The science behind the (kiddie) fiction

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/opinion/sunday/scientific-answers-to-the-mysteries-of-childrens-literature.html?_r=3&src=tp

There's loads more what that comes from.

Our extra special year end present

A visit from the one and only C-A-R-R-I-E!!

And then we kidnapped her, so she could come and belt out the tunes at the sing-a-long Sound of Music. It was so much fun. We got a swag bag of things to wave at various moments: cards, an invitation to the Captain & Baroness' party, edelweiss, swatch of curtain fabric; plus cues to shout out certain things when various people/items (i.e. Nazis, mountains, Baroness, Maria, nuns, horses, etc) appeared on screen. And then all sorts of witty one-liners from the audience.

Next singalong show is Grease in February! For some reasons, the family is not so keen to join me...

Tis the season for fire safety lessons

Learning to respect fire and matches is an element of our holiday season. Just look at those lovely candles I bought with Grandma's Christmas cheque.

What was your best children's book read in 2011?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/dec/28/2011-year-in-childrens-books

We read the first Harry Potter, Swallows and Amazons, Swallowdale, Steps Across the Water, Mrs Pepperpot stories, Knuffle Bunny Free, The Magic Thief, Minnow on the Say, War Horse, Kensuke's Kingdom, Why the Whales Came, Lemony Snicket, and so many more!

The children were part of wonderful book club; I should really blog about that in February when it is in full swing again.

And I have joined a nascent all women's group - Litter - and have an invite to another!

Bare sidewalks

We have had a mild winter. Thus far, only one night when snow/slush/ice lay on the ground. So the kids have been free to free-wheel (even with no coats at times)!

The school's winter concert

We managed to cover solstice, Hannukah, Kwanza, general winter and Christmas at the school concert this year. Seb's class sung a Kwanza song, while Sophie did a Christmas medley. Unfortunately, we got no great photos (both are 3rd from left).

However, it was so hot inside that everyone was encouraged to wear short sleeves and then Principal even turned off the heat in the whole building at 6 a.m.! All of which prompted Sophie to unbutton her shirt dress to her navel while on stage....

Let the happy holidays continue!!

Our annual Crawley Christmas shot at Old Mill inn. First Christmas photo with one child standing on the floor. My, aren't they growing!

Oh, what a Christmas Day!

Full of good things:

- a visit from Santa
- prezzies
- food
- family
- fun...

Now back-tracking

First, it was Christmas Eve when we:
* mount the heritage tinsel tree,



* chose our ornaments for the Christmas ring - always leaving two spots for Gramps & Nana to fill on Christmas Day,

* recite the week before Christmas poem for the very last time,

* our new tradition - get the first of the season's pyjamas

* and have a few hijinks!

Boxing Day Bonanza

My love spent his work day at a shopping mall but bought nothing. Meanwhile the rest of us were at home cooking up a feast and/or heading to the movies to the latest Muppet caper.

Christmas Day - first of many

Sophie rode the TTC to Old Mill with her dad. The main meal was delish as always and now George is making the Boxing Day feast!

Tintin the movie opens today in North America!

And this is one family that can't wait to see it. We posed with the promo figurines and last month, the kids went to see a "Toronto imagines Tintin" art exhibit.

A piano missing some keys

Two of Seb's teeth fell out a day apart. Add in - or subtract out - the 2 others he had already lost and not yet filled and you have, as one friend said, a piano missing some keys.

He sure does spend a lot of time now with his fingers in his mouth exploring the new landscape.

Tis the season to sing

If ever there is a season to sing (though I hope not and in fact, tried to make 2011 my year to SING!; only partially achieved it...), then we are in its midst.

Seb's monthly, super-low-key community choir had its mini concert on Wednesday and the school concert is on Monday, complete with Seb's Kwanza piece, Sophie's traditional tunes (with a twist) and my French Club singing Au Clair de la Lune - at least some of them quietly...

How we spent our professional development day

A week ago Friday was a no-school day and M had taken the day off. Since we needed some family time, we planned a lovely day of activities: brunch a new neighbourhood restaurant, library time, a seasonal blockbuster - with a visit to the hot dog stand and a soupy supper and some book time.

Another awesome read

After the family raced through the Magic Thief in days - well, nights actually (Books 2 & 3 will be under the proverbial tree), and Seb tore through a new football/soccer novel D&P sent him in ONE night!, we have hit upon yet another fantastic tale The Invention of Hug Cabret which kept us in bed till almost noon yesterday!