On Wednesday, Angel watched Bells for us; she fell asleep on her way home. The new stroller does not appear to be as comfortable for sleeping as the old. We ended up going to Jon's office and waiting for him to get off work. Went for a sushi dinner and then were too lazy to do any grocery shopping once we got home. Isobel turned 33 months old.
I left work early on Thursday to go to the Peekaboo Beans Spring 2011 line sale. I got a few pants for Bells since her other Beans yoga pants are starting to be too short for her. We drove Jon to work and then headed to the South Arm Park in the afternoon. Isobel went down the slide by herself. On the way home, I discovered a place that has baguette sandwiches like the plave Jon likes downtown and got Isobel a screamer from there. Since Isobel had managed to get covered in dirt at the park, she had a bath in the evening.
On Friday, Michelle watched Isobel for us and stayed for a Doctor Who Season 4 marathon. We had the sandwiched I had discovered the day before for dinner. Jon walked to the mall with Isobel on his shoulders in the evening to pick up some junk food and did not realize that she had no panties on under her dress; silly Daddy.
On Saturday, we finished watching season 4 of Doctor Who. Went to Metrotown. Returned Michelle to her house, after stopping in to scare Ashley while she was at work. Isobel helped Michelle's mom paint a little bit of their wall. We then drove downtown to drop off Isobel at Cynthia's for her date with Nicholas (thanks Cynthia for taking Bells at the last minute) - they played and then watched the fireworks together and Isobel was not scared but just snuggled with Nicholas. Jon and I had scored free tickets for dinner at The Boathouse and reserved seating to watch the fireworks. Had a great time and was delighted when Frances and Hoatie showed up (they had also scored tickets from work). Plus got to know a co-worker from another department and her sister. A very pleasant evening, even though we were out way past Isobel's bedtime.
On Sunday, we went to the Family Day at the London Heritage Farm in Steveston. Isobel had lots of fun with facepainting, dancing, eating cotton candy and the bouncy castle. She waited in line for a balloon sword (her choice) and was waiting for a pony ride, when Jon and I decided that the line was too long for us to wait in. I would go back to this event next year and hope to check out the tea house at the farm one day with Jon and Bells. I fell asleep on the couch when I got home. We then went to Karla's for the afternoon/evening and Isobel got to play with Nicholas for a while and then baby Annelies.
I took Monday off. We were supposed to have brunch with Julia Ko and Chris, but Jon wasn't able to get the time off so have rescheduled to meet up later in the week one evening since we were going to have to leave early today. Instead we got our car insurance renewed. After driving Jon to work, Isobel and I picked up a parcel for her and then stopped in at my work. We ended up going to lunch with Frances and Lynda and collected some cucumbers that Colleen had brought in from her garden (Isobel ate one by herself already). Isobel and I spent the afternoon in the pool (she's getting really good at using the pool noodle by herself and even asked me to put her underwater once). We ended up taking a two hour nap in the late afternoon. In the evening, Isobel wanted Jon to take her swimming so they went into the pool for a little bit.
On Tuesday Cally watched Bells.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
40/52 - 33 Months Old
39/52 - Peeking out Train Window
Will try to get the weekly write ups caught up this week.
On Wednesday, Jon took the day off and watched Isobel. They picked me up after work and we went to Park Royal so that Jon could get a Nikon D7000. We also picked up Isobel's Christmas present - a Playmobil house.
On Thursday, Robyn and the kids watched Isobel.
On Friday, Jon set the tent up in the living room as I had promised Isobel we'd camp in the house this summer. This time, Jon put our mattress in the tent.
On Saturday, I went into work during the morning. I met Isobel and Jon at the sky train and we headed down to spend the afternoon with Cynthia and Nicholas. We went to the Grancille Island water park and Isobel went down her first waterslide - holding tightly onto Jon and wanting to go again. She would only walk through the sprinkler area if Nicholas was holding her hand. We then checked out the kid's market. We took the historic train (which Isobel also really liked) and went to Winners.
