Merry Christmas 2011

Boulder Bear

2012-01-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

Boulder Bear hung around in the hotel lobby sometimes and handed out candy canes. The second picture is of the Banff hot springs. Then Alex and Chris on top looking down on the view.
Sledding and sleigh rides and those crazy ice climbers at Johnson's Canyon!

More Winter

2012-01-04T20:00:00.001-08:00

Baby Erik is the most chilled out of all just smiling from his pram. Oona took a lot of air on the tobaggon run. And we went on a 3 hour walk up Johnston's Canyon where ice climbers cling to the frozen falls as they practice their sport. We then bathed in the OUTDOOR hot springs at Banff where the water seeps from kilometres deep, is naturally heated and pressurized and is full of medicinal minerals when it reaches the surface of the earth. We had to keep hair from freezing on the way to our cars after bathing.

2012 Party

2012-01-02T15:01:00.001-08:00

We rang in 2012 in front of a fire at the edge of frozen Lake Louise below the glacier in 18 degrees below zero temperatures. The party at the hotel was great fun with face painting for kids next to the dining room and buffet delicacies of which Alberta beef was a favourite coarse. Most of us went to the top of the world on New Years day. Here's Oona in the orange helmet. She can come to a screeching stop after barreling down the hill. Kiefer and Sophie are off to a good ski start and love riding up and down on the magic carpet (conveyer belt for kiddies.)

2011-12-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year From Lake Louise!

Ski day

2011-12-31T15:00:00.001-08:00

Marianne is skiing!! Here she is in class and on the magic carpet. And Kiefer did a few runs with Fabian, though Kiefer points to the gondola and wants to go right up there. Sophie had no trouble on the baby hill and can shuffle along on her own at the base without falling. Temperatures are going down.

Lake Louise

2011-12-29T17:25:00.001-08:00

After a four hour flight and two hour car trip we are here in beautiful Lake Louise where the temperature is not too far below zero, the lake is frozen with an ice palace for skating-Oona immediately set to it- and there is lots of snow for our skiing activities. And we just happened to run into Fabian and Annette.

More Food

2011-12-27T15:11:00.001-08:00

The oyster schuckers did well doing this dangerous job.

My birds do look leathery but were very tasty. Alex made very delicious goose terrine from the left overs the next day.

And here is great grandma on Santa's knee - a picture from our party one week ago.

24th and 25th

2011-12-26T15:24:00.001-08:00

Great grand-mother still looks forward to the Danish Xmas day lunch that lasts for three hours with plenty of Akvavit and Tubourg beer.At 92 she had a shot or two and engaged us in sane conversation about the old days in Denmark. Here's Oona striking a pose. Kiefer and Sophie made lots of noise. Alex and Chris shucked oysters and carved two geese. More pictures to come.

Christmas Activities

2011-12-24T12:10:00.000-08:00

Santa came to visit our party on Digby Road with 12 second cousins gathered to say hello. A 13th was born one week ago and a 14th (S and A's) to come in Feb. We attended Sophie's school concert. Sophie is in the front row- green sweater, pink skirt, long blonde hair. She clapped and sang all her songs. Lake Ontario is not frozen yet but we will have ice soon, as temperatures are below zero.

~I~

Museum

2011-12-04T13:27:00.008-08:00

We are at the Natural History Museum but camera battery ran out so this is the only picture I have of our outing. Oona and Kiefer are street wise and watch out for each other and me. Oona lost sight of me at the museum and just yelled, NANA!. She also keeps her eye on Kiefer. Amazing! Thank goodness for black cabs in London. I wouldn't have gone any where otherwise. This is a dance party to 'Splish Splash' -Kiefer's favourite that he played morning noon and night. Oona's favourite is 'Purple People Eaters.' S and A come home in the morning.
~I~

museum

2011-12-04T13:27:00.007-08:00

museum

2011-12-04T13:27:00.005-08:00

museum

2011-12-04T13:27:00.003-08:00

museum

2011-12-04T13:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Feet

2011-12-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

This morning we scooted to a different park for a change. Here is Oona spinning. Then went for Orangina and hot "koklate" as Kiefer says. At 3.30pm we took the bus to Odeon to see Happy Feet 2 in 3D. I had to hold the 3D glasses on Kiefer's nose the whole show as they did not have kids glasses, only very large adult ones. Movie was very dis-
appointing- too violent, earsplitting noise, lousy music, but good ending as Oona said. Kiefer was scared for most of it. I don't know what kids movie makers are thinking.

~I~

Playdates

2011-12-02T07:56:00.001-08:00

Kiefer had a playdate today. Lucas, his friend from nursery school came home with us. We spent a long time reaching home because they had to climb fences, look into other peoples mailboxes and lie on the sidewalk. But we made it! Short on pictures because Oona did not go to ballet.
~I~

Dec 1st

2011-12-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

The Nisse are back and the Christmas calendars are out with smarties in the window pockets. The countdown for Xmas has begun. S and A left today and the rest of us managed just fine. Very tight schedule with a run in the park after school pickups. The second picture is of Oona practicing a forward step in her fencing class.

Winter London 2011

2011-11-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

Picked up Oona from school today and sat in on her fencing class. This is Oona, in perfect form, behind the mask! Oona then showed me,in a street savy way, how to wave down a cab. Kiefer enjoys his after school treat and we met up with Anna, her mom from Rome and grand-
mother from Sardinia. Busy.
~I~

2011-08-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here's Oona diving at the end of our point. Watching is her best cottage friend Owen. Oona came down alone every day to do partial early morning laps with me. Sophie is every ready for mischief as Kiefer tells her, "No no no we're not allowed." Baby Erik slept a lot and was the biggest angel of all. Oona was very interested in bugs and caterpillars and watched with great wonder as 2 Monarch butterfly caterpillars unfolded and hatched from their chrysalis, dried their wings and flew into the pine trees to ready for their flight to Mexico.

