what sweet madness!

Post Ski Debrief

2012-02-12T20:26:00.002-05:00

trailblazers

2012-02-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Tree! Ski!

2012-02-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

New Rug!

2012-02-02T14:40:00.001-05:00

The rug from India arrived! Kashmiri quality for the playroom

Cucumber`s Birthday Cake

2012-01-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

Kiddos in a box

2011-12-31T20:01:00.001-05:00

Happy new year

Pretend food is like science, right

2011-12-27T14:02:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the mini faux kitchen at the Ontario Science Centre

Post Holiday Reading

2011-12-26T18:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who made this year such a great holiday for the kiddos. Now, we build blanket forts and read

What are we eating?

2011-12-25T14:21:00.001-05:00

Doyle immortal!

2011-12-25T09:47:00.001-05:00

THANKS STEFF for my awesome Doyle portrait! I love it!

Santa Crasher

2011-12-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

So I went down to the mall to have my picture taken with the kiddos, and this guy in a red suit just wouldn't get off the bench. Rude much?

Twinkle Toes

2011-10-07T09:55:00.002-04:00

Miz T Rocks The Mic

2011-10-03T18:05:00.001-04:00

Miz T Versus the Little Car

2011-10-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

Wolf nap

2011-08-26T18:45:00.001-04:00

Bathing beauty

2011-08-15T13:40:00.001-04:00

Midday scrubdown!

Beep beep!

2011-07-27T09:29:00.001-04:00

New Tent!

2011-07-23T08:27:00.001-04:00

Our trusty three-man did the kiddo continental trip fine, but future camping trips we hope to have two adults sleeping in our cushy huge Zeta 4. Tents are just awesome, aren't they?

Thomson tent city

2011-07-22T18:36:00.001-04:00

We are rich in tents!

Out back

2011-07-13T18:21:00.001-04:00

At the splash pad

2011-07-01T14:52:00.001-04:00

Beach Babes

2011-06-27T16:42:00.001-04:00

Lake Ontario may not be the nicest beach we've seen the summer, but it sure is the closest. Afternoon beaching with the girls and Uncle D.

Cheering section

2011-06-06T22:26:00.001-04:00

T looks great in royal blue. Too bad the Canucks can't score in white.

High Art

2011-06-02T14:38:00.001-04:00

Miz V contributes to the creative explosion at the Vancouver Children's Festival

Nap

2011-05-23T14:46:00.001-04:00

Not everyone wants to look at pansies.

Three Twin Nuckleheads

2011-05-22T20:02:00.001-04:00

The secret was the ones.

Pack it Up, Pack it In

2011-05-09T14:34:00.001-04:00

Let me begin- by saying the car is over half packed! One more sleep!

More from the edge

2011-05-07T10:02:00.001-04:00

Cliffhanger

2011-05-07T09:59:00.001-04:00

Preparing for the big Kiddo Continental, it became clear we needed a picnic table solution for Miz T. The classic table hanger has now been incorporated in our feeding rituals. It does look a little weird but it is remarkably stable

Pebbles into the puddle

2011-05-05T09:04:00.001-04:00

Miz V wants to skype everyone at home so she can tell them about camping. So far so good...

Peas rule

2011-05-02T12:47:00.001-04:00

Isn't the wall beautiful Mama?

2011-04-29T09:15:00.001-04:00

Sigh.

Automobile maintenance

2011-04-28T12:45:00.001-04:00

Hanging around the mechanic waiting for the red car to get a clean bill of health

Easter Bubbles

2011-04-24T16:57:00.001-04:00

Playing with the bubbles of spring

2011-04-24T13:46:00.001-04:00

Chariot Will Head West!

2011-04-22T16:25:00.001-04:00

Tent Sleeper

2011-04-21T11:24:00.003-04:00

Miz V sleeping in, while Miz T has a tent party. Foreshadowing?

Tent pôle tip

2011-04-21T11:24:00.001-04:00

Sent from my HTC

G'mornin'

2011-04-17T08:52:00.001-04:00

A quick howdy from the lil pardner

Splish Splash

2011-04-16T10:28:00.001-04:00

It's puddleduck time!

