Frosting a Cake

Kale got his first spatula today.


He thought it was a very good idea.

Big Boy Clothes

As I was rushing to get out of the house this morning Kale was in a contrary mood. He wanted to wear Daddy's coat and slippers instead of his coat and shoes. After I worked through my frustration I realized he was being pretty cute so I took some pictures before swooping him into his own clothes and heading out the door.

Sad Tidings

Keva's Grandmother Helen passed away last weekend. We flew out to Virginia this week for the funeral and to spend a little bit of time with the family.

Kale relaxing.

Kale chatting with his Papa Bill.

Grandma Arlene at Aunt Patty's house.

Chanukkah

We had some friends over for Chanukkah dinner tonight.

There was, of course, way too much food.

All too hot for the toddlers.

Then we had problems getting the candles lit.

But we managed to say the prayers.

After dinner the boys worked off their sugar wrestling in the living room.

Even more snow today

The snow is still falling today and coating the stairs and house.

Kale made the trek to the barrel pond again today but it waa a little harder going for him.


The best part of the snow play today was the sled. We got it out of the basement and went for a walk, then we tried sliding down a lane near by. Kale loved it so we went walking and found a big hill. Kale's response to every trip down the hill was more more. We went out again in the afternoon with Margaret but the snow had gotten a bit wet and it wasn't as fun as the morning.

First Winter Snow

We woke up to snow this morning, it was as if all we needed was the month of December for winter to happen.

Kale was excited to put on his snow suit and fit his thumbs into mittens.


We headed straight to the barrel pond to see how thick the ice was. We drew pictures in the snow on top.

Serious Daddy.

Swinging Mum and Toddler.

Kale was so into the snow that he wanted to go back out in it every time we came inside. Long after dark Kale was playing snow hockey and Keva and I were taking turns going inside to warm up.

Paint

Why is it that when I have an hour Kale only wants to paint for 5 minutes and when I have 15 minutes it turns into an hour long major painting session. Kale had a great time painting today and realized he could trace patterns in his finger paint.

Sleeping Family

Keva must have thought we looked peaceful when he came in from hanging out with his sister late one night.

People at the Zoo

Mom and Kale face to face with the Giraffes.

The clan below.

A ride on Uncle Ryan's shoulders.


Kale on the carousel. He begged and begged to go on the carousel and then freaked out and refused to ride any of the animals. Keva wrangled him onto the bench and once it started moving he was all smiles.

Babies at the Zoo

A baby spider monkey getting a ride from its mama.

A toddler orangutan nursing.

A toddler human captivated by the nursing orangutan.

"We're going on a Halloweena Hunt"

We're going to catch a big one
We're not scared..

Lots of animals saunter past Grandma and Grandpa's windows over the course of the day. Deer, Bunnies, Birds, and even Javelinas (wild piglike animal).

The Javelinas only walked by once and even though Kale couldn't quite pronounce their name (calling them Halloweenas) he was very taken with them so we went out into the hills searching for them.

The soon to be newlyweds.

Pale Canadians soaking up the sun.

A few deer, but no Javelinas were spotted.

Thanksgiving in Arizona

We flew down to Arizona for US Thanksgiving. Kale and Robyn had a great time playing toys and reading stories.

Sieve Head

Cayden Watching

Cayden has been coming over once a week this fall as part of a baby swapping experiment. Today however was a new experience. There were two adults to two toddlers. I let Daddy do (more than) his fair share.

Dinosaurs..

Stories.

Neigh Neigh

The Halloween Round Up

Every time I asked Kale what he wanted to be for Halloween he gave me a different answer: Monkey, Truck, Six, Frog, etc etc. I decided to go with the truck idea, specifically fire truck, because I am a much more capable box painter and cutter than I am seamstress.

Here is Kale walking into the EA Halloween party. He was excited to be wearing his costume and wanted to walk everywhere, albeit very slowly.


The EA party was just as over the top as last years. There were actors playing fairy tale characters everywhere and games at each station. Kale won stuffed animals and candy in large quantities. For me the best part was the fact that there were candy apples, Kale and I shared two!

The night before Halloween we carved our pumpkin. Kale was excited to pull the lid up but 100% unwilling to put his hand into the belly of the pumpkin. Good thing mum likes that slimy sensation.

On Halloween Night we headed out trick-or-treating with the neighbors. Kale was really into it. Apparently his shyness around strangers can be reduced with the prospect of candy. He got scared by the costumes of some older kids at one point and burst into tears but recovered quickly. He also enjoyed going to the door with me to give other people candy.


Kale checking out his loot while wearing his backup costume. We let him have at the candy and eat as much as he wanted. Three and a half small pieces into this candy fest he threw up all over the carpet. He then proceeded to eat the rest of the peanut m&ms he had been working on before we dragged him up to bed.

I am sure he took inventory of his bag though so I will be resisting the urge to sneak a piece or two.

Alex sitting

Kale and Alex sitting in some leaves

K - I - S - S - I - N - G

and then getting clean after.

Pajama Day

Into his hat for a 'sleepy walk' with Daddy last night.


Still in his pajamas playing with his prizes from the pumpkin patch carnival at the neighbourhood house.

Showing off his prizes and his first face paint.

Showing off himself.