Bonjour Butterfly!

One of Isabelle's favourite books is Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly, a wonderful story about a young girl who loves fancy words, speaking French and above all else, butterflies. She appears to be ready to follow in Nancy's footsteps. She is all set to be a pretty butterfly for Hallowe'en and got the chance to do some primary research on their behavior today as the annual live butterfly exhibit is on at Carleton! We had a great time there last year and we were super happy to introduce Oliver to the insect world that his sister loves! Brother and sister loved watching the colourful butterflies flit around the greenhouse, desperately trying to get one to hop onto our orange slice. Luckily we snagged a few and got to see them up close and personal. Beautiful creatures to say the least, but I'm sure there will be an even more beautiful Monarch gracing our street on October 31!

A family affair


Reach out and touch someone


Madame Butterfly


See, Mommy, I got one!


Pink is always a good colour choice


Cutest. Butterfly. Ever.

Totally En-Raptor-ed

I know, the shirt is HUGE. There's a story behind that! For the second year running, the Toronto Raptors basketball club held their training camp right across the canal from us at Carleton University's athletic facility. Both years they have held a team practice and scrimmage for the fans on the final Saturday. We have been lucky enough to score tickets each year and this year Isabelle accompanied her Daddy to the big (as in TALL!) event. She has been coached all week about seeing really big guys and even a dinosaur (the mascot). She was very excited to go happily enjoyed the game, although not nearly as much as the grab bag of cheese popcorn she steadily devoured throughout the first half! For someone missing their usual afternoon nap, she was so well behaved and had a super fun time, even though she still called it a baseball game on the walk home!

Obligatory Dance Team Photo (for Dave in Halifax)


Now for the big highlight. So, a break in the action during the first half and the Raptor mascot comes out with some shirts to give away. Isabelle is standing in the aisle of her 2nd row seat and waves at him. He looks at the shirt, looks at her, and then entices her out onto the floor in front of 1,300 people to give it to her! The girl who completely bailed twice at having a boy swim teacher (and after 4 sets of lessons in the pool) just nonchalantly strolls out to mid-court with a 6-foot tall furry dinosaur. She put on a great show, got a huge cheer from the crowd, and refused to remove the shirt until we got home. What a star in her first big-time performance!



A new Raptor fan is born

The Big Chill

Temperatures have really dropped around here this week, we were in the high teens last weekend and then the overnight on Wednesday was a chilly 3 degrees! Most mornings (and even some afternoons!) have been in single digit territory. Clearly this is some form of punishment for the awesome September we just experienced. Even though the forecast shows a slight rebound in the coming days, all of the adults know what this means: winter is right around the corner! So while we enjoy the colourful autumn leaves, we know they will soon be gone and replaced by that first unexpected snowfall where everyone proclaims incredulously, "It's snowing!?", as if this would be the one year that winter decided not to come. Well, in this household, Isabelle and Oliver don't really know what's in store as they haven't fully grasped the timing around season changes yet. (In fact, Isabelle asked tonight if Christmas was tomorrow!). All they know is that it's getting colder and that means we get to go through all the hats and mittens! They had a blast doing this, it's like a dress-up box focused solely on the head and hands! So bring on winter, we're looking forward to sporting all our accessories!

Ola October!

One of the best months of the year! Fall colours, sweater weather, family birthdays, Thanksgiving, and above all, Hallowe'en. Awesome times ahead!

Who could be scared of this guy?

Fly the Friendly Skies

Last month Isabelle boarded yet another plane for her summer vacation in Halifax. Yet another because this kid is an expert passenger that has taken many flights over her scant 3 years on this planet. We lost count a long time ago but it is safe to say that if she qualified for Aeroplan miles from the time of her birth, she might have already earned enough for a European trip via business class. However, it's only in the past year that she has begun to sit in her very own seat.

In preparation for this most recent trip, Isabelle began playing a game where she practiced ordering her drink from a flight attendant. Seemed innocent enough at the beginning, she would order her orange juice and pretend to guzzle it down. But since she has returned, this game's popularity has risen dramatically for her. It has become a source of pure hilarity that makes her scream with laughter and delight. Her parents are happy to play along as this has become part of the bath/bedtime ritual for the budding thespian.

She will come up to you, mimic pushing a cart and say "Where are you flying today? What would you like to drink, Miss?", which is shortly followed by her "mixing" the drink and bringing it back to you. And that's only if she's in the mood for a simple version of the game. Usually there is an elaborate set-up where she asks if you want ice, if you want a straw, whether you would like a pizza or panini in it (no idea where she comes up with this stuff). She can also claim not to have your desired drink on her cart, or she laughs as she spills it, or any of 50 other scenarios that pop into her head.