Support the Arts!

2011-04-13T12:30:00.001-04:00

By wearing a tutu while you set up your crayolas. Tra la La!

Big brains

2011-04-10T13:59:00.001-04:00

So the kidlet now wears a size children's meidum in sunhats. She a veritable zombie feast on legs!

Techno babe

2011-04-10T08:30:00.001-04:00

Here is Miz T working M's new ipad. It will be harder to convince this one that the store ran out of batteries.

Birthday Bash

2011-04-09T13:22:00.001-04:00

Quick look at the fantastic weather we have for the birthday party. Dang did we ever luck out!

Dinner delight

2011-04-07T17:28:00.001-04:00

This is just a quick shot expressing Miz T's general pleasure at the mixed veggies dinner she's currently enjoying. Good times...

Escape from Planet Bath

2011-04-06T19:01:00.001-04:00

Observe the bebe in mid speed scoot, making a last a nd desperate sprint to freedom as the warm water slowly fills the porcelain tub and seals her fate to be free of dust and debris

Birthday self portrait

2011-04-05T18:31:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday to meeeeeeeeee... we're having dinner en famille at Happy Sushi on the Danforth and it's a lovely little party

Testing new Tech

2011-04-05T16:17:00.001-04:00

My shiny new Android phone has a blogger app, so naturally I figured I better give it a try. So let's see if this land properly

The long climb

2011-04-03T13:44:00.001-04:00

Miz V is enjoying the arrival of park season. Fortunately parks can be found everywhere - even at the yacht club.

Get Up and Go

2011-03-30T17:41:00.000-04:00

And so it begins.

Driving Daddy To Work

2011-03-23T12:17:00.000-04:00

cinema verity.

V the documentarian

2011-03-23T10:54:00.001-04:00

Always looking for ways to distract, especially from driving, Miz V took my tough camera and worked on a photoi essay entitled: Drivinf Daddy to Work. After a morning in post-production, expect to world-premiere it here later today. Art is fun.

Sent from my HTC

Could spring be far behind?

2011-03-17T12:34:00.000-04:00

We made our first venture out to the park this morning, and it was actally a worthwhile venture. 10 above was a big part of that. But attitude helped too, Miz V agreed to play nicely and Miz T agreed the stroller was a fine place to stay. Let's us all cross fingers for similar positive approaches make the park less of a hellscape this summer.

Wheeee!

2011-02-23T14:06:00.000-05:00

Thora Vs Cereal

2011-02-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

V with Eggplant

2011-02-22T19:08:00.001-05:00

dc fix-1092.JPG, originally uploaded by redsmirk.

been meaning to post this since September

T Devoured by sofa

2011-02-21T22:09:00.001-05:00

dc fix-0363.JPG, originally uploaded by redsmirk.

I am trying to get this blog moving again, and so am experimenting with new ways to upload. This is a test -of your ability to withstand extreme cuteness.

Bah, Humbug.

2010-12-17T15:09:00.000-05:00

Merry Xmas to all, and to all an Excedrin night.

Hello? Is this thing on?

2010-12-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

Hello? Is this thing on?

2010-12-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

return!

2010-11-09T15:53:00.000-05:00

Centreville!

2010-09-11T14:30:00.001-04:00

On Top of Blackcomb

2010-08-28T17:48:00.001-04:00

Pirate Bebe

2010-07-18T13:22:00.001-04:00

Argh, matey!

More peeks

2010-07-18T13:19:00.000-04:00

Family Monkey Dance

2010-07-18T13:01:00.002-04:00

Now everyone can get in on the Monkey Dance action! Grab a doll and play along at home!

A Few Peeks at T

2010-07-02T21:42:00.000-04:00

The Baby Thora Song

2010-07-02T21:10:00.002-04:00

Miz V has developed her very own lullaby for the newbie. She won't believe she was ever this adorable when she's sixteen.

Sleeping Bunnies

2010-06-30T18:25:00.000-04:00

Sleep is Good.

