On the Red Carpet

Not everyone in this house knows what an Oscar is. Isabelle knows that it's a night when people dress up fancy, Oliver thinks Oscar is an actual person and wondered when he was arriving at our house. But one thing we definitely all have in common is that we love the movies. Just ask Oliver, who starts every morning thinking it's pizza and movie night, only to find out he is wrong 6 out of every 7 days. For Oscar night, each had the chance to get dressed up and watch some red carpet festivities before they went to bed and the actual Hollywood festivities began. Isabelle sported some unusual makeup for our makeshift red carpet after spending the day at the 67s game and getting her face painted, but she avoided any negative press by charming the paparazzi with her ebullient personality. She overcame the heavy makeup and made it onto the best dressed list with Michelle Williams and Rooney Mara (Isabelle's favourite dress of the night). Oliver went with a classic penguin suit and got rave reviews from all his fans. Such a traditionalist, but still spiced it up a bit with green Finn McMissile socks. It was a nice way to end a fun weekend with some make-believe, then again you never have to tell these two not to goof around! With the way they act sometime, they may be walking the real red carpet many years from now!

Even though he mixed navy with black, he still rocked it!

Dying to walk her first red carpet for real one day

Oliver has his credentials at the ready

Young starlet Isabelle beams with delight

Oliver gets set to tweet during the ceremony

Snow, Where Have You Been?

It seems like it's been months since the snow fell in Ottawa. We have hovered around the zero degree mark for several weeks, even experiencing one of the worst years for the Canal since its inception, certainly since we moved into our house. That all finally changed yesterday, when 15 glorious centimetres finally fell, making everything look pretty and making little kids excited. Isabelle and Oliver woke up the next morning ready and willing to help out with the snowclearing. Someday they won't be as thrilled to do something like this, but let's go with it for as long as it lasts. We all had a blast and are already looking forward to the next blizzard!

Isabelle pitches in by clearing off the van

Where else to go after all that work than for a special drink at Starbucks?

Having a Ball with Balloons

Birthdays are not just simple one-day celebrations around these parts, no sir. They are week-long celebrations. After a long weekend where Oliver was the centre of attention, he got to spend one more day in the spotlight in the company of all his friends at daycare. He was greeted with many choruses of happy birthday greetings from Miss Tiana, Miss Jen and all the other teachers. But the highlight of the day waited until after naptime, when the amazing Brad the Balloon Man from B-Radical Balloons came to put on a show for the whole school, with Oliver as the special guest. Mom, Dad and Gran arrived a bit late and snuck into the back to watch the kids have fun. Oliver was right up front and laughing the whole time. The show included audience participation and Isabelle, Oliver and even Dad got roped into helping Brad out. Everyone in attendance got one of Brad's amazing creations, however Oliver and Isabelle made out like bandits, each taking home multiple balloons, with Brad also staying late to make a few extra ones for them. Oliver and friends retired to their room for some snacks and cupcakes, with everyone buzzing about how great Brad was. He was the perfect entertainer to have for this crowd, everyone loved him and we even got a few messages from parents thanking Oliver for his party. It was an awesome afternoon and it made Oliver feel so special. Hey bud, you can only be the birthday boy once a year, make the most of it!

Oliver gets a shout out on the big board at daycare

Isabelle, so happy to lend a hand

She was SO thrilled when they told her she could bring this home

Happy boy sitting front and centre

Proud to be sister of the birthday boy

Even prouder to have Gran be there with her

Isabelle tests out Brad's Buzz costume

Gran hams it up with her biggest fans

Isabelle helps defend the galaxy

Oliver gets his turn to battle alien invaders

These aren't your average balloons. Amazing. Check 'em out.
Back row: Flower/Ladybug, Octopus, Lion, Space Alien.
Front Row: Dragon, Shark, Sleeping Beauty, Lightning McQueen.

Happy birthday, Oliver. Three years old and as cute and charming as ever.

