Laughter is the Best Medicine

Having an off day? No matter how bad it's going, we dare you to watch these kids playing together and not smile from ear to ear. This boy's laugh is just the sweetest sound ever.

911, What's Your Emergency?

Hopefully you've never had to hear these words firsthand. Don't worry, we haven't had to hear them either. Oliver, on the other hand, has become quite familiar with the 911 operator. A couple of months back, he was playing with our cordless phone on the bed, pressing buttons and having fun. Next thing we know, the phone rings and it's emergency calling to see why we called 911 and hung up. They needed to confirm whether there was an emergency. Daddy and Oliver had to bring the phone downstairs to Mom so she could verify that all was just fine. Mommy was on her elliptical, short of breath, so it took a few questions before the operator was satisfied that Mom was able to speak freely and wasn't held against her will. Phew. Crisis averted.


This week he decided to go for an encore. Our cordless phones recently died so he was checking out our new phone. Evidently he is familiar with the dialing sequence because after a few minutes our doorbell rang. Mom headed down to see who the unforeseen visitor was and lo and behold, two uniformed police officers were checking in to see if anything was the matter. Apparently they received an emergency call from the house. Oliver!? What are you doing, bud? Oliver and Mommy convinced the very understanding boys in blue that everyone was safe and sound. What are the odds that any infant can successfully execute the right keystrokes on two different phones two months apart? Incredible. Oh yeah, he's also not allowed to play with the phone anymore.

The Budding Author

Isabelle has narrated her first story as part of a little school project. They had to draw a picture and then come up with a story for what was depicted. Needless to say, she has the quite the imagination, not to mention an affinity for fairy tales and a flair for the dramatic. Before other publishing houses come knocking, is Formac interested in giving her an advance for her first full-length novel?

Just Like Big Sister

When we first were expecting Isabelle, we wondered if the blonde genes from Mom would make their way down to the new arrival. As everyone now knows, they did. However, we but also got an unexpected bonus outcome, her beautiful curls. Curls that others spend hours trying to get have come naturally to her, and they especially came out in full force in the humidity of Florida. Now in the winter season, we don't see them as much but they still come out from time to time, and we are still amazed when they do.


Oliver's hair is also surprisingly blonde, even bordering on red sometimes!? Don't ask us how we ended up with two blonde kids, but we did! But hold on one second, his hair is starting to grow and guess what we recently discovered? The curls are going to be there too. Insane. Wait until we get to New Smyrna, two straight haired parents with two curly cuties. No, they aren't adopted! Best of all, the blonde hair and the curls sit on the top of two super great kids. We truly couldn't ask for more.

Sasha Who?

On the same night that Sasha Cohen attempts to punch her ticket to her third Olympic Games, a burgeoning young skater in Ottawa, Ontario laced up her tiny skates with sights set on having fun and maybe joining the ranks of the elite someday. Isabelle took to the ice on the Rideau Canal for only the second time ever and impressed all in attendance. Her Mom and Dad were completely blown away with how quickly she has picked up the sport, and Oliver is always in awe of his big sister's antics. Armed with her helmet this time around, Isabelle was free to move unencumbered and truly had no fear as she moved along the ice. She was not the least bit discouraged by a few falls and got the hang of things in record time, clearly fueled by the enjoyment of her accomplishment and also the praise her parents were giving. Isabelle even considered herself a good judge of talent herself, telling her Mom that she was a good skater too! Practice makes perfect, so we will be back out there tomorrow. Luckily we have a little girl who loves the ice as much as her Mom does!



Cozy little cutie waiting for the girls to get ready


Ah, the Rideau is busy as always. What a sight to see!


I'm skating all by myself!


Beaver Tail buds


Calling Grandpa to report her big day on the blades

The Clan with the Van

Like many back in their teens and 20-somethings, we have both uttered the words that all of you have likely also said, "I am never owning a minivan!". And like so many of the other people that have boldly made that statement in their past, we now own a minivan.


No one ever explains to you when you are growing up how much stuff is required when you are carting offspring to and fro, not to mention the road trips! I guess we all just took for granted how much our parents did in packing the bags, packing the car, and packing the kids up and heading off on the open road. When Isabelle was born, we had a 4-door sedan, complete with a stroller crammed in the front seat for road trips. Soon thereafter, we moved into an SUV, complete with Mommy crammed between two car seats in the back for road trips. Now, for 2010, we have the van, with absolutely no cramming required.


So after a long and winding search for the right van, including a frustrating sales odyssey with Honda (pun certainly intended), we finally found what we are looking for in the Toyota Sienna. We love it. So many bells and whistles to consider when buying that it made us dizzy, but we had two specific requirements that we think are great for kids. Leather surfaces for easy cleanup of their inevitable messes (added parental bonus of heated seats!), plus a dvd entertainment system for their attention spans on those aforementioned road trips. Sweet! It also has many other wicked features like power side doors and tailgate, ipod hookup, a million cupholders and grocery hooks, sunshades, dual zone climate control, plus a TON of space for all sorts of precious cargo. Just ask Oliver!

See You Soon

We'll miss you, Grandpa! Come back and see us before the canal closes!

Open Season!

A little later than exected, but we are proud to report that one of Ottawa brightest highlights, the Rideau Canal, is open for all of our skating pleasure. And this year, it really means ALL of us! Toss away the bobskates, Isabelle has some brand new white and pink big girl skates to attack the canal with full force. With the added treat of Grandpa in town to witness the maiden skate, Isabelle held on tight at first but soon was able to stand on her own and make her way along the ice a few feet at a time. A banner performance from our budding superstar to say the least! Now no canal visit is complete without a stop for an inaugural beaver tail and hot chocolate and this was no exception. However, a strange thing happened as Isabelle tried her tasty treat, she loved it but was perfectly willing to abandon it and head back to the ice! What power this canal possesses! A few more strides and a canal lover was officially born, so much so that we weren't even gone before she asked to go back. Good thing we don't live far away!

