Just Because

We had Smudge for a sleep-over last night, and a busy day followed. So busy in fact, we haven't had time to upload recent pics. So for you fans awaiting new pics every day, these are for you. Just because they are cute.

Fresh Air Frolicking

When the sun is shining Smudge is outside, ready to face the world with enthusiasm. Looking ever so cute too.

One of her favorite things is the slide in Evan's back yard.
After climbing up and down the stairs on the slide a kazillion times, it is time for a nap on the trampoline. Notice how Smudge has her own unique way of doing things.
Now they are all rested, Smudge and Evan head for the Playdough corner.
Another cooler day on her own deck Smudge soaks up the sunshine and enjoys letting the wind give her a new hairdo.
She loves playing in her doll house, but even more than that, she likes to move things from one place to another, and then back to the original spot again. She picks up chairs, tables, blocks, and whatever else she can get her hands on, and carries them back and forth. If you are on on the deck with her, she ta-ta's them to you, and so the game goes on over and over and over again.
Here you see AC trying to read a book while keeping Smudge company on the deck. She has just given him a table, and it would no do to put the table beside him on the deck, he had to hold it. So hold it he did, and she went off to find something else to bring to him.
My goodness, she does make us smile.

Rainy Day

I think Smudge has found the perfect thing to do on a rainy spring day like this one.
I think I will go pour a second cup of coffee and find my book too.

Out and About

Warm sunny days are starting to outnumber the cool rainy ones, so AC and I are out and about on our bikes every chance we get. We have a section of the Trans Canada Trail just down the street from us, so it is a popular spot for bikers. Not very pretty this time of year, but soon it will be lined with green.
This is our favorite spot by the water. Not a lot of green here yet either, but the buds are about ready to burst on a lot of the trees.
We were out walking by the water near our house the other night and happened to notice this huge turtle caught in the underbrush about 30 feet from the water's edge. We forged in and tried to open up a path for him. I think it helped him because we went back looking for him the next day and he was gone.
We headed north on our bikes this morning and look who we found waiting for us around a bend in the road.
We stopped to chat for a spell and then were soon on our way again.
What a marvelous, glorious, beautiful day.

Everything old is new again

The last time Smudge was over for a visit I dusted off two more old toys I kept from the days when her mother was an ankle-biter. Smudge thought they were pretty neat.

The Schoolhouse was still a bit old for her, but...
Sesame Street was a bit hit.

Another toy that is always a hit - Playdough. I remember making batches and batches of the stuff. I liked the home make stuff better than the commercial Playdough because it didn't smell.
I think we were making snowmen here. I am not sure though. We were having fun whatever we were making.

Ballerina Biker

Auntie Leanne and Olivia picked out this most beautiful tu-tu for Smudge. Does it look like she is ready to do a pirouette or two?
Nope, time for a drink first and then...
let's go for another type of spin - Vroom, vroom, vroom!
This is also the perfect outfit for enjoying some music with my best buddy.

Presents

Guests have arrived, so now it is time to open presents. Oh great, tissue paper. I love tissue paper.
I wonder what could be in this present from the A-Team.
Oh, a new book. I think I am really going to like to have Buppa read this one to me.
But first let me get at the Trike that Nana brought me.
Oh, this is sooooo cool. Vroom, Vroom, Vroom!

Party Guests and Shenanigans

Nana gave CB a bottle and he seemed quite content to snuggle in for his treat.
Smudge on the other hand wouldn't stay put for two seconds. Amma tried to give Smudge a hug but she didn't want any of that nonsense. She just wanted to go run and dance and jump, and...
Evan arrived and Smudge was quite delighted about that.
Best Buddies they are!
Evan's Mommy and Amma are quite content to sit quietly and wait patiently for the food to be served!

Benmar Dream Surprise

We got a note in the mail the other day informing us that we had a parcel waiting to be picked up at the post office. We thought we knew what it was, so didn't rush over to get it. We had errands to do in the area this weekend, so AC dropped me off at the bookstore while he went over to the post office to pick up the package. Imagine my surprise when I got in the car and discovered that the parcel was for me. Out of the blue, just because they love me, Benmar sent me a parcel from Korea. Oh I do love surprises.
Inside the parcel I found this beautiful card, a bottle of ink and a special brush to write Korean calligraphy. What a fun gift. The card is going up on my Happy Wall, and the ink and brush will be put to use soon.

Thank you so much for the sunshine and love tucked inside the gift too. You brightened my day and warmed my heart. Love and hugs coming right back attcha!

Sauntie Ue

Party Hats

Of course we had those typical cone shaped party hats to wear, but notice how mommy and daddy are holding Smudge's hands in this picture. She wanted to rip the hat off as soon as it was placed on her head. She doesn't like anything on her head. Hairbands, elastics, barretts, two seconds and out they come!
Evan and his family look quite festive in their hats too don't they?
A plethora of other hats were dragged out and modeled during the festivities.
Even Nana got into the act and enjoyed trying on hats with the Birthday Girl.
Daddy thought Smudge should try this hat on. I wonder why?
I think Smudge preferred Mommy's sun hat.
More party pics to come tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Happy 2nd Birthday Smudge

The raindrops fell outside, but the sun shone brightly inside for Smudge's 2nd Birthday Party. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

A Place in the Sun

Cold winds were blowing, but we found a protected corner at the side of the house and Smudge enjoyed her place in the sun.
She found time for some exercise...
...then relaxed with a good book.
Soon it was time to grab her hat and hit the deck running.