Rainy Day

2011-08-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

We have had very few rainy days, but on this one we poured hot water from the sauna into the little pool for an out door bath. We visited cousins up the channel for fishing in their back bay and then a crazy ride on the 'Jumbo Dog.'

Regatta

2011-08-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Oona and her best friend Owen are in the 6 person canoe (white one) race and their boat won! Then tubing with Owen, cool swim and finally a quiet game of chess with grandad.

New Toys

2011-08-06T17:52:00.001-07:00

This little sailboat is called a Mirror - English designed but assembled in Canada. Alex found it on the net and Chris hauled it to our cottage. Perfect for kids learning to sail . Rob is a musician freind of Sonja's that came for a visit and formed a little band and sang songs to the kids. Kiefer's favourite Bithday present is the ukele his daddy gave him. Kiefer sleeps with the ukele right next to him.

Gorgeous George

2011-08-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Oona picked these daisies for her princess crown. Finally connected to the net up here in the north, but very iffy. Fishin' swimmin' and hangin' out with Sophie.

Hiding

2011-07-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sophie and Kiefer are going for a ride here, but early this morning they both quietly disappeared and crawled into this bike carrier in the garage. I frantically ran up and down the street calling them and searching and then they popped their little heads out after a long silence and said, "Here we are." I still can't believe they did that! Having evening popcorn with grandad.

Niagara Falls

2011-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here's Oona covered in a blue rain cover given to all that boarded the boat 'Maid Of The Mist.' Nice to be sprayed with mist from Niagara Falls in 40 degrees heat. Lineups were small to get on this boat that took us to the base of the roaring falls. Kiefer scared.

Meeting Erik

2011-07-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Erik had a good time meeting Oona and Kiefer. We had lots of sidewalk bike activity and then lots of cake and ice-cream and freezies for Sonja's Birthday party. At bedtime Kiefer said, "Sophie and me had fun." And they did- either hugging or bonking each other. Very very hot!

Heeeere's Erik

2011-07-11T17:59:00.001-07:00

This is beautiful baby Erik at 6 weeks young sleeping on Marianne's hand. Erik came into this world at 9lb 8oz on May 19th. Erik has very big feet feet and hands and is always very hungry.
Mummy and daddy are doing well. Sophie is getting used to the new person in her life and her home and often says "My mummy!"

Grand Finale - Wine Heaven

2011-03-04T01:11:00.000-08:00

This is a wine tower 4 stories high containing 4 thousand bottles of wine from 14 countries, situated in the the hotel lobby surrounded by restaurants. When you order a bottle at your table, a wine angel goes up in a trapeze, performs acrobatics, smiles, does a somersault or two and then appears at your table in little feathery wings with your chosen bottle of wine. We had wide eyes and open mouths watching and must have looked like we were from boonyville. Well, now I know why people go to Las Vegas for grand spectacles. There is a wine tower in Vegas. This one is at the Radisson Bleu hotel in Zurich with access to our return flight home via hotel escalator. And more ski pics of Oona up high with grandad.
~I~

The Horse's Mouth

2011-03-02T10:37:00.001-08:00

On our last bright sunny day we went for a lovely horse and buggy ride to the village of Zug. On our return Sonja and Kiefer stroked the muzzle of this horse with the ears back. All of a sudden the horse chomped down on Kiefer's hand. Sonja tugged, Kiefer wailed, I shreiked and Allan jammed his fist into the horse's mouth until it released. Kiefer's fingers were slightly abraded. The owner very nonchalantly said, "Oh, my horse was hungry for an apple." Yeah right!!!!

The View

2011-03-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Kiefer looks out on this view of the Arlberg ski area from his wooden sled. There is a new sport -sledding from the top of the mountain on runs-for-sleds-only. You brake with your boot clad feet. Sonja and Alex are very good at going down with the kids. Kiefer says"again" at the bottom and up they go in the cable car. The sculpture on the hill is by British artist Anthony Gormley. The figures are all over the place and look eerily real from the chair.
And here is Kiefer in training at the bar with grandad. ~I~

Top of the Mountain Lech Austria

2011-02-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here's Oona on her way up to the top of the mountain, then a quick pose with her hands on her hips and then down we went with Sonja leading and me bringing up the rear in case of a fall. There was one fall and Oona did a front somersault over her skiis that did release. Then she was up and on her way again. Kiefer and Grandad were at the bar. Pictures to follow.

From Sonja's Camera

2010-08-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

This ancient rock is a very short kayak from our back door. Ed Bartram's paintings are inspired by these many centuries ancient formations. To see his art, copy and paste the following into the URL bar,
http://www.friendsofkillarneypark.ca/media/ArtInPark/BARTRAMEDMASTER.pdf

A humpback whale in Georgian Bay?

From Allan's Camera

2010-08-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

Marianne and Sophie in her prettiest dress going to Kristian's wedding on Toronto Island. Sonja looking on.
Kiefer on the ferry also dressed in his finest to attend Kristian's wedding.
Sonja and Chris with Sophie and Oona.
Horsing around with Chris.
Oona came to join me for an early morning swim.
Oona playing in front of our house.
Sophie and Kiefer at the dock ladder.

