Monday, July 21st
As it turns out, I didn't take any pictures of the children today... but there was some nice scenery along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 204
As it turns out, I didn't take any pictures of the children today... but there was some nice scenery along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. 
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 203
Sunday, July 20th
We made it to Virginia and decided to stay in Shenandoah National Park instead of driving the last 5 hours to get home. We were all tired but managed to take in a short walk. Ben, who could barely stand the hours in the car because he was so excited to get to hotels for the night, was disappointed because the lodge didn't have a pool - but it had a playground, and that was almost as good.
On our way into the park we saw lots of deer and even had a black bear cross the road in front of us.
I had the camera in my hand (for just such an occasion), but it was hard to focus through the windshield while our car and the bear were both moving!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 202
Saturday, July 19th
Ben and Izzie have started a new tradition: when we get into the hotel they crawl all over the bed flopping down at random times, rolling over, and giggling themselves silly. Izzie is thrilled because she thinks she's playing with Ben, and Ben seems to feel the same way. Within a few minutes Ben inevitably gets too rough and then Izzie gets moved to the floor where she finds other things to investigate - like mirrors and socks. But for those few minutes they "play" together they are really cute to watch!
Ben and Izzie have started a new tradition: when we get into the hotel they crawl all over the bed flopping down at random times, rolling over, and giggling themselves silly. Izzie is thrilled because she thinks she's playing with Ben, and Ben seems to feel the same way. Within a few minutes Ben inevitably gets too rough and then Izzie gets moved to the floor where she finds other things to investigate - like mirrors and socks. But for those few minutes they "play" together they are really cute to watch!
Daily Photos: Day 201
Friday, July 18th
Our first night on the road we stopped in Millinocket, Maine. Across the road from our hotel was a helicopter...
and a tank. Ben had a look at them with Daddy while Izzie and I stayed in the car and took pictures.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 200
Thursday, July 17th
We let Izzie sleep on the floor at the hotels on the way home - each night we built her a little sleeping cage with our bags and some sideways chairs.
We let Izzie sleep on the floor at the hotels on the way home - each night we built her a little sleeping cage with our bags and some sideways chairs.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 199
Wednesday, July 16th
While waiting for dinner Izzie is forced to first eat her own foot...
and then her arm!
Daily Photos: Day 198
Tuesday, July 15th
Izzie has some fun with a washcloth at dinner time.
Ben serenades Izzie and Grandma with his guitar playing.
Grandpa John and Ben race their motorcycles.
Izzie has some fun with a washcloth at dinner time.
Ben serenades Izzie and Grandma with his guitar playing.
Grandpa John and Ben race their motorcycles. Friday, July 25, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 197
Monday, July 14th
She got the whole egg shaker in her mouth - and we didn't even have to take her to the hospital to have it surgically removed.
We went to a sports centre in Sackville which had a toddler pool. It was shallow and they kept the temperature quite warm - it felt like bath water, but with a lot of chlorine. There were flutterboards, a toddler slide, and a saucer with a plastic bottom that kids could sit in. This was particularly handy for when your arms got tired of holding chubby/squirming children. Ben wasn't sure about things at first, but Izzie loved it from the start.
After a while Ben decided he liked it and was even brave enough to go down the slide. Another mom was there with her 2 sons - one of them 6 months old - and her mother-in-law was taking pictures. She asked if I wanted any pictures so I said sure, and she was kind enough to email them to me the same day!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 195
Saturday, July 12th
We went to a Scottish festival in Dartmouth which didn't quite live up to our expectations. After encountering a police barricade keeping cars from entering a street we thought we had found where the festival was being held, but it turned out to be the Dragonboat Festival. Unfortunately we didn't find this out until we had driven around looking for a parking spot, gotten both the kids out and hiked all the way back to the police barricade. We did, however finally make it to our intended festival where we slathered on the sunscreen and tried to stay in the shade. There wasn't much shade to be found inside the gates so we kept leaving to cool off. Ben spent most of his time on the equipment at the school next door, and enjoyed an ice cream just before we left. He didn't want to finish it all, but Izzie was more than happy to help him out!
In addition to piping and dancing competitions there were heavy events. In this particular event the competitors attempt to throw a 56 pound weight over the bar using only one hand. They are allowed three tries at each height. The heavy events were the most interesting part of the festival, but after several hours of hot sun and the drone of bagpipes and drums in every direction we were ready to go home. Perhaps next year we'll see what the Dragonboat Festival has to offer!
