Closing the year in style...

Gwendolyn made the most of her final day of 2012, with skating in the morning and a visit to the library in the afternoon:

 Zipping around the rink with Mama's help

Reading one of the 18 books she borrowed from the library

And now, after an early dinner and a little bit of dancing in the living room, she's already dozing in her bed. Daddy and Mama likely aren't far behind...

A peaceful New Year to you all. Here's to good things in 2013!

Snowshoes!

Santa delivered Gwendolyn her own pair of snowshoes this Christmas. On Boxing Day, she and Daddy trekked up to Grouse Mountain to try them out. She took to them right away, and enjoyed a long hike among the snow covered trees:

 Tromping along the Grouse Loop trail

 Proof that Daddy was along for the hike...

With all that snow around, who could resist taking a wee taste? 

Here's to more snowshoe adventures! We'll have to try the trails at Seymour or Hollyburn soon.

As this may be our last post for the year: Happy New Year, everyone!

Christmas Eve report

It was a very busy day for Mama and Daddy, trying their best to keep a young girl's Christmas excitement in check. There was last minute shopping with Daddy, baking cookies for Santa, filling Mama and Daddy's stockings, an after-dinner walk around the neighbourhood to see the lights, and of course, tracking Santa's progress with NORAD's help.  Add plenty of Rudolph pretend games and crazy renditions of "Deck The Halls," and you've got yourself a pretty full day.

But finally, Gwendolyn has settled down for what hopefully will be a long Winter's nap. Time for her parents to move into high gear in preparation for Christmas morning...

Merry Christmas, everyone.

A family portrait with Santa, taken just a few evenings ago on Grouse Mountain

Fabulous Five -- years, that is.

We've been a long time without a post here, but Daddy couldn't let today go by without celebrating a certain special someone's FIFTH (!) birthday. 

The day started early...

Posing with her birthday "ring" -- well, normally it's a ring. Note the new additions near the centre: ballerina, number five, butterfly. Thanks, Aunt Monica!

Playing with her new Slinky. Yes, that classic toy from yesteryear... She's wanted one ever since seeing one demonstrated at our local science centre. Every empty box in the house was commandeered to create a makeshift Slinky run. (Yes, we like our Mandarin oranges around here.)

Other gifts included a stack of new Barbie clothes (home made, of course -- some created by Mama and some contributed by Aunt Deborah) and a set of wooden magnetic dress up dolls.

Eating breakfast from the good china: a tradition passed down from Mama's side of the family.

It will be a big day at school: the traditional Montessori birthday celebration (you can find a description from Gwendolyn's 2010 birthday post here) and then attendance at a play with the rest of her Kindergarten class. Then it's dinner out with the family, with White Spot the current restaurant of choice. A full day, yes?

And it doesn't end there... This coming Sunday, Gwendolyn will host some good friends at a -- wait for it -- paint splatter party! By then, she should be well and truly celebrated.

A very Happy Birthday to you, Gwendolyn!

Hallowe'en report

Gwendolyn has been a bit under the weather these last few days, but that did nothing to deter her enthusiasm for trick or treating this Hallowe'en night. First, let's show you the costume: a flower fairy, designed by Gwendolyn and executed with Mama's help.

It was a very wet night here, so rain gear was required equipment:

By the way, the pumpkin you see behind Gwendolyn had been carved for almost a week -- at Gwendolyn's insistence, of course. As a result, it was a little past its prime for its big night. (Can you say "soft and moldy?" Yuck.)

Just before 6 p.m., the whole family visited the few doors in our complex that were lit, then headed down to a popular trick or treating spot in our neighbourhood: the housing co-op next to Gwendolyn's school. After a few hesitant approaches to unfamiliar doors, Gwendolyn soon got the hang of this trick or treating thing, and zipped along with the hoards of other kids as they made their way around the co-op. Ever the individualist, Gwendolyn chose to greet candy purveyors with a "Happy Hallowe'en" instead of the traditional "Trick or Treat."

In about half an hour, Gwendolyn's bag was full to bursting and it was time to head home. Here she is, smiling over her mound of treats:

Yikes! That pile is probably 1,000% larger than last year's meager take. Perhaps we can get the Hallowe'en Fairy to make Gwendolyn an offer she can't refuse -- say half that candy for a new book? Hmmmm...

Finally it's fall, West Coast style

The fall weather we're used to here on the west coast has finally arrived. It is hard to believe this morning was the first that required rain jackets and umbrellas for the walk to school!

Gwendolyn didn't seem to mind, though. Instead, she was excited at the prospect of wearing her brand new, yet to be tested rain pants during the Lunch Bunch's outdoor time today. Daddy expects to hear about some puddle jumping adventures this evening...