Then it's her turn to be the passenger. No need for drama lessons for this little lady. She usually claims to be headed to Florida, although sometimes it's Toronto. Her favourite order is cocoa, which she thinks is utterly hilarious when she is questioned why she would want cocoa in the middle of a heatwave. She gets so animated and excited over what seems like such a basic game, it's really something to see. It's amazing what little minds can dream up, make believe is such a wonderful thing.

We all feel sorry for the next time she boards a plane. These poor flight attendants have no idea what's in store for them.


Oliver doesn't need a drink from Isabelle's cart. He is fine with his newest love: Mum Mums!

Happy Birthday, Auntie Jessica!

Happy Birthday, Auntie Jessica! All the best to you on your special day! You are such a great auntie, cousin, daughter, sister and above all else Mom to two super-awesome kids. We regularly wonder how you and Chris make it through every day. Must be the morning Tim's injection! Carys and Peter are so lucky to have you. Have a wicked birthday and best of luck keeping Peter away from your cake!

Fashion Statement

Isabelle is happy to be back in gymnastics class, which, like swimming, is now "by herself". Mommy and Oliver accompany her every Friday but must remain spectators as she heads off to join her classmates and instructor. First week went perfectly, she joined in like a pro. Week 2 was a bit more of a challenge, as she clearly wasn't keen on going off on her own for some reason. Kudos to her instructor, who sent Mom back to spectating and toughed out her student's tears until she was having too much fun to remember why she was crying. Another crisis averted. Isabelle attended class in her pink gymnastic leotard, pink pants and pink leg warmers, what a sight. She left class, however, with a new look, purple sparkles and a matching scrunchie! She could not be more thrilled and modeled it for us tonight. During class, she is always distracted by the competitive big kids and all that they can accomplish. She is already running around imitating them when she gets home. Well now that she looks the part, I'm sure the Olympic level skills will follow!

Oliver, not to be outdone, was also sporting his new hip hop look. Can't have only one fashion plate in the family, can we? Look out, sis, I'm following you on the runway!

Laughing Matter

Isabelle and Oliver had a fun night of playing together. They traded toys back and forth and Oliver took a liking to Isabelle's mini-princesses. She really loves him, because normally getting her to give up a princess is a tall order. They had a great time and as you can see, many laughs were shared between them!


Oliver's eyes light up when he sees Isabelle and they just follow her wherever she goes. It's great fun to just watch him as he watches her. Of course, he loves his Mom and Dad but he just adores and idolizes his big sister.


Such a happy dude


The battle for Belle


A boy who loves to laugh


All played out and down for the count

Lucky Seven

Oliver reaches the seven month mark today and even with a coughy cold like he currently has, can you find a happier little dude? We are so blessed to have him as part of our lives. When things are hectic like they have been of late, he is ever the patient little boy, never failing to share his smile or bring smiles to our faces. He is LOVING his Jolly Jumper and Baby Einstein and is progressing nicely on all fronts. Hopefully he will beat this cold and be back to 100% before we know it. But even at less than full strength, he's such a joy. We are such lucky parents.


Isabelle enjoyed a weekend with no agenda after lots of busy times lately. One of her favourite pastimes has become colouring and she is becoming a pro. You never have to ask her twice to go into her crafts box for her markers, stickers and colouring books. While she colours she typically announces who the picture is for (usually Oliver). She received a great Melissa and Doug colouring pad from her classmate Samuel and today discovered a ballerina picture inside. She was so excited to colour it and her Dad suggested it would be a nice gift for Mommy when she was done. Isabelle responded with "No. I would like it for my room." And that's where it's hanging now. I guess ballerinas are too important to give away.

Start Them Early!

Isabelle has discovered that there are treats for little ones on the iPhone. She is especially fond of the Tinkerbell cartoon and the games that feature animal sounds. As you can see, she has picked up the touch screen interface without a hitch. The bigger problem will come when we try to get the phone back from her!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Isabelle!

Yay for such a super little girl on her 3rd birthday. Seems like only yesterday that she came like a lightning bolt into our world. None of us will ever be the same. She is a total dream and we couldn't ask for a sweeter, smarter or more caring little girl.

Today she shipped off for school in her brand new outfit from her Godmother, Auntie Mer, ready to take on her 4th year like she has the first 3, with reckless abandon. Godspeed, little princess!


