Welcome to Clemente Corner!

A fun filled weekend

2012-02-10T03:27:00.001-05:00

Ryan went skiing for the first time and loved it!

Of course poutine after is always a hit.

Adam stayed home with me and went for a bike ride.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:26:00.001-05:00

We went clubbing.

YouTube Video

Santa Claus Parade

2011-12-04T19:40:00.002-05:00

Ignore the angry Italian man in the background. ;) We all had a great time at the parade. We even gave Santa the letters from Ryan and Adam.

Santa 2011

2011-12-04T16:02:00.001-05:00

They ran up to Santa

They lived seeing Santa but Adam was disappointed when he didn't receive a Buzz and Woody.

Look who is riding a bike!

2011-12-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

Halloween Fun

2011-10-31T22:33:00.001-04:00

Puff the Magic Dragon and Ryan the Knight

With Marc and I as Maid Marian and a knight.

The two knights

Phetsamone as Snow White

Marc and I

Pumpkin kids

Note the resemblance to Adam

Just to prove I was there

Marc's masterpiece. Ode to the puppy.

Adam's hard work. (And yes this is creepy.)

Pumpkin farm

2011-10-09T14:19:00.001-04:00

We went to Pingles again this year and had a great time. It is MUCH harder to get pumpkin pictures.

The group shot

Ryan and Isaac

Adam really wanted to touch a bunny

In the bouncy house

Inside a giant pumpkin

Running to the top of the hill

Feeding the goats

Adam loved the animals

Fun on the tractor

"What do you mean I am dirty?"

Superhero in Action

2011-10-04T06:57:00.001-04:00

Ryan came home from school yesterday like this. He LOVED it. Apparently a bunch of the kids made masks.

Here is the superhero using his scooter.

Action shots

Can't you just feel the wind whipping by?

We miss you Nana!

2011-10-04T06:50:00.001-04:00

We had a great time with Nana these last two weeks. Poor Ryan and Adam keep charging into the guest room looking for her to no avail.

We love the craziness.

Rainbows!

2011-10-04T06:48:00.001-04:00

Nana and I saw the most amazing rainbow The other day. The pictures below don't fully capture how brilliant the colours were. It was a full rainbow which I couldn't remember seeing before.

Birthday cakes for Marc and Anthony

2011-09-18T18:03:00.002-04:00

I didn't get a chance to make Marc a cheesecake, so a DQ cake had to suffice.

Peanut Butter cup. YUM

Apple cake by Grandma

Action shot

Team BMO takes on the Terry Fox Run again

2011-09-18T16:35:00.001-04:00

For the second year in a row, Team BMO participated in the Terry Fox Run. We raised $2,295 surpassing our goal!

An action shot

How some of the smaller walkers participated.

A quick pose.

We start the BMO love early at our house.

Another action shot

Day Care School Newsletter

2011-09-12T09:18:00.003-04:00

Ha ha ha - Ryan's making an impression already. Here is an excerpt:

"We now have two Ryans in our classroom. Ryan C and Ryan S. This feels like an episode of Survivor. Ryan C. pretended he was Robin Hood this week. He chose Landon and Quinten to be one of his merry men. They made green hats to camouglage themselves in the forest."

Grandma hard at work

2011-09-11T17:53:00.001-04:00

Grandma mastered the kid's menu games.

Happy 9-10-11!!

2011-09-10T19:27:00.001-04:00

That's awesome

2011-09-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

I received this note from a mother of another kid in Ryan's class:

"I was in the classroom with my daughter this morning when Oh Canada came on. All the kids stood up for it. Ryan sang the entire song -so bloody cute. He was the only one singing. It was adorable."

First Day of School

2011-09-06T09:54:00.001-04:00

Ryan started JK today (half days) and they both started a new daycare. Time flies!

Dressed and ready to go.

Backpacks packed.

His figurine.

His self portrait. Note the cape.

Both kids were having a great time when we left.

Mosquito Bites Daddy Style

2011-09-04T14:06:00.001-04:00

More cottage pics

2011-09-03T09:08:00.001-04:00

After a late night of giggling

2011-09-02T23:02:00.001-04:00

This is how I found them

Nature walk

2011-09-01T13:53:00.001-04:00

Sticks and sand and even caterpillars

Ryan loved carrying him.

This guy looked like Heimlich from "A Bug's Life"

Ahhh cottage life

2011-08-27T19:11:00.001-04:00

Hammock resting

Adam and Daddy on the boat

Ryan and Mommy.