On Sunday, I also went into work in the morning and then met Jon and Isobel at the skytrain to head downtown for the Pride parade. We didn't end up getting there early enough to get a good spot, so I should remember that for next year. But Isobel's stroller finally died and we threw it out when we got home. Went to Karla's in the evening to watch True Blood.
Monday was a holiday. We went out to lunch with April, Bobby, Cally, and their parents. It was lovely and Isobel was really good considering she doesn't she April and Cally's parents a lot; she went for a walk with Rene and sat on William's lap, and was only a little nervous when we walked them to their car that they would take them home with them. Cally, April and Bobby came over for an afternoon in the pool and playing Dominion.
Tuesday was back to work and really busy thanks to month end. Cally, Michelle, and Ashley watched Bells for us. Isobel and I met Jon at the mall when he got off work and we picked up an umbrella or big-girl stroller for Isobel to replace the stroller we threw out.
38/52 - YVR's 80th Birthday and Pirate Isobel
There's a reason I should do these write ups right away so that I can remember what we did.
On Wednesday, Angel and Kenny wateched Isobel downtown for us.
On Thursday, Robyn watched Isobel.
On Friday, YVR (Vancouver Airport) turned 80. Jon and Isobel picked my up for work and had some of the bithday cake.
Saturday, we moved some bookshelves from the living room to the toy area and moved the toy area to the living room so that Isobel would have more play room. I went into work for 8 hours in the evening.
On Sunday, we met April and Bobby for lunch at Dinesty (but they were out of their pork soup buns :( ). In the afternoon we went to Ikea and bought the sofa table Isobel is sitting on. She had fun helping Jon put it together. In the evening we watched The Princess Bride with Isobel for the first time; actually she wasn't interested in it for the most part and played instead.
Jon stayed home on Monday to watch Bells as Cally was in Victoria over the weekend (where she and Drew-guy got engaged; congrats Cally!!). They picked me up from work early and we went through a car wash (we've told Isobel we'd take her through one after she watched one on Caillou) and to the park near Isobel's preschool. We also stopped at Micheal's and found a pirate chest for Isobel since she had been playing pirates with daddy most of the week. She's been asking him to "be a princess daddy" while she was the pirate.
On Tuesday, Cally and Michelle watched Bells for us. Michelle and I got to see Cally's ring before April. I was late picking Isobel up because of work and horrible traffic. It was also Ryley's birthday.
37/52 - Wedding Anniversary and Goodbye to Grandparents
37/52 - Wedding Anniversary and Goodbye to Grandparents, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.
On Wednesday, Isobel had dance class. Grandma and Grandpa brought Isobel to dance class and my boss drove me there after work. In the evening we watched Harry Potter 7.1 in anticipation of the release of 7.2. Grandpa read Isobel lots of stories, but she wouldn't go to sleep for him, just kept convincing him to read her more stories.
On Thursday, Jon and I had a date night. We went down to the pool in our complex and ended up sharing the pool with a five year old girl whose grandmother was watching her from the side and who wanted to play with us. As such was not necessarily the best date night, but that's okay.
On Friday, I had the day off. Grandma went to see Harry Potter 7.2 with some friends while Grandpa, Isobel and I went out for sushi lunch and then to Isobel's last July sesion dance class. She fell asleep in the van before class and was a little groggy for the first part of class. After class, we took some photos by the airport. In the evening, Jon and I went for another date night to hot yoga. It was not easy and I do not think I've ever drunk that much water at one time before but I really enjoyed it and am hoping to get back once or twice a month on my own.
Saturday, Jon and I joined Robyn and saw Harry Potter 7.2. We then picked up Isobel and headed to Matt's for the evening, since he was home for the week.
On Sunday, we took the grandparents to Granville Island. Stopped at La Casa Gelato for ice cream on the way home. Isobel loved it and sobbed hysterically when her bright blue cotton candy ice cream cone fell on the sidewalk. Grandma was nice enough to let Isobel finish her Death by Mango, but it just wasn't the same for a two year old. I've promised Isobel we'll go back one day in August. In the evening, Jon and I went to Karla's to watch True Blood.