Fall playground fun

Here's a great fall activity from the five and under set:

Step 1: Find a maple tree seed pod.

Step 2: Gently fold the pod in half, peel back the skin and remove the sticky seeds from the centre.

Step 3: Stick the folded pod to the bridge of your nose.

Step 4: Run around the playground yelling "triceratops nose!" Don't forget to laugh hysterically.

Dance class -- hurrah!

We're now pretty much into a routine with kindergarten, and Gwendolyn is handling the transition from half to full school days quite well. Her body and mind are pretty darn tired by the end of the day, but she'll never admit it!

Given the extra demands of school, Daddy and Mama wanted to take it easy with extra-curricular activities this fall. There's just one formal activity on the schedule, and that's dance classes on Saturday mornings at our local community centre. Gwendolyn is taking her first ballet class, followed by a creative dance session: 90 minutes in total of her absolutely favourite thing to do in the world right now.

Here's a couple of action shots from her "warm up" this morning. Apologies for the quality of the photos -- they were taken with a less than stellar in-phone camera -- but they definitely capture the joy of movement that flows from Gwendolyn when she gets the chance to dance.

Gwendolyn being Gwendolyn

Gwendolyn owns a hair net that she sometimes wears to bed to help tame her unruly curls. This morning, she decided that she would wear it to school. Why? "I don't want to get my hair in my work." Solid reasoning, yes?

Daddy wonders if she will still be wearing it come pick up time this afternoon.

First day of kindergarten

With new lunch bag in hand, Gwendolyn made the trek with Mama and Daddy to her first day of kindergarten. Not a bit of anxiety was present; on the contrary, Gwendolyn was smiling ear to ear as she greeted her teacher at the classroom door.

Five hours later, Daddy retrieved a tired, but very happy little girl. School's back in session -- hurrah! 

 

Almost here... School, that is

Well, we made it. Holidays are officially over, and school starts tomorrow. We had our share of bumpy, boring and simply grouchy days, but it was a pretty good summer overall.

It seems like yesterday that we were taking our first walk to Family Montessori. Now here we are, a member of the kindergarten "lunch bunch!"

Clothes are laid out, lunch is packed, hair is washed and fingernails are painted. Gwendolyn has expressed a wee bit of nervousness, but is mostly very excited about seeing Ms. Chris, Ms. Cindy and her classmates. Hopefully she will sleep well -- fingers crossed....

And what did we do on our last week of holidays? Well, there were a few playdates with good friends, trips to Science World and the Vancouver Aquarium, and a fair bit of winding down after a very busy summer. Here are a couple of photos of the week that was:

Playing at Kits beach with Sydney

Look waaaaaaay up! Practicing her latest skill: tree climbing at Charleson Park

Training wheels? Not me!

OK, here goes: post #1 of our summer catch-up.

A couple of weeks ago, Gwendolyn attended a Pedalheads bicycle camp, training wheels firmly attached to her bicycle. By the end of the first day, the training wheels were off. By the end of the week, she was riding like this:

Big thanks go to Ian, Gwendolyn's group leader. His patience and enthusiasm made all the difference!

We haven't been able to practice as much as we'd like since camp, but a brief session last evening in our parkade confirmed that the basic skills are still solidly in place. All we really have to remember is: "pedal-pedal-pedal!"

Superkids!

We are woefully behind on our reports from a busy summer: arts, gymnastics and bicycling camps, trips to Ontario and Seattle, and swim lessons that just wrapped up this afternoon. Hopefully, Daddy can dedicate some time for blogging this coming week.

In the meantime, enjoy this particularly awesome photograph of two terrific kids: Ben and Gwendolyn, Vancouver's dynamic Superduo. We're clearly in safe hands, folks...

Summer "taxi"

Daddy thought you might like to see Gwendolyn's preferred mode of transport this summer:

Burley Bee trailer, hooked up to vintage 1980 Raleigh Folder bicycle

As long as the weather is dry -- and the destination not too far or the route too hilly -- we'll be using this rig to get around town. That is, until Gwendolyn masters her own bicycle... 

Summer harvest

We were fortunate to have a lovely harvest of peas from our small patio garden this year, and Gwendolyn took full advantage of nature's bounty:

 Harvesting only the best pods: not too big, because they're just not as sweet!

Making short work of the harvest

We're now waiting on our cherry tomatoes and "flying saucer" squash, which seem to be coming along nicely.

Happy 145th, Canada!

