Category: Elspeth

March Break…Part 1

It has been an interesting break weather wise with a touch of spring followed by a blast of winter.  On the plus side, the girls have had the chance to get in some more snow play while also trying out their new wellies!

I spent two days up north with the girls visiting my parents.  En route we were able to squeeze in a all to brief visit with one of Katrine’s China sisters (although Elspeth was waaaay over tired by the time we got there) which is always a treat.  Our visit began with dinner by the harbour were the girls admired the lone fishing hut and then goofing around with the pirate who Elspeth affectionately named Captain.

The next day brought some shopping and then outdoor time (They both soooo needed to burn off steam.  As much as I love having a week off from the arena, Katrine is missing all of the activity.)  Splashing in puddles and climbing snowbanks were the activities of choice all enjoyed in glorious sunshine and polar fleece.

Well, back home today saw a snowstorm just to remind us that it is not yet spring.  On went the winter clothes and out we went to play.  Bury each other in the snow, build a snow village for the ponies, climb more mounds…until we were all thoroughly forzen and knew that it was hot chocolate time.

Katrine didn’t want to be buried but was more than happy to help bury the two of us and be the officail photographer.

Elspeth managed to craft some snowblobs and bricks but not the desired Olaf-like snowman.

Katrine spent a lot of time digging suitable houses out of the snowbank and ferrying the ponies between them in open air style.


A Princess in our House

Elspeth has reached the age where princesses have begun to be interesting.  The one who has captured her fantasy is Elsa from Frozen.  For the past week she has asked us to call her Baby Elsa.  She has watched Let it Go as often as she is allowed, nicknamed her sister Olaf (Katrine’s favourite character from the movie) and practised making snow out of bubbles in the bath.

Yesterday she went to school with her crown on her head.  Upon entering, she introduced herself as Baby Elsa.  It appears that she kept it up all day because she not only came home with the crown, a new ring and necklace that she had made but also a story of how they had made snowmen and ice castles at recess.  At bedtime she chose, of course, the Frozen book we have.  She pointed out that Elsa was wearing a blue dress and asked to wear hers to school.

This morning saw her dressed in her Elsa dress.  She was beyond excited.  When I picked her up, she was still making pretend snow.  In fact, she proudly showed me the paper airplane she had made and announced that it was a snow plane.  Loving the creativity.

Proud girl first thing in the morning.

Here she goes making snow!

Still posing like a princess at the end of the day.

 

Stuffed Animal Day at Skating

Yup, it was stuffy day for Elspeth this past weekend at skating.  She decided to take her two My Little Ponies.  Pinkie Pie had to sit with me and watch, under strict instructions that she was also to cheer.  Rainbow Dash was the braver of the pair and she ventured out on the ice with Elspeth.  Considering that she was working with four feet and no brain, Rainbow Dash did great.  Her first time on the ice and she only fell once!  (Okay, Elspeth dropped her but isn’t the other version cuter?)

Oh!  Elspeth was also named one of the CanSkaters of the Month for February!  Here she is in mid jump…

Sorry, bit blurry.


Valentines Day Attwood Style!

We have been really enjoying the Olympics and Valentines Day has been no exception.  What a treat it was to watch the men’s long program.  I even did not do my traditional Valentine’s nails because of the Olympics.  Feeling really proud of the atheletes.

Enough about that.  Time for some valentines.  The day began with a nice breakfast.  My favourite part were the heart shaped eggs.  I found the pan tucked away at the back of the cupboard last month and today provided the perfect opportunity to use it.  The girls informed me that I am to now make heart shaped eggs each year.  They both loved their pillows.  We almost couldn’t get Elspeth to leave hers at home when it was time to head out the door.  Yup, no candy on the table for them.  They seem to get plenty at school either during class or after care parties or with Valentines.  The last thing they need is even more.

When I picked up the girls we headed out for groceries.  We were planning on having chocolate fondue for dessert and I wanted the fruit to be nice and fresh.  Apparently, celebrating Valentines Day can be hard work.  As you can see, Elspeth had to lay down in the cart.

Katrine contributed a special decoration to our dinner table.  She had made a small beeswax candle at school.  Of course we had to light it because “it makes it more romantic” (giggle, giggle).

Neither girl could believe that they were going to be allowed to shove their fruit into a pot of warm chocolate.  Elspeth, of course, ended up with chocolate everywhere.  It looked like she had fingerpainted with brown paint.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture before we cleaned her up.  I did manage to get a picture of Katrine fishing a strawberry out of the chocolate.  She had some difficulty keeping the fruit on the fork…not that she was complaining about having to eat a piece of fruit dripping with chocolatey goodness.

And lastly some random cuteness.  Elspeth’s aftercare has been learning about space.  They have made a few different solar systems and have a simple telescope for the kids to play with in the drama corner.  They also made an astronaut cut out.  I couldn’t resist.  Here is Elspeth the Astronaut.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Winter Olympics!!

It is that wonderful time of year again fondly known in our house as the Winter Olympics.  It is a time where the kids get to eat in front of the tv and watch as much sports as they can handle.  This year’s Olympics have also provided us with the excuse to pull out a favourite skating dress.

 

In December 2009, the Olympic torch passed through town.  At that time, my Grandma sent money over and we bought Katrine a red skating dress…her first new dress in fact.  She wore that dress when she skated in the celebration show commerating the torch relay.

This past weekend, the skating club had a red and white day in honour of our atheletes in Sochi.  It was time to break out the red dress.  It was too wide around and too long on the sleeves but Little One was super proud of her stylish dress.  Contined good luck to our atheletes.

Even more snow

After a fabulous Chinese New Year party with Katrine’s China family we came home to more snow.  Needless to say, the girls are thrilled.  Here is just a glimpse of what they got up to. (The skating pictures are from the party.)

Glenn and I?  Where are we?  Shoveling of course.

Snow Days with Elspeth

Katrine has been hibernating a bit this past weekend so no realy pictures of her in action in the snow.  Elspeth is a different story.  She had us outside with her a lot this past weekend.  Good thing too with how cold it has gotten.

Still loving her polar bear hat.

We got some snow markers just before Christmas.  They were a bit pricey but I really wanted the squeeze bottle that closed and was small enough that Elspeth could squeeze.  We emptied them Christmas week but they work just as well with food colouring and water.

Can you see the word?  Three letters.  Bathroom humour?  Elspeth was thrilled when she realised that she had spelled poo.  And so is the humour of a four year old.