Wacky Saturday

Jack got a book for Christmas called Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Suess. The main point of the book is to spot what is 'wrong' or 'wacky' throughout the different pictures. We have had a good time with it, although sometimes we have trouble identifying all the wacky things.

Well, today on a whim we decided to play Wacky Saturday as a family. We told Jack to leave the room and we would arrange certain things in a wacky way and then call him back to the room to spot the wacky things. It was a great hit. Even Mom and Dad (okay, I admit especially Mom!) enjoyed the game. Jack really got in to it. We took turns on who was to leave the room. We played the game in our playroom, which made the game more exciting because there are so many items, and it is not that unusual for things to look a little unorganized or 'wacky' in that room anyway.

Two things that were really interesting to Charles and me:

First, some of the most obvious things to us were hard for Jack to identify as wacky. For instance, we put an extra nappy on Theo on the OUTSIDE of his jeans. I was particularly proud of this one, but it took Jack ages to clue in on it. Or I changed my jeans to be on backwards with the zipper in the back, and he never really got that one (maybe in a couple of years!).

Second, when it was Jack's turn to make things wacky he could barely contain his excitement. When the person returned to the room, he would say 'Look, look, the clock is upside down.' instead of waiting for the person to identify it. He was so proud of what he had made wacky.

It was a great time. I would highly recommend it to anyone with kids over 3ish years. A great rainy day activity indeed!

Here is a picture from the game. Even Theo was included!

It is the end of the world as we know it...

Last night at 6:52 pm the world changed forever. My dad, Mike Abbott, purchased a cell phone. We never thought this day would come. After years of resistance (and persecution) he has taken the plunge and entered the 21st century albeit 9 years late! Better late than never seems an appropriate personal motto for my dad. In fact, by Dad's standards, 9 years late isn't too shabby! Now we just have to teach him how to answer it.

Here is a picture of him returning home with his cell phone.

Good-bye Goldilocks!

Jack had his first haircut yesterday. His Aunt Natalie completed the task while Jack sat on her kitchen table. After finishing, Natalie declared that Jack had aged one whole year during the 20 minute event. I definitely feel like I have a little boy now - we are done with him being mistaken for a girl. Charles came by to see it afterwards, and although he liked it, he was a bit sad. I think he was living vicariously through Jack's long hair and his dream to be a rockstar. Here are pictures of the new Jackster!

Wake Up Daddy!

Theo has been sick a bit lately. Here is an excerpt from a conversation that Charles and I had in the middle of last night:

Erin: Theo's crying. Do you think we should go ahead and give him some medicine?
- Complete Silence.
Erin: Charles, Theo's crying. Do you think I should just go ahead and give him some medicine?
- More Silence.
Erin: Charles, Do you hear me?
Charles: Yes, I am just thinking.
Erin: What are you thinking?
Charles: Well, I think it is a political issue. I think that we should think carefully because either outcome could be considered fair and just.
Erin (a little more sternly): Charles, I am talking about our son who is awake and crying!
Charles: I know. I just think we should probably get him involved in the decision making process.

At this point, Erin gets out of bed and deals with Theo without any more consultation with Charles.

A trip to the firehouse

Charles's grandma organized a trip to the local fire department. It was a great way to start the New Year. Jack had a lot of fun and so did the rest of us. Fireman Chad was a very good guide and was very kind to let Jack 'drive' the firetruck and blow the horn. Thanks to GG for a great day!

Boxing Day Bowling 2008

The Abbott family has a tradition of bowling on boxing day. We have been doing it for about 9 years now. It has become something we look forward to for its fun and friendly rivalry. My mom has even gotten a bowling pin that serves as a trophy and moves from home to home for the year based on who gets the highest score. Here are some pictures and videos from the day this year.

Jack and Cousin Josiah bowling


Theo's First Boxing Day Bowling



Amaris's prediction


Dad's prediction


Lauren's prediction


Justin's prediction


And on the back of that prediction, Jason's response to being the overwhelming favourite

And the Winner is....

And the winner is....



Yes, you heard correctly. Charles won this year with a score of 155 (a long way from the 203 of yester-year). It looks like the bowling pin will be headed back across the Atlantic...once again!

Editor Note: Maybe this is the reason that Charles's thesis took so long...too much time practicing bowling!