Winterfest 2011

What great weather we had for Winterfest this year.  Last year it could have been named 'slushfest'.  (Not so enjoyable.)  We were also more prepared this year knowing what to expect.  (I.e. lots of kleenex and water bottles)  This year was cold and crisp but we were more than comfortable in our snow clothes.  The kids thought it was hilarious that they got dressed in the back of my car.  It was such a novelty.

We got there early try to avoid the lines.  (When you wake up at 6AM on Saturday morning, 10AM doesn't seem so 'early' to be out and about.)  It was a good plan because we got to have our fill of the giant ice slides with hardly any waiting.  I took Vivian down twice and based on her reaction I thought she was scared so we stopped and just watched the boys.  But I think she was just in shock because after a couple more trips by the boys she was motioning that she wanted to go again.  She is not one to sit on the side line.  Adrian loved it and he and Jamie quickly decided which slide was fastest and headed there every time.

We then took in the horse ride which was also a big hit and there was no complaining while we waited in line.  Those two truly love to be outside.  We took in lots of other activities like Polar Bear golf, playing with the parachute, Adrian and I had a snowshoe race (he was quite proud that he won), a science experiment, and a trip through the giant snow maze. 

After 2 hours Vivian was getting sleepy as it was past her nap time.  We had taken in every attraction at least once but Adrian was not happy when we had to leave.  It is hard to stop having fun when you are four.  After a little gentle persuasion (that would be my speciality, not Jamie's) he was okay. What a great time! We are looking forward to next year already.

Snow! Snow! Go out in the snow!

I am happy to report we made it out to enjoy the snow today.  I forgot how much fun it is to play in the snow.  Vivian had a bit of hard time given that the snow was about thigh high for her.  She was a bit tentative and it wasn't helped when she did a total face plant and got snow everywhere.  But she was a tough cookie and pushed through to a somewhat enjoyable afternoon.

Adrian had a great afternoon of activity.  He first helped Jamie clean the driveway, then went skating with Jamie and then we played outside.  Needless to say he was a tired boy at supper time.  I think this is the first time he has ever actively played outside on his own in the snow.  I taught him how to build a snow fort out of the snow bank and he was pretty impressed with my know-how.  And I have to admit I had a lot of fun teaching him! 

I went inside with Vivian to make supper and he played on his own.  Another first!  I kept checking on him and he was fine until the last time when I looked and he was crying and stripping off his snow clothes.  Seems he didn't make it inside to the bathroom in time... I can't imagine that felt good!

We came in, warmed up and ate homemade pizza.  A great afternoon!

They even pose in unision

Being silly and making muscles

Vivian has been 'making muscles' since she was old enough to sit up.  Most of the muscle action is in her face.  It is rather endearing.  She definitely thinks she is strong though.

And well of course Adrian has to join in.  This is his 'mean face'.  I hate to tell him it is still pretty cute.

Not sure what is going on here.... but it is a typical weekend morning at our house... silly.

Baby girl is 2!

My baby is 2!  How did this happen?  It seems like only yesterday we were bring her home from the hospital and now she is a little girl with a very big personality.  At the same time it is hard to imagine her as newly two because she seems to have grown up so much more quickly than Adrian.  In fact I think I have been calling her two for the last 6 months.

Sunday was the big day and it started with her waking to a decorated room and dining room.  I watched her wake up slowly, notice the ballons hanging from her light, pop up out of bed and yell 'Daddy, daddy, daddy!' frantically.  It was priceless.

The funny thing is this was the first morning that she was every up before Adrian and as a result she got to watch morning cartoons with him.  Adrian told me it was okay now because she was two.  She sat right on the couch and asked for cereal like she had been doing it every weekend for the past year.

The day progressed as usual until our 'party guests' (the grandparents and Uncle Jerry) started arriving.  Then Vivian was happy to have people to entertain.  We had pizza followed by cake and presents.  Vivian didn't quite know what to think and was just getting into the whole thing by the time it was done.  It was a rather laid back affair but she had fun so that is all that matters. 

While I am a bit sad that baby Vivian days are officially over I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.  Just think, a year ago she was just learning to walk and now she is running, singing, talking, playing, making friends, going potty, dressing herself and asserting a very strong little charming personality.  What will another whole year bring?  I can't wait to see but I won't be rushing it.  I plan on soaking in every second of two-year-old Vivian that I can.

Happy 2nd Birthday baby doll.  Your daddy, brother and I love you more than words can say!

Entertaining the crowd.

Cake time.  As requested she got a Doggy cake.  Adrian and I made it, she blew out the candle like and old pro and then dug in.

This table set was the gift from Jamie and me.  It was a hit.

Opening gifts under the watchful eye of her big brother.  I think he was as excited as she was for her birthday.  It was rather sweet.  When she came downstairs in her party dress he looked at her and said 'Oh Vivian, you look SO pretty!'

A little resistance for bed time.  And the twos officially begin!