Mixed Pictures

2010-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some favourite pictures from our time together up north and in town. Oona only wore dresses or ran around in the buff up north. Sophie and Oona were very sweet together. Between Kiefer and Sophie was friction, but when Sophie was gone Kiefer looked for her in empty rooms and called her name.
We pulled Oona on a surf board. She held on, stood up, balanced, and never fell off once. Waterskiis next year.

Oona's quiet time.
Kiefer insists on paddling. He had to learn to sit still.
Going for ice-cream.
Oona sat perfectly still in the Kayak with me. Paddling with her was easy.
Allan ferrying us around in the rain.

90th Birthday Party

2010-08-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

We only had a very rainy day the day we left to come down for Annelisa's 90th birthday party. Annelisa has 10 great grandkids who where all present at the party. The oldest is 10 years and the youngest is 4 months. Oona especially loves her second cousins Emily and Nora. Here they are playing ring around the rosie or tag or just plain running .

New Eyes and New Paths

2010-08-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

There is a deer living on our island! Alex forged, hacked and cut beautiful walking paths to the back bays and took this picture of a deer very early one morning. Here we are walking nicely, evenly, on one of his paths to sit and watch the sun set on a warm windy evening.

Minnow races

2010-08-12T18:08:00.001-07:00

Here's Oona and Owen after flicking the water to urge on their minnows in the minnow races at the regatta.But the minnows swam the wrong way -away from the finish line. Oona shows a third place ribbon for her minnow who made it to the end of the track. Alex and Tom won first place in the mens' canoe race. And here is Oona and friend looking for bull frogs in the reeds of the frog pond.
~I~

Missing Tooth

2010-08-11T12:14:00.001-07:00

Most exciting of all, Oona lost a lower front tooth. Luckily Sonja found the tooth inside the snorkle. The next day Oona lost the other front tooth at the regatta but we did not find it for the tooth fairly. She visited anyway. Here is Oona without a tooth baking cookies with me. Kiefer wants only to escape and get down to the boats. so Alex built a Kiefer-proof gate to contain him on the deck. Here's Oona reunited with Sidney - a favourite friend who lived in London with them for a while. Oona and Sidney are at her family cottage in Georgian Bay.
~I~

Iron Chef Competition

2010-08-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

We cooked in teams of two with ingredients and recipes provided by opposing teams. Here is out first meal by chefs Chris and Sonja. Bison filets flambe with Allan looking in at the window. Next, chefs Allan and Marianne ran into a snag as chef Allan fell asleep as his ribs were slow cooking on the barbeque. The wind blew the fire out so their timing was off. Mariannes potatoes scored the most points from me. Alex's centre piece of Pre
cambrian Shield rock and pine boughs inspired subsequent table settings. Many teeny little spiders scurried onto the table out of the moss I picked for my table decor, and that earned me demerit points from Marianne. Allan rated the pasta salmon meal prepared by Alex and Ingrid close to C and S's bison cognac sauce meal. And here's Sophie munching a favourite treat.
~I~

Oona and Owen

2010-08-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

When Oona sees her cottage friend from last year she yells, "Owen!" and he yells,
"Oona!" and they jump around in the water for hours. Kiefer and Sophie look like Botticelli's angels but they often push each other, pinch each other, bite each other and scratch each other as they go for the same toy or radio knob. We have to watch them very attentively which we do not always manage to do. Oona is a peacemaker to the little ones and a super big sister!

Wind and Waves

2010-08-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

We are in Georgian Bay on our favourite swim rocks on a very hot, sunny and wavey day. Oona swims like a fish and had goggles to take a look at the striated rock formations under water. Kiefer puddled in warm puddles and Oona practiced sitting in the kayak with me and then kayaked back home with her daddy.

They're back!

2010-07-24T19:38:00.001-07:00

On a very rainy day we went by ferry to cousin Kristian's wedding on Toronto Island. Here's how the skyline looks with the CN tower on a misty day. The rain did let up and we managed a family photo though we had to catch the bride and groom separately.
~I~

Kiefer's swim lesson

2010-07-20T16:50:00.001-07:00

Every morning at 9 am we go to swim lessons. Here's what Kiefer did the first day. On day two, with Oona standing by, Kiefer carefully, slowly climbed down to his class. Oona starts her class a half hour later and was bumped up to yet a higher level with older kids. But the best part is eating ice cream and simply playing with the backyard hose. S and A are now in NYC after a day and evening of rest in Portland.

~I~

Safe!

2010-07-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here's What Kiefer and Allan did for three hours, while Oona played in the water with the inflatable Orcas. This Red Robin - with 2 berries in it's beak-turned its head form side to side and posed for 6 pictures.
O and A called tonite and have safely reached their friend's house in Portland Maine.
~I~

Biking to NYC and splash

2010-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

And they're off at 7am and phoned at 5pm from a "jump in Lake Placid USA swim" that was richly deserved after the leather gear in this heat wave. Meanwhile we went sliding and diving in our friends pool where we played with our kids more than 30 years ago.
~I~

Birthday Fun

2010-07-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sophie definately had the best hair day for Sonja's lobster birthday party. Oona decorated cupcakes par excellance, hid the birthday cards in a secret spot so we could not find them, and Kiefer was a gentleman and allowed Sophie her turn in the car. Very hot!!!

~I~

Car

2010-07-15T18:57:00.001-07:00

We have a baby sitter called "car". Kiefer will sit all day in any car and push buttons. This very early morning he woke up the heighbours beeping the horn of the big car.
Assembling this little red car for Kiefer was punctuated with a lot of words between Allan and me. We saved the box for S and A to transprot back to England.

~I~

En Garde!