The ice cream boat. Seriously, the same thing as the ice cream truck but water bound.

Adam loves this pole.

Uncle Eric sent Ryan under the porch with a spoon and a bowl to look for the "pudding tree".

Cousin Will and the guitar

MRI today

2011-08-22T10:29:00.001-04:00

Ryan had an MRI today to confirm that his seizures are Febrile and that there is nothing else going on.

Killing time

Taking funny pictures

Being quite a trooper. The nurse said he was her best patient ever. He went right to sleep and didn't move at all.

He recovered well too.

Banana Popsicles were a hit.

He is still a little woozy but he is doing well.

Adam's big boy bed

2011-08-20T17:47:00.001-04:00

Building the bed with Daddy

Looking so proud

Soccer Banquet

2011-08-18T07:11:00.001-04:00

The soccer season has ended and to celebrate was the big BBQ. They had a live band, face painting, a magician, food and trophies for all the kids as well as full team pictures.

Enjoying the food

Hamburgers and hot dogs

Playing in the sand at the park

Enjoying swinging the swings

And of course the trophies

I saw improvement in Ryan and Adam did well for his first year.

Our Stick Family

2011-08-18T07:05:00.001-04:00

I think it is pretty accurate :)

Awww

2011-08-13T15:04:00.002-04:00

I sent these to Ella and Aidan as early Christmas presents. They look so sweet.

Ready for School

2011-08-12T18:42:00.001-04:00

I might have been a bit overzealous with this purchase.

Adam's may be a little big.

A few more cottage pics

2011-07-31T18:18:00.001-04:00

Tough Love

2011-07-31T17:07:00.001-04:00

It is safe to say our kids are hooligans so Grandma and Grandpa are trying to add back a little bit of respect at their house. (And rightly so.)

Fish on!!!

2011-07-24T07:47:00.001-04:00

Paul and Heather taught Ryan how to fish.

Sam caught the biggest one. And it was still eating a crayfish.

Lake watching

2011-07-23T08:01:00.001-04:00

We were watching for loons in honour of Nana

What every mom of boys wants

2011-07-22T11:34:00.001-04:00

Her own princess attire. Ryan and Adam picked this out specifically for my birthday.

Some app fun

2011-07-19T06:21:00.001-04:00

Ironman!!

2011-07-15T09:08:00.001-04:00

According to Ryan's teacher who did the face painting, this is what Ironman looks like.

Sangria Saturdays

2011-07-04T19:05:00.001-04:00

Canada Day!

2011-07-04T19:04:00.001-04:00

It started with the Cars 2 movie. Ryan slept through most of it.

The off to breakfast. Anthony, Phetsamone and Claire joined us. Adam and Jacob stayed home.

I look like a giant.

Ryan all decked out.

Waiting for fireworks.

Playing with glowsticks.

It was a fun evening even though the fireworks started at 10(!).

Camping in the backyard

2011-05-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

We decided to camp in the backyard last night in our new tent. I have fond memories of doing that when I was little. We put Ryan and Adam to bed first and sat inside the living room just listening. Much to our neighbour's delight I am sure, we heard the sounds of someone getting "zerberted", Adam yelling a couple of times "Mommy/Daddy we're camping!", and Ryan trying to leave the tent as Adam kept rolling onto him. :)

Here is storytime

Adam rolling into Ryan's bed

What we came back to once they had fallen asleep. (Adam wasn't in his sleeping bag at all.)

We had fun though. At one point in the middle of the night we took a divide and conquer approach. Marc and I each got one boy. We are both sore today and think everyone will be having naptime later. It was fun though.

Random Fun

2011-05-15T23:05:00.003-04:00

Really is there a better way to eat an entire watermelon? (And no they aren't wearing helmets to defend against flying seeds - they were riding bikes and scooters and didn't want to take the helmets off for lunch.) The cape is just standard attire.
"See Daddy? You just take out big chunks."

Obvious delight.

Anniversary Dinner

2011-05-14T18:16:00.002-04:00

Marc and I went out for dinner to celebrate our 7th anniversary tonight. (Time flies eh?!) We went out to a new (well new to us) restaurant for tapas and wine. It was nice just hanging out together.

Adam's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-05-12T19:15:00.003-04:00

We had a Thomas themed party for Adam.
More pics of the amazing cake that Marc made.

