If you Give a Moose a Muffin, 2nd Edition

After reading this sweet book to both kids tonight, Keva asked to have her turn reading it. Tavish and I listened intently to her inner-outter reading rambles. Her version of the story ended with a song:

"Do you know the Muffin Man? The Muffin Man? The Muffin Man? MOOSE!"

Eleventeen

Oh, you don't recognize that number? Well, according to our confident sounding three year old, it most certainly is a number and she will count right to it for you. She was sporadically counting some steps up the stairs and she very clearly counted "eleven-teen". It seems to come after nine and right before twenty three which were unusually close together. Kids are awesome.

Late Night Learner

After completing his first Chicadee magazine with Mommy and a goodnight kiss, Daddy came in to say goodnight to Tavish. He proceeded to ask if he could stay up to read. He requested two books from the shelf: The Big Book of Canadian Animals and a huge book called Rocks and Minerals. Initial reaction is NO! It's time for bed! Then the reality of the situation sinks in a little ... you start to come to your senses by reflecting on past lapses of judgement...like when you heard yourself saying "no you can't play another game of chess - off the ipad!".  We handed the books over. Go ahead and read, my little learner. Who am I to stump your curiosity?!

Origami

Caeli gave a gift of creativity and fun ...

MOMENT: Origami Fun

They made penguins, cats, rabbits, and hats.

This is 40

No better excuse for a getaway than Mommy entering a shiny new decade...

This is 40

This is the eve of 40 ... and NYE: San Diego style!

MOMENT: 40 and Fabulous

Not only did Tom and I get TWO nights away to celebrate my BIG birthday ... but we got to count it down in San Diego! We saw my 30s finish at San Diego's smallest bar then enjoyed a ferry trip with bikes to ride around Corondo Island to feel the waves on our feet. We also got together to toast with friends... first with a friend I travelled with, Juan Carlos, then dinner with a friend of Tom's from University, Blaine, and his fiancee Mary Catherine. Great food, great location, great life. 40 feels just fine!

Arizona 2015

Our winter holiday just wouldn't feel right without our annual voyage to Arizona to see Grandma/Grandpa/Auntie Colleen.

It's always a fun ride at View Point!

A fine view of the desert.

Playground pals.

Static slide.

Grinning guy.

Books with Grandpa.

Beer sampling!

The tye-dye gang!

MOMENTS: All Wonderfully Fulfilling

Our kids keep us, and everyone else around them, moving! Grandma playing soccer with Tavish ... then napping shortly after with Keva is proof! Tavish had his first official haircut with Daddy and Mommy admits that there's probably no turning back after that demonstration of improved skill. We rode the park train and drove the golf cart. We went to Butterfly Wonderland. Swam. Picked grapefruit. Went on desert hikes. Read books. Played in playgrounds and Grandpa's parking spot. Played tag anywhere they could. Went for a bike riding adventure. Sampled some local brew with Auntie Colleen and Andrew. Watched some tv with Grandpa. Tavish showed up everyone with his basketball skills. Keva's skills were a slam dunk. Dined and crafted. Then ultimately had to leave after a wonderfully fulfilling 2 weeks together.

Merry Christmas 2015

Another wonderful season to celebrate together.

Santa Visit

They Made a List...

...Checking it Twice

"C" is for Cookie

New Name Ornaments from Grandpa Mike 

Arriving in Style!

Christmas time Clowning around

Christmas Dinner

MOMENT: Ho! Ho! Ho!

The kids got to work right away upon our arrival... there were lists to make and mail, lights to see, cookies to decorate, cards to make, gifts to wrap, Santa to feed, gifts to receive, meals to eat, and celebrating to do!