2010-04-16T14:57:00.001-07:00

Can you tell that once upon a long time ago, grandad was on the champion-
ship fencing team. Oona is in fine form with her tinkerbell heels on and her left hand in the correct position.
~I~

Good-by Again

2010-04-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the airport saying good-by again. Oona rode furiously up and down and up and down the side walk on her two wheeled pink bike, steered perfectly into the driveway, parked her bike in the garage and climbed into her car seat to go to the airport. Three little friends from across the street came to say good-by and they all piled into my new car to clamber over to kiss Kiefer who was already buckled in. Oi Vey! The energy. Okay, I admit it! I will sleep for a week! So will Allan.
~I~

Last Day

2010-04-08T19:49:00.001-07:00

Look at Sophie's lower lip! Woe be to the men of her future. Kiefer will have to refine his, hey-lets-be-friends approach. Sophie practiced the piano and Oona demonstrated her bike balancing skills to uncle Chris. Kiefer likes to open the freezer door and say, "Oh Yeah!" exactly as Sonja says the same words. Sometimes he gets his fingers pinched and then there are great howls of grief.

Creations

2010-04-06T18:34:00.001-07:00

As along as Oona is at the crafts table where she draws, glues, tapes, colors, cuts and constructs, she is happy for hours. Here are some of her creations. Pet rocks, flying fairies-all over the house, stars holding hands (the first picture), bunnies, eggs, and I don't know what that she told Allan, "please don't let anyone throw this out." Oona plans to take everything back home. And Kiefer- he gets bored and we stick him in the smart car where we could leave him for hours- but we don't.

The Youngest and the Oldest

2010-04-04T16:50:00.001-07:00

Sophie, who just had her first birthday and her great grandmother, who will have her 90th birthday, came to Easter brunch today. Oona met the Easter bunny and told us, "It's not a real bunny. There is a man in side there."

CN Tower Glass Floor

2010-04-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today we hunted easter eggs at the local park with other kids on our street, had sugar overload and then went to the top of the CN tower. Here is Oona and Kiefer on the glass floor of the world's tallest tower. The glass floor looks down 350 metres.
Sophie, Chris, and Marianne came for dinner and we had more sugar overload. This is Sophie's very first Easter treat. Yum!

2010-03-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here is Sophie showing her toys to Oona and Kiefer. Oona has been intrigued by this toy after she saw it on ichat in London.
Today, we swam, played at the park, had lunch at the Greenbean, rode up and down the side walk ten times and collapsed -at least I did.
~I~

Pet rocks & good hair day

2010-03-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Kiefer just wants to "go" and "car" and Oona balances a two wheeler all the way down the side walk on her own. We picked stones at the lake to make pet rocks for Oona's friends here and in London so the airline will add a surcharge for a suitcase full of rocks.
Sonja had a good hair day at the salon.

Deja Vu

2010-03-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

Here's Oona on a two wheeler without training wheels on her first day in Canada. Twenty five years ago I ran after Sonja and bike on the same sidewalk. Kiefer sat behind the wheel of the smart car or played in the garage -his very favourite place in the world. Sophie and Kiefer took a pokes at each other and Sophie has absolutely no trouble holding her own.

Happy and Happy

2009-11-24T11:43:00.001-08:00

These pictures tell all. Mummy is back! And I remember that Chris and Sonja, when they were little and we left, gave us a very hard time when we returned. Good luck and I am on my way back to Canada. Over and out.
~I~

Lites

2009-11-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is actually suspended over the busiest street in the world, or so Oxford street seems. Christmas frenzy is in full swing here but surprisingly I did find a quiet cafe downtown on a side street and I sat and people watched.
~I~

Costume of the Day

2009-11-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today Oona dressed in her princess costume for breakfast at Amouls. Kiefer is so happy because he loves to eat the sausages from his daddy's plate. I had a chance too run around for the afternoon so I went to the British Museum and say the Aztec exhibit. Also went to Oxford street that was a sea of people. I think all of the 8 million people in London were Xmas shopping. Talked to Sonja on Skype and she leaves for home tomorrow.
~I~

Park at 8am

2009-11-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Kiefer gets very upset when Onna and A leave for school and work in the morning. So I take him out to the park where at 8am, along with the workers, we are the only ones there. I couldn't get him away from this leaf blower. Kiefer has a good trick with toothbrushes. He sets them all up on the counter, pushes all the buttons (the brushes are electric) and then watches them vibrate and dance across the surface. He then eats the toothpaste.
Oona wears either her bunny suit or tiger suit to the park everyday.
~I~

On The Town

2009-11-18T15:25:00.001-08:00

London is decked out for Christmas. Sigi and I traveled on a double decker to pick up Oona from school. Oona gave Omi a tour of her classes and then Sigi and I then went down town on our own for lunch, met Alex at his office, had a drink with Mike then went to see a play called the Shawshank Redemption. Here's Sigi being fresh with Roosevelt and Churchill.

Sing Along

2009-11-17T13:20:00.001-08:00

Oona left for school this morning on the front of Alex's bike sitting in a little front seat with foot rests. She sings in a loud voice all the way and will not allow Alex to sing. Then Sonja, Kiefer and I went to the sing along at the local library. There were at least 45 moms and dads with kids-so about 90 big and little people. The guy leading was great! S left for a 15 hour flight to Buenos Aires. When we wake up she will still be in the air.
~I~

Bollywood dancing

2009-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

We took Oona to her Bollywood dance class where she is the only fair-haired student. She loves it and showed us the new dance moves afterwards. Here are twin dance instructors, Monisha and Thandi, who allowed me to come into their class and photograph.
Oona introduced me. She said, "This is my Nana. Her name is Nana."
Kiefer had a doctors appointment and the doc thought his temperature was due to teething. He is better.