The Newbie

2010-06-26T15:44:00.002-04:00

It's a she! Everyone give a warm welcome to Thora Helen Thomson, the newest human person of my acquaintance. So far all is well, despite being several weeks ahead of the curve. Will post more info as situation unfolds. Huzzah!

Miz V Goes To The Movies

2010-06-23T13:26:00.001-04:00

This afternoon Miz V and L took to the cinema to enjoy airconditioned splendor and the documentary "Babies". The subject seemed topical. It's a Movies for Mommies matinee, so in addition to the film we are surrounded by about forty actual babies for comparison. Film will start shortly, but Miz V has already declared both the giant popcorn and the booster seat to be AWESOME.

Pocket full of rocks

2010-06-21T11:57:00.000-04:00

Out for a walk in the woods at the Bruce Mill Conservation Area, Miz V discovers that pockets can be a useful aid in carrying more rocks around the forest. We'll review the "pack light" rules of hiking later.

Food Preparation

2010-06-20T11:28:00.003-04:00

In this Father's Day instruction video, Miz V demonstrates the correct way to butcher Cheerios with a plastic knife.

A Pug's Breakfast

2010-06-18T09:29:00.000-04:00

This morning Miz V decided breakfast should be served on the kitchen floor so she could enjoy a light repast with her friend and colleague Patty the Pug. The morning discussion session focused on the niceness of Patty's orange hat, the purpleness of Miz V's dress, and the prospect of a splendid morning at the playgroup.

Chase and Run

2010-06-13T14:14:00.001-04:00

Running is better with company.

Around Tom's Garden

2010-06-13T13:56:00.002-04:00

Tom's garden features a beautiful round flower bed, home to many daisies, bumblebees and lurking kitty cats. Miz V uses it as her personal grass track, and the squeals of elation can be heard all over the neighbourhood.

Running

2010-06-13T13:32:00.003-04:00

The best thing you can do is move. And for Miz V, the best way to move is as fast as possible, preferably through someplace outdoors and green. It's even better if her Dad's there to join in the mayhem.

Countdown to Splashdown

2010-05-20T12:43:00.001-04:00

We were at the corner park this morning when the parks worker came around to test the water park for the summer. Guess what? It works. And Miz V had the honour of being the first kidlet to get soaked in 2010. Um...yay.

Outdoor Napping

2010-05-16T15:10:00.001-04:00

It's like camping, only without all the going away from home and staying out all night nonsense...Miz V enjoys her first outside nap of the summer, courtesy of a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the intrepid peapod tent.

Park park park

2010-05-16T12:45:00.001-04:00

Our local kid park is a repository for discarded outdoor toys, a fact that keeps Miz V supplied with a near constant supply of new-to-her plastic rides. She could work on her manners though. Sharing is for suckers and three-year-olds apparently. On the plus side, the older boys were wicked impressed with her Vans. Not many 2 year olds get called "cool" by 11 year old boys.

Future Carpet Hockey Championship

2010-05-15T13:12:00.000-04:00

The neighborhood garage sale went quite smoothly, and a few white elephants stomped off to new and more appreciative homes. As always happens at such group basement purges, we acquired some new toys - most exciting among them a collection of little person hockey sticks. Miz V has already begun training for her next match versus the league leading Davies grandkids...

Jump & Play

2010-05-11T15:18:00.001-04:00

Miz V loves her active play class - and looks spiffy in her new sweater from Grandma D!

Testing

2010-05-07T14:55:00.001-04:00

With the recent mobile device fail, I am trying to get this working once again

Park Life

2010-03-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

Hat Day

2010-03-21T23:01:00.000-04:00

Walkabout

2010-03-21T22:35:00.001-04:00

With the Olympic Plague (hacking wheezing ear-infecting terrible cold) there wasn't as much time to enjoy the weather and get out walking, but we did manage a jaunt around the Spirea Trail with Grandma D and Mac. Here's some pics:

2010-03-21T21:38:00.003-04:00

We got to three curling matches, including the men's tiebreaker (Great Britain/Sweden) and the women's goldmedal - I mean, silver medal - game. Miz V enjoyed hanging out with Grandma D for two of the games, but came along for the fun of the tiebreaker. It was remarkable to be in such a raucous crowd at a curling game - doing the wave, ringing cowbells - at times it felt more like a football game (but in a good way). Below is a blurry snapshot of an avid fan - yes, he IS painted red and wearing Canadian flag y-front underpants.
And here are some pics of us at the curling venue. Note the festive green rings!

