Welcome Back, Winnipeg

With one native Winnipegger and Grandmaman and Grandpapa still residing in Friendly Manitoba, we were all happy to see the announcement today that Winnipeg is returning to the NHL. Oliver has had this shirt in his drawer since his Auntie Renee and Uncle Shawn went to Winnipeg last year. It was a bit big when he got it but it has been ready to wear for the past few months, however Dad has kept it in mothballs until the announcement came. Now that they are back, Oliver appears excited to cheer on the Jets this fall....or maybe he just likes running around and screaming, more likely it's the latter.

The Race is On!

This weekend is always a busy one in the Glebe, with the big garage sale taking place on all the neighbourhood streets yesterday, plus the Ottawa Race Weekend at the foot of our street last night and today. Isabelle and Oliver were out with Caitlin to watch the runners in the 10k last night as Mom and Dad had a well-deserved date night, then they returned this morning to cheer on the marathoners as they hit the 37k mark at our corner. Isabelle is an veteran spectator of this event, while Oliver seemed more concerned about where everybody was going! Needless to say, many participants appreciated the sight of these little tykes rooting for them, surely a sight for sore eyes after 3+ hours of running or longer. We look forward to next year's race, which Isabelle has already decided to take part in. We'll try to steer her to the 2k race of course....

Goofing Around with Grandpa

We've been really lucky over the past few weeks. If you remember, Grandpa had to leave Florida unexpectedly to head back to Toronto and help attend to an ailing Great-Grandma, so the bags were packed quickly, the goodbyes hastily said and he was on his way. Needless to say, Isabelle was visibly distraught to see him leave so fast. The good news is that once all of our feet were back on Canadian soil, Grandpa had a couple of contracts that required him to be in Ottawa in May on more than one occasion. The kids, and us of course, adore having him come to town. Isabelle loves to go meet him at the airport and especially loves a morning partner for breakfast, as usually her parents are running around getting ready for work. They also are very proud of our neighbourhood and are happy to show Grandpa the tulips in Commissioner's Park, something about the wide open spaces just makes it a fun place to good around, and Grandpa is only too pleased to oblige. We can't wait to see him come to town again soon, in fact every time Oliver sees a computer bag, he thinks Grandpa is back in town!

Grandpa offering some tulip knowledge to a willing student

It says photo op, now go ahead and take one!

Never far from his big sister

Hey Grandpa, have you seen these ones yet?

Thanks for coming Grandpa, we can't wait to see you again!

Shutterbug in Training

Two Christmases ago Isabelle received a Lego digital camera as one of her many Santa gifts. She tested it out a bit over the holidays and like many other kid's gifts across the country, it found its way into one of her toy bins, very seldom put into action and eventually forgotten. Several months later, she discovered the camera and has rekindled (kindled?) her interest in photography.  

Luckily, the tulip festival, although winding down, still had one last weekend for professional and amateur photographers to get some last minute shots of the beautiful colours on display. Isabelle was no exception. She visited last week with Nanny Caitlin and some children from Caitlin's Mom's daycare, sharing a picnic in the park amongst the flowers. She brought her camera long and truly enjoyed the attention all the kids gave to her snapshots, gathering around the camera after each one.

She returned on the weekend with her Dad to get some final pictures before the festival shut down for the year. Not surprisingly, her Dad also brought along his camera to get some shots of his own. Isabelle the shutterbug continued to attract attention, as adults and kids alike admired her camera and the fact that this 4-year old was not only interested in the flowers but was snapping shots of them along the way.

She may be 4 but she officially has a hobby. She is now constantly asking to get her camera charged so she can continue building her skills on every trip out. Soon the blog may feature some of her own work!

From photographer to model in one fell swoop!

Baby, You're a Firework

Victoria Day weekend has arrived, and although the weather was touch and go for most of it, we still had plenty of fun. Before bed, Isabelle and Oliver got their first taste of what fireworks were like as they lit up a few sparklers on the front porch. Isabelle was slow to grasp the concept but once she did she was all over it. Her only previous experience with fireworks was last summer at Dow's Lake when she clung to her Dad and covered her ears throughout the display. With July 1 coming and Katy Perry in concert the day after (no, we aren't going), there will be more fireworks on the horizon in Ottawa.

Oliver preferred to keep a safe distance from these witch-like contraptions....he may prefer Canada Day in a few weeks when the fireworks are way up in the sky and not two inches away from his face.