Born to Ride

Anyone who has seen Oliver take control of a plasma car knows that the boy has a need for speed. Just visit a local Chapters when he is in attendance and watch him fly past you and steer his way around any and all obstacles. So for his birthday, Gran gave him a gif that allows him to move up the ladder and hone his skills further: a brand new push bike! It's shiny and blue and matches his new Buzz Lightyear costume (thanks Auntie Meggie!) perfectly. Apparently these bikes are all the rage around the preschool world these days. With no pedals, kids use their feet to propel themselves while learning to steer with the handlebars. The expectation is that they will learn to balance as they improve, making the move to a traditional bike an easy one, with no need for training wheels. As we thought he might, Oliver took to it like a fish to water. Back and forth we went across our main room, testing it out and easily getting the hang of it. Although he is yearning to test out over much broader spaces that we could offer in the middle of winter, he seems content for now to practice, with full knowledge that when the snow melts, he can let loose along the bike paths like a miniature Lance Armstrong. With their cars and bikes prepped for action, Isabelle and Oliver are staking claim to the tulip beds this summer. Look out Ottawa!

Try to keep up, Isabelle, your brother is going places!

How happy can one boy be? Bring on summer!

OMG, He's Three!

Three years old. Oliver. Wow. None of his three housemates can believe it. The time has completely flown by and that tiny little dude that arrived 3 years ago is now a walking, talking little cutie that makes us smile and laugh each and every day. Fitting that this year his birthday arrived on Family Day here in Ontario, because he was the final piece to fall into place and complete our family. He is such an awesome little guy, full of happiness and energy keeping us both on our toes and in stitches with his antics. We couldn't have asked for a better son or a better little brother for Isabelle. He has been waiting so long for his big day. It finally came and we celebrated it in style. Gran, Auntie Lesley, the Andrews and the Dears were all special guests at his big party, all of whom were overly generous and showered him with gifts and love that would make any little boy's day. Thanks to all of you who sent gifts and well wishes, you were all so thoughtful and considerate to think of him. We happen to think he is pretty special and if he can find him amidst the dozens of cars he is always playing with, he will prove it to you. We love you, Oliver, congratulations being a big boy at 3 years old. Happy birthday!

Oliver kicks off the celebration with some party favours

Cutiepie Madoc happily attends his first birthday party

 Andrews clan cozying up to Madoc

Big rig delivering the desserts

Always happiest in Gran's arms

Oliver puts all his new cars to the test

Trystan and Isabelle goofing off

Rex skips the cupcakes and goes straight to Sally

Letting Loose at the Funatorium

With the house decorated, the balloons inflated and many cupcakes lying in wait for Oliver's bash, it was time for the kids to get away from home and let off some steam. Seeing as it was Family Day weekend, there was no shortage of activities to choose from. The one that seemed the most intriguing was the Funatorium Explorium, basically a huge convention hall that was packed end-to-end with activities for kids of all ages, the perfect place for Isabelle, Oliver, Liam and Sarah to all go and have some fun. The place was busy enough to be exciting, but quiet enough that none of the lines were too long. Shortly after arrival, the older kids went to insert themselves in the inflatable rolling balls while Isabelle was eager to test out the magnetic climbing wall. Funny that in a place where there was so much to do, what Isabelle and Oliver loved the most was the gymnastics obstacle course, running and re-running it over and over again, only pausing for lunch and to see something else, then straight back there for more balancing, rolling and climbing. You would think the plasma cars would have been a hit, and they were, until Oliver was asked to slow down and stormed off the grid pouting. We also got to see some great shows, including a magician, science experiments and a hula-hooper, so it was certainly a big success in all our eyes. A great way to spend an afternoon before all the guests came to celebrate Oliver. We will be back next year!

Sarah rocks the gyroscope

A wicked balloon Darth Vader, created by Oliver's soon-to-be Acorn party guy, Brad the Balloon Man!