Monday was our wedding anniversary as well as my parents' wedding anniversary. We spent the day strolling around Steveston and had a lovely greek lunch picnic. Stopped by the beach so Isobel could play in the sand for a bit. In the evening, Jon and I left Isobel with grandma and grandpa again and went to the Spaghetti Factory and a movie (X-Men: First Class) for our anniversary date.
I ended up taking a family day for Tuesday, as Isobel was a little anxious with Grandma and Grandpa leaving. They packed up the van and when we walked them down to say goodbye Isobel freaked out when Grandpa sat beside her in the driver's seat; I suspect she thought we were serious when we told her that Grandma and Grandpa were going to try to steal her. My mom cried, as usual when she leaves. Jon went to work and Isobel and I spent the day at home getting a bit of house work done and re-organizing the furniture in her bedroom.
36/52 - Camping Trip
On Wednesday, I left work early and went to Dressew with Grandma and Isobel. We had a lovely lunch at a cafe and also checked out a button store.
Thursday, we packed up to go camping the next day. Grandma took Isobel to lunch with some of her ex coworkers.
Jon and I both had Friday off. We loaded up my parents van with our camping gear and headed to Sechelt. Unfortunately, my cold set in shortly after arriving at the campsite. We spent some time at the beach and roasted marshmallows with The Birds before heading to bed in the tent. We forgot to charge our camera battery so were stingy with the camping photos we took.
On Saturday, we went for a morning walk at Smuggler's Cove Park. I still wasn't feeling good, so after spending the afternoon at the beach we packed up and headed home. The Birds went to visit Beth and Matt and their two girls (sorry we missed out on that) and spent the night at the campground. Isobel was upset to leave, but we managed to make the 5:30pm ferry home and I was much happier sleeping in my bedroom instead of a tent. We discovered that Isobel likes cotton candy flavoured taffy on this trip. While we were away, my mom made Isobel a Snow White costume.
On Sunday, we had a picnic lunch of fish and chips in Steveston. Jeff, Louise and Robyn came over for dinner. I went to bed shortly after they left and slept for 12 hours.
A coworker had convinced me to take Monday off, and I'm really glad I listened. I still wasn't feeling great, but was better than the previous two days. In the afternoon Isobel had ballet class. It was really cute. A different teacher than normal for this session (three days in one week) and Isobel absolutely adored the teacher. Plus Isobel was not clingy at all and was running around like a little wild child. I was very proud of her. Ran some errands after dance class.
On Tuesday, it was back to work. Michele and Cally watched Isobel as the grandparents went to visit an old neighbour who is in the hospital. In the evening, we picked up Jon from work. The grandparents took Isobel out for a sushi bean dinner and Jon and I went to watch Super 8. I really enjoyed it.
35/52 - 32 Months Old
On Wednesday, my parents ended up taking us out for a Greek dinner in Steveston. It was very yummy, but way too much food. Grandma took Isobel to the playground while the rest of us went to the grocery store. It was a little too cool for Isobel and I fogot her jacket, so Jon wrapped her up under his sweater on the way back to the car.
On Thursday, my parents went to visit a family friend in Langley and spent the night. Robyn and the kids watched Bells. We had people over for pizza and games, although I had to leave and return to work for an hour to deal with something.
Friday was Canada Day. We didn't make it to a parade as I had hoped to and Isobel wasn't in her Canada Day t-shirt for very long, but it was still a nice day. After my parents arrived home, we headed out to Chilliwack for the day to do some visiting. Stopped at the barn from my dad's childhood and took a few pictures. Had a lovely visit with my best friend and her family. Got to see my second mom and other sister and her new baby (for the first time even though she was born in February) too. Stopped in at my Aunt Joan's on the way home. It was nice to see everyone but it's such a long drive to Chilliwack (if anyone had told me I'd say that 5 years ago I'd had laughed, but now...).