The birthday boy.

One more cake view.

Adam's delight when he saw it.

Fun in the bouncy castle with cousin Claire

Blowing out the candles

Family shot - these are not easy to get so this is the best one out there.

Enjoying the cake

Play Doh fun with Papa

Marc is amazing...

2011-05-07T09:40:00.001-04:00

Thus us the latest cake that he made for the boys.

Using his tools that he got for Christmas

A work in progress

Ta da!!

A very tired Marc.

Adam loved it!

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-24T18:47:00.005-04:00

All of our hard work decorating eggs
Process shot

Adam concentrating hard at putting stickers on

That Easter Bunny sure knows how to hide eggs.

Mad dash to find all the eggs. (83 in total...)

Adam tried forever to get that egg under the stool and he just kept knocking it further and further under.

Adam was in charge of Quality Control and would take any egg that he felt shouldn't be in the bowl out.

Enjoying the HUGE chocolate Kinderegg

All the goodies in 3 bowls. :)

Adam enjoying his chocolate puppy.

Playing with the Easter Play-Doh eggs

Random picture of Papa

2011-04-24T18:24:00.004-04:00

Make your own storyline for this one. :)

Fun with Cousins

2011-04-07T17:25:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when the cousins get together. I can't find the other picture but Jacob also got roped into the chaos

Looking unsure
Ryan and Claire

Ryan - Future Political Superstar

2011-03-31T08:24:00.002-04:00

Canada is having another federal election in May so there are campaign signs appearing all over the place. We have a friend related to one of the politicians so those signs we seem to notice more. Marc now has Ryan pointing out the specific signs every time he sees one.

Marc asked Ryan if he wanted to run in the election and he said yes. Marc asked what his campaign platform would be and what he would like changed. Ryan said he would like to see more superhero programming on TV so that he could see superheroes he has not even heard of before.

When asked what budget issues he would address and where he thinks we should spend more money, Ryan said the grocery store and the toy store. He also said that we should spend the money at the grocery store and toy store at the same time, but you would need a lot of feet to be able to do that.

And Adam is being heavily recruited for the political campaign. He now randomly yells out the name of the policitian we know. We think this must be so that he is ready for when Ryan is running.

Beggars can't be choosers

2011-03-19T21:15:00.003-04:00

Grandpa was commenting that I had been a bit lax with my blogging...

The birthday boy

2011-03-03T20:08:00.001-05:00

Somebody is Four!!!

2011-03-03T19:43:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Ryan is 4. Everyday just gets better and better.

Happy 4th Birthday Ryan!!

2011-03-03T17:42:00.004-05:00

We rescheduled Ryan's bday party and ended up moving it to Planet Gymnastics.

Zio Anthony showing the kids how to stretch
Note that the Clemente kids are the only ones not partaking in the activity - Claire, Ryan and Adam.

More stretching

Ryan on the way up to the giant tube.

Adam doing daring moves on the uneven bars.

Olympic Gold for all

Ryan or should I say Optimus Prime modelling one of his gifts.

Buzz cake
Inside the Buzz cake

The birthday cake

2011-03-02T12:02:00.000-05:00

Marc did it again. I baked the rainbow cake inside and Marc decorated. (We had to cancel the party today so there may be another cake.)

Fun at Soccer

2011-02-28T19:27:00.001-05:00

Adam loves spending time at Ryan's soccer games.

Wearing the pinny

Finding the big "bed".

Oh dear...

2011-02-25T19:40:00.003-05:00

Adam has started saying more and more words. This is a good thing except for when he says, "firetruck".

In case it isn't clear, it comes out as "firef*#@"

Fun on Family Day

2011-02-22T10:44:00.002-05:00

Making cookies. Can't you just feel the anticipation?

Skating for the first time. Ryan did so well!
He was zooming everywhere!

Superbowl Sunday

2011-02-06T18:25:00.002-05:00

The kids are all set for the Superbowl.

Ryan wanted to wear his bike helmet as it was just like the football player helmets.

Adam found prime seating for the game despite us telling him to get down.

And for dinner we had nachos with cheese, pulled pork and veggies. The game hasn't even started and we are so full that we could explode.

Nana has competition

2011-02-06T09:12:00.001-05:00

Ryan has taken a liking to doing puzzles lately ( a favourite past time of Nana's). He's getting really good too.

Adam has no tolerance for being woken up

2011-02-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

When he falls asleep he is DONE. We tried everything to keep him awake on the way home.