Gwendolyn, Mama and Daddy spent a good portion of their Canada Day taking in the festivities at Granville Island. There were stilt-walkers, jazz musicians, face painters... and lots and lots of people. Gwendolyn's highlights: disco dancing with Mama and watching the dog agility show. (Go, Gadget, Go!)

Excited to be celebrating with Mama

Hey -- do you like my new tattoo?

A little bit of bouncing, a little bit of dancing... A whole lot of fun!

Sunfish? Check! Next stop: Crocodile...

Gwendolyn enjoyed the last of her current term of swim lessons today. We're happy to report that she's passed the "Sunfish" level on first go, and will be giving "Crocodile" a try later in the summer.

If you're wondering what a Sunfish is able to do, here are just a few highlights:

• Jump into chest deep water
• Front & back float in deep water
• Front & back glide with kick for 5 metres
• Front swim for 5 metres 

And jump off the one metre dive board. And dive (and dive and dive again) for objects at the bottom of the shallow pool. And do front rolls in the shallow pool. AND wear her awesome pink goggles... (Thanks again, Papa John!)

"She's got dancing inside her"

So said one of Gwendolyn's instructors at the final session of her recent creative dance class at Arts Umbrella. Take a look at this video and see if you agree:

More photos from Reifel Sanctuary

Daddy really enjoyed accompanying the Family Montessori children on their field trip to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in early June. Her are a few more photos from the day:

 Dressed for the weather and ready for adventure!

 A swallow stands guard over nest box #76

 Two resident sandhill cranes pay us a visit

 Spot the wee birdie...?

Peering down from the top of the observation tower. Thank goodness for that fence!

June photo collection

Let's catch you up with a few photos from Gwendolyn's June:

 A menagerie of characters drawn by G. on her nifty coffee table "canvas" (Roll out the paper, anchor at each end with a few staples and viola! No more worries about felt pen marks on the wood!)

 Serving Daddy at the school's Parent Tea

 Sharing a lunchtime laugh with a school buddy while on a field trip to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary (Daddy seems to remember the joke was about stinky bird poop...)

 Demonstrating her mastery of the decanomial square at the "show your work" evening at school

Posing with Laura, Gwendolyn's Arts Umbrella creative dance teacher

Last day of pre-school; hello kindergarten!

Friday was the last day of pre-school for Gwendolyn, and it was marked in fine style with a school picnic at Kits Beach. Next year, she moves to the top of the heap at Family Montessori: a member of the "Lunch Bunch" kindergarten class.

Sadly, several of her best pals from these past two years will be moving on to other schools. They'll be just a phone call or e-mail away, though, and we'll be sure to keep in touch!

Gwendolyn shares a hug with some favourite classmates

The artist describes her latest work

A new bike!

Gwendolyn outgrew her tiny run/pedal bike a while back, and it's taken us until now to find a suitable replacement. Enter this preloved, sweet little purple number; with the addition of some fancy handlebar streamers, it received our G.'s enthusiastic approval. We're now good to go for Pedalheads camp this summer!

These are pictures of the first official ride: to Caffe Cittadella (1 1/2 blocks away) for a muffin and steamed milk.

What to do for Mother's Day?

Well, go to the Blue Sky Circus, of course! Gwendolyn has been fascinated with all things circus since being introduced to a video of Cirque du Soleil a few months back -- so much so that her Mom graciously offered to take her to a performance yesterday by the talented CirKids of CircusWest. Extra Mothers' Day points for you, Mama!

Here's a photo of G. and one of the performers after the show. Looks like someone had a good time, yes?

Dandelion love

The dandelions are out in force these days, and Gwendolyn is in heaven...

Splat - tastic!

Guess who attended Devika's paint splatter birthday party at the local 4 Cats Art Studio this afternoon?

No worries -- it all came out in the bath.

Spring break, you ask?

And before we forget -- Gwendolyn did enjoy an adventure or two over the spring break holiday in mid-March. First up was a week of Arts Umbrella camp, followed by a few days of R & R with Mama and Daddy in Parksville:

Enjoying a sunny morning at Parksville's huge oceanside playground

Wearing tutu and tights for a beachcombing expedition at Rathtrevor Beach

Making sandcastles with Mama at Rathtrevor

Lots of fun was had, but by the end of it, Gwendolyn was more than happy to get back to her regular pre-school routine. Two weeks is a long time to be away from your teachers and friends!

Flown the nest!

Looks like our little hummers will be just fine. They've finally left the nest, which was getting far too cramped for them. (It looks more like a saucer than a teacup now.) They've not ventured too far from home so far, and Mama is still in charge of regular feedings, but it won't be long before they're well and truly on their own.