Funny Toddler Comment #517

Playing outside with Daddy on a summer afternoon.
Dad," Run Thomas, run fast, gooooo like Lightening McQueen!"
Toddler: "I can't run like Lightening McQueen, he's a car!"
He must think we are so dumb..........

Brrrrrr - Happy New Year!

Here's a family photo at our recent trip to the Aquarium. It was the first time I'd been to this aquarium with the only other one I've visited being the Chicago Aquarium. And I was really impressed. It was pretty cool and both the kids loved it. I would go so far as to say that take away the Beluga Whales and dolphins and it would be comparable to the Chicago one. But that Dolphin and Whale pool looking over Lake Michigan is pretty phenomenal. Note the shark at the top of the photo!
Well despite the fact that its supposed to be the height of summer here, it's freezing! Yesterday, Jim and I were getting around in our Uggies and Polar fleeces - ridiculous! And I would assume that all the thousands of people that have decided to holiday here over the past two weeks are probably pretty disappointed too. I am avoiding going to the shops at all costs, it's that busy, we just eat grass for dinner. Okay, so that's exaggerating, but I'm either shopping late at night or first thing in the morning, with at the most only one child because the middle of the day is just too hectic. We went to the beach today, but I think mostly because we felt we had too. It was only about 19 degrees C. and the water was icy, but Tom thought it was great and was splashing in the waves. Angus and I just relaxed on the beach towel. He loves the beach too as there is so much to watch and see. I think the seagulls are his favourite, but all the other kids are very fascinating as well. I hope you all had a happy and very safe New Year. We kept it pretty low key, too much hard work with young kids - but I had a good friend staying (Clare) and we haven't seen each other very much at all this year, so it was just wonderful to have a chance to chat and catch up on all the stuff that's been going on in our lives. Clare is six mths pregnant with her first baby also, so we had much bonding to do in regard to becoming a mother and that was really nice for me.
These couple of photos that I've included are from Christmas eve (setting out the biccies and beer for Santa and a carrot for the Reindeer)
and Santa's footprints the next morning, leading from the chimney to the tree.
I think the leaving a snack out for Santa has to be my most favourite tradition. I remember thinking it was great that Santa had a munch when he got to my house each Christmas and I think the same is happening all over again as you should have seen Tom's face the next morning when he saw the plate. It was priceless. He was absolutely astonished at the fact that Santa had eaten the biccies and the Reindeer had taken a bite out of the carrot. Nevermind that he'd drunk all the beer as well! It was a lot of fun for all of us. Christmas is such a special time of year. I know that's a cliche, but it really is. People do generally make an extra effort to be more thoughtful and considerate. And aside from being very busy as we all over-commit ourselves, it's just lovely that the focus remains on being together and spending time with family and friends. Anyway, I hope you all have a lovely memory of the holiday season just passed and are looking forward to an interesting and diverse New Year. Don't forget to go with the flow, whatever that might bring...............HAPPY NEW YEAR!