The New Clemente Generation

2011-02-02T21:25:00.001-05:00

Marc's dad put this collage together.

Party Like A Rockstar

2011-02-01T10:02:00.001-05:00

We had our Annual Best of the Best gala for work and it was an awesome time. There were three of us from HR- note the Clemente sweep by Phetsamone and I.

Ryan also enjoyed the attire.

Bam!! Shazam!! Pow!!!

2011-01-04T19:08:00.002-05:00

Ryan and Adam opened their Christmas present from Aunt Marilee and Uncle Dave tonight.

Meet Batman Superman

and of course the Dynamic Duo
Thanks again Marilee and Dave! They loved the presents.

Dress Up Fun - Toy Story Style

2011-01-02T19:02:00.003-05:00

The kids got Toy Story pajamas from a good friend so they were having fun playing in them tonight. It's hard to get them to sit still especially when you ask them to say 'To Infinity and Beyond!"

Then they decided they were both Woody the cowboy.

It's even harder to get them to sit in the chair when the cowboy hats are too big.

Party!!
Then Ryan went all out.

Snuggie fun

2010-12-29T22:36:00.003-05:00

I got a Snuggie for Christmas from Marc and I have to admit it lives up to the hype.

Christmas Pics

2010-12-29T20:24:00.008-05:00

How Ryan spent most of his Christmas concert - playing with his socks and looking in all of his pockets.

Thoe stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

The Christmas tree

A note from Bob the Elf

Coming down the stairs Christmas morning. Ryan holding his new light saber from Bob the elf. Adam is showing his future teenager attitude.

Lion and Dog fun
See Ryan! I'm a dog!

A cute dog at that

Playing with the new train table

Adam playing on packages

And every present he got, he stood on. :)

Wolverine! Within seconds of getting this, he had ripped off his pajamas and put the Wolverine outfit on.

As soon as he had the Wolverine costume on, he had to immediately go and colour in his Marvel colouring book

Again - standing on boxes

Showing off his Ironman power pack

Tony Starch - the Ironman Mr. Potatohead

The Ironman helmet that Ryan asked Santa for

Adam playing with some of his new toys.

The Transformer mask that Adam bought Ryan

Adam excited to open Mickey and Toodles.

Flying his Ironman car

Marc and Grandma playing with the Thomas set Ryan gave Adam.

Grandpa in his Christmas pjs opening his stocking.

Christmas Card Fun

2010-12-05T21:58:00.003-05:00

This might end up on our Christmas card so if it is does, act surprised. I love love love it.Just hanging out.

Santa Ryan and his sidekick.

Some Recent Pictures

2010-12-05T21:29:00.005-05:00

Adam and the puppies. He lives for his 2 Christmas puppies, but now we have added a few other ones to the mix.
Super Claire.

Adam and Mommy

Putting the top of the tree on.

Waiting to see Santa

Adam's ornament this year. Mickey and the train.

Ryan's ornament.

Santa 2010

2010-12-05T20:47:00.003-05:00

We went to visit Santa today and it went as expected. :) Ryan had a huge list of things that I think he wanted to ask Santa for but when I told him he could only ask for one thing, he took it very seriously. He got a little shy when he was actually talking to Santa. Adam has taken a serious liking to all things Santa so I was intrigued to see what he would do. (He yells out "Santa!" at anything red which includes Christmas lights, Santa hats, brake lights etc.) He didn't cry on Santa's lap but he just wanted to get the heck out of there.
All in all, not a bad picture. :)

Award Winning Mommy

2010-12-05T20:38:00.004-05:00

I was recognized at work as an Annual Best of the Best recipient. My awesome coworkers decorated my desk and we had champagne and then I came home to more celebrations:

Ryan and Marc made this awesome picture and they recorded Adam yelling, "Hooray!"

Halloween Pics

2010-10-31T20:15:00.004-04:00

Carving the pumpkin

The kids from our Annual Kids' Halloween Party

Marc as Woody and Ryan as Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.

For the party I was actually Jessie but to hand out candy I was one of the little green men. (Keep in mind this was actually Adam's costume and designed for a toddler...)

Adam wasn't feeling well so he didn't go trick or treating.

Superhero pumpkin all lit up.
Mr. Potato Head pumpkin
The pumpkins on the step

The candy haul.