Mr. GQ

2009-11-15T09:05:00.001-08:00

Here I am in London and here is Mr GQ in his new winter jacket. Kiefer has a bit of a fever but no cough so we were out and about. Arrived on a day flight in an empty plane with carry on luggage only. My only complaint is that overzealous airport officials confiscated my homemade pesto and gave me a lecture about terrorists - all because I told the supervisor that the pesto was not a liquid but a paste.

~I~

Waterwall by Chris

2009-10-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

These two pictures came from Sonja's camera as she was the spotter while Chris was skiing.
The summer really is over and the autumn colors up north were reds, oranges and purple pinks. We opened all the drains under the cottage, poured antifreeze into the appliances and toilets, pulled the water line out of the lake and locked the door. Someone takes our docks out to avoid ice damage and lifts the boats up onto a rack. We were lucky as the weather was warm and water calm. We have in past years closed when our fingers have nearly frozen off and waves crashing. We had a last glass of wine in Georgian Bay before a roaring evening fire - until next spring.

~I~

Summer's over

2009-09-11T17:16:00.001-07:00

Someone I know in Latvia laments, "summer is ooohver." But the pier in Oakville where we rode on bikes does not look like this YET! My back deck where we ate summer lunches and dinners does not look like this YET! However, we went north to Georgian Bay quietly, just the two of us, and started to prepare for winter closing. We will pull the water lines out of the lake, disconnect all the pipes so they don't freeze and split and pour antifreeze into the toilets, appliances and boat motors. A lot of yelling goes on in this process and I would like a subsitite for me. The Bay will freeze over. We have cross countried skiied out to our place in February but we have to call the Indians ahead to make sure all the water is frozen and there is no danger that we will fall through. Winter landscape, snowdrifts, ice, look very beautiful like the moon I imagine. An artist on a heighbouring island named Ed Bartram (google his name to see his art) has made a career putting the rock striations onto canvas.
Everything was quiet and we miss little voices, big voices, antics
and little feet in the morning.
~I~

Yaaah Gotcha!

2009-08-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

Chris just sent these pictures from his camera. Scroll down to see the full seqeunce. The last picture speaks for it self.

Moments to Remember

2009-08-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Allan 's computer sent my computer his favourite photos , so here they are if you scroll down.
And here are a few of my favourite thought images.

*Alex has been fully initiated into Georgian Bay. Actually Georgian Bay initiated him. He hit a rock while driving the Blue Grew and dinged the prop or rather the skeg.

* Sonja claims she understands bird language. A very beautiful woodpecker species built a nest in the wall of the cottage right above their bed. Sonja and Oona and Alex listened everyday to the Mummy woodpecker coaxing her babies. Sonja translated.

*Oona had the energy to swim on her own ( I was next to her) and yell to the others at the same time - Wait for Me! - almost all the way to Manitou Dock. A distance of 400 metres.

*Allan jump started on two water skiis from the dock! I haven't seen him frolick like that for years.

*Inga from Latvia learned to kayak at a club that trains Canada's gold medalist. Inga also learned to make creme brulee.

*Sophie squeeled with delight, louder than any little person I have heard, at the sight of Oona and Kiefer's little faces.

* I baked three cakes for Kiefer's birthday on a rainy day with a very eager helper - Oona.

*Chris became The Godfather to Kiefer.

* Oona informed me that bunnies have pink ears. I unwittingly made brown ears on a buuny costume for her Birthday.

* Marianne introduced me to quinoa - YUM!

* Marianne is getting to like bugs.

Gone Again Mon Aug17th

2009-08-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

They are gone again!! Sad. And Oona almost left her 'blankie or flankie' behind with me. I had to duck under the barrier at the airport, run and throw the blankie over the heads of the guards after Sonja and A and kids had gone through the scanner. So here are a few more 'last day ' pictures.
This is the best group church shot I could manage. More than one person is looking the wrong way, Oona would not comply and participate, I don't know where Allan is, so there we have it.
Sonja's godmother is in the orange dress.
Oona did take her shoes off and wander outside the church and help the older girls pour dirnks for the congregation. Very hot day at 35 degrees or so.

The last night before leaving Alex took his bike up and settled it under a tarp in grandma's garage. (Oona's great grandmother who turned 89 years) Oona followed the bike in the car, or vice versa.

~I~

Kiefer's Day Sunday Aug16th

2009-08-18T17:36:00.001-07:00

Here is Rev Thompson trying to hold Kiefer upside down in the baptismal font at the Anglican church where Chris and Marianne were married 3 years ago.
The tower in the backround has a long, steep, narrow spiral stair case that leads to the bell ringers who played beautifully. Oona and I were invited to take a look as we met the chief bellringer the night before. So up we climbed -Oona in her flip flops. Oona held her ears as it did feel like we were inside the church bells. I was surprised to see only 8 ropes or one octave that on the street sounded much more complex.

The bellringer on the right put his whole bodily energy into ringing. His assistant is on the left.

Kiefer in his little linen outfit is ready to climb up and down steps-any steps.
And the party at our house, with 8 little cousins and second cousins. Sonja and Chris's cousin Tara has 4 children. She is married to an Aitken.

Bathing Beauties

2009-08-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of Sophie and Oona in their sunsuits and in Oona's case her
diving gear that Auntie M and Chris gave to her. She tried out her cap,mask and snorkle.
Her 'floaty suit' makes her very brave and enables her to swim any where.

