Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Nathaniel's Mighty Steps






What began as a few steps, has become a proud march, and now, a very spirited run. Nathaniel now spends more time on his feet than on the floor--obviously, he's intent on catching up with this brother no matter how big the bruises. Of course, in the park, each has a tendency to dash off in the opposite direction, which will make solo excursions a particular challenge. Can't say we didn't see this dilemma coming though...but now that it's here...ulp!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Maggie turned five years old today, and as per the ritual, she was treated to an extra helping of Fancy Feast and a double-dose of Greenies treats. While we weren't quite able to convince Carter to serenade his feline sister with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday", we were all amazed when Nathaniel uttered her name shortly before his bed time. Next year, I'll bet both of them will be literally singing her praises...

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Boo At The Zoo



On Grandma and Grandpa's last day, we all headed east to visit aunt Wendy and take in a day at the nearby Bowmanville Zoo, which mom and dad have been itching to visit long before the boyos came along, but never had the opportunity. After lunch and a proper romp through Wendy's spacious digs, we took the short drive through downtown and reached the jam-packed parking lot in mere minutes.











The tour started off well-enough, with some entertaining monkeys, parrots, and yet more farm animals just over the bridge. But from out of nowhere, the sky opened for a relentless downpour just as we reached the lion and tiger pens and Nathaniel awoke from his nap...
























So instead, we inspected the exotica at new Wal-Mart that just opened in the area and the boys had a good time riding the shopping carts and snacking at McD's.


Thankfully, the zoo staff granted us a raincheck for another visit, so we'll do it all again this October. By then, Nathaniel will be walking on his own, and the likelihood that they'll sit still in strollers for an extended afternoon is hopeful, at best. Then again, there'll be plenty of staff nearby, experienced in handling wild creatures of every size...

Friday, August 20, 2010

Let's Go To The Ex!!! (Pt. 3)

The boys' adventure at the CNE concluded with a visit to the firehall, a meet n' greet with the troublingly large dalmation, Grandma's score of two very cool ambulance replicas, and a welcomely-air-conditioned romp through the sprawling wares of The Direct Energy Centre (where we scored some new books for them at a bar-goon price)...next year, we'll time it to the Super Dogs show for sure...




On the way to the grounds exit, Carter and Nathaniel got the opportunity to play their first-ever carnival game--the ever-reliable "Duck Pond"--which scored them two prizes each! Wish I could tell you that "prize every time" applied to real life, boyos, but enjoy it while you can...


Let's Go To The Ex!!! (Pt. 2)

Next stop: the mini-Ex-within-The-Ex, ideal for toddlers and parents in dire need of a rest. Carter and Nathaniel enjoyed familiar favorites like the swings and the chance to get up close n' personal with yet more animals, but didn't exactly warm up to the concept of face painting. Carter took a nasty tumble when embarking on his first solo effort on the slide, reminding us that we'll still have to hover a little more closely when the boys are unleashed on strange terrain...