Plenty of Fish

2010-03-21T19:43:00.003-04:00

In our Olympic down time, we had a nice detour to the Aquarium, where fish were admired, and in some cases, groped. Slideshow has some highlights

V-Dawg has a Brand New Bed

2010-03-21T19:08:00.003-04:00

Sometime this year, the crib (used by all the Thomson grandchildren) will be handed down yet again to another bebe Thomson, and so Miz V gets to move into some plush new night digs.

Here's a slideshow of V demonstrating the exciting features of this particular bed.

Olympic Peekaboo with Uncle T!

2010-03-21T18:17:00.015-04:00

Miz V and Uncle T ventured up the mountain to partake of the men's 50K x-country marathon (the traditional last event of the Winter Games). A fun spectating time was had by all, especially when it came to the hot new game of patriotic peekaboo

Hot Chocolate is Heavenly

2010-03-21T18:17:00.010-04:00

Another first at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics - Miz V got to share some of L's hot chocolate.

As you can see, the experience was somewhat transformative.

Travel Style

2010-03-21T17:39:00.003-04:00

This trip west marks the last time Miz V will be able to fly without forking over serious cash, so it seems only fitting that she was able to enjoy it the the luxury Air Canada executive suites. Due to a points program fluke, the seats in executive were less points than the regular seats...and no complaints here, as Miz V is getting to be quite the little lady, and L's lap is quickly disappearing with the onset of bebe bump. On the trip out, Miz V indulged in a little egg play...

And she was so tuckered out by the whirlwind of activities and events that she collapsed and took advantage of the reclining seat to stretch out and get some serious sack time.

The Countdown

2010-03-21T17:29:00.002-04:00

We really were there! In fact, we were able to see the countdown clock before the whole big show began!

AND....we're back!

2010-03-21T17:17:00.002-04:00

We've been off having adventures and colds, but there are plenty of updates in the pipeline, so bear with me as I queue them up for posting. In the time that has passed, we've been to Vancouver to visit and to see the Olympics, so there's stuff to see. So, on with the show.

Above, Miz V helps M attach a flag to a hockey stick. Because that's what you do, when you go to see the Olympic games

Tutu Strut

2010-01-16T21:54:00.003-05:00

Miz V starts Twinkle Toes kidlet ballet at the community centre, and I was unable to stomach the princess themed dancewear available at the megadiscount department store, so I got her a black, blue and silver exercise leotard from the sale rack. At the first class meeting it became clear a tutu was the must-have accessory for all the under-three set. Erm. Soooo, after looking around and not seeing a suitable get-up at a suitable price point, I hit the Fabricland sale day and pulled together a silver and blue tutu. Turned out okay, and only took an hour or so to put together. Next time I will have refined the pattern a bit, but in the meantime Miz V seems very pleased with her puffy little skirt. Huzzah!

KAMIKAZE CHARIOT

2010-01-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

Miz V feels the need for speed. What can you do?

First Ski!

2010-01-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

Miz V takes to the snow!

SLED!!

2010-01-09T15:01:00.006-05:00

Despite the icebox temperatures, the day was perfect to get out and play with some outdoor toys, like the red sled. Miz V enjoys a leisurely spin around the garden, but does prefer the more kamikaze run of the chariot push (see above post)

Pole Technique

2010-01-09T14:53:00.002-05:00

Miz V got her first pair of skis for xmas, and immediate began training in her pole techniques, especially in the tight corners of Grandma L's kitchen.

Unwrapping is Boring

2010-01-09T14:28:00.003-05:00

Miz V showed a remarkable reluctance to open her gifts, even when forced. But, she does enjoy a nice gift, once she can see what it is and isn't expected to remove paper from it.