Sprummer...

That's what I call it when we have abnormally warm temperatures in April. It's like Summer in spring...hence, Sprummer. Anyway, it hit 28 (above zero) yesterday here in Regina. It broke all kinds of records. Today it's rainy and 5 above. Yech. I took the opportunity to catch some pics of Sophia as she played outside yesterday in the sun and wind.

I call this one "contemplation". She looks so peaceful.

This is the face you get when you say "smile for mama, Sophia".

Another Visit

Well, after being in the West for a week, Sophia and I headed East to visit the other grandparents and Uncle and Aunt. Sophia and I spent a lovely week with the Gerhard family, seeing lots of grandma and grandpa, and lots of Uncle Adamo and Auntie Kristine. Lots of fun was had.

The first thing that caught Sophia's attention was the brand new baby doll and stroller that grandma had purchased for her enjoyment (and ours too). Along with the stroller came a lovely Easter Bunny purse, which had a scarf in it just for Sophia. So every time she wanted to push the buggy around, Sophia went through the ritual of putting on the scarf and putting on the purse, and then making sure baby was in the right place. Once all was good, strolling could happen. It was funny to watch. Unfortunately, all of the proof of this is on video, but I do have picture of Sophia with the scarf at her other favorite toy...the "mano" (Aka the piano)



Ah the piano...Sophia spent a lot of time composing the next great symphony on that stand up piano. Actually, her favorite thing to do was to hit the keys while "singing" Hallelujah! She learned that song in church and is one of her favorite things to say!

One of the new adventures was heading to the Assiniboine Zoo (we did the aquarium in Vancouver!). It's a huge place, which in the winter, closes at 4:00 pm. This isn't normally a problem, but when you arrive at 3:00 pm is certainly limits the amount you can see. Seeing that it wasn't too expensive to get in, we girls did it twice. That way we saw more! I think Sophia had a great time. After the first time, she was constantly saying: zoo zoo monkey monkey. Yup, a good time was had.

Popping out of an egg in the bird exhibit. If only it were that easy! Check out that grin!

Checking out the donkey at the barn.

Of course, we had to chase the chickens. Thankfully, as chickens go, they were pretty patient.

A big, fat, noisy groundhog ---not a gopher...

riding around in style...not easily maneuvered style, but style none the less.

A Gibbon (you know, a kind of monkey)

Sophia and the monkey, checking each other out.

Camels...the two humped kind.

Another special outing happened for Sophia, she got to check out the Manitoba Children's Museum. This time Uncle Adam was able to join the girls. There were LOTS of children at the museum....LOTS. That's what we get for going on a Saturday with out a dozen birthday parties going on and a mini-concert. Yikes. But did explore the whole place, and even hung out for some of the music!
Hanging out in the dining car of the REAL train they have in the museum. Sophia way more interested in checking out what the other kids were doing, though.

Look Mama a "lowie" (flower)

Hanging out in the back of a Yellow Bug. This is the only time I will be so happy to see in her the backseat with a boy....:)

Considering a career in construction. You have to admit the hat looks good.

I think she enjoyed her time with the Gerhards....

Spring in Sask Means...

PUDDLES! Massive, muddy, cold and wet. All the things that make them fascinating for a toddler. And for us too...as we love to watch Sophia splash away in her little yellow goulashes.

Did you see the change?

Huh, didya? Didya notice? It's a bit subtle...

Need some help???

Okay, look up.... not to the ceiling, goof ball. Look to the title of the Blog. See it now?

It's just a little change. Singular to plural. Got it now????

Yup, "Little Ones". You know that that means....

We're Pregnant. Okay, I am pregnant, and David and Sophia are enjoying the changes (insert rolly eyed smilie) that comes along with that.

The next (and last) child is due on October 5th....so there are several birthdays that we may or may not hit.

I am doing good so far, not too sick, but really, really tired. It's a lot harder with a toddler running around.

Anyway, we just wanted to share that news with you!

One Fish, Two Fish

A week ago, Sophia and I were in the lovely and warm(er) city of Vancouver. We were not only escaping the seemingly never ending cold, but also the fact that we were getting new laminate in the kitchen and living room. Not a fun environment for a toddler! And not one conducive to sleep!

Nana and Papa (and Todd and Dea) were very happy to have us come! And boy did we do lots...shopping in the states (gotta love the Carter's Outlet Store!), visited with Ciara, Sheliza, Tanya, Jacquie, Jen, Great-Auntie Pat; spent lots of time with Uncle Todd; had gelato; and took our first trip to the Aquarium.

Now, the Vancouver Aquarium is a fascinating place, especially for an almost two year old. Sophia had never seen such creatures before, especially seeing that Regina is sorely lacking in the Aquarium front. She loved walking and checking out all the various creatures living behind the glass. I think she might have liked the Rainforest best though, as all the animals are free to move about. She saw turtles, tortoises , birds, sloths, and lots and lots of trees. We also checked out the Belugas (which is a new word for her now!) and the Dolphins. Now that we are home, we continue our Aquarium fun by watching the Beluga cam and the Otter cam. She loves watching them both. As the Belugas come into view she points to the screen, saying "whale, whale" and when we watch the otters playing, she cries "otta, otta!" Too much fun for both of us.

One really big, prehistoric looking fish. I can't remember the name of it. It came swimming straight at Sophia, mouth wide open. All she could do was the lean as far back in Nana's arms as she could. Eventually she figured out that it couldn't get her.


Checking out her new friend. It really is huge.



The Aquarium has bunch of environments right at toddler eye level. This quietly hiding frog kept Sophia busy for minutes. She quite liked him. Can you find it???



Checking out a Sting Ray.


Look Nana....there's a fish, and there's a fish, and there's a fish...


A brief ride with Kermit at the end of our visit. She liked being in the driver's seat.


She lasted about a minute in the car before she feel asleep. A fitting end to a successful Asquarium outing!