April Update

Hello blog readers. My new (financial) year's resolution, is to do more regular updates for the blog.

April has been a busy month - aren't they all. Steph's parents came over in March and were still here for the beginning of April. We got a bicycle 'chariot' for Alexander  - basically, something for him to sit in and be towed behind a (my) bike. We took our first trip in it to the beach, and I took him out again the following day. Now he keeps asking to go in it. Hopefully it will get a lot of use this summer.

Today we paid a visit to Granville Island out our morning swim. Ocean Cement had their annual open day. If you haven't been to Vancouver and Granville Island you're probably wandering what I'm talking about but it was great fun, despite the uncooperative weather.

Next weekend we're off to Las Vegas for the weekend. It's a work trip but Steph and Alexander, and all 'other halts' get to come too. I think it will be hot.

Below are a few photo highlights from the month.

At beach near Comox on Vancouver Island.

Miracle Beach, north of Comox on Vancouver Island. Alexander and Nanny and Grandad.

Milk is yummy. In a cafe in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Third Beach, Stanley Park, Vancouver. After the first ride in the new 'chariot'.

Its Easter. It must be egg eating time. (Not too much, honest.)

Today on Granville Island. Although Alexander is obsessed with 'diggers' he was, perhaps understandably, reluctant to stand in the bucket of this one.

Alexander test drives a cement truck. With balloon.

Back from the Cement Factory Open Day, Alexander takes a break, while still holding his balloon!

Back on the beach in Comox, Alexander is still smiling!

Alexanders bicycle chariot

We got Alexander a 'chariot' today. It attaches onto the back of my bike. Today we briefly went to the beach with it and along the seawall. Hopefully it will get a lot of use this summer.

Below, Alexander poses next to his new mode of transportation.





- Posted from my iPhone

Alexander in the Snow

A photo from our recent snowshoeing trip on Cypress.

A few More Birthday Pictures

Here's a few photos from today...

Alexander meets Santa at Granville Island!

Thanks to Great Nana for these lovely bear ear muffs!

The Birthday Family Photo. Still with the ear muffs.

Birthday bath time with new bath time toys.

Happy Birthday Alexander

We can't can't believe that Alexander is two years old today! Where does the time go. Here's a few photos from the last few days. He had a party on Sunday. p.s. sorry for the lack of blog entries lately. Sometimes life gets too busy!

Alexander blowing his candles out on Sunday.

Alexander gets ready to blow out his two candles,

Alexander can't wait to get tucked in

There appears to be some cake around his face!

Earlier on in the week, Alexander had another party at Small Group.

And this funny little spinner toy thing had him transfixed!

After his party on Sunday it was time to head off to Stanley Park to go on the miniature train. Part of Tim's work Christmas party. Alexander is not sure about it at all!

Urh... Not liking the snowmen then.

Hope you all like the photos. We went to Seattle last weekend, so hopefully I'll post of few of those photos soon as well.

Alexander eats Miso Soup

My mum is visiting at the moment. Last night we went out for sushi and Alexander loved the miso soup. Click here to watch a clip!

Spagetti and Corn

Alexander likes both, apparently.

Off to the hair dresser

It was overdue. Alexander needed a haircut. So it was off to The Hairloft in the Kidsmarket on Granville Island. But Alexander wouldn't sit in the train or in a car, only on his mama's lap. Here are a few photos.

All done. Looking smart!

A little family portrait

Here's a quick family portrait I took using our new Panasonic LX5, which I am very excited about. Anyway, more about the camera later. For now, here's a quick picture.

Happy Easter

We had a lovely family day out today at Steveston, a fishing village in Richmond, just south of Vancouver. We ate fish and chips, toured the salmon cannery museum and hung out at Garry Point Park. This park juts out into the Straight of Georgia so is usually fairly breezy. Today there was a lot of kite flying going on, which Alexander found fascinating. He also loved the beach. After a nap (for Alexander), a cup of tea (for Steph) and a coffee (for Tim) we headed to a great children's play area that has loads of things to keep smaller ones occupied. Of course, at Alexander's age, it also keeps the parents occupied as well. Here are a few photos from our day.

