Quote of the Day

If you don't want to eat your sandwiches, you have to hide them from the 'Lunch Momidor'.

~ Charlotte

(She means the Mums, who kindly volunteer to Monitor the Primary classes while the teachers take lunch).

Charlotte's Cape Breton Road Trip

Last week, Charlotte had a great holiday with her Mum, Dad, and her Nanna Niccy who is visiting from New Zealand.

We did the following awesome things:
- Spent a night in Antigonish and walked around SaintFX while Nanna spoke to the students. Charlotte loved it there, but is disappointed that she has to wait twelve more years before she can have a run on their race track.
- SaintFX had rainbow pedestrian crossings, with colours in the same order as the song.
- We spent the weekend in Sydney, Cape Breton; and visited the giant fiddle. It was playing fiddle music.
- We missed Celtic Colours, but listened to friends of ours play Cape Breton music and sing old gaelic songs. We ate roast turkey and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.
- We went to Louisburg Fortress and learned about the French families that lived there, before there were British.
- We spoke to a French 'carpenter' in wooden clogs, and met a man in period costume, walking around with five geese (who already knew the way).
- We spoke to elders and community workers on the Membertou Reservation. They had a Tim Hortons there, and the Stop Signs were in Mi'kmaq.
- We visited the beautiful heritage centre at Membertou, and climbed in the teepee. Mum bought fur moccasins. 
- We also visited Eskasoni and Pictou Landing Reservations, but missed out on Millbrook/ Indian River. We heard First Nations drummers sing.
- We saw a loon, a cormorant and two eagles; and my Dad got pooped on by a seagull. We watched for Moose on the highway at night.
- We did our word of the day on the road trip, and were happy to come back to school and meet all our friends.

Bonjour mes amis/Au revoir mes amis

What we are learning this week:

• How to print the letters and say Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd, Ee, and Ff.
• Learning new songs, Including ABC's, and Bonjour mes amis/Au revoir mes amis.
• Working with the numbers 1 and 2

Parody Parrot

Almost two months after her actual birthday, Charlotte is only one sleep away from her belated birthday party. (She was hell bent on going to Titans Gym to bounce on the trampolines, but their dance card was full ~ so Tigga opted to wait).

     The line of questioning lately has been along the basic theme of, "So what are you getting me for my birthday?" 

To this, we usually scoff and laugh, because Michelle and I both know the wee brat is as fortunate and spoiled as a kid can get, (mostly because her parents are uselessly sentimental ~ especially her Dad).

     The fact is, Charlotte has already had mountains of gifts: both at Christmas time, and again in January during her actual birthday. (Having everything and asking for more, must have something to do with turning five).

     But when she asked the 'present' question again this morning, she detected the sarcasm in our voices when we promised to buy her a rocket ship. 

     I can't remember how it played out exactly, but likely, one of us said it, the other one laughed, and the end result was that Charlotte was quite upset. 

So much so, that she stormed off to her room in tears for the third time today (again, she's only five).

     But I'm her Dad, and I love her, and I always wanted a rocket ship when I was a kid, as well. Needless to say, the big softy took pity on the teary-eyed little girl.

     Man, I remember how it was to be five years old, just starting out and finding my way in the world. I remember I especially hated it when people made fun of me.to this day, I still hate smug people. Perhaps because of then.

     So fast-forward to this afternoon and we're in Costco. We are there to pick up the birthday cake, but as we so often do at Costco, we stumbled on something pretty, and I totally caved.

     It caught both of our attention at the same time, and although it wasn't a space capsule, it was the next best thing ~ it was a 3D Parrot Kite.

(I couldn't talk Tig into the 3D Spitfire kite that was there, and there was no way I was taking her out to fly a 3D Frozen Olaf, so the Mcaw was the compromise).

     We were so excited we got it out of the box as soon as we got home. In fact, kite fever was so rampant, it totally distracted one of us from the fact that it was fast approaching nap time (more tears).

     So, after a quick snack and the much needed afternoon zZz's were taken care of, we jumped into our snow suits, and we were off...

Unfortunately, the going was pretty tough on account of the snow. There is 75cm sitting over the playground, so there were no swings (because they are all totally buried), and we had to fall down a bunch more times, lose a boot or two in the ice drifts, and shed a few more frustrated tears during the 25 minute slog across to the sports field...

     

     ...but finally, we made it.