Ha ha ha - School Photo Fun

2010-10-24T18:21:00.005-04:00

These are just the proofs but I will post the real ones when we get them. They are on order.

This might be the funniest picture I have ever seen. I can't wait to see the class picture.

The first one was SO bad, we got another shot. Note the cracker now in his hand and the death grip on Grandpa who was there to pick him up.

And then there is Ryan who clearly likes to work the camera.

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-11T09:01:00.006-04:00

We went to Whittamore's Pumpkin Patch yesterday and had a great time. Along with the huge slide, they had a pumpkin cannon and assorted other fun stuff.

Our smallest pumpkin.
Grandpa pushing around the goods.

Adam taking his turn.

He really wanted to push this by himself.

Adam and I.

Spider Isaac

Ryan practicing for Spiderman

Adam loves to walk with sticks or whatever long handled thing he can find.

This was Ryan's favourite part of the day - the huge slide.

My personal favourite was when Marc's mom came hurtling out of the slide. :)

Adam just looking cute.

A nice shot of Isaac and Ryan.

I like when Isaac claims that he is too old for stuff than gets right in there.

Ryan trying out the tire horse

It was a great day with the whole Clemente family. And then after we had a huge Thanksgiving dinner spread. A perfect way to spend a nice Fall day.

And just because

2010-10-05T20:57:00.003-04:00

Ryan saw this picture of Anthony and Marc and exclaimed, "Daddy, when you were little, you were a girl!"

Grocery Shopping Fun

2010-10-05T20:41:00.004-04:00

It was Adam's turn to bust out the grocercy cart while shopping and he loved it.
He was very particular about which way he went though. If I tried to go left and he wanted to go right, he would squawk and wrench the cart his way.

(Also note Ryan running as Superman in the background. It is safe to say that grocery shopping has a more chaotic feeling now.)

Superheroes - they're everywhere!

2010-10-05T20:35:00.002-04:00

Batman and his sidekick, Spiderman.
(Ryan is holding out for Santa to help finish off his full pajama collection.)
Superhero chaos

Terry Fox Run and Team BMO

2010-09-19T19:32:00.001-04:00

We participated in the Terry Fox 10 km run today with a strong Team BMO presence. It was a perfect day with lots of money raised for a wonderful cause. Thank you to all those who sponsored.
Future BMO employee

Other BMO recruits.

Ryan met the Maple Leaf's bear.

Ryan spent most of the walk telling me that he was Iron Man so here he is with his Iron Man figurine.

I'm Iron Man

2010-09-18T22:33:00.003-04:00

Ryan doing an Iron Man pose.
And flying like Iron Man.

Heritage Day

2010-09-18T19:51:00.005-04:00

Marc and Ryan went with Grandma, Grandpa and Claire to Heritage Day on the weekend. They had lots of activities for the kids and a petting zoo.

Here is Ryan holding his sword. You will notice all the kids behind him actually participating. Ryan just didn't want to do that part.This had to be Ryan's favourite part of the day. He did it twice.

Claire was too small to reach the peddles so Grandpa had to help.

Clearly she takes after Muncle Marc.

Biker Ryan loving every moment.

This is how Ryan rode the entire time. He never looked forward...and often hit the wall.

Claire just looking cute.

Ryan and Claire holding hands in anticipation of going into the bouncy castle.

Grandpa and Claire

Grandma, Grandpa, Ryan and Claire

Marc, Grandpa, Ryan and Claire. (Ryan is hiding...)

Grandma protecting Claire from the petting zoo. One animal started walking towards her and she kept slowing backing away.

Marc and Ryan

Fun at the Cottage

2010-09-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

This was Adam`s favourite spot.
It was a little chilly this weekend so we were all bundled up. Here`s Vittoria all wrapped up.

Louise - enjoying smores and staying warm.

Roasting marshmellows over the fire.

Vittoria, Ryan and Sara all playing together. Notice Ryan`s cape - by the end of the weekend, he had everyone wearing capes.

Ryan - man of the trees.

Adam and I on the nature walk.

The troops

Ryan, Sara and Vittoria on the rocks. Ryan loved this part and wanted to go back there.

This may be the funniest picture of the whole weekend. One that we will use in the future...

Vittoria and Ryan were sharing a bed and they kept moving all over the place.

Random cuteness

2010-08-28T21:51:00.000-04:00

Just because it is a cute picture of Adam.

