Autumn in Regina

Took these shots while Sophia, Haley and I wandered the paths last week.

Thank God for Consignment Sales

Twice a year, Sunset United Church (the church we attend) holds its used Children's Clothing sale. This is an amazing sale. Folks bring in their gently used clothing and various toys, bedding, and accessories, to consign for folks like me to buy. This is a popular sale, with people lining up at least an hour ahead of time in order to get the best buys. Now, I was asked to volunteer at the last Spring sale, and the motivating factor for giving time to the sale is that all volunteers who do three hours of work get to be part of the coveted "Pre-Buy". About two hours before the doors open for the public, the mothers who have spent time getting ready and such, flood the floor searching out the things they saw the night before. It's a bit overwhelming. In the Spring I was a pre-buy virgin, which means I was quite as assertive as I needed to be. But I learnt, and this time I got what I wanted. And with a minimal amount of pushing and aggressive behavior! I get David to come along, and on the morning of the pre-buy we create a divide and conquer strategy so that we get what we want. He does toys and shoes, I do clothing.It's a great sale, and I plan to offer my services again! The 25 folks at the pre-buy spent nearly $3800. Can you believe it?

Here's what $135.00 will get ya:

In the Last Month...

The month of September (and the very end of August) brought a visit from Grandma Gladys, variable weather (6 to 30 in a matter of days! Oy!), the start of programs, and lots and lots of growing.

She's getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger. One day she'll stop, right? Is that when she'll start sleeping through the night???

We had a wonderful visit with Graham, who was making his way to London, Ontario, for his internship. Sophie was a little standoffish but...
She eventually warmed up to him!

We also had a visit from Godmom Melisa, along with Taylor and Ayden!

If I stretch reallllll tall, I can get that strange yellow thing.

Sophia is beginning to show an interest in helping clean. Here she's exploring what it means to Swiffer the carpet. I think she found out that it looks more fun than it actually is.


Practice continues for the Strongman competition.

A budding interest in human anatomy or a morbid fascination with empty skulls...you tell me.

David spent a weekend doing manly building things. At the end of the weekend, we had a swing! Sophia loves it. She pokes at the kitchen window as a hint to go outside.

She finally figured out what to do with the stacking rings. Doesn't she look pleased?

Proper hotdog eating etiquette is being worked on. This is the first step, taken at the annual Science department dinner and hangout at the Science Center.

The evolution of the grandparent

So, September 9th was Grandparents' day. I missed it. I had great plans, however, I was once again getting ahead of myself. So, here is an ode to Sophia's wonderful, truly loving, amazing, and well, great, grandparents four. HAPPY GRANDPARENTS' (belated) DAY.

-with much love: Sophia, Tricia and David

And the Official First Word Is....

[insert drum roll]

ROCK

Yup, Rock. Whudda thunk it? Anyway, Sophia uses this word so consistently, and correctly, that David and I conceded the coveted "First Word" title too it. There ya go. No mama or dada for this kid. Rock.

Maybe there is a future geologist in our midst?