Precious Cart-go

Most often, I've been getting groceries when Tavish is at school which he doesn't seem to mind. Now and then though, he asks me to wait so he can come with us. He likes holding the list, helping me find things, and, of course he loves loading and unloading the cart. Usually he prefers to catch a ride at the front of the cart or walk around, but earlier this month, he opted to be co-Captain with his sister, so we wedged them both in. There were less things tossed onto the floor because Keva was under close-range sibling supervision, but more Mommy supervision was required at times as a result of that close range. Good times in the grocery cart...

Easter Finds and Fun

The Easter Bunny, I mean the kids, really enjoy the creative fun that comes with this holiday. Grandpa Mike showed Tavish some decorated Easter eggs he'd saved. They were made by Daddy and Auntie Michele when they were kids. He loved them and decided to leave them out for the Easter Bunny next to the note he'd written and decorated. The Easter bunny appreciated this and left a note for Tavish along with some new eggs for Tavish to decorate. Also, as tradition would have it, the bunny left treats that were part of a game that ended with finding the ingredients needed to make a treat (healthy-ish) for our Easter dinner with Grandpa Mike.

A note and egg-inspired art for the Easter Bunny

MOMENTS: Game, Treats, Creativity & Family

Artistic (and edible) eggs

Eggs for Keva to play with

The Face of Easter
The Bunny left ingredients and a recipe. Yum!

Dressed up for Easter dinner

Easter hugs

Going through the footage, two things really stood out. First, the genuine joy Tavish experiences when playing these games .. and from being given cashews. Second, Keva is such a good sport! She came along everywhere and smiled the whole time because she just enjoys being with us.

Test Ride

Sure, there was still snow on the ground and a chill in the air, but Tavish's new bike needed to experience the feeling of pavement beneath it's wheels and Tavish the wind in his hair, so we bundled up and headed out for a test drive...

MOMENT: A Balanced Transition

There is no doubt that his love of the balance bike has given him an advantage on a pedal bike. He barely rode on those training wheels his first time out. It did take some practicing at first, but he's getting the hang of starting the pedal motion and figuring out how to best use the brake. We just know that he'll be off on his two wheeled "Animator" in no time. Such a happy cyclist we've got...

10 Months

She continues to move about with her army crawl / rolling combo all while developing a great sense of humour too. We think she might be starting to do some subtle signing (milk and yes) ... or she just might like to twirl her wrists and have her fingers open and close a bit when she's hungry and you offer her food or milk. Either way, this baby is a delight and 10 months old already!

MOMENT: Clean and Keen

Here she is fresh out of the tub and ready for bed with lots of smiles for her 10 month photo.

Birthday Boy

We like to pack a lot into a regular day, but give us a special occasion - and we really fill it up. Tavish's day started with a story that led him to his new bike. Being that it was still winter, we were supportive of a test spin around the house that proved to be ... entertaining. We then hurried off to the Maple Sugar Fest where Tavish ran around, played in the snow, and laughed a lot. He had such a great time with his school friends, family friends, and neighbourhood friends. We closed the day by having Tavish's favourite dinner (tacos) with Grandpa Mike. He was a tired, but very happy, four year old...

The Birthday Boy

MOMENT: Fantastic Four

A boy and his bike 

Showing Sam some sap

Physical snow play with school buddies, Luca and Taj

Opening some cards

Watching the candles on the cake

Serving a piece to all of his guests

Friends with cake

A maple candy to thank his friends for coming

Horse drawn wagon ride

Playing with Grandpa Mike

Indeed, a full but fun day all around. We are thankful for his friends that came out with their family to celebrate at the festival with us and for all of the lovely cards and "happy birthday" greetings he received. I can't believe he's four already...

Party Past and Present

This year marks the third annual birthday party at the Maple Sugar Festival for Tavish. Again, it didn't disappoint. Since this year also marks the last year for this birthday location because of our upcoming move, I thought we'd showcase the invitations over the years as a tribute to how sweet it's been. Enjoy the cartoons!

MOMENT: Partying Through the Years

The 'invitations' have not been typical, but they certainly are consistent in their layout (blush). Every year requested no gifts, but offered something to Tavish's friends for coming. This year, for turning four, Tavish gave a maple sugar candy from Torie's farm. When he turned three, he gave basil seeds and all that was needed to plant them. When he turned two, he gave a jump drive with "Tavish Turns 2 Tunes" on it. I wonder what turning five will give?

Interview with a 4 Year Old

To continue with what we started last year, we asked Tavish the same questions on his 4th birthday...

MOMENT: Musings of a 4 Year Old

I just love how answers seem to largely be influenced by what's most immediate in their world. He does love tacos, but I'm pretty sure we've never had them at a restaurant. Ha. Always interesting... Here's what Tavish had to say March 24, 2013 about where he'd like to fly to, who his friends are, his favourite meal and what he'd like to be when he grows up ...