Today, we met up with Miss Amy and Talia - two of our very favourite people. We went to the children's museum, which was brave considering it was the first Monday of Spring Break and a haven for every daycare and mom in the city! It always surprises me how many people are there! We tried to time it so that the girls would have their play time over the lunch hour, when most kids are eating. Apparently, the thinking I felt rather brilliant about, was not only my thinking - about 97 other mom's thought the same. So, we forged our way through the lines and crowds and I had to use my teacher voice a few times to direct the bigger kids not to push the little ones out of the way or just to be aware that they are there. All in all it was a great day - highlights included: tunnels, slides, running up and down the train ramp, building with big blocks, and the felt board. However none of these highlights compared to the discovery of the Mr. Potato Head room - Pacey was in Potato heaven!!!
What better way to end our day than with a cake pop!!!
Right before bed, I heard Pacey grunting and yelling in frustration. I snuck around the corner, because she has become quite the character - winding herself up in the most awkward and bizarre situations. Well tonight, she surely did not disappoint! I peaked around to see what she was up to. She was bound and determined to get herself into this small little shopping cart. I took a couple of pictures to show her determination, and how she finally solved her problem!
Pacey loves to play ready steady go with anyone who will play with her. Usually, she will wind up her little legs and stretch one back (starting position) and say "ready …. steady …" Then she is off and running as she squeals "GO!" Whoever she is racing against is at a clear disadvantage as there is no way to tell when she is going to pull the trigger on the "Go." Tonight she hit an all time high in the area of unfair. She persuaded (although there is never much arm twisting) Bampa to race her, but what Bampa didn't know was that while he was on his two running legs, Pacey would be on her Turtle and whizzing around the floor. She had a great time and boy, it was sure fun to watch!!!
Today, we went to Build-A-Bear! How exciting! First of all, Pacey got to walk. She never gets to walk, especially in a mall - mostly because, well she never walks, she runs … fast…and away. But today, we talked about what a big girl she was and how she was such a good listener and we were going to the Teddy Bear store to make her own teddy bear. If only it was as simple as that …
Step One: Bear Selection
It would help if there weren't 75 different stuffed animals to choose from. But there are, well not 75, but easily 20. Pacey had to carefully deliberate between all 20 - picking them up several times and putting them back down, holding versions which were already stuffed up and hugging and kissing them. She finally found exactly what she wanted with the brown bunny.
Step Two: Stuffing the Bear
Well in this case, a bunny. Pacey was distracted by a little girl who was crying. She couldn't focus on stuffing her bunny until she gave the little girl a hug and said "it's ok buddy." Once that was done, she was ready to stuff! At first, she was confused about this process, but she soon caught on. She loved it! She pressed a pedal and the stuff was stuffing away! I offered to help but was abruptly told "NO mommy! Rae-rae do." And do she did! Her bunny was stuffed and she put a heart in it and we were ready to go.
Step Three: Bathing and fluffing
She loved this centre! She was able to put the bunny under the dryer to fluff her up and she used a brush and groomer. It was all very cute, as she was very serious about this process. Once Bunny was fluffed up and "puhhh-fect," we began the clothes selecting.
Step Four: Interrupted by several distractions
Step Four: Dressing the Bunny
Nevermind the Teddy choice - the clothes choice - out of this world. There are unbelievable amounts of choices. Dresses, skirts, tops, different versions of tops, pants, shorts, sweatsuits, costumes - yes costumes. Then you should consider the shoes and the hats or hair accessories. You should probably also start thinking of the accessories … a cell phone? some sunglasses? maybe some roller skates or a necklace? perhaps you would like a leash? can't help but wonder with easter around the corner if your new little friend might want a bouquet of spring flowers to hold or how about an easter basket? The options are overwhelming (and slightly ridiculous).
Step Five: Paying for the Bunny
Ummmmm what? Is that even possible? Bottom line, it adds up folks.
Step 6: Walk Away a Winner
It is all worth it when you consider it as an experience. It is all worth it when you see the joy on her face and how happy she is with her new best friend. Do you think she is a tad conceited if she named her Bunny: Pacey-rae Linda? I don't, it's not wrong to want a Junior.
Step 7: Celebrate with a Treat
After a very hard day at the Build A Bear Workshop, it is always wisest to unwind with a delicious Mrs. Fields Cookie.
What a great day! We went for a walk with the dogs. Then we went to Polo Park and Toys R Us (just to browse). After that it was lunch time, and we went to Boston Pizza. Pacey was great! She loved her meal and kept saying "mmm mmmm mmmm." A definite highlight was running into the Bell Family with their newest little addition Wylie. It sure was great to see them, even if for only a minute. On our way home we stopped at the "puppy dog store" which is one of Pacey's favourites. She absolutely loves Sam, the cat there and walks around trying to find him. Typically, he is sitting somewhere out of reach, where she can admire him from afar - but today she got to look right into his eyes!!!
In Denver, we bought a ton of Piggy Paint - an organic nail polish. Since Denver, my girl has become obsessed with having her fingers and toes painted, if not nightly, at least weekly. She loves to wiggle her fingers and toes in our faces and tell us all about the colours of piggy paint. We sit on the floor with all the bottles and she points to a colour and says "That one." Then she points to which finger or toe to put it on. She is very particular and very, very adorable!!!
We celebrated Kai's 9th birthday with him on March 3rd! How exciting to watch him develop into such an outstanding little human being! I have watched him from so many different angles throughout the years. I have seen him through the eyes of an auntie who thinks he can do no wrong, and I have seen him through the eyes of a fan who loves watching him and hearing about him succeed in hockey, I have seen him through the eyes of an educator who is absolutely impressed and inspired by his genuine curiosity and love to learn, and finally I have seen him through the eyes of a parent whose child is so lucky to be loved by such an amazing little guy. We love Kai very much, and had so much fun celebrating! Pacey had so much fun playing kitchen with Kai and being silly with Vayda!