Saturday was Jon's sister's birthday. We went to a birthday lunch at Jon's mom's. She had bought a couple of cute summer outfits for Isobel. After lunch, we attempted to go to Jericho beach (as we had told Isobel the day before that we'd take her to the beach that day), but there was no parking to be found. Now the the nice weather has finally arrived, everyone was tryng to enjoy it. We ended up stopping at Nitobe Gardens instead, which was probably the pretty option as it was nice and shaded; plus I had forgotten to pack Isobel's beach toys. And we managed to get a couple of nice photos; although remind me that bribing a kid to stay still for photos with candy has the opposite effect in the long run.
On Sunday, Isobel turned 32 months old. I went into work for a few hours in the morning. When I arrived home, we loaded up my parents van, stopped and grapped some sushi to go for a picnic lunch, and headed to the beach. We decided to check out Centennial Beach as I'd read good things about it on some family orientated sites. I really liked the beach and would like to go back this summer. We decided to take Isobel's monthly photo with penguin at the beach for something different. In the evening, Jon and I went to Karla's to watch True Blood.
On Monday, we were back to work. Cally watched Isobel for us. Isobel chose to nap instead of going outside. Mom and dad went to Lonsdale Quay. Isobel, mom and I went to the clubhouse for an afternoon snack picnic and to dip our toes in the pool.
On Tuesday, Isobel stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa; she was stuffed up and asked to take a nap (and slept for about 2 hours). My parents took us out for sushi dinner as my dad really misses good sushi while he's at home. In the evening, Isobel, Jon and I went to the library to return some books, take some more books out for Bells, and then did a little bunny hunting in the park.
34/52 - Visiting with Grandparents
On Wednesday, we met up with Jon's Gran, Aunt Star, Jeff, and Louise for dinner at The Spaghetti Factory in Vancouver. It was a nice visit.
On Thursday, Grandma took Isobel to have lunch with some of her old co-workers. In the evening we headed to Park Royal. Isobel got her early birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa - Playmobil Zoo.
On Friday, I had the day off. Isobel and I took Grandma and Grandpa bunny hunting in Minoru Park. In the evening, Jon and I went and saw Bridesmaids; I can not remember the last time I went to a late movie.
On Saturday, the rain ruined out plans so we headed to Ikea for lunch and some shopping. Grandma and Grandpa got Isobel her early Christmas present - storage shelves for her zoo and other toys. Jon put it together, with Isobel's help, when we got home. Jon and I had another date night and saw the Screaming Chicken's Burlesque Show.
On Sunday, the weather cooperated and we were able to head to Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden to take some pictures. In the evening, Isobel took Grandma and Grandpa down to the pool to dip their feet in; however, Isobel fell into the pool and Grandma went in after her. They both came upstairs in soaking wet clothes. In the evening, Jon and I went to Karla's to watch the first episode of True Blood.
On Monday, Cally and Michelle watched Isobel for us. Jon forgot Matt's keys (normally, Cally has them) so had to drive them to our place to watch Bells there and then I drove them back when I got home. Cally put really cute french braids in Isobel's hair. My parents spent the day visiting with one of my dad's brothers and his wife. In the evening Jon, Isobel and I went to the library (we took out Ladybug Girl which Isobel is really enjoying listening to) and did some bunny hunting in Minoru Park afterwards (we saw 8 bunnies).
On Tuesday, my dad visitied with one of his childhood friends. My mom took Isobel to the mall and after Isobel telling us for 24 hours that she no longer wanted to get her hair cut, she asked Grandma if she could get her hair cut. She now has bangs again and the rest just got a trim.
33/52 - Cordy's Second Birthday Party
On Wednesday, Michelle watched Isobel for us at Matt's apartment. We then headed home to watch the Final Game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vancouver lost; Boston's goaltender did an excellent job of stopping everything. After the game, I got sucked into watching the riots on the news; I can't believe people would do that to the city.
