Interactions

I have no photos today, but I wanted to start writing down some of the things that Vivian does (or doesn't do, as the case may be) even if I don't have the photos to prove anything.

I enjoyed on Sunday how she is interacting with people of all ages. At the playground, she started playing with a little girl (a little older than her) ... they chased each other around, followed each other onto the play equipment, etc.

Later that evening, Toni came over for dinner and as we were sitting outside, soaking in the warm sunshine, chatting, Vivian pulled up a chair and sat down and joined the conversation. It helped that she found a very patient and responsive listener in Toni. But it still was too cute.

Earlier that day (also sitting outside), I had my feet up on one chair while reclining in the other, and Vivian decided she needed to do the same. She actually sat there with me a for a few minutes, just relaxing.

And lastly, the stories. It is very fun to have her come home from a friend's house (like today) or spot me when I get home from work, and just run up to me and blurt out all these experiences and stories and things she needs to get off her chest right now! I can't wait for the day where I can actually understand most of what she is telling me!

Easter 2010

When I told Vivian Saturday evening that I thought the Easter Bunny might come overnight and hide some eggs, she broke out in almost hysterical giggles in anticipation. Luckily, that didn't prevent her from falling asleep at a normal time, though. Whew!

We had to leave early Sunday morning to go to church (Will was providing the flowers for the services), so we had planned to look for the eggs after church. Of course, Vivian managed to spot a couple already before we managed to get out of the door.

Little did we know that the Easter Bunny had come to church, too, so Vivian got to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt there, as well.

At home, the bunny had hidden a couple of eggs outside, and the rest in the living room, together with some colorful markers, playdoh and a cuddly bunny rabbit. The eggs were filled with chocolate eggs, jelly beans and a couple even had some quarters in them!



I tried to get Vivian outside afterwards to do a "proper" photo, but for almost every shot she did an exaggerated "cheese" (with full goofy facial expression), was checking out the contents of her basket or was busy chewing on jelly beans, so it was not easy. And with hindsight (now that I looked at the photos), the sun probably made her squint a bit, too. Ooops.

Sing-Along With Vivian

Actually, better not sing along. She'd just give you a stern look and say "My singing!".

"The ABC Song" (abridged)


"If you're happy and you know it" and "Happy Birthday" (medley)


"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (and you don't even have to clap at the end)

Coloring Easter Eggs

Marina called it correctly ... we'd be coloring the kids more than the eggs. But it was a fun event. And, miraculously, none of the dye got spilled on the floor! And the eggs turned out pretty colorful, too!

Fun Day Out

Um. Yes. It's been a while. Sorry. We are all well.

Today was a fun day ... Daddy off from work and beautiful sunny weather.

We started the day by skyping with Omi and Grosspapa (who is finally back home - yay!) and then went for a walk in Bird Park. The entire time we were there, Vivian kept asking "Where park?". Our answer of it being all around her didn't seem to satisfy her...


Later, we went and had ice cream at "Scoops" on Beverly Road. Yummy! And messy!



Then, we rounded the day out with some play in the sand box and hot dogs on the deck. What a great start to the Easter weekend!

Christmas Tree

We decided to buy a live tree this year; it will planted in the backyard after the holidays. We had several goals in mind when we chose its location for the holidays:

• Have a decorated tree
• Separate cats, kids and the tree
  
• Keep the tree alive
  

The tree is outside on the deck. We won't be home for the actual holidays so it's ok not to have a tree inside.

Vivian and I went out yesterday to decorate it with lights and crystals. We think it might need something else (stars? tinsel? a photo taken in the dark when you can see the lights are on?). And we definitely need to come up with a way to disguise that huge black container. But it's a start.

And unless Vivian goes through a sudden major growth spurt we have achieved another goal of ours ... have a tree that is bigger than Vivian.

Happy Holidays!

Nikolaus 2009

Yet again, Nikolaus made his annual trip to the States to deliver little gifts to little girls. Unlike last year, Vivian gladly took the toys out of her shoes and didn't try to stuff them back in. This year, the hard part was deciding which one to take to church ... :)