Alexander was fascinated with the kite flying. Had he had a go himself though, we fear we would be still looking for him somewhere up the Fraser Valley.

Alexander seemingly would have been quite happy to wade out into the estuary had we not stopped him. I played around with this photo a little, including adding a sepia tint, in case you were wandering.

Off at the children's play area, Alexander loved a train. This playground actually represents the end of the old interurban train line from Vancouver, so the model train is highly appropriate. It would be great if the real thing was still in operation though.

And finally, Alexander examines some daffodils. One minute he's stroking them gently, the next... well, as they said in Short Circuit, 'no reassemble'!

Out walking with Alexander

Yes, that's right, walking. With Alexander. Outside!!! Yesterday Alexander got to test his new outdoor shoes for the first time.. outdoors! We just went down to the Coal Harbour seawall. We was fascinated. At first, when let out of the stroller, he just stood there, on the grass, as if taking it all in for the first time. Or maybe getting a feel for the grass/ mud. Anyhow, he soon got used to it and was very interested in the Red Men near the Westin Bayshore Hotel (see photo below). Steph and I were looking at him and realised he really isn't a baby anymore - he's a little boy! Hope you like the pictures. (One other thing we realised - he doesn't have enough trousers. They're going to get muddy and need washing a lot more frequently than before!)

Alexander and Steph pose with a Red Man on the Coal Harbour Seawall.

Alexander takes his first steps on the grass.

Snowshoeing on Cypress with my sister

Laura came for a very brief visit this weekend. The weather was good (sorry Rachel and Chris!) so we headed up Cypress for some snowshoeing. Here are some photos.

 Steph and Laura pose near the beginning. All fresh faced and raring to go!

It was a winter wonderland. Note pack on back...

And in the pack is... Alexander!!! Rented from Mountain Equipment Co-op it did a good job. But by the end my shoulders were in a lot of pain!

Towards the end Laura decided it was time to give carrying Alexander a go. Much to the relief of my shoulders. As we neared the end we saw a bit of a sunset. Very beautiful.

Here's the view Laura and Steph are looking at. Pretty cool clouds and light.

And finally, Laura carefully steps down a small bank of snow. Great expression!

Hopefully it won't be too long before we see you again Laura. And next time bring your husband with you!

Ready for winter

Alexander gets ready for winter with his ski suit.

Alexander is 11 months old

I notice the last post said he was 10 months old. That means its once again been a month between updates - sorry! Here's a photo of the boy in the pool with Steph. We go 'swimming' with him every Saturday morning. And then go for brunch afterward with friends. It's a highlight of the week!

Alexander is nearly 10 months old

Yikes. Time goes so fast. Adults don't age much in a month. Babies change significantly!



Here's a little picture of Alexander from last week. He's moving on to formula instead of breast milk and he doesn't like it!

- Posted from my iPhone

Alexander's new suit

We are off to a wedding tomorrow so Alexander needed a wedding outfit!

Alexander and flag

And while I'm in the mood, here's another photo of Alexander from Canada Day.



- Posted from my iPhone

Fun Weekend

We had a fun weekend around Vancouver. We went to the outdoor swimming pool at Second Beach, hung out with friends ad did a little shopping.

Here's Alexander enjoying himself at home on Sunday.



- Posted from my iPhone

World Cup Exit

So, a disappointing day with England going out of the world cup. We watched the game with a German friend of ours, Lars, and his Canadian wife, Janice. She was the ref! It actually gave it a sense of perspective. Being here in Canada seems to do that. A more global, less English focused view of the world. I'm disappointed (and so was Alexander - see below), but my identity and pride is not caught up with my nationality. We are all made for a much higher purpose!



- Posted from my iPhone

Happy 6 Month Birthday Alexander!

Alexander is six months old today! Let's celebrate with a new photo of him.