At school they normally make a paper crown for the birthday child, but Isabelle bypassed that as had her own to wear, a fabulous gift from Ron and Menna. She wore the crown the entire day, even sleeping in it at naptime and sporting it for the bus ride home. No princess aspirations here!


We had a nice quiet night with just Mom, Dad and Oliver, including even more gifts plus giant cookies with icing! Thank you to everyone who called or sent cards or gifts it means so much to us to have friends and family with Isabelle in their thoughts and hearts. She has been overwhelmed with your generosity and loves her gifts beyond belief. She can't wait to show them to you next time you visit!

It fits! I must be the princess!


Taking the birthday call from Halifax!


C is for Cookie, That's Good Enough for Me


Crashed out with her pal Max, courtesy Auntie Jessica and Uncle Chris


Happy birthday to the greatest little girl. We can't believe it's been three years. We have great memories from each and every day she has been here. Thanks for making us proud parents and for keeping us feeling young!

Miss Dressup

Isabelle's big birthday gift was one for the ages as she realized one of her lifelong dreams: her very own dress-up trunk! She was ecstatic once realizing what it was, jumping up and down with delight. The girl adores make-believe and dress up and couldn't believe that she was now in possession of not just one, but SEVERAL princess and wedding dresses, plus tiaras and crowns (she has learned the difference between the two), bracelets, necklaces, wigs, skirts, hallowe'en costumes, magic wands, purses, funny hats, and lots of footwear options. Special thanks to Gran for her numerous contributions, they are all a big hit! Plus it was an added bonus that Olan was here for the unveiling so he could take part. He was much more adventurous from the outset, trying many things while Isabelle had difficulty being anyone by Cinderella. She would try other options but she always came back to the pretty blue dress, even insisting on wearing it for the ride home. So far she hasn't asked to wear it to school but we all know that's coming!

Welcome to my masquerade ball!


Unmask that princess impostor!


Here comes the bride


Your royal harley awaits!


The perfect princess


Toughest (and cutest) sheriff in the west

Better Than Treasure Island!

Isabelle is on the verge of turning 3 years old and was absolutely thrilled to commemorate the occasion with friends and family. And where else to do this commemorating but on a pirate ship in the treasure-filled waters of the Rideau Canal?! But it almost didn't happen.


The family was all set for the pirate adventure of a lifetime (even though that lifetime only consists of 3 years so far!). Loot bags packed to the gills, cake ready for pickup, balloon bouquet inflated, skull and crossbones cookies ordered, costumes laid out, and those were just a few of the logistics behind this big event. 25 guests all set to party like only pirates can. Environment Canada weather forecast was perfect. We went to bed tired on Friday night but all set for a fun Saturday.

Isabelle awoke Saturday with a fever of over 41 degrees. Yikes. Some tylenol and some cuddling calmed her down but we were lucky enough to get in to see the on-call pediatrician by 9:30, an appointment that Isabelle, after having a rough night, fell asleep on the way to. Turns out that within 3 hours the fever had cooled off to 37 and she was starting to feel more like herself, at least enough to ask for french fries for lunch!


Luckily, the party was still on and Isabelle, Oliver and Olan donned their pirate garb and we headed off to the ship. Crazy times running around to get everything set up but all the guests arrived, got their pirate names, face paint, vest and sash, and pirate hats and boarded the ship as a motley crew. Eight 3-yr olds all felt a little trepidacious at the outset but most warmed up as the voyage continued. Many of them were especially excited about the water cannons and the search for gold. Isabelle was more content to sit back and watch the festivities, still feeling the effects of diminished energy. Poor kid.








Once completing their quest for treasure, we piled into the party tent for some much-needed food and drink. Several of the kids continued to re-enact the pirate battle, flogging each other with pirate swords incessantly. The wicked pirate cake was a big hit and had more than enough icing to please any kid's palate. Isabelle was overjoyed to open her fabulous presents and was just as happy to distribute loot bags and thank yous to her many guests. And before we knew it, it was over. Seemed so quick but we were mainly just happy that everyone had a great time and that Isabelle got to spend the day with her friends.










What will we do for an encore next year? And with 2 parties to plan? Give us a week to relax before bringing it up.




Special thanks to Meg and Olan for making the trip and for all their help in the planning (plus great photos!), as well as to the Andrews crew, not only for coming, but for all the help with the little ones as we ran around tending to guests and performing last-minute tasks. We can't thank you all enough.