Today Kind of Sucked

Today was a lousy day (wish I was back at the pub with my girlfriends like I was last night!), but instead of recounting the details I am going to post pictures from a trip to Calaway Park this summer, that I should have posted but never did.

Happy Friday!

Rhys getting his face painted ( can't remember if he was a dragon or a dinosaur):

Kyle, waiting patiently:




The Big Reveal:







Rhys and Gramma in front of some spooky Halloween decor:




Rhys and his Ladies:

Santa Pic and A Comparison

Today we went to Chinook Mall for the much anticipated Santa visit and photo. When Santa asked Rhys what he wanted for Christmas, Rhys replied "Skates, please". And what else would you like for Christmas? "A candy cane!" We'll, we can take care of that one right now! Rhys loved the cherry flavoured candy cane. He said it tasted like 'medicine' (which confirms my complaint that children's meds/vitamins taste too much like candy).He usually complains that the peppermint ones I buy are 'too spicy'.

I debated with myself on whether or not to have the boys photographed separately or together. When I saw the price of the photos, the decision was made for me.

And now, a close-up comparison: First Santa Photo

Rhys, approximately 4.5 months old:




Kyle, 10 months old:




Is it just me, or do my children look NOTHING like each other?

Either way, they are both extremely underwhelmed by their first encounter with Jolly Old St. Nick.

A Comparison: Black and White Brothers On the Couch

Kyle, approximately 1.5 months old:

Kyle, approximately 9 months old:

He Done Good :)

Warren got home last night, much later than expected. Thank-goodness I hadn't told Rhys he was going to see dad at dinner time...

Warren picked up my subtle hints, and brought me back a fabulous 'thank-you' gift :) :) :)

I love them!

Thanks, Hon. Glad you had such a wonderful time.

(P.S. it occurred to me yesterday, because a friend asked, that I never explained why I didn't go to Vancouver with Warren. Well, the short answer is that at the time when we were invited, I was still nursing Kyle with no end in sight. So I chose to decline the invitation....in case you were wondering...)

Amanda's Happy Place

Today went off without a hitch. My master plan came together and both kids were sound asleep by 6:45pm. That's about spot-on for Kyle, and early for Rhys, but I knew after two late nights in a row and a day at his Nana's that he would be wiped. I know my Rhys-y-pie ;)

Here is what have lined up to treat myself:

Gossip mags, Pinot Grigio, Dark chocolate and peppermint covered pretzels, fresh coat of nail polish, IN BED (sorry, T), watching About A Boy (favourite movie of all time), and then The Amazing Race. Awwww Yaaaah. (Totally skipping the Walking Dead. Gonna wait for Warren to be home for that one...).

Now, I was totally going to name this post 'Amanda's Pity Party', but the truth is the weekend 'on my own' has been really good so far. I had so much help it was almost criminal. My mom was over lots, helping entertain the kids and helping routines like bath and bedtime run like clock work. Rhys spent 4 hours with his Nana decorating her house and helping make dinner today, while mom, Kyle and I shopped, cleaned and napped. Both boys have been pleasant and well behaved and not sick. Pretty sure I've jinx it all for tomorrow, but Warren lands at 5pm, so if tomorrow goes downhill at least I know there is an end in sight ;)

But just because I'm having a gloriously quiet evening, doesn't mean I am not also insanely jealous of this:




Enjoy the concert, Warren! Safe travels tomorrow...

Miss You xox

Cannot WAIT for my gift ;)

Happy 50th Pamela!

Okay, so it's actually a couple weeks away....but tonight was the big party.

Rhys ran around like a maniac, Kyle was home sleeping peacefully in the care of Gramma Patsy, Warren was in Vancouver, and I was roaming around, visiting and eating loads of delicious food. Great party. Lots of work went into it and it showed.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Stepmom and Grandma XOX

Gary's 50th

Tonight we had dinner and cake with Warren's brother. None of my pictures turned out very well, but THIS one cracks me up. iPhones are a drug people. And here is my stoned 3 year old to prove it:

Some other pics that turned out so-so...

