The roomba

Beth's grandparents got us the roomba for Christmas. It is the perfect gift for Beth. Right now the roomba is in the kitchen doing its thing.

The tree's down

After our first ever toppled tree scattered water, needles and ornaments all over the living room, we decided that it was time to put out our tree. Usually we wait until after the new year, but today we were ready.

Merry Christmas

Santa came last night and was too good to the boys. The boys can now say they have DSs when asked that question that boys of a certain age ask, "What system do you have?" All the presents have been opened. The wrapping has been sorted between recyclable and not. All that's left is the turkey - 16.59 lbs of free-range goodness.

My Sorels are leaking!

After only one season my Sorel Caribou boots are leaking. They have developed cracks in the rubber. So much for the legendary Sorel quality. A quick search of the Internet turned up similar complaints about a drop in Sorel quality since the company was sold and production was relocated offshore. The warranty is only one year so I've missed it by about 2 months.

Waiting for Grandma and Grandpa

The boys are anxiously waiting for their "fieldtrip" with Grandma and Grandpa. They were up well before eight. They are now dressed and at the door looking for their grandparents' car.

Thumbs Up for Burger Shoppe

Beth was craving red meat yesterday so we went in search of a good burger. We ended up at the Burger Shoppe near Dangerous Dans. Everyone had a burger and Luke rated it, "Four thumbs up. I'm including my toes."

First Day of Winter

We have another day of snow. After 2 hours of shovelling and car liberation, these big fat flakes from some lake effect snow bands started drifting down. It's going to be a white Christmas.

Gingerbread

I tried my hand at gingerbread people for the first time last night. Today I had the kids in my class decorate them as a treat on the last day.

School's Out

The boys celebrated the last day of school for 2008 with an hour of toboganning and frolicking in the snow. The windchill was lower than -20. Luke had some serious white spots on his cheeks.

The tree

The tree is up, lit, and trimmed. It soaked up an enormous amount of water until yesterday and then it stopped. I hope the water level didn't go down so far that the bottom was sealed over.

Almost there...

We've almost made it to the Christmas holidays. One day to go. We are supposed to get a lot of snow this weekend...this is reminiscent of our departure for Florida last year at the March Break. This time we are not going anywhere - I hope everyone who's travelling makes it in.

On His Own

Without realizing it, I let Liam take a big step this afternoon. He
got dropped off at choir and had to walk up to the church and sign
himself in. This is big... it's his first taste of urban freedom. At
the cottage he often rambles about unsupervised, but somehow this is
different. Perhaps a taste of independence will be empowering.

Thirty Weeks!

The lady in red at thirty weeks!

The Santa Picture

Last night we went to Papa's annual Christmas party at Woodbine Mall's Fantasy Fair. The boys got their picture with the real Santa himself. When pushed for what they want they both said, "I forgot." I hope Santa got their letters and has the resources to secure 2 Nintendo DS systems.

How do you cross-over?

I went skating this afternoon without the kids. The bubble was empty enough to try and improve my technique along with getting some exercise. Two things I'd like to be able to do are stop using my right skate and cross over when I'm turning. I sense I'm getting closer, but I've still got a block. I think it's about the balance.

Dinner from Jean's Vegetarian

Yummy dinner from Jean's Vegetarian. Cold rolls, mixed veg green
curry, rice and pad thai. As always my eyes were too big for my
stomach and now we've got a cold roll and some pad thai for lunch
tomorrow.
The snow's falling and the roads are slick. Off to Woodbine Centre for
Papa's Christmas party at their indoor amusement park.

Hockey

I was at the rink twice today for the boys' hockey school. Liam's getting great. Today he complained that the sweat was stinging his eyes. I love it when that happens. Luke has finally come around after seven trying weeks of what he calls "swimming" on the ice and crying. I really wish I knew how to play.
I'm going to look for some parent and child shinny.