Daddy's birthday

His birthday banner (we each have one in a different colour)

Rainbow pancakes by Chef Kate

A doughnut cake (partially consumed)

And some specially chosen presents (what - you can't tell that's a ninja?) 

A good day. 

Kate goes international

Hi friends,

The big news around here is that we just got back from a great trip to Belgium to visit Uncle Neil!  Kate thought the airplane was pretty exciting.  We didn't do much traditional sightseeing - just "hung out" and enjoyed the springtime weather.  Here are a few highlights...

On the plane (reviewing the safety instructions!)

 Splashin'

 Hangin' out with Uncle Neil

In the backyard

Christmas

We're finally getting back to normal after the holidays! 

We had a great holiday this year, with just the right mix of travelling, extended family, and staying-at-home time.  We headed up to New Liskeard on the 21st and celebrated with the McLean side on Christmas Eve.  Kate really enjoyed spending time with her cousins.  She even got to ride on Grandpa's snowmobile!

On Boxing Day we drove back as far as Arnprior to stay a night with Granny and Poppa Patterson.  There are always lots of fun things to play with there.  Then we got to hang out at home for another week, just the three of us. 

All of us, including Grandpa, Granny and Poppa, had nasty colds at some point or another (starting with Kate - thank you!), but everyone has pretty much recovered now.  I think Poppa is the last hold-out, still needing a few days rest. 

Here are some selected pictures - although I unfortunately didn't get any from the Patterson side celebrations...

 Reading with Auntie Tammy

 Presents, presents, everywhere!

 New baby doll



And here she is at home enjoying her new art easel and play kitchen...



Halloween

Sorry for the gap in posting!  We've been busy around here. 

Kate enjoyed Halloween this year.  I wasn't sure if she would "get it", or even let us dress her up in a costume.  But, as you can see, she made an adorable little mouse.  This costume was made by my Grandma Patterson when I was Kate's age, and it's been waiting for another chance to be on display ever since. 

And the day was made even better by a visit from Great Aunt Jayne:

Earlier in the day we had the first snow fall, too.  Kate wasn't quite sure what to do with that...