Birthday Boy with his nephew:




Rhys yearning for the cake, and Kyle just going for it!








Kyle and Warren having fun:










Tomorrow Warren, Gary and a whole schwack of family and friends are flying to Vancouver for a weekend of limos, fancy supers, grey cup parties and, oh yah, a Paul McCartney concert, to continue the celebrations.

I have pre-purchased wine, chocolate and gossip magazines for the pity party I will be hosting while he is away.

The Little Boy Gets To Play

Today, while Rhys was at Playschool, Kyle secretly wondered into Rhys' room to play in the makeshift 'tent' that Rhys wouldn't let him into.

Rhys was none the wiser...Little Brother WIN!

Snow Day

What is an obvious activity to do when it is snowing and freezing cold outside?

How about make a big pile of 'stuff' on the sofa?




Or, build 'The Biggest Tower Forever In The World'!















Or...make jam?

The Look

Rhys has this hilarious 'look' he often gives the camera when his photo is being taken. A fake smile, dead eyes, looking slightly off camera.

He does it so often, that Warren imitates it:

Cohen in Calgary: The Real Post

Back in 2008 we saw Leonard Cohen in Kitchener, Ontario. I wasn't sure if it would be his last tour, and didn't want to miss the opportunity to see him. It was an amazing concert in an intimate setting (smaller than the Jack Singer theatre in Calgary).

When it was announced that he was coming to Calgary, and playing the Saddledome, I hesitated. I'm not a fan of concerts at the Dome. But it seemed silly that we would fly to Ontario to see him, and not at least try to see him when he's playing 10 minutes from our house.

And, just like before, he was sweet and gracious, to the audience and his band. He played for over 3 hours with two lengthy encores. He is 78 years old.

After the intermission (I guess when you're almost 80, and your audience is mostly 60+, you need a 20 minute break), he came back on stage and said, "Thank-you, friends, for not going home".

I know most of his songs (maybe there were 2 or so that I couldn't sing along with) and love them all, but part way through the concert it dawned on me that for someone who didn't really know his music they would probably just think it was a bunch of sleepy old person music that all sounds the same. And then I noticed the couple sitting beside Warren were asleep. Like full-on, leaning on each other, drooling as their heads bobbed. I figure they won the tickets, or else they have young children at home.

For me, Leonard Cohen music is pure nostalgia. And now I realize where my desire to put Rhys in a fedora comes from.

Here is my with my Mom and Dad.

Lower East Side

Yesterday and today got away from me, so I will blog about the wonderful Leonard Cohen concert another night.

We just got home from Kayley's (my little sister) birthday party, and brought Rhys home from his first ever sleepover! Now it's time for Our Sunday night 'TV Date' with some Zombies. So this post is short and frivolous ;)

I have this (terrible?) habit of buying multiples of an article of clothing. If I find something I really like, I will buy it in different colours.

About a year ago I discovered the PERFECT ballet flat. Simple. Comfortable. Classic. Inexpensive. Since having kids I am all about FLATS. I need lots of them.

Here is my dirty little secret:

The Payless 'Lower East Side Chelsea Flat'. $20. From left to right: Sparkly, Dark Brown Faux Suede, Camel Faux Leather, Patent Nude, Patent Black, Silver. I think I have my neutrals covered.

I am keeping my eye out for a Red and Emerald Green. Then I will be set for Life :)

Cohen in Calgary

Yesterday was super busy, and at the end of it all I was shattered. Did not have the energy to blog at 1am.

I will write a proper post about the concert later today (I should have the chance before Girl's Night tonight because Rhys is going to Grampa's house for a his very first sleepover!)

In the meantime, here is a picture from the play date yesterday (thanks for taking it, Keri!):

Six little boys around our kitchen table - went better than I expected! And I love that Kyle was in the picture, even if it was by total fluke (he is the blue blurry blob in my arms in the top left corner).