Nights of Wildlights

December 15, Pugah& Gammy B, Stew, Madeline, Jenna and I went to the Kamloops Wildlife Park "Wildlights"- over 400,000 Christmas lights strung in trees, dancing to music in the amphitheater accompanied with dry ice, figures of animals and such, interacting with us as we press a button and watch a penguin go through a sequence of motions to splash into a pond (just one of the many examples). We also went on the Christmas train (a miniature train that travels around the park). Madeline happily sat in a large metal wagon with Jenna close behind in her car seat. When we were about half way around, Jenna decided that she was tired of being covered up in her car seat and wanted out. She was in her down snow suit- so she was already pretty toasty, but I put her in my jacket to carry her around! ( check out the picture- it's pretty funny-looking). She LOVED it! She giggled and cooed and danced and kicked.
We ended up going out on opening night so "Uncle Chris the Clown" was there (he is the local clown who is at every function in town- if it is opening or happening- he's there) He is not a scary clown (I have some issues with them...) but he is just everywhere!
Anyway, we had a great time and it wasn't too cold outside- both the girls stayed warm and we warmed up quickly too!

snow pigs

I shall recite one of Madeline's books...again. This is an excerpt from Jillian Jiggs and the Great Big Snow. "I'm making snow pigs, I like pigs, their friendly said Jillian Jiggs."

So when I offered a morning activity of making snow pigs, I could not get her boots on fast enough! She enjoyed herself quite a bit as she picked out certain rocks for their eyes and for the top of their snow hats. She also enjoyed eating a lot of the snow too. It is reasonably clean- we don't have a dog or anything, but I did notice some dirt around her mouth. Oops! To this she states, "mmm, this snow tastes good!" Jenna was unable to participate in making the snow pigs due to her developing dexterity and fine motor movements... oh, and she was NAPPING! (it seems like she is always sleeping)

Anyway, we had a lot of fun this morning.

Jenna has had a less-than-regular BM schedule- so instead of diluting prunes and giving it to her in a syringe, I decided to try feeding to her on a spoon. She did very, very well for her first time. Enjoy the picture. (hopefully the prunes will help) Madeline wanted to try what Jenna was getting so we gave some to her- she went 3 times in one day. Jenna went the next day...

Snow days are here...

Well, there has been a lot of snow recently and now Madeline would like to go and play in the powdery white stuff. She quotes a book that she has been reading, "mom, did you hear me?, can I go out and play?"(Jillian Jiggs and the Great Big Snow)

We made a snow slide in the back yard in which she was delighted to try, and then I decided to bury her from the waist down- which she also loved.

Jenna has also enjoyed the snow...that is the snow suit. My brother and sister in law is lending us a down snow suit- which was awesome for the cold snap! She looks so "cozy" as Madeline would say.

Madeline is now able to tell you how old she is "2"! She is also able to say her own name, but when you ask her what her name is, at first she says "2 years old" and then after some direction, she says "Maddy Char-bois". She is so proud of herself- and so are we!

(the picture of Stew and Madeline sitting on a curb and Jenna in the background covered by a blanket- is from the Santa Claus Parade November 26/06)

Madeline's jungle birthday party

Well, Madeline's birthday was great fun. All of my family came out (despite the weather) and it was the first time that my whole family was in my house at the same time! THAT was really cool. I invited some little friends to her party- none of whom could make it out- EXCEPT Emily!!!!! Those two had SOOOOO much fun. At one point they were holding hands and dancing to music with their coodinating Dora backpacks on. Then they could not stop hugging each other. I am very happy that these two cousins have such a special bond (being 3 months different in age) Madeline received beautiful gifts from everyone---THANK YOU---

My monkey cake turned out very well too! I was very happy about that. I haven't decorated a cake in years! So Madeline's birthday was a sucess!