Monday, November 28, 2011

High above



Much of the fun of living back in Calgary this year has been getting acquainted to the city with kids in tow....and that means re-exploring many of the places I remember from my childhood.

I took the kids up the Calgary Tower last weekend. It was one of those super cold, clear sky kind of days and I imagined a clear view of the mountains from up in the tower would entice everyone out of their jammies. It also fit the requirement of a school photography project she is doing around community.

I wasn't at all surprised when Isla traipsed back and forth across the glass floor overlooking a busy downtown street, even stretching her body out lengthwise to get a better view of below. I was although more surprised at Roscoe's reluctance to step foot on the glass floor. Despite Isla's gentle encouragement, there was no way he was getting any closer than necessary.
Isla on the other hand is obviously not afraid of heights!


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Rainbows, Sequins and Tooth fairies

November is typically a dreary, cold and dark month, with complaints of shorter days and first frosts. But not if you have a daughter whose brilliant personality and infectious smile lights up everything and everyone around her.

Isla turned six last weekend, and her greatest wish was to lose a tooth. She has been fascinated and slightly envious of all the children in her class - with someone losing or tooth nearly everyday it seems.

Pull, tug, and wiggle as we would - her teeth seem solidly in place (for now anyways). So with a sigh of acceptance, she requested instead a rainbow party for her sixth birthday - and that one I could deliver on.


We took advantage of the long weekend and packed up the candles, decorations and cake making ingredients and headed for the Kootenays.

Turning six, I have realized now, comes with some added maturity and a delightful sense of self-determination and assurance. Isla was most helpful all weekend and enthusiastically involved in all the preparations for the party.

She played a gracious hostess at the party, serving up lunch to all her playmates, organizing the events and party games. And with a sparkle in her eye to match her sequined top, she gleefully received her birthday song and cake.

With as much enthusiasm as her mother (that it actually worked), we revealed a six layer rainbow cake!

Isla Belle, teeth and all, I love you for all your radiance, sparkling personality and kind heart. Happy Birthday my sweet.

Friday, November 4, 2011

This Moment - SNOW DAY!

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ~ Soulemama


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Spook and slime


Nothing better than a weekend full of tricks and treats to cheer you up! Isla has been anxiously counting down the days to Halloween and the festivities began on Saturday with a costume themed birthday party in the neighborhood. Sunday, we broke in our ice skates for the season at the local arena for a family spooky skate event and by Monday when the real deal finally rolled around, the kids were buzzing with excitement. And that was BEFORE they ate any candy! Of course there was pumpkin carving, and halloween baking and costume donning.