And here are the two daddios with babies. Uncle Ralph and Anna are at the cottage this week-end with A and S and kids. Allan and I are in town wandering around at the jazz festival.

The Bike and Biker

2009-08-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is THE bike and heavy duty helmet on master rider who rode 2000 or more miles
up the east coast of North America. Amazing that all luggage came
with him in the saddle bags at the sides and back. Oona and her little friends on the street wanted to clamber and climb all over the bike. They didn't. They only tried on the helmet and walked about like little marsians.

And here is Oona in her Club 100 inflatable row boat. She looks like she will float out to sea
- that is, through the great lakes, down the St.Lawrence river and out to the Atlantic ocean back to Engalnd. But we do have a very long line attached to the bow so we can reel her in like a little fish.
I am trying new format.

~I~

More Activities

2009-08-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Oona went on an overnight
camping expedition with her mummy and daddy. Here she sits in the canoe ready to push off. The sunset was rosy, the frogs were jumping and croaking and the bacon for breakfast delicious. Kiefer had a quiet night with us. Here is Sophie and daddy. Oona made Sophie squeal and laugh. Kiefer toddled and kept eye contact to entertain her.

Arrival of Daddy for Kiefer's Birthday

2009-08-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Kiefer celebrated his one year birthday, reached for his sparkly candle and sampled with great gusto, all the cakes, cookies, tarts and ice cream on the table. Here's Oona leaping about with joy in her frilly pink skirt because her daddy arrived by bike from Florida. Kiefer runs. We have cordoned off the outside balcony so that he has no access to the exit and stairs which he loves. Here is Kiefer's view from his giant outdoor playpen. He can watch his daddy waterski. More to come.

~I~

Down Time

2009-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Party is over, guests have gone home and we are watching TV.

Going up north tomorrow where we will NOT have internet connection.

Oona and Kiefer will wait for daddio to arrive on bike. I will sign in again after two weeks with lots of news.

Goodnight for now.

~I~

Birthday sparkles

2009-07-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Oona helped prepare for her mummy's birthday with great gusto and busy little fingers. She set candles into the little cakes, had a taste of everything, and handed balloons to everyone. Foufou, however, is not amused and will crowd into my lap at any opportunity. Not only does Oona chase him, but now so does Kiefer.

Here are the girlzz - a reunion- as they live in London, Montreal and Toronto. Kiefer and Cormac missed the party. They went to straight to their little beds after bath. Flowers from A are beautiful!

~I~

Visitors from Montreal

2009-07-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kiefer has a very sweet little guest from Montreal. His name is Cormac. Cormac's mummy is Sonja's good friend and Oona's Godmother. Kiefer walks everywhere without hesitation and can do a 360 and an about face. He especially likes to go for stairs when no one is watching. Here is Oona at her badminton camp adjusting her 'mask' or safety glasses. When the instructor asked what "What do you remember from yesterday, Oona answered, "You have to hit the birdie."

~I~

Week-end

2009-07-14T18:39:00.001-07:00

Here's Sonja and Oona scooting around in the whaler. And here is Oona in a pink frilly ballerina skirt that she chose when shopping. Oona went fishing, boating and skampering around on the rocks with it on. Kiefer fell into a hypnotic trance on the boat. He became quiet and still and just stared out into the open. We swam but the water and air are still a bit cool and fresh.

~I~

Action

2009-07-09T19:05:00.001-07:00

Oona has three new friends across the street. Very rambunctious little boys who immediately tackled her when introduced. Oona set them straight. She said, "stop that, I'm a girl!"

And they did stop. They call on her to go to the park and visit in the back yard, jump in the little swimming pool and look for wild strawberries. The family of five have moved in temporarily with their grandfather across the street. Grandfather is 75, has live alone for a long time and does not look all too happy with all activities.

Here is Inga giving a rope skipping demonstration before she jets off to Riga today. And here Kiefer being restrained from demolishing the library shelves.

~I~

Baby Sophie and Inga

2009-07-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here's Oona giving "baby Sophie, baby Sophie" an Eskimo kiss. And here is Inga, my seventeen year old Latvian relative, thinking we are all crazy because we sang her Happy Birthday when her birthday is in January. Inga has been here for a month and is sad to return home on Wednesday. She loves kids and has been a great help especially when Oona, Kiefer and Sophie are all together. Moreover, when I enrolled Inga in the following she did not complain, and went cheerfully to, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes with old people and met Harold from Korea, Burl-Oak Canoe Club where Connie Lee the olympic level coach yelled at her for falling in the water from a racing kayak, St. John's Ambulance First Aid Coarse for babysitters where she sat inside for a full sunny day but received certification in the end. Congratulations! Inga you did a great job! well done, nice work!!!

~I~

Bikini baby and Kiefer Toddling

2009-07-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Kiefer toddling on his own in video format did not upload to the blog. So here is Oona in her new bikini at the pool in town. Will try again with the video. Kiefer is too cute for words with his little paws in the air as he stumbles towards Sonja.

~I~

Good Morning Canada

2009-07-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

At 6am (11am London time) this morning Oona, after adjusting her princess hat,woke us with a cymbal clang or two. I foolishly left a basket of percussion instruments in the upstairs playroom close to our room. Kiefer joined in by banging on a miniature steel band drum. By afternoon everyone faded. Allan and Sonja biked to town for coffee with Oona and Kiefer in the bike buggy. On the way back Kiefer nodded off on Oona's shoulder.

