the fact that they had no TV, but projected their movies on the wall of their place. She couldn't get over how huge it looked and still hadn't grasped the concept even after seeing it in action. Isabelle has a special place in her heart for her godfather and for Lena, each of whom are always so good to her and Oliver. They are such great friends to all of us and we appreciate how we are able to stay in touch and keep visiting during our busy lives and schedules.
View from the loft, no surprise to see Isabelle getting a treat from Lena
Isabelle found an old friend in the apartment!
That's your TV?! Wow!
Snuggling up to Auntie Lena
Our last visit was to see Great Grandma and Aunt Martha in Scarborough (we really did cover all 4 corners of Toronto on this trip!) on New Year's Day. Oliver, after a couple of really rough nights, was in desperate need of a good, long nap so he and Mommy ventured back to the condo as Daddy and Isabelle stayed to visit. Isabelle had a blast exploring Aunt Martha's apartment, getting to know her new cats and checking out all the Christmas decorations. She brought her new dog and told some stories from Christmas, plus she shared a picture slideshow to show GiGi and Martha how much fun she and Oliver were having in Toronto. She also got the chance to discover what a chocolate cream puff was, needless to say it's highly unlikely that she has had her last one. Daddy and Isabelle had a really nice visit and enjoyed the oportunity to chat and catch up with both of them. The time with them made a rainy, dreary day seem much brighter.
Loving Martha's fireplace-style heater
Having a grand time with Auntie and Gigi
Visiting and having fun can really wear you out
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