John and Shannon's Wedding

2010-08-22T20:28:00.008-04:00

Marilee and Dave found a way to still make an appearance during the wedding. :)
Mom and Shannon

Mom and John

John and Dad

John, Hannah, Zoe, and Andrew
Shannon, John, Hannah, Reagan, Zoe, and AndrewThe wedding party

John and CappyThe bride and groom after a long but happy day.

The beautiful cake and sand ceremony vase.

Ryan having fun after the ceremony.

The Matron of Honour, Bride, Groom, and Best Man.

Some Pre-Wedding pics

Marilee and Dave with Shannon and John

Dave and Marilee with John

Marc enjoying his first lobster.

Fun in the sand

John, Marc and all the kids and cousins playing in the sand.

Ryan loved burying all of us.

Soccer BBQ 2010

2010-08-18T21:27:00.002-04:00

Ryan played fun soccer this summer again. He had a great time. They had an awards ceremony where every kid received an MVP trophy and a team picture. They also had a big BBQ with face painting and entertainment.

A little post ceremony brotherly fun
Ryan getting an air tattoo on his leg.

Dragon face painting.

Family Trip to California - Part 5 The World of Colour and More

2010-08-02T16:54:00.022-04:00

We saw the World of Colour at Disneyland and it was beyond amazing. They use lights, sounds and water to create amazing scenes. This was a side view.

We got a fast pass a few days later to see it right up in front and it was so so cool!
Some other random pics.
Canada's representation on the It's a Small World ride.
Ryan on the Tea Cups. He LOVED this ride and numerous others including the Matterhorn and the rollercoaster in Toon Town.

Ryan and I enjoying dessert.
Adam loved playing in this end table in the hotel. It was his favourite "ride'.
All ready to head home.
To recap:
It was the WHOLE Family - all 17 of us.

A nice sentiment to sum up what a great trip it was for everyone.

Family Trip to California - Part 4 - You guessed it... more pictures!

2010-08-02T15:11:00.010-04:00

We had lots of fun trying on different hats.
Cowboy Adam
The Sorceror's Apprentice

The Mad Hatter

Dale and Dale

My birthday hat!

We call him Touque Mickey

Evil pirates in top hats

Mini - Soceror's Apprentice

You'll never guess who this Goofy is.

Fitting eh?

One of the highlights of the trip was when we bought Ryan a Buzz Lightyear costume. He is going to use it for Halloween (I bought a little green man shirt for part of my costume) and we figured it was our version of the Cinderella dress that all the little girls were wearing around the park. He wore it for 3 days straight. (With new clean clothes under it each day.)

People kept yelling, "Hey it's Buzz Lightyear!" Ryan would whip around and look for him.
Ryan was in absolute awe of Buzz Lightyear when he finally met him. I'm not sure he knew what to expect or do.

Ryan and Buzz Lightyear.

Ryan, Adam and I with the bears from Brother Bear.

Ryan with Mater and Lightning McQueen

Reagan, Ryan and Mr. Incredible.

Ryan and Handy Manny - Ryan told him that he had his sweatshirt. :)

Another Green Army Man and Woody with Adam, Marc and Ryan.

The Green Army Man and Jessie with Ryan, Adam and I.

Ryan and I in our matching Mickey shirts.

Surfboard Ryan

We are going to be in trouble with this one.

Family Trip to California - Part 3 California Adventure and more Disneyland!!!

2010-08-02T13:30:00.014-04:00

We often times would watch the fireworks from our room at night. We let Ryan stay up one night with us.Fireworks - you can see the outline of Ryan's head in the window.

Another good shot.

Nana and Papa at the Bug's Life 3D movie. (Note - Ryan LOVED this show - Adam HATED it as the water that was sprayed scared him.)

Ryan all ready for the 3D. (Adam also managed to break every pair of glasses he was given.)
Zoe at the bumper cars.

Reagan and John

This sums up my parents.

Nana - peace.

Papa - rowdy.

Pay close attention to how Papa is gunning for unsuspecting Nana.

Nana discovered Churros and they are delicious!

Shannon and I with a sleeping Adam.

Ryan and Hannah

Ryan's ode to Mickey.

Playing at Mickey's house. They had the word "California" spelled out in front of California's Adventure Themepark so we had the boys pose with their letters. Here is Ryan.

And "A" for Adam. (We tried to hide Marc but he still shows up.)

Adam loved Mickey. He learned the word "doggy" at my parents' house and kept calling everything "doggy" including Mickey. He hugged him in every store we went.

