Gotta Be Kiddin Kids' Show

A couple weekends back Melissa & I walked to the AgRec where they were having the "Gotta Be Kiddin" kids' tradeshow.

We both enjoyed Gary the Magician's show. Here he is in a big balloon, and coming out...

Melissa got her face painted by Cinderella...

The highlight for Melissa was jumping in this train bouncy castle. It was the best castle I think I have seen. She went back in so many times... 

I was able to talk her into leaving the bouncy castle to play some mini golf. I did try to teach her how to hold the club properly, but she kept reverting to what felt best...

Papa's Birthday

Over a month ago we celebrated Papa's (my father's) birthday. It's always a blast when the cousins get together. As they are getting older they are playing so nicely together... Melissa & Lexi share similar interests in getting dressed up and being little mothers to Nani's dolls. Xander plays with lego in the corner, and enjoys making the girls scream, chasing them around wearing a wig & fake hand! These pics were all taken by my brother-in-law Jason.

The three cousins... (note Xander's big fake left hand!)

Lexi & Melissa playing together...

Dressing up, she wore this crown the whole time :)

Playing with my Barbie doll from when I was a little girl...

Lunch...

Papa gets lots of wind power from all the grandchildren...

Chatty Melissa

This last week or so Melissa has acquired a new skill of holding a conversation on the telephone. She is pretty cute to watch, as she really gets into it! Here are some pics of her talking to Nana yesterday :)

Bowling

It has been just over a year since Melissa hit the bowling alley... so we went this weekend to Alder Alley with some friends. 

Melissa & Dominick pose beside an old car, part of the old-diner style decor that decked out the alley... 

Her (ugly) cute little bowling shoes!

Which ball to pick... the pink or black?

Getting into position, and the roll...

Celebrating...

The kids entertaining themselves between turns...

The kids were given a slushie from the lady at the alley... and it was a hit!

Slurp...

February Preschool Party Day

Another month done, another 'Party Day' at preschool. Melissa was cute as usual, and I took a few videos of her singing, and narrowed it down to one of each song for this post. 

Melissa & friends on the "party line"...

A close-up of her hat... I'm trying not to analyze what this sketch means :)

"I am special" ... this song Melissa has been singing non-stop around the house. Lately we have been working on trying to correct her grammar when she talks, as she always says "I got" this or that, rather than "I have". And well this song drove me nuts!!! I was afraid that she was going to tell the teachers her mom thinks the song should be "I have eyes, I have ears..."

"All Living Things" - The month of February they learned about how everything belongs to a family. 

"I want to be to you"

Tinkerbell Party

This weekend Kiera had her 4th birthday, Tinkerbell style :) This was a much anticipated day, as Kiera's actual birthday was the weekend before.

Kiera had a special request for her birthday... she wanted a surprise party. Well, she wanted to know about it, and help plan it, but also wanted to be surprised! So her Dad took her out for awhile as the guests arrived. 

The children party guests were each given the opportunity to wear theme coordinated outfits. For the girls it was fairy headband, wings, & tutu, and the boys, pirate vests & eye patches. The excitement mounted as we anticipated Kiera's arrival...

Our pink fairy enjoyed hiding out in the fairy tree as she waited...

The guest of honour arrives, and she looked "surprised"!

Three lovely fairies. Kiera had an extra special Tinkerbell dress just for this occasion which I know Melissa was eyeing up!

Next the pirate & fairies made some crafts, either wands or flags...

Then it was time for Kiera to open her presents...

Followed by a pull-string pinata...

This year Melissa knew what to do and was eager to scavenge... she managed to round up a good sized bag of loot! 

Birthday cupcakes...

A happy fairy with a sugar buzz and a chocolate mustache/goatee! 

Thanks for letting us celebrate your special day with you Kiera!

Valentine's Day Festivities

Yesterday was a fun day for Melissa, on top of it being Valentine's Day.

We went to Home Depot to their 'Kids Workshop' event which was make your own trinket box. Here Melissa is sticking on the side heart stickers. 

Painting the lid with very goopy pink paint.

The finished trinket box...

Next we went to the Clearbrook Library's Literacy Fair. They had many booths on the go, pizza lunch, and entertainment. Here is Kiera & Melissa enjoying a science show. 

Kiera even volunteered to be a part of the show!

Most looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed was the puppet show...

Dance-a-thon

Today at Preschool, Melissa and her class did their Dance-a-thon for World Vision. A big thanks to those of you who supported Melissa in her dance for the "poor children" in Africa. (That is how Melissa words it)

Parents were invited to join them in the Dance-a-thon for the last 10 minutes of class. So I took the opportunity to take some photos of them in action and joined in on the fun!

Here are the kids their festive dance corner...

Getting down...

And a Valentines cookie to end the day! 

Something's Different

Something is different... can you spot it?

Kelly

Ever since I have been around, Kelly has been a part of the Thomas family. On Monday, this golden cocker-spaniel's time with us came to an end after 15 lively years.

Kelly was always faithful to announce our arrival, offer juicy kisses and keep our feet warm. He would never pass up the opportunity to "help" Nana in the kitchen, and sit beside the dinner table incase a scrap or two may fall his way ;) All-in-all he was a part of the family, and will be missed dearly. Kelly was the only dog Melissa had become comfortable around, and I know the reality of him not being at Nana & Pop's next visit may come as a surprise to her even though we have tried to explain it to her. 

Kelly took interest and showed protective behavior towards Melissa...

Even from early on... 

He was always a part of the action,

and liked to sit in the middle of it if possible!

RIP Kelly