~I~

Sophie at the Fashion Show

2009-04-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here's Sophie with her mummy watching nana at Sophie's first ever fashion show. The man who I walked down the runway with in this picture and who modeled men's golf wear will be my client tomorrow morning. By the third outfit Sophie had had enough of this frivolousness and happily slumbered away for the rest of the show, leaving mummy and nana to indulge in a very tastey lunch.
Fare thee well 'til the summer when the stars of this blog will be Sophie, Kiefer and Oona.

~I~

WoooHooo

2009-04-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday we took the train to Kent and had a wonderful meal with eggs from Sigi's chickens and blossoms from her garden decorating the table. Here's Oona doing a WoooHooo when she found this chocolate bunny at the base of the tree during the egg hunt. Oona, Alex and Grandad went for a swim afterwards. I am very sad to be leaving everyone tomorrow. I put Oona and Kiefer to bed last night and I won't see them 'til the summer . Oona has a never ending stream of dialogue and questions and her mind is working at all times. Today on the train home from Kent , out of the blue, she asked Sonja, "How Kiefer get out of your tummy?"

~I~

New Hair

2009-04-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Oona and Kiefer went to the hairdresser today. Oona looked in the mirror afterwards and said "a new girl!" Here's Kiefer after a little hair gel to give him a mini mohawk. Had Lunch at Carluccios in St. John's Wood high street and then a late dinner. A and S went to see the Reader. I stayed home, babysat and nursed my cold. Chilly rainy day.

~I~

Lunch At The Hilton

2009-04-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sonja treated me to lunch at the Hilton Park Lane rooftop lounge. Just the two of us nattered uninterrupted for a couple of hours. Alex was kind enough to stay with Kiefer and Oona. Very nice treat!

Just before lunch we popped into a kiddie store to buy Kiefer more sleepers. He bursts out of all the ones he has now and protests when he gets stuffed into one after his bath. His little toes curl under as there simply is no more room for all of the sweet little lump.

~I~

Thursday before Easter Friday

2009-04-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Finally! A picture of Oona. She has been camera shy all week. She has fizzy water in her 'wine' glass. And here is Kiefer doing his very favourite thing - booting around the kitchen in his flying saucer -full speed ahead. Where ever Sonja is, there he goes in a flash.

This morning I went all alone to my favourite street with size 9 to 12 shoe stores. Checked out the styles, colours and had a bowl of broccoli and stilton soup at the Fromagerie off Marlybone - Yum!

This afternoon Sonja went to an osteopath appointment for her sore back- from carrying the little lump, or sweet little lump as they say here, around. Bath time for two tonite.

~I~

Bag Ladies

2009-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sadly we left the countryside for home and took the train into London and then a black cab with Oona sleeping in the pram, Kiefer in the baby seat. When we got to S's front door lo and behold she did not have a key nor did I. So I went to Starbucks for coffee, chips and juice. S phoned A on my phone and he came very promptly and unlocked the door. We really cut it close to Kiefer's dinner time. He is still happy camping on the front step but not for much longer. Oona is under her blankie or "flankie" hiding from the camera. I will rise early and galavant alone tomorrow.

~I~

Cappachino at the Pub

2009-04-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Oona and I swim every morning for a long while. She dives to the bottom from the side and off the steps with her little arms out stretched in order to pick up her goggles or some other object. In the afternoon she swims again with Sonja and sometimes with Kiefer if the sun shines. After swimming this morning we all walked down the lane to the pub where we had cappachinos, Oona had a babychino and then helped set the menus on tables. Alex designed the new signs. This signpost sits up very high, is very distinctive and distinguished looking and can be seen from afar. Below is the little window unearthed while doing the reno. Yesterday Debbie and I got a bit lost in the Kent countryside while on an errand for groceries. Daffodils, green grass and sheep with their little lambs everywhere. Very nice place to be lost. We did find our way.

~I~

Lunch at the Pub

2009-04-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here we walk home from a huge lunch at the newly renovated pub. Everything at the pub is lighter and brighter with more windows and even a little tiny window from another century, discovered after removing plaster from one wall. Oona and Kiefer are very happy that their mommy and daddy are back. The young woman at Sigi's side is her carer who is from South Africa. Oona loves the attention and no-one can get anything or do anything for her except mommy or daddy.

~I~

They're Back!

2009-04-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

Sunny warm day and Oona was in the pool 'two ones ' or twice. Kiefer liked his swim with grandad as well. Here we are in Mike's vintage Lagonda 1939 car. The car is a precursor to the Bentley. Mike took us for a ride around the circle and Oona wanted to go fast fast. She told Mike, "Daddy's car is better because it has a roof."

Tonight after dinner S and A arrived with a birthday cake and candles. Oona was beside herself with excitement. She waited almost at the door very patiently. We heard all about their trip and the party. Both a great success. They had about 50 people at their party and the last person left at 4am. The riding, food and entertainment in Morocco sound very exotic.

'Til tomorrow.

~I~

At Omi's and Grandad's

2009-04-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

We are in Kent. Mike's landrover was packed to the brim with babyseats, walkers, scooters and all of us . We managed to get away just before A and S arrived home to prepare for their party. We are all very happy that Oona likes her bicycle helmet as god forbid the battle if she didn't. She wears it at all times. Here she is in the shepard's hut lighting a fire with Mike and walking among the snowdrops and primulas. Sigi looks well and is busy supervising planting trees on the property. We all plan to swim tomorrow thought the air is chilly. Pool is at 85. 'Til tomorrow.

~I~

Tea with Fabian and Annette

2009-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today Fabian and Annette invited us for tea in their garden. They live close to Oona's nursery school so we walked over to their place after school. They have a front and back very private garden with a little pond right in the centre of London. Oona helped Annette plant flowers and Kiefer had a good walk in the grass holding onto uncle Fabian.