Sick and Tired

Poor little Oliver has had a bit of a rough time of late. He has been battling a fever and a bit of a gastro bug but has remained in good spirits throughout. He is definitely a trooper. Although he is up and down in terms of his moods while being sick, he is still very much a happy boy, pleased just to have one of his cars nearby, some Yo Gabba Gabba queued up and the ever-present hope that some ice cream will make an appearance in his day. So hopefully this will pass as quickly as most other kid illnesses and little Oliver will be back to his normal self. As you can see, he is in good hands with big sister Isabelle at his bedside. Of course, she would be there even if the TV wasn't on, right?

Time for the Tulips

The first two weekends of the Tulip Festival were both hampered by inclement weather, but the crowds kept coming anyway. Amongst the many tulip watchers were Oliver and Isabelle, whose spirits were not dampened by the overcast skies and rainfall. Given the room to roam, these two took full advantage, having a grand old time while charming their fellow tulip fans. Oliver has had to be coached not to touch any of the flowers, and he has been very good at keeping his hands to himself. He did, however, walk right through one of the beds! He and Isabelle have both enjoyed all the attention they are getting and of course the proximity to such a great spectacle. Isabelle has even commented how everyone else has to get in their cars to go home but we don't. We expect to visit many more times over the coming days, hopefully the sunshine will also come to make our spirits even brighter!

The blonde blends in

Sister is all smiles

Tulip tandem

Look out, tourists, we are coming through!

Cupcake Attack

On our recent trip to Florida, Oliver and Isabelle grew quite accustomed to a daily (or hourly!) treat. This has been a challenge since we returned to normal humdrum life here in Ottawa. The treat train has to slow down from the runaway express that they experienced in Florida. Nevertheless, the treats still happen from time to time around here. Some surprise cupcakes came home with Mom earlier today and needless to day, they were very well received in our home, by Oliver especially. His skills in attacking a cupcake are starting to rival cousin Olan in Halifax. We might have to have a showdown next time these two get together. Isabelle is not likely to sit idly by and referee as these two duke it out either. She will want a cupcake with her name on it as well. As you can see, Oliver and his sister very much enjoyed their afternoon treat and have been on the lookout for the next one. They generally don't have to wait very long, however, as their parents enjoy giving them as much as the kids enjoy receiving them!

Oliver the Conqueror

Big sis shows off her icing moustache

Hey Isabelle, are you going to finish that?

Under the Big Top

Not really the big top but the Bob Guertin Arena in Gatineau. Not that the trio of Isabelle, Oliver and Logan really cared that there was no big top to be found. As far as they were concerned, this place had cotton candy, popcorn and elephants so it qualified as a circus. All three kids had an awesome at their first trip to the circus, amazed by the stunts (including two motorcycles plus two people in an enclosed steel ball), entertained by the animals (elephants, panthers, monkeys and camels) and overwhelmed by the spectacle and the excitement. Oliver, fresh off his nap, wasn't too sure what he was getting himself into when he arrived inside, but he settled down once he saw some animals (although stayed stuck to Mom or Dad for the whole show). Isabelle and Logan were also suitable impressed with the big show, chatting back and forth as each act came out, wondering what it might be like if they joined the circus (their parents have slightly higher aspirations for them!). All in all, everyone had a fabulous time and we look forward to the circus' return in years to come!

Did you see that, Mom?  An elephant! The circus totally rocks!

Best buds take in the big event. Logan in full Luke Skywalker pose.

On Your Right, You Will See...

Isabelle and Oliver played tour guide this week, with Grandpa in town for work and a tiptoe through the tulips. Veteran tulipgoer Isabelle led a quick trip past the flowerbeds, but it wasn't a walking tour for the kids. They opted to take their vehicle instead.

Grandpa is not too sure what to make of this.

Wherever these two go, they are sure to attract attention. What, you've never seen two kids checking out tulips in black Mercedes SUV before? 

A successful night amongst the tulips. Soon the weather will get even better and the sidewalks around here will be teeming with flower fans.

Pulling her vehicle into a safe place for the night. It's the only size of car that could fit in our packed garage!