We hooked up the hand winch, released the streamers, then it happened. You guessed it... the bloody wind stopped blowing... entirely!

     Our beautiful parrot kite wouldn't fly (which if I'm honest, is our third failed attempt at kite flying, with as many different models of kite).

     Admittedly, convincing Charlotte to run into wind when she was constantly sinking up to her thighs in snow was a little too much to ask.

     There was the odd little puff that gave us hope enough to stay, but after 45 minutes, I was still standing like a dork, with my arms in the air, the lazy canvass fluttering above my head, and Charlotte 200 yards away making a snow angel, (the Spitfire would have flown. Just saying).

     Finally, just as Charlotte lost another boot, then a glove (while she was trying to fix the boot), and right as she was about to forego the will to live, the stubborn canvass parrot finally rose up and took to the air.

It was beautiful!

Charlotte grabbed the controls, forgot all about the frostbite on the end of her nose, and we just sat together for a while marvelling at our hard won achievement.

     "There, Charlotte," I said. "There's no 'I' in 'TEAM', but I think we've just proved, there is a 'Me'."

It was right about then, that it started to snow...

On the walk (or should I say, 'slog') back home, we flew the Parrot Kite with about 15 yards of twine paid out. 

     From her new vantage point, atop the sympathetic shoulder ride I was giving her, Charlotte made a stunning observation:

     "Hey Daddah, I think I know what happened, Daddah." (She always says her parents name first and last on the opening sentence).

     "What's that, Tig?"

     "Parody Parrot was just a little scardy, because she's never done this before. Until now, she's always lived in her box at Costco."

     "You're right," I agreed, amused with the purity and magic of her observation.

     "Yeah, and now that she knows she can fly, she doesn't want to stop. Just look at her, Daddah. Isn't she beautiful. I love her sooo much."

Glad you like it buddy. Happy belated birthday-eve, Tig. I'd give you the entire world if I had it to give.

     I can't wait to hang out with you and your Mum, this Summer. It's going to be so much fun.

xxooxx Dad

School Registration for Charlotte

Today we registered Charlotte in the French immersion program at Shannon Park School.

Her orientation is in May, but she doesn't start until September, which is the beginning of the Canadian school year.

Charlotte is nervous about what it all means, but is really excited at the same time. I think she will really enjoy having lots of friends her own age.

Blink of an eye. Seems like only yesterday, I was knee deep in baby wipes and Elmo diapers.

Who knew five years could go by so fast...

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Dear Charlotte,
Your Mum and I are off to Orlando. First time leaving you alone. First holiday I've ever hd away with just your Mum.

It's snowing outside at Halifax Airport. Make sure you take care of Nanny. We'll be back to see you on Friday. (Don't burn the house down).

Love you kid, xxooxx
Dad

Play Dough Cookie Oven

Baked play dough cookies, and used a step stool under a chair as an 'oven'.

Winter Wonderland

Boy it's been cold. More blizzards and piled snow this year, than since Charlotte's has been alive and Will has been living in Canada. Chilly. But beautiful too.

The groundhog saw his shadow- 6 more weeks of winter ;(

It's Groundhog Day.

Shubenacadie Sam

To mark the occasion, Charlotte and her friends at Paddington's Playstation consoled themselves with a special dessert after Shubenacadie Sam the groundhog saw his shadow, signalling 6 more weeks of winter.  

A groundhog, in dirt!

Unfortunately, this week (and next), it looks like his prediction was correct.

Garth: The Winter House Fly

About two weeks ago, something extraordinary happened... We were visited by a wayward mid-winter house fly.

At first, he was nothing more than a passing distraction, until someone finally commented on how strange it was to have a fly buzzing around the house in the middle of January.

Before long, we realised something even more extraordinary: it appeared our humble house fly was following us around.

"What should we call him?" Charlotte asked one evening dinner.

"I think his name is Garth," Michelle replied.

"But how do you know?" Said the Charlotte, checking that she wasn't being lied to.

"Because," I said, joining in the ruse, "He told us, of course."

That seemed to be enough to allay any of Charlotte's concerns.

And so it was that out house of three, became a house of four. 

Garth is there with us during breakfast in the morning. He visits again during supper, and even comes upstairs to hang out while Charlotte puts her pyjamas on, and brushes her teeth.

We love you, Garth. Our faithful pet house fly.