We went to a Scottish festival in Dartmouth which didn't quite live up to our expectations. After encountering a police barricade keeping cars from entering a street we thought we had found where the festival was being held, but it turned out to be the Dragonboat Festival. Unfortunately we didn't find this out until we had driven around looking for a parking spot, gotten both the kids out and hiked all the way back to the police barricade. We did, however finally make it to our intended festival where we slathered on the sunscreen and tried to stay in the shade. There wasn't much shade to be found inside the gates so we kept leaving to cool off. Ben spent most of his time on the equipment at the school next door, and enjoyed an ice cream just before we left. He didn't want to finish it all, but Izzie was more than happy to help him out!
In addition to piping and dancing competitions there were heavy events. In this particular event the competitors attempt to throw a 56 pound weight over the bar using only one hand. They are allowed three tries at each height. The heavy events were the most interesting part of the festival, but after several hours of hot sun and the drone of bagpipes and drums in every direction we were ready to go home. Perhaps next year we'll see what the Dragonboat Festival has to offer!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 192
Wednesday, July 9th
Daddy was supposed to arrive at midnight on Tuesday, but his flight got delayed several times and he ended up not arriving until Wednesday afternoon. The good thing about this is that Ben and Izzie were able to come to the airport with me. Ben was very excited, although the candy machines were distracting. He kept alternating between, "Where's my daddy?" and "Have some of that one?"
Daddy brought him a helicopter with wheels so it can fly or drive!
Daddy was supposed to arrive at midnight on Tuesday, but his flight got delayed several times and he ended up not arriving until Wednesday afternoon. The good thing about this is that Ben and Izzie were able to come to the airport with me. Ben was very excited, although the candy machines were distracting. He kept alternating between, "Where's my daddy?" and "Have some of that one?"
Daddy brought him a helicopter with wheels so it can fly or drive!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 191
Tuesday, July 8th
In the hot weather we've been eating a lot of our meals out on the deck - when we're not the ones being eaten, that is. Unless there is a stiff breeze the bugs can be merciless.
In the hot weather we've been eating a lot of our meals out on the deck - when we're not the ones being eaten, that is. Unless there is a stiff breeze the bugs can be merciless.
Izzie has been modifying her highchair positions. This evening she got not one, but two feet up and was quite happy and comfortable - until I got the camera. Grandma, when watching the toes on Izzie's uplifted foot spread apart and then curl as she attempted to pick up food, made the observation that it was like a third hand!
Benjamin decided to give a random operatic performance during dinner!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 190
Monday, July 7th
We received some goodies in the mail and have been having a lot of fun with them. Here Grandma and Ben have a duel with some blowouts while Izzie tries to catch them. (She wasn't successful!)
Since Ben and Izzie had so much fun in the water (and since it was finally warm), we decided to fill up the pool. The water from the hose was much too cold, so we added some hot water. Izzie took to it right away and started splashing merrily, much to Ben's chagrin. He crouched on the other side shivering and shouting at her to stop splashing.
We added another bucket of hot water and Ben was much happier.
I think Izzie has had a growth spurt, but she is still a little chubbachunk!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 189
Sunday, July 6th
We went to a nearby park/beach on Sunday afternoon. Ben was pleased to show off his hanging abilities. He likes to swing from a bar, but not on a swing.
Izzie, on the other hand, loves the swings.
Ben wanted Izzie to help "push" him up the slide.
Grandpa taught Ben how to say, "Look out below!" before coming down the slide. Ben also started to say, "Look out above!" before going up the slide.
After playing at the park for a while we walked down to the beach and took off our shoes.
Some of us took off our dresses too... We tried to just let Izzie get her feet in, but she was intent on sitting so we let her. Then she was determined to eat rocks. She would splash a few times and on one of the splashes covertly pick up a rock and try to get it in her mouth. Yes, she actually managed to get a couple in her mouth at different times and I had to fish them out. This sounds riciculous since I knew she was trying to eat them, but she is really fast. Just ask Grandma Val - she also fished a few out!
We went to a nearby park/beach on Sunday afternoon. Ben was pleased to show off his hanging abilities. He likes to swing from a bar, but not on a swing.
Izzie, on the other hand, loves the swings.
Ben wanted Izzie to help "push" him up the slide.
Grandpa taught Ben how to say, "Look out below!" before coming down the slide. Ben also started to say, "Look out above!" before going up the slide.
After playing at the park for a while we walked down to the beach and took off our shoes.
Some of us took off our dresses too... We tried to just let Izzie get her feet in, but she was intent on sitting so we let her. Then she was determined to eat rocks. She would splash a few times and on one of the splashes covertly pick up a rock and try to get it in her mouth. Yes, she actually managed to get a couple in her mouth at different times and I had to fish them out. This sounds riciculous since I knew she was trying to eat them, but she is really fast. Just ask Grandma Val - she also fished a few out!Daily Photos: Day 188
Saturday, July 5th
We put a blanket down and flipped the bouncy castle over to make a fort so Ben and Izzie could play in the shade. It was great because it kept Izzie from eating the grass - temporarily, anyway.
