Same hoodie, different days

Halfway through Glen's "35th Birthday Fortnight", and we've already had enough chocolate to help him win the Dumyat Downhill (extra mass). The MegaDob merchandise was a hit, hence the appearance of a single day below when, in fact, we are looking at an 8 day spread. Thanks go to all who treated Dobson on the day(s) and sent him many a well wish - Nonno, chainreaction bike parts were a hit and Lynnie, we are starting Supernatural tonight.

Birthday Cake Number One. But let's not forget the chocolate chip pancakes, the chocolate souffle, or the chocolate/banana bread. In honour of Nonna, a chocolate orange was purchased (and consumed) - it was one of the dependables that she would spoil Glen with each year.

Fatigued from the festivities.

Stealing a late night cuddle with the sleeping Savage. Birthday beer in hand thanks to Auntie Maureen and Uncle Rob.

William joined the party for some marble racing - an essential for any and all birthday celebrations.

"Birthday Fortnight" concludes next Sunday. For more details, contact Ashley@MegaMommy.com - party convenor and master chef baker.

Monkey Business

A few months ago, Savvy slipped and bumped her tailbone. She was asking what the sore bone was called and I explained the name. She asked about its meaning and, without thinking, I told her it was the remnant of a lost tail.

I wasn't planning on an evolution chat, but that's where we were headed. I'm pretty confident the concept was well out of her grasp. The timeline involved was about 30m+ years too large for her comfort zone. She's still stuck in the mode of: "now", sometimes: "today", and more rarely: "tomorrow".

Since our chat, she randomly brings up the monkey business every week or so with a wide range of reactions:

Confused: When did we take our tails off?

On board: Is that why I like bananas?

Sad: I don't want to be a monkey. I don't want a tail! (sob)

Disappointed: Was I just a monkey? Why wasn't I a PigMonkey?

Vigilant/dubious: If I was a monkey, why are there no pictures of my tail?

And my favourite, let's call it "Out of touch": (doing circles of herself like a puppy, trying to find her own tail).

Jet Lag and Recovery

The return from Canada cost us a bit in the sleep department. It felt like jet lag was here to stay, and we had a sad/grumpy/confused soldier on our hands for a wee while. This led to many negotiations. Yes, including letting Savvy sleep in her baby car seat, in her cot, in our room. It was, unsurprisingly, a complete disaster of a night. When she woke in her bed having been moved once safely asleep, she shouted and cried: "I didn't tell anyone to move me; I never said it was ok to take away my car seat" over and over. We were up for hours.

At last things improved. We've had play dates and sleep overs and picnics and new nursery has been a hit. Back into the groove.

Stolen Pics

Credits to Sohpie LB and to Team Macbeth for the cute pics.

Crash Boom Bang

I don't think Chrispy and Nana were too impressed with Aunt Lynnie. While they were taking Savage and I to the airport, Lynnie used her FX makeup expertise to batter up the girls. They played their part perfectly for Chris and Nana's return. Exhibit A above with pained and forlorn looks. Naughty corner for you Lynnie!

Celebration Time

Proud Dad, toasting his new baby girl.

The gang joins in.

A follow up to celebrate Nana's 65th. Masterpiece Birthday banner led by Chi, with support from Aya and [kind of] Sav.
Great family time. Sad to say goodbye and so sorry to have missed Kumi and Rae, but we can't wait to see our MegaDob and the Bridge. Thank you for hosting Nana!!!

More Fun

(Remember, the blog blogs best four pics at a time...)

The Rainy Days...

Here's what the kids thought of the rainy days (above). But we made the most of it, crashing Aunt Lynnie's quiet morning for snacks and stories, swimming, and venturing to GI. I think we proved in a race with Nana and Chris that ferry boat trumps car when travelling to the island - we had a race, Top Gear style.

Nothing but Gold

What a great night - celebrating 10 years of Gold with my two Canadian Ultimate superstars (World Champions, Heilbronn, Germany, 2000). Obviously, we are 10 years wiser, but don't look a single day older.
We had a great sea wall walk viewing some of the winter Olympic sites where other similar Canadian gold medals have been celebrated :) before a delicious meal at Caldero's.

Thank you gals!

The Griff reminds our fans about who is number one (Team Canada, 2000). He took a shiner defending our honour. Go Griffin!

Fun

More fun as we take to the pool (again, and again...), Lynnie takes us to her yoga studio for a great class, and Team Siddoo spoil us rotten during a lovely play date.

The rain has arrived, but we're not deterred - the fun will continue.

Stand By

Team Japan surprise us with an early arrival - thank you standby! Great to have the cousins together for sun, swimming, pie, and toe painting by Aunti Lynnie.

Nine Years

Here's to an amazing 9 years with my lovely, amazing, funny, talented and gorgeous husband. I love you MegaDob!

Team K and Team N

Sage gives Savvy a pull along the sea wall.

Uncle Ty and Fatty take the kids (thank you!) and the girls head to the spa.

Fun summer colours, but mostly a great chance to catch up. (It's rare that I would actually ever show my "chicklet" toes willingly...)

Chez Casa Nielsen, the land of yummy food and drink, chocolate cheesecake, AND their very own bouncy castle. A great weekend.