Moms Rock

Our Moms do, so do your Moms, and so do your friend's Moms.We wish all the best to our Moms on their special day and we thank you for all you have done (and continue to do!) for us. It's the most challenging job in the world, and also the most rewarding. What makes it great is having awesome kids. Isabelle and Oliver did everything in their power to recognize their Mom on her big day, creating a lovely painted planter complete with flower-shaped cookies. It goes without saying that having them as part of daily life is all the gift anyone would need. Mother's Day doesn't have to wait until the 2nd Sunday in May, it happens every day. Happy Mother's Day to every awesome Mom out there!

At the Movies

Compared to Oliver, Isabelle is a grizzly veteran when it comes to going to the movies. Even though she goes sparingly, she has the routine down pat, especially the snack portion. In any case, she was very proud to share the experience with her brother on his maiden movie theatre visit this weekend. Oliver and Isabelle were very excited to see African Cats, which offered them to chance to see lions, cheetahs, crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat. They had an awesome time watching and snacking on pizza and popcorn the whole way through. Oliver behaved like a longtime moviegoer. Mesmerized by the big screen and curled up with Mom for most of it, it's safe to say he'll be back at the movies again soon. He seemed very interested in the Winnie the Pooh trailer he saw so maybe that's next on his watchlist. Isabelle, on the other hand, wants to see every movie she hears about, so she'll likely be back sooner. At the very least, she has already stated she wants a movie birthday party (one of many different birthday parties she has planned). In fact, we all can't wait until next time. Save us the aisle seats!

Happy Fifth Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Hard to believe that it's already been five years since our friends and family braved a cold and windy day to celebrate our wedding day. Although the rain fell all morning and afternoon, we were much more focused on sharing our special day with everyone than staying dry. They say it's good luck to have rain on your wedding day, but maybe they just say that to make brides and grooms feel better. We have been very lucky though, so maybe there is some truth to it. In any case, it was a memorable occasion for so much more than the fact that people wore winter coats in May! We can't drive past Rockcliffe Pavilion without thinking of everyone who made that day and our lives special. So much has happened since that afternoon, little did we know how much our lives would change after the arrival of Isabelle then Oliver. It's as fun to look back as it is to look forward, and I'm sure Isabelle would be sad to know she missed such a great wedding! Not to worry, little one, you will attend your share!

Park Pals

Finally the parks in Ottawa are out of their mothballs. Isabelle and Oliver expect to be regular attendees now that the curtain on park season has risen rose, whether it's with their parents on the weekend or with Caitlin during the week. We can only hope that the weather will cooperate accordingly. It's never a chore to get these two outside, and it's even easier if they know the destination is the park. Brewer Park is one of the best our city has to offer, it has play structures for all ages and once the weather really kicks in, the splash pad is definitely the place to cool off. They have a blast whether playing together or splitting up to do their own thing. Oliver has never met a slide he didn't like and Isabelle could swing from daybreak to sundown if she could find anyone that would push her for that long. The summer has so much to offer and with warmer temperatures on the way, Isabelle and Oliver will have lots of opportunities to put their new Florida-equipped wardrobe to the test!

Sliding sister

Mr. Cool sports his favourite shirt

Driver's Ed

Cushioning the blow of returning from our sunny vacation was the opportunity for Isabelle to finally bring her Santa gift out of the basement and give it a spin outside. Logan was headed over to visit and collect some of the wicked stuff we picked him up in Florida. As his car pulled up the street, he saw Isabelle and Oliver outside cruising in the mini Mercedes SUV. He quickly climbed out of his car and hopped in with Isabelle, who was surprisingly adept at many of the basic driving skills already. Must be all that watching Mom and Dad from the back seat for the past 4+ years! 

They did their best not to crash into anything and we definitely got some flash-forwards to a dozen years from now when these same 2 punks will be picking each other up in actual vehicles. Yikes! Hopefully, they don't goof around as much then when they are behind the wheel. Isabelle was happy to drive while Logan was much more concerned with changing the radio station.  Although as you can see above, they did battle for control of the wheel as well! Based on their first lesson, we would all feel more comfortable if Isabelle picked up Logan rather than the other way around.

Oliver did his best to fit in with the big kids where he could and quite liked the view from the passenger seat as big sister chauffeured him past our neighbours, one of which thought the car was remote control. Sorry, lady, it's all her, stay in a safe spot! It is shaping up to be a fun summer on our street, let's just hope Isabelle actually wants to walk every once in a while. Hard to convince her when you can ride in style!

Get used to it, Isabelle. When you have your real license, Oliver will be wanting rides all the time!