A message for Grandma

The picture says it all. Arlo was creative last year while on vacation at the beach in NZ.

I am Happy and I Know It!

January 17 (tomorrow) is Arlo's Grandma K's birthday. He can't count high enough to get to her actual age (in truth he only counts to about ten, and even then it isn't all that clear), but he can sing. It might not be 'happy birthday' but it is one of his good songs, and he does some great moves to go with it. Happy Birthday Grandma! Enjoy the video.

Here are some more videos from tonight. He woke today with a cold, and was sent home from daycare with a fever, so he has been pretty lethargic. The most energy he showed was for some singing and dancing that he did with his mamma and his daddy. He has a fever allright...dance fever!

It's been a long time!

There are no excuses really, but a lot of reasons for why we haven't blogged in months, such as a move to a new house, unexpected renos, Jenny back to work for the first time since Arlo came along, Arlo starting at a Montessorri, Jenny and I taking a night course online, colds, regular school stress, etc. Recently Arlo spent a week out of school (as did Jenny or me at times) with an intestinal bug that really wiped him out. Now he is on the mend, back to school, and Jenny and I are knocked out with my back/neck, and her catching whatever Arlo had. We can't wait for the holidays.
We wanted to catch you up on how Arlo is with a few pics of what he has been up to.
Here I found him busy setting the table, and then climbing up so that he could eat. He didn't get right into the dhal and rice, but enjoyed the veggies, and the apple sauce. He has mad skills with a spoon!

Checking out Daddy's Adidas.

Bath time with his buddy Lucy. One day this will totally embarass the two of them.

He walks the line now!

What a Summer!!

Arlo and Quinn check out Uncle Robby's tractor.

Arlo gets some advice on operating heavy machinery from a pro...

Looks like Uncle Rob is introducing him to the after lawn cutting traditions...

Arlo was happy to check out the beautiful lawn at his new home. Nice to have his own grass to play on for a change... and not have to always walk to the park.

Hey dad, when are you getting a cool lawnmower like Uncle Rob? This stuff is getting long...

The boys are happy with their new home.

Enjoying a last romp in the backyard at 70 Vaudreuil, on a new toy from Auntie Jamie, Brooke, and Allan.

Getting into the swing of things at the new house...

The proud new home owners!

Down and dirty at Bon Echo park.

Clay and trucks...who could ask for anything more?

What are you staring at?

Mom is always watching over me...

Loving the view of the river from the end of my new street. If I could only get my hands on one of those geese...

Gee dad, it is really heavy with you sitting on the wagon!

Will this path never end?

Found a book he liked while unpacking.

Yeah for Margaret Atwood!

Getting right into things in the new house.

Summer fun in the new hood!

Watch out behind you Quinn!

Hey Great Granpa Richards, nice shades!

Just leave me the keys!

Love that smoothie!

Moving and Grooving...Finally!

Finally, after walking with assistance since he was only a couple of months, and basically running all over the place holding just a finger or hand since he was seven or eight months, he decided to listen to his Mama and take steps on his own. And not only did he take a couple of steps, he moved and grooved all around the house.

Now that he knows he doesn't need to hold onto anyone to get from A to B, the boy is moving and shaking all over the place. His papa thinks that the old school hip hop he was playing today after school might be what got him moving on his own for the first time.

Party Animal!

Arlo had a house full of guests this past Saturday for his first ever birthday party. 25 people came and enjoyed lunch and delicious cupcakes. The plan was for a picnic at the Governor General's, but rain kept us inside. That was fine for Arlo, it meant he could let loose on his cupcake knowing that a bathtub was close at hand...

Daisy drew on her years of toy playing experience to help her younger buddy Arlo figure out how some of his new gifts worked.

"...now push down on the handle Arlo...that's it!"

Sally and Lucy show how to drive his new wheels.

What a cute couple! Sally didn't leave his side for the whole party!

Everyone swarms the gift opening...Arlo had a lot of help with the wrapping.

Owen and Thomas are dying for Arlo to play some ball with them. Hayden wanted him to play with his toy soldiers, but Arlo was mainly waiting for the girls to show up and make it a real party!

Arlo couldn't get enough of Sally, he kept touching her face all through dinner and chattering on to her.

Hayden knows where his priorities lie. Forget the girls, there are cupcakes to be had!

That's how you eat a cupcake Daisy. Watch Linden dig into it.

Yikes, the candle thing again!

Why is everyone staring at me?

I could get used to all this attention....

Don't leave any for the adults!

Happy First Birthday!

The candle on the cupcake was the first indication that this was not just your everyday snack, and for a moment it seemed like the most interesting part of this experience...

Oh now I understand what all the fuss is about...CHOCOLATE!!!Nothing like getting right in there an enjoying a meal. Shirtless! I learned this move watching my uncle Scott eat spaghetti!Forget small pieces Mama, full speed ahead!

Family celebration!

Wow, who is more excited? You better keep it away from Daddy.

My very own Tonka! What a special day this has been. Can we do it again next year???