S and A called and when Alex asked Oona, "how's it going?" she answered, "good!" Well Oona had 2 huge bowls of cheerios for lunch and a huge bowl of popcorn and milk for dinner - that's it. Breakfast also was dry cheerios. Cookies at Fabian and Annette's place. We do brush a lot. Oona is very good about that.

Tonight when Kiefer cried Oona said, "It's not his teeth nana, he wants his mommy."

Tired.

~I~

Tennis with Echo

2009-04-01T13:29:00.001-07:00

Oona's Tennis teacher is named Echo and he was wonderful with the little ones. They set up this miniature net and Oona is serious with the racquet that Danielle gave her. Kiefer and Nimfa came to watch. The woman next to Nimfa has a 5 day baby in her arms. She said that she is from Sri Lanka and just came here to give birth to her baby.

I was able to read the paper at Starbucks for an hour. Everyone seems starstruck with the Obama and Michelle visit. The magnolia trees are also in bloom. Nimfa and I packed the kids clothes to go to Kent. Thursday is Oona's last day at Nursery and then we are off to the country.

~I~

Oonaisms

2009-03-31T14:21:00.001-07:00

Oona has a logical answer for everything. If I ask, "why is Kiefer cranky?", she says, "because his teeth are coming in." If I say, what's wrong with the DVD, she says. "It's skipping. you have to blow on it like this ( and she demonstrates) and then clean it round and round ( and she demonstrates)."Here is Oona running in the park next to the flowers after swimming where it says "Keep Off the Grass." Oona can swim. Especially on her back. She kicks and moves very quickly across the surface of the water. Am getting the hang of the routine and getting more comfortable with everything. S and A phoned and said the scenery, food and especially the Arabian horses are wonderful and responsive. Oona told them in a very pouty tone ( she didn't cry) that they could only be away for ONE day.

Tired

~I~

Day One and Two

2009-03-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Yes! these really are azalia bushes blooming on the way to the park! Daffodils and tulips too. But the last two days have been quite chilly and require a coat. Kiefer is heavy! I was so happy that he is not mobile just yet but now wish otherwise as I carry him up and down the stairs. Nimfa who came today is very petite. I don't know how she is able to carry him. We had a very busy day even though Nimfa was here. She cooks and cleans and tidies and feeds Kiefer. Oona hardly eats anything but has all the energy in the world. She wheeled around the Paddington Rec track about four times on her bike. We flop on the couch after dinner and watch videos.

Tired.

~I~

Orientation for Me

2009-03-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Arrived this morning, had a nap while Sonja and Alex and Kiefer took Oona to a fairy themed birthday party for her friend Jasmine. Here is Oona in her pink sparkly fairy shoes. She was not ready for a photo shoot so this is the best we could manage for the camera. Have been preparing for next weeks schedule by listening to Sonja and trying to commit to memory a spreadsheet type list of activities, food preferences and sleep schedules - pheww - I think-Yes I can! Oona already has shown me how to correctly load the soap into the dishwasher. All Kiefer wants to do is stand up, hold your two hands and toddle. Thank goodness he is not mobile just yet as he stays in one spot if you sit him down and surround him with toys. But it won't be long before he is off and running.

~I~

Goodbye Again

2008-11-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

Today Oona tried to feed Foufou and Foufou took a swipe at her with his paw. He didn't actually nik or harm her, just scared her. Oona cried and was devastated. After we reprimanded Foufou, Oona grabbed her blankey and marched off with her little arms pumping and said, "mommy I want to go home." She had had enough of trying to make friends with Foufou in vain.

On our way to the airport on the highway, we realized that we did not have the blankey or flankey as Oona calls it. We did an about turn at the next exit, drove back and retreived it.

Here is Sonja in the airport check-in lineup updating Alex. Oona is asleep and Kiefer is asleep in the Baby Bjorn. A few minutes earlier everyone was wailing.

Favouite Oonism for the day, "I play the flanio."

~I~

Oona Baiken

2008-11-24T16:23:00.003-08:00

This morning I asked Oona what she would like for breakfast and she answered, "Bacon and eggs please." So Allan drove to our favourite deli for bacon but forget the eggs. We finally ate breakfast at dinnertime and Oona had bacon, more bacon and fat puffy chocolate Christmas cookies - that's all. Well the weather is below zero so I figure the freezing cold justifies bacon. Here's Oona feeding bread to swans on Lake Ontario and playing catch with a snowball. In two more days she will jet back to London with Kiefer and her mommy.

Our favourite Oonaism so far, "Just a minute, I thinking 'bout things."

~I~

Teeth

2008-11-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

We are a little bit fixated on teeth. Here is Oona checking out the teeth of the bear that welcomes people to a shop on the main drag in Oakville. And here is Oona using the rubber resistance band to do"excises" with Nana. Oona counts with me and as I do my repetitions.

This morning, for a about a half an hour, Oona quietly, carefully, with great concentration, pealed two hard boiled eggs and nibbled until she had eaten all the white and left the yolk. At Omi's house in Kent last summer, she took an egg from the larder, shook it to her ear and asked, "a chick in dere?" Sonja and I tried desperately to explain that a mother hen sits on the eggs to warm them and then the yolks turns into baby chicks.

Our early morning, leisurely peeling hard boiled eggs in peaceful bliss, was disrupted. Everyone got up, the phone rang, the doorbell rang, Kiefer cried a most persistent very loud cry, Sonja was in the shower and Allan yelled, "Innnngriiiiid, dooooo something!"

~I~