On Thursday, Robyn and the kids watched Isobel for us. Jon's gaming group came over in the evening for pizza and to play games in the clubhouse. Isobel was a little crabby for me, but I suspect she was tired and her top second molars were bothering her (as they're cutting through).
On Friday, I left work early to watch Isobel's last dance class of this session. In the evening, I left Isobel with Jon and went to a card making class with Frances.
Saturday was Matt's birthday (he's still in the bush though) and Cordy's second birthday party. Isobel had fun at the party and really liked the cake. My parents met us at the Birds as they have arrived for a nice long visit. In the evening we walked to Tokyo Joe's for an early father's day dinner of sushi.
On Sunday, it was Father's day. Jon and I made perogies in the late morning. We went grocery shopping and then left Isobel with grandma and grandpa while we went over to Karla's for a yummy dinner (I really have to try making her pulled pork now) and to watch the last two episodes of Game of Thrones.
I took Monday off. We showed the grandparents where Isobel's preschool is and went to the playground there. Jon went to work. We had a picnic lunch in the clubhouse and walked over to Lansdowne mall in the afternoon. Jon and I went to the gym in the evening and Isobel was a little upset as she didn't want us to go. She was still up when we got home though and still wanted Grandma to put her to bed.
Happy Second Birthday to Cordy on Tuesday. I headed back to work. Isobel went to the mall with Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma brought her into the swimming pool at our complex. When I got home, we took Isobel's tricycle outside and she almost got the hang of pedaling. Jon got home from work and we ate dinner before heading to the library to pick up some books.
32/52 - Seabus
Jon had to take a black and white photo this week, so we took a lot of b&w photos.
On Wednesday, I left work early to watch Isobel. We ended up staying at the airport to check out the Canucks appreciation day at YVR. Isobel got her face painted and her picture taken with Fin.
Robyn and the baby birds watched Isobel on Thursday. Isobel had a temper tantrum for me after they left so Jon cancelled his gaming to come home in the evening. I'm really looking forward to the terrible two's being over; although in all honesty, Isobel really is good about 99% of the time.
On Friday, Isobel and I went down to the clubhouse in the late afternoon to wait for Jon to get off work. We then headed upstairs to watch the rest of Game 5. Canucks won!!!
On Saturday, we had errands to run at Park Royal. Jon and Isobel painted another teracotta pot and then Isobel and I did some planting. I now really need to wash the patio floor as it's covered in dirt. Jon went to pick up the next three episodes of Game of Thrones from Karla; he watched them all and I only managed to watch one. I was just so tired this weekend.
On Sunday, we took the train and seabus to Lonsdale Quay in the morning. Wandered around and ended up getting Isobel a stuffed Tyrone (from Backyardigans) and Swiper (from Dora). Headed home and someone wanted a picnic in the clubhouse. Jon ended up resting there while Isobel and I went into the pool, which was much warmer than the previous time we went in. Jon used our grill for the first time this season.
Back to work on Monday. Jon took the day off so that I could go downtown with Robyn and watch the Game 6 at Roger's Arena. Had a lot of fun despite the Canucks losing. Felt guilty about hardly seeing Isobel all day though. When I got home, Jona nd I finished True Blood Season 3.
On Tuesday, Cally and Michelle watched Belly for us. We left later than normal and Isobel was still driving the car when Jon got home from work.
31/52 - 31 Months Old
Angel was not available on Wednesday, so Jon took some time off. We watched the Canucks win the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals and Isobel cheered them on with "CoConuts Go!".
Robyn and the kids watched Isobel for us on Thursday. Jon went to gaming in the evening, so Isobel and I fended for ourselves. Isobel made chocolate pudding for popsicles. We took a bath and she was loathe to get out of it and go to bed.