No crack the whip, Grandpa!


One star skater passes her knowledge down to another


Look, no hands!


Worked up quite the appetite!

Grandpa's Here!

A nice surprise this week as Isabelle and Oliver's grandpa is in town to celebrate with a friend, drum up some business, and, best of all, visit with his superstar grandkids! Isabelle kind of forgot he was coming while on her way home from school on Wednesday, but when she came up the steps and saw him in the window with Oliver, she shrieked with delight. A new playmate to read me stories and to goof around with! When we all sat down to dinner, she turned to him and said "It's nice to have you here." What a sweetheart. She even ate salad!

Oliver is also quite taken with Grandpa in the house, ever so proud to show off his newfound skills, and never without a smile on his cute little face. He loves watching Grandpa interact with his big sister, and clearly cannot wait to join the party full force. He and Isabelle have decided to cut back on the napping this week, perhaps just so they can spend more time with our visitor. Then again, you don't have to do much convincing to get Isabelle to skip her nap! As a result, she is zonked by the end of the day. In fact, the other night she even conked out while going over her school's class picture.

YouTube Sensation

Oliver is surely destined to have his name on a marquee one day, and lately he has benefited from lots of practice in front of the camera. He continues to develop by leaps and bounds and is set to hit all the milestones ahead of the schedule set by his big sister! It is so hard to believe that this little bundle we brought home from the hospital last winter will soon be reaching his first birthday. And will he walk to his cake to blow out the candles? Stay tuned, the race is on!

Boys just love trucks...and the sounds they make!



Today the hallway, tomorrow the world!

Princess Pelé

A sport beloved across the globe has its newest fan. Isabelle is now loving soccer, largely due to the overwhelming success of her very first lesson! She officially started learning the skills today, she actually attended last week but the instructors didn't (schedule mixup), thus allowing her and Logan to just rip and roar around the empty gym. Today was a bit more structured and although it took some encouragement and hand-holding to overcome the initial tentativeness, soon after they were zooming around the gym like veteran footballers. A quick game of "What time is it, Mr Wolf?" (since repeated 100x at home) was followed by a dribbling drill that Isabelle picked up like a natural, and then finally a scrimmage that would best be described as manic. Clearly Isabelle has caught the soccer bug, as Logan tended goal she ran full tilt all over, kicking to her heart's content, often running straight to her parents after a big kick, just to celebrate the accomplishment. In all the hectic activity, she even snuck one past an unsuspecting goalie! Take that, superstar cousin Matthew in Texas, one game, one goal! It goes without saying that she can't wait to get back next week!

Two goalies are always better than one


The model students await instructions


Dribbling diva impresses the coach


Go Blue!


Time out, let's take a rest

Lazy Saturday

The mercury continued to dip in Ottawa as we awoke this morning to a chilly minus 28 with the windchill. Perfect for prepping the canal for its eventual opening day, but not so conducive to a stroll around the neighbourhood. With most of the real errands taken care of yesterday, including Isabelle happily spending the Toys R Us gift card she received for Xmas, today was a day to stay in the pajamas, clean house, take down decorations and relax indoors. An afternoon showing of Snow White complete with holiday red popcorn definitely hit the spot, and no lineups or seating issues whatsoever! Needless to say, Isabelle has been tasting poisoned apples and falling to the floor all night long. She and Oliver have really started to play together more than ever; he is constantly on the lookout for his big sister and she gladly takes advantage of any chance to make him smile. Oliver has been such the trooper with his ongoing teething, you'd never know it with how much the little guy smiles. Who knows, maybe even tomorrow we will venture outside!

Not doing much all day can really tire out a bookworm

Florida Booked!

There are huge snowbanks on our street, waiting for trucks to come and cart it away. But why stress when we have officially booked our flights for Florida! A big seat sale ended today so we took full advantage and have our sights set on the sunny skies and sandy beaches of New Smyrna Beach. We know, we know, it's still 3 months away but as the wind whips and snow falls outside, what better to have in mind than knowing that come April there will be warm breezes and sunshine no matter what. We all love the winter in Ottawa, don't think we don't, but ahhhhh, won't a frappuccino beat a hot chocolate for comfort any day of the week?

What a Difference A Week Makes

Our little guy is growing up right before our eyes. It's like we want to pick him up, look him in the eyes and say "Slow down, dude. you're still a baby!". Just over the past few days, it appears we have a whole new Oliver on our hands. He no longer possesses just the one parlour trick, clapping. He has a whole arsenal now.


The timid, methodical crawling that he started doing before Xmas has been replaced by "I want to go there, I'm going there now, and fast!". He also pulls himself up any table, chair, ottoman, bed in sight, including the stairs today, which he then followed by trying to go up to the next stair. Where did we put that baby gate again?


And he isn't just a gross motor skill guy either. Ask him to give you a kiss and he will head straight for your face, mouth wide open. It might be a little slobbery but given the source is such a cutiepie, it couldn't make you any happier to receive one.


Last but not least, bid Oliver a hearty hello and a big wave and he will respond in kind (the wave I mean). He is so thrilled to hear you get excited about something he has done. His infectious smile spreads from ear to ear. Needless to say, the holiday joy and happiness we all experienced has flowed into 2010.

Must be seen to be believed. Oliver on the attack!

Hang (Twenty) Ten!

Happy new year, everyone! Oliver isn't concerning himself with the snow falling outside. He's already set to ride the waves in Florida! Surf's up!

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