They let us go as many times as we want? Cool!

In his past gymnastics, Oliver was disinterested in the teachers helping him do somersaults. It appears that fear has now disappeared!

Three princesses having a blast

So much for one hoop at a time!

Isabelle vs. Sarah in the bungee face-off

Speed?! I am speed.

Disney and Gran on the Same Day?

When Isabelle woke up today she was excited before her feet even hit the floor. She had two major things to look forward to, a rare parent-less trip to Disney on Ice with friends Dik and Disha and their Mom, but even moreso the arrival of Gran. She knew that at snacktime her Gran would arrive at daycare to whisk her away, in fact she and Oliver talked about during the whole morning drive. Oliver was even asked at school what he was doing tonight and he responded "pizza and movie night without Mommy or Isabelle!". He was partly right, Isabelle was going to be off to Disney and Mommy had a quick trip planned for an appointment. As expected, Gran picked them up and when Mom and Dad arrived home they found two kids that were so happy to have her in town. Isabelle soon had to get dressed up and await her chariot out to Scotiabank Place, proudly carrying her own money to buy whatever she wanted. A few short hours later she arrived home, delighted to regale us with stories of the show and unveil her new Tinkerbell spinning toy. She had an awesome time, as did Oliver, who got to pick a dragon movie to watch. How could we be any happier, an evening of entertainment and Gran in town for several days?! We couldn't be. It's going to be so much fun!

Mommy explains where Isabelle is headed

Happy to have Gran handle the bedtime story

Take a Bow

After months of hard work every Tuesday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00, Isabelle and Oliver finally got the chance to sing for more than just their parents or their choir instructor Miss Corianne. They and their fellow choirmates had a huge crowd on hand to witness their first concert. The show started with the Kindergarten kids for a couple of tunes, then the preschoolers were brought in to join their elders. Oliver reconsidered his desire to sing out strong at this point, finding solace and happiness in the arms of his Mom instead. We know he can sing like a champ as he has proven time and time again from his carseat and around the house, so we just kept him happy and settled in to see Isabelle put on a show, and she did not disappoint. The little star sang so well, and especially when she had a line to herself in The Muppets number! She looked a little surprised when it was her turn, but Angus gave her a hand and she shyly delivered her line with a smile. We are so proud of her and her singing accomplishments and we are so excited for round 2 of the choir coming in the spring, when we also hope her brother will be singing next to her. Bravo, Isabelle!

Oliver backstage, prior to his episode of stagefright

Isabelle with her old soccer pal Angus by her side

They have that Joy Joy Joy Joy down in their hearts



Her first attempt at musical theatre is The King and I



How can anyone not love The Muppets?

Logan Hits the Big League

Even though his Dad wasn't expecting this for at least 14 more years and would prefer the Air Canada Centre, little Logan the hockey star made his debut on NHL ice this weekend. It was the annual Timbits Hockey Jamboree at Scotiabank Place, an event that see the big ice used for the little guys for once. Three games went at once on the big ice surface, giving these little dreamers a glimpse of what their heroes experience on a daily basis. The big event not only included hockey games and a chance to change in the visitors locker room, but also features a carnival atmosphere for the kids to enjoy after the game. Balloon artists, carnival games, face painting and performers were all on display, not to mention an endless supply of Timbits and hot chocolate. Isabelle and Oliver both awoke at an ungodly hour for a Sunday and drove out to Kanata to see Logan's 8:20 puck drop. Afterwards, the kids reunited and joined little Kayla for a trip through the carnival, the highlight of which for Oliver was an impromptu street hockey game with Uncle Blue! It was an awesome morning, a thrill for Logan and a blast for all of us! Why can't they do this every weekend?

Isabelle tries her hand at the frog launch

Anxiously awaiting their balloons

Does she take after Mommy or what?

Goalmouth scramble!

Uncle Shawn and Blue chill out with baby Kayla