We put a blanket down and flipped the bouncy castle over to make a fort so Ben and Izzie could play in the shade. It was great because it kept Izzie from eating the grass - temporarily, anyway.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 187
Friday, July 4th
While Grandma was at work, Ben had his first water fight with Mommy. We laid in wait for Grandma, but it was so hot we gave up and went inside. Later the three of us headed out for some more water fun.
Ben even made himself useful by watering some of Grandma's flowers and squirting bird droppings off Mommy and Daddy's car.
Daily Photos: Day 186
Thursday, July 3rd
Izzie has fun with a piece of asparagus.
Ben and Grandpa have been creating towns with the Mega Blocks and cars. The towns are becoming increasingly elaborate and the storyline generally involves someone getting sick or crashing his/her car and going to the hospital. Ben is a particularly bad driver and as a consequence he crashes his car a lot and the other person has to call 911 (or 991 as Ben says) and bring the ambulance and doctor's kit.
Grandma and Grandpa usually get separate houses, as do Mommy and Ben and Izzie. (Because I'm behind in my blogging this town is not as elaborate as recent ones, so not all of those are included in the above picture.) Since Colin arrived, Ben generously conceded that Mommy and Daddy could live in the same house.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 185
Wednesday, July 2
Izzie partakes of some morning banana and assumes her favourite highchair position.
Ben wanted a picture of him eating banana too. He now eats it "like Grandma Val" instead of having it cut up for him.
Speaking of Grandma Val... Ben has been asking everyone's full names. It actually began weeks ago when he started using Samuel instead of Sam. Then for a while he used Isadora instead of Izzie. After that he started wondering what Grandpa and Grandma's names were - so we told him. We had a good laugh one evening when Grandma went up the steps and Ben shouted after her, "Valerie, Valerie... Wait for me, Valerie!"
Ben has also given himself a new nickname: Bengio. This is a name he created, and I'm not sure how, but my guess is that it came out of hearing the song B-I-N-G-O.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 184 Canada Day
Tuesday, July 1st
In an unusual display of blatant nationalism we dressed up and gave the kids each a flag to wave. The flags were quickly taken away after this picture and before anyone lost an eye.
After the initial moments in which Ben thought the fireworks were coming to get him, he enjoyed the show and even asked for them again the next day, and the day after.
There was a lot of traffic afterwards and a security guard announced that nobody would be moving for at least an hour, so we stayed on our rock, talked, and ate some Kettle Corn that we had brought along. The last bit of excitement for the day was a train that parallelled us and whistled (honked its horn?) for about 30 seconds while it passed. Ben was alarmed by the noise and close proximity so Grandma and I made various comments of, "That was loud, wasn't it?" with huge smiles on our faces to show him it was fun and not scary. After that Ben's input was, "That train oh wake up Izzie!"
In an unusual display of blatant nationalism we dressed up and gave the kids each a flag to wave. The flags were quickly taken away after this picture and before anyone lost an eye.In the afternoon we went to Halifax where there were festivities at a park. We tried to interest Ben in the face painting or bubbles, but all he wanted to do was play on the playground equipment. The weather finally felt like summer so we took turns sitting in the shade with Izzie and standing in the sun watching Ben. There were hordes of children at the park, so this was actually trickier than usual. I must be getting old (and cranky?), because I scolded somebody else's older children who were trying to climb up the slide while Ben was trying to come down.
We ate dinner at home, put Izzie to bed, and then Grandma, Ben and I headed out to catch the fireworks. Ben was delighted to find there was also a bouncy castle. The lady said I could go in with him to help, so I did. We were having a grand time, but then Mommy bounced him a little too high, and crying ensued. He later announced to Grandma that, "Mommy bounced me too much," and "Mommy hurt me." He wanted to ride a train, but it had closed down for the night so we bought some cotton candy instead and found a rock by the water to watch the fireworks.
After the initial moments in which Ben thought the fireworks were coming to get him, he enjoyed the show and even asked for them again the next day, and the day after.
There was a lot of traffic afterwards and a security guard announced that nobody would be moving for at least an hour, so we stayed on our rock, talked, and ate some Kettle Corn that we had brought along. The last bit of excitement for the day was a train that parallelled us and whistled (honked its horn?) for about 30 seconds while it passed. Ben was alarmed by the noise and close proximity so Grandma and I made various comments of, "That was loud, wasn't it?" with huge smiles on our faces to show him it was fun and not scary. After that Ben's input was, "That train oh wake up Izzie!"
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