Merry Christmas

Out of Gas ...

This is what happens when you go go go ...

Dear Santa ...

Santa: "Well hello there. What's your name?"

Meghan: blank stare

Mommy: "Say my name is Meghan, Santa"

Santa: "Hello Meghan. Have you been a good girl this year?"

Meghan: blank stare

Mommy: "Say yes I have Santa."

Santa: What would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas this year?"

Meghan (whispers): "A candy cane please."

Mommy: laughing ... (note the candy cane in the picture)

Decorating the Tree

After bringing the Christmas tree up from the basement, it took me a couple days to get the lights on. In the meantime, Meghan was nice enough to decorate it for us. She used everything she could find. First she put on a broken set of play pearls, then some paper strips left over from a craft. Next she added a few things from her toy bin: her lunch pail, Halloween lantern, binoculars, safari hat, a paper hat she made for Thanksgiving, and a couple purses. When she ran out of toys, I took pity on her and let her put on some of the plastic balls I was using as decoration in a crystal bowl.

Child Labour

Jingle Bells

Her Mother's Daughter

Every so often we do get a picture where
she does look like her mommy!

Santa Train

This past Sunday Meghan experienced a couple of her favourite things
when we went on a 2hr train ride with Santa.

Our Little Artist

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Meghan learns how to make herself look angelic while she's getting into mischief.

Chico Comes to Visit

While my dad was in the hospital, Chico came to stay with us. Contrary to expectations, he was pretty good. He even let Meghan boss him around after he learned that she could sneak him whole cookies (normally cookies are broken up to be bite-sized for him). In this picture he's sitting in Princess' cat tree in our bedroom window. We had to build stairs so he could get on and off.

Decorating Fun

Meghan and I had a blast decorating for Halloween this year. We were disappointed that it was too windy for our Tree of Terror on the front porch but, otherwise, we were quite happy with the results.


Trick or Treating stories to follow later

A Successful Surgery

Just a quick update to let everyone know that my Dad and Papa are now out of recovery and doing well. Thank you to everyone for keeping us in your prayers.

Witch!

Pumpkin Carving

Hidden Gem

On our latest excursion to Toronto, David discovered Riverdale Farm. It's located in the heart of downtown with free admission and parking (on neighbouring streets). Meghan had a blast running the paths and talking to the animals (no surprise there).

Samurai Pie

This is Meghan's version of The Backyardigans' Samurai Pie episode (it's playing on the TV in the background)

Celebrations

Happy 35th Anniversary Mom & Dad Schwindt

&

Happy 50th Birthday to Aunt Peggy

KimGlow Farm

The Straw Castle	Feeding a Bull
Feeding a Goat	The Bouncing Pumpkin Patch
Caterpillar Tunnels	Train Ride
Tyke Tractors	Souvenirs

Thank Goodness for Chef Boyardee!

After several consecutive weeks of cottage hopping and grandparent visits, Meghan has begun to expect an ongoing diet of "junk food" (i.e. living exclusively on chips, popcorn, candy, etc). Today we made a small step back towards healthy eating.

p.s. I was unable to get a video of Meghan's excitement over the prospect of getting "ye-etty" while it was in the microwave -- regrettable. I'll try harder next time.

Costume Fun

Thanksgiving in Gravenhurst

The wild and unpredictable Thanksgiving in Gravenhurst was once again an event not to be missed. We enjoyed the warmest weather I've seen yet for this time of year. We had full power for the entire weekend and there were even a few brave swimmers!

Meghan was spoiled by dedicated attention from Grandma, Grandpa, GG, and Great Aunt Peggy, and Mommy and Daddy got a really nice break.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone (especially Michael, Gill, and Erin who missed out)! I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

Another Big Step

Meghan has taken another step towards being a "big girl". She now drinks from a regular cup at mealtimes. A big Thank You to Grandma S. for having the courage to do the initial training.

Toddler Safari

Meghan, aka "dirty face", here with an exclusive report on Safari conditions in my room today.

I was a bit suspicious when my bedroom door was locked for a half hour this morning and Mommy was nowhere to be found. Luckily I was well fed, hydrated, in a toddler safe environment, and didn't have to go potty! On occasion I could hear Mommy talking to someone too. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but I was able to catch a word here and there. I heard things like "stay with your family" and "don't take her yellow blankie". At that point I got a little scared! Who would want to take my yellow blankie!

Eventually Mommy came out of my room, closing the door behind her. Even though I couldn't see what was going on in there, I was happy that she was able to get out, especially considering I wasn't able to get in! At that point I was getting hungry again so Mommy made me a snack.

After snack-time, Mommy and I watched a TV Show and then read some books about animals. Then Mommy took me to my bedroom door and gave me a safari hat, a compass, a camera, and some binoculars and taught me how to use them. Then she opened to door and led me into my room to start the safari. The weather was superb. It was sunny, dry, and room temperature; perfect conditions for a safari.

First stop was the Hundred-Acre Woods where we looked in on Pooh and his friends. Next we visited the pond area where we saw animals that like land and water: animals like turtles and hippos. Forest animals, like a snakes and birds, were on my dresser hiding amongst the plants. Farm animals gathered around Old MacDonald's Farm, a bear family congregated on my bed, and a troop of monkeys rested on the floor. Finally we came to the last stop where we watched the elephant patrol.

I'm happy to report that going on safari was a lot of fun and none of the animals tried to take my blankie; although I'm going to make sure that the monkeys are put away in my toy chest before I go to sleep -- just in case.

For Schwindt blog news, this is Meghan signing off. Bye for now.

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa Schwindt

Searching for Owl in the Hundred Acre Wood

Taming the Bucking Bronco

Pictures and captions courtesy of Grandma Schwindt. Thanks

Congrats Julie & Al

Dettmer Weekend on the Bruce

Quiet time in front of the fish tank

Building at Grandma & Grandpa's property