Monday, March 10, 2014

Carving out the memories

This past weekend we were once again up at Blue Mountain carving up the slopes. The big guy was in lessons while the little man was in daycare. That meant there was even some mommy and daddy time. What? Time alone, together, as husband and wife, during the day? We may have entered the twilight zone. But I'm happy to stay here . . . even with the creepy music.

Although we didn't get #MaxLoco onto the hill, if we get up again this season we will have to let him hit the slopes. He is pretty darn jealous that he is the only one not up on skis. He is only 21 months old, but this sort of logic is lost on his kinetic toddler brain. Looks like I'll have to find a helmet this week. And a leash. The way that kid approaches in life in general, it's a wonder I don't have these tools already.


Another critical parental lesson learned this weekend, is leave the instruction to the professionals. I may Rockies and all), but when it comes to teaching my kids, I'm lousy. It's a combination of frustration, pain (backwards snowplow hurts like hell for the out of shape thirty-something I am), and the simple fact that my kids don't really listen to me. Truth is I can't compete with the awe inspiring much hipper, and younger, authority figure of the ski instructor. Anyway, that's what I'll continue to tell myself. Oh, and that pesky rope tow? Mastered. It helps when I'm not running him over.
be a pretty decent skier (grew up near the

Now where's that Apres Ski?


Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Tooth Fairy is dead, Long live the Tooth Fairy

The big guy has lost his second tooth. This time it happened at daycare as he bit into, as I imagine, a particularly tough orange. This follows on the heels of his first lost tooth on Christmas day. It was clear that the Tooth Fairy was going to be a bit of a letdown following Santa Clause. A twoonie can't even buy a LEGO minifigure, let alone an entire Jabba's Sail Barge or an Evil Wizard's Castle/Dragon Mountain.

What I didn't expect was the total nonchalance the second time around. Nary a mention, an exclamation of joy or display of wonderment by the cold hard cash appearing under his pillow in place of the lost enamel. Please don't tell me this kid is already questioning made-up supernatural beings perpetuated by mistruths layered on lies built on foundation of dishonesty by the very parents who promise open and sincere communication? On second thoughts, bring it on! 

At least that would mean one less bizarre after hours ritual to forget.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Great White North - Redux

Despite it being March, the clocks having sprung forward and the need to sip a pint on a bright sunlight patio, it is still deep winter here in the Great White North. Spring is approaching, at least it says so on the calendar.

Canadians are famous for talking about the weather. It's true. Part of our national blandness, but also partly is that is affects so much of what we do, or put another what we can do. The darkness, the frozen skin, the road made impassable by massive windrows. The hours spent shovelling. The slippery sidewalks. The broken water mains. The frozen pipes. No wonder for this year's Olympics we chose an appropriate hashtag: #WeAreWinter. Turns out Norway may be a bit more winter than us, but it still dogs our national consciousness.

And when that winter becomes a doozy like this year, it becomes the thing of legend. Yes kids, minus 30. Uphill both ways.

At least we get to play in the snow.

#MaxLoco

Hidden from the camera is that this cute capture is mid-tantrum. Those gloves are meant to keep your hands warm. Don't blame me if you don't want to wear them!