On Friday, Michelle came over and watched Isobel for us. She gave Isobel this dress that her family (Thanks to Perry, Elsa, Michelle and Ashley!) had brought back from their Mexico cruise for her. It looks super cute on her and Isobel wanted to wear it for her picture with penguin. They also brought Jon back and luchador mask and me some vanilla; they're too sweet! In the evening, we picked up our new computer since it was finally ready, over a week then they originally told us. After dropping the computer off at home, we picked up some sushi and headed to Steveston for a picnic dinner. Isobel enjoyed eating outside. I pushed Isobel on the swings for a little while, and then we walked to Gary Point Park to look at the tall ships. We considered staying for the outdoor showing of Peter Pan, but it was late and starting to get cold so we bought some caramel popcorn and left for home.
On Saturday, we did a bit of cleaning and errand running in the morning. Tried out the outdoor pool at our complex since it opened on Wednesday and it was really cold. But it should be fun this summer. Mike, Julia and baby Issac arrived for a visit. It was great to see how quickly they've adapted to being parents and Isobel adored Issac, even if she was a little unsure of him at times. We stayed up way too late for me, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Isobel was a little more hesitant about going to bed than normal because there were people over and she was concerned about where mommy and daddy would be sleeping since we gave Mike, Julia and Issac our room (we slept on the pull out couch; Jon actually crawled into bed with Isobel).
Jon made us yummy banana pancakes on Sunday morning. Brian, Kayo, April, Bobby, Robyn and Mason came over to visit with Mike and Julia and meet Issac. We had sushi for lunch and then went to the clubhouse for visiting and boardgames. Isobel had fun running around with Mason, did really well at playing by herself after he left, and got in lots of cuddle time with Isaac.
Cally and Michelle watched Isobel on Monday. I picked up Isobel a little earlier than normal so that Cally could make it to work on time. Unfortunately, the Canucks lost that game. Jon and I watched that last 10 minutes and it was a rout despite Isobel's cheering "yay hockey" and "CoConuts Go!".
Tuesday....to follow
30/52 - Bloedel Conservatory
Angel watched Isobel for us on Wednesday. I picked her up and then we left a little earlier than normal to beat the rush hour on the train ride home. Stopped in at Chapters to wait for Jon to get off work, and Isobel took a nap in her stroller. We ended up meeting Jon at the grocery store near his work to pick up a couple of items before heading home. Happy birthday to Robyn on Wednesday
On Thursday, Robyn and the kids watched Belly for us. We picked up Jon from work and then headed to Queen Elizabeth Park as I had a coupon to get us into Bloedel Conservatory for free, but it was only valid for that day only. I really like it there. Isobel was a little cranky, but she really liked the wishing fountain. She also tripped on a rock and scrapped up her knee. We stopped at Whole Foods, and picked up take out food for dinner. It was a very late night.
On Friday, Ashley and Michelle came over to watch Isobel. Jon wasn't feeling well, but was able to run a couple of errands while they were over.
On Saturday, we met up with April and Matty for an early lunch. And then headed to Steveston for a gardening class for me and some shopping. I'm really enjoying these free gardening classes offered in Richmond. Now I just have to learn how to not kill my plants.
On Sunday, we drove Matty to the Airport and did some cleaning in the morning. Isobel was finally allowed to eat one of the strawberries off our strawberry plants; the others need longer to ripen. Took a family nap for about 2 hours in the late afternoon. Had a lovely visit, and went out for dinner, with Jeff and Louise in the evening; Isobel was excited to see them.
Back to work on Monday. Jon was sick. Cally watched Isobel for us, but Bells was cranky and had some bowel issues. I made Rosemary's lentil casserole for dinner; Isobel refused to eat any. We looked at old photos of Isobel and watched some videos. Isobel wanted to wear my tank top to bed. Julia Ko came over after Isobel was asleep to visit as she had time between her flight from Alberta and to Hong Kong for her grandmother's funeral. I also got my mother's day present from Jon and Isobel - a Canucks shirt.
Cally, Michelle, and Ashley watched Isobel for us. We went grocery shopping. Isobel went to sleep well.