Guess who was listening to Raffi.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring...banana phone
Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding...danana phone.
It's the best
Beats the rest
Cellular
Modular
Interactive
Godular

It's no Bologna
it ain't a phony
my cellular
Banaular phone.

Come on now, sing along with us...

Happy Birthday Amma

We gathered at the kid's place on the weekend to celebrate Amma's 64 BD, and Smudge and JJ were more than happy to help Amma open presents. First we had to pose for a picture though.
Then Amma had to fight to get her hands on cards and other things inside the big gift box.
What fun to get into the tissue paper...and discover a new pair of silver hoop earrings there...
and a beautiful red and white sweater set. I'm all set for spring sweater-weather now.
After presents were opened we all gathered around the kitchen table, the candles were lit, and the cake carried to the table to the boisetrous singing of Happy Birthday to you...
The cake was placed close to the kids...
because they had to help Amma blow out the candles...again, and again...
and again.

Auntie Ally's Dress

When it was time to get the kids dressed yesterday morning I asked Smudge what she wanted to wear that day.
"A beautiful dress" was her answer.

I went to the closet and started to hunt around for just that, and found this dress tucked away at the back of her closet. It is a dress that Smudge's Great Grandmother, Mary, made for her youngest Granddaughter - Smudge's Auntie Ally. Oh the memories that came flooding back when I put the dress on Smudge yesterday.
Smudge loved it, and danced around looking like a princess all day in Auntie Ally's dress.
I loved watching her, and enjoyed the memories of watching another little girl dance and twirl in the same dress many years ago.

New Adventure

Guess who started dance classes this past weekend, and thought it was positively splendid?

We weren't allowed to attend the class or take pictures of the kids in the studio, but we were there nice and early so I managed to get these shots before the class started. Here we see the munchkin striking a pose in the changing room...
then we went into the studio and she took up her place at the bar.
Time for one last shot in front of the mirrors, then it was off to meet her teacher.
Doesn't she look pleased with herself?

And so a new adventure begins. What fun!

A new look

One little hair band makes a difference doesn't it? Smudge looks like such a big girl with her new do.
Sure helps one concentrate when hair isn't getting in your eyes.
Oh, and on another positive note...look who's curls are growing back. Oh joy!

Speechless

Yes, these kids sometimes leave me speechless. St Patrick's Day was one of those days. We searched closets for something green for each of them to wear, and then they both wanted a special hat too.
JJ has Smudge's pajama bottoms on his head, and Smudge is sporting the top.
Yes, speechless!

Update on Frosty...
Can you tell the right side of the picture is the south side?

What we did on the first day of Spring!

Seeing as Mother Nature choose that day to send us a huge snowstorm, Smudge, JJ and Amma made a fabulous snowman.
Amma then took a picture of the kidlets with their cool new friend.
Then it was time to brush the snow off the swing set and go for a ride. Wheeeee!
What a fun first day of Spring!

Smile Amma...

Oh goodness, what have I done? Seems like every time I turn around I hear...
Smile Amma...click!

Grandmama's visit

This past weekend Grandmama and friends from Montreal paid a visit to our corner of the country.
Joining the family on this day is Viktor, an exchange student from Kazakhstan. He is on a language exchange program to learn French, and has been staying with Grandmama in Montreal. Not only does he speak Russian and English fluently, along with his beginner French, he is a talented musician. He played the guitar for us...
and the kids joined in with their rhythm instruments.
After the first set, Smudge had a turn on the guitar...
and so did JJ.
During intermission, Amma was surprised with a birthday cake, courtesy of Grandmama. Even though my birthday isn't until next week Grandmama thought she would bring a party my way this weekend so we could all celebrate together. Amma and the munchkins were thrilled.Once the sparklers fizzled out, we had to light a candle and let the kids blow it out over and over again after many renditions of Happy Birthday to You. What fun!
The cake was cut and we all indulged in the treat. One of the guests thought that JJ's bib would be the perfect complement to Grandmama's outfit.
Amma opened a present...
then the kids played in the paper and ribbon.

Auntie Carly was be-ribboned...
and Emilie took a spin on Smudge's plasma-rider.
Thanks to all the Montreal folk for making it a very fun Birthday Celebration for me this year. Hugs, Hugs to one and all!

Happy helper

Don't know how long this will last, but Smudge really likes helping Amma with the dishes, so we will enjoy it while we can.

Day at the office

The kids got these lap desks for a Valentine's gift and they seem to love them. In the pic below we see smudge all dressed up and ready for her day at the "office".
Then it's time for JJ to join her with his morning "coffee".
After their work is done, they share a desk and enjoy a game of go-fish.
Work, work, work. It's never done!

Take my picture Amma...

Someone was very pleased to have a pink bracelet that matched her hair ribbons, leotards and polka dotted dress.
She danced out to the living room, held up her arm, and exclaimed "Take my picture Amma."
So I did.

Impy Doodles

After a diaper change the other day JJ led me on a merry chase when I tried to get his pants and shoes back on him. He thought it was great fun to run out to the living room to try to escape from me out there.
He climbed up on the chair and every time I asked him to give me his foot, this is what he did - the Impy Doodle. He looked so cute peeking at me through his legs I just had to run for the camera.
Meanwhile his sister was being an Impy Doodle too.
They do keep me hopping these two do.