Message in a Bottle for Charlotte

This message was written on a pukapuka leaf with a sharks tooth nib and ink made from snail slime and charcoal. It was rolled up and sealed inside a bottle with beeswax, and then tossed into a whirlpool by Nancy Nutmeg.

The bottle was sucked into the ocean, then it popped up inside your toilet! Your Dad found it, just as he was about to do a big poo this morning …

He fished it out, using the toilet brush, and opened it for you.What a caring Dad. But, I wouldn’t shake his hand today.

The message reads: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLOTTE! 

Five gold nuggets were supposed to be inside the bottle, but Crackers Kea stole them and his them in his secret hidey hole.

XXX Aunty Briar

PS: It was my birthday too. I got a new pen and nibs, and some ink, and a water-blaster, and had a party.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up, Charlotte?

Sometimes, on the drive into work, Michelle and I will ask Charlotte what she wants to be when she grows up. Quite often, she gets confused between 'What she want's to be', 'What she wants to do', and 'What she wants for her upcoming birthday, but for the most part, her mind is fairly clear, and is well set on some of the things she wants.

As Charlotte snores upstairs on what is the last night being four, and the first night being five; I thought I'd share with you her answer from last Thursday, on our long drive into Kari's before work.

Dad: "So, Charlotte. What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Charlotte: "Well, I want to work in the Dalplex Fun Zone with my whole family, I want to be a ballerina, and when I'm five, I want to go to the Moon (on a silver spoon). Also, once I've been a ballerina, I want to become a big sister to my cousin Amelia, and hang out with my friends. (Pauses to think). Ummm..."

Charlotte cont'd: "Oh, and I want a trampoline for my birthday, and bunk beds from Costco, in case Amelia comes - that way, she and I can play."

So, there you have it. Out of the mouths of babes.

Last Day of Being Four

Dad: "Charlotte, today is your last full day of being 4!"

Charlotte: (Pause) "Do I still get to go swimming?"

Dad: "Yes, of course!"

Charlotte: "OK, then good."

Shovelling Snow ~ Unprompted

I heard a noise yesterday, and looked outside to see what was going on. Needless to say, I was shocked to see my 4.9 year old, dressed in her snow suit, and shovelling fresh snow of the driveway for me - on her own accord!

All I can say is, "Awesome!"

Happy 5th Anniversary Sean & Di

On January 23, 2015, Sean and Dianne have their fifth wedding anniversary. It is easy to remember this for one very special reason... if you want to see what five years looks like ~ here it is.

Beautiful Five Years Old

How Many Sleeps To Go?

While making Jello with her Mum the other night, Charlotte froze and looked up at the wall, before announcing, "It's Tuesday, January 20th. Only five more sleeps until it's my birthday!" (singing).

"How do you know that?" I quizzed, looking up from my laptop at the kitchen table.

Charlotte gently handed her whisk to her mother and wiped her hands on a tea towel. "Because, it is... I'll show you." And with that, Tig grabbed a magic marker and dragged the step ladder over to the wall, beneath the calendar (sent to us at Christmas time from New Zealand).

With great care, Charlotte placed a giant tick on her birthday, January 25th; then without prompting, drew a circle on today's date, January 20th. Using her index finger (more to assist my understanding than her own), she slowly counted out the sleeps, "One... Two... Three... Four... Five. Five sleeps! See?"

Satisfied that I had been adequately schooled, the step ladder was dragged back over to the kitchen counter, and Charlotte continued on with her Mum, measuring out the Jelly mixture and pouring it into little individual containers for next week's 'Ssedert' (dessert).

PS: Thanks Kari, for teaching our little girl how the giant calendar works at the Paddington Playstation.

Cooking with Mum is so much Fun!!!

Paddington Bear ~ The Movie

Will grew up reading the stories, and now, he comes to life on the silver-screen for the viewing pleasure of our Charlotte. After a very long time waiting, Charlotte and Will finally made it to Paddington Bear the movie.

The anticipation of this particular event stretches back to November, when Will was away visiting his sisters Becci and Esther. It was already tradition for them to take Marmalade sandwiches to Buckingham Palace, but on this trip, he managed to bump into Paddington all over London.

Paddington Station 2013

St Paul's Cathedral 2014

The Thames 2014

So, we really, really had to go to this one. The movie screened over lunchtime (and nap-time as well), but sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do, and popcorn (or marmalade sandwiches) may be considered major food groups, part of any healthy diet.