Here is Papa eating his turkey leg. Thank you to Aunt Marilee for finding these.

Ryan and John trying to lift the heavy weight in Toon Town.

Family Trip to California - Part 2 a.k.a - We take on Disneyland!!

2010-08-02T10:09:00.010-04:00

Ryan on his "cruise" just like Grandma and Grandpa.
Ryan with all of Winnie the Pooh's honey. (Or hunny if you will.)

Crossing the bridge to Tarzan's treehouse. (Disney has done a great job updating things for a new generation of kids. This used to be the Swiss Family Robinson's house.)

The birds in the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room.

I think this castle is Sleeping Beauty's.

Adam and Marc - we have a similar shot with Ryan when we went to Disneyworld.

Ryan and Eeyore Ryan hugging Winnie the Pooh

Ella, Ryan, Marc and Adam with Brer Fox.

Nana and the pickle stealers. Who knew this would be such a hot commodity?!

Mommy and Ryan on the Buzz Lightyear ride. We were doing a great job getting the evil Zurg.

Uncle John and Andrew in Autopia

Racecar Reagan and Shannon

Rowdy Ryan and Marc - Ryan loved when the car would jerk all over the place when he didn't steer.

Aunt Marilee - going solo - a rarity with 3 kids now.

Jumpin' John and Dave

Family Trip to California Part 1

2010-07-24T00:46:00.012-04:00

This has been an awesome vacation so far. Let's call this a picture dump for now and I will come back and add more as the trip goes on.

We went to the Jelly Belly factory.
The family minus my dad who was taking the picture in front of the giant Jelly Belly

Ryan and Mr. Jelly Belly

On the tour (you HAD to wear the hats) Adam looks like he is just taking it all in...

We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium which is always a good time. The place is amazing!!Papa and Ryan on the way to the aquarium in Monterey.

Ryan looks so excited to be standing on a train.

At the aquarium

Ella, Ryan and John at the aquarium

Ryan and John as snails at the aquarium. (You can see their shells in the reflection.)

Ryan was also a fish. Here he is from behind.

And a front fish view.

Ryan and John having fun on a seahorse.

Adam crawling on the waterbed in the toddler area at the aquarium

Adam and I at the aquarium taking in the new turtle exhibit.

This is where it started to get chaotic with the kids at the aquarium,

Upside down views at the aquarium We have an eggshell pic of just Ryan and Ella from years ago. This is the whole bunch minus Aidan.

To commemorate the previous egg shot.

A seashell shot at the aquarium

John and the fish. He really is just a walking smile.

We tried to get the kids to pose with the penguin but it didn't work so well. This was the best shot we got.

We also celebrated Ella's bday while we were here.

All of us dressed for Ella's party. (It was a casual costume theme so we were superheroes.)

At Ella's bday party - Papa and Adam

Snow White Ella

More fun at Ella's bday party. (Note - Marc let him go down head first - not me!)

Uncle John came to visit one night too.

This picture doesn't show it the best, but Adam really does take after his Uncle.

Uncle John looking all GQ.

We celebrated my birthday too. :)

Ryan and Marc prepping for Disney.

Adam and Marc chilling in the backyard.

Ryan and I swimming.

Swim time!!

Hanging out in the pool.

Ryan and the waterfall.

And finally, I love this picture. We got all the kids to look and smile at the same time. They are all having a great time togther. Next week will be awesome too with John, Shannon, Hannah, Reagan, Zoe and Andrew joining us!

Ryan's First Movie!!

2010-06-27T20:26:00.003-04:00

We took Ryan to see Toy Story 3 and we all had a great time. The excitement before.
Showing off his ticket.

The popcorn was almost as exciting as the movie. Almost. He would laugh his head off and yell "WHOA!" at different points during the movie.

A family shot.

Random Superhero Pictures

2010-06-27T19:55:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when you don't take the pics off of your camera for awhile. I'm not sure why Marc is wearing the Spiderman mask in this picture.
This one makes me laugh. Ryan and I were running around being superheroes one morning and Marc disappeared. He came back downstairs dressed like this.

Ryan was beyond estatic.

Someone is Walking!!

2010-06-27T19:47:00.004-04:00

Adam started walking the other day (well sort of.) He now rushes for the walker as soon as he sees it and cries when he gets stopped by any wall, piece of furniture or person.

This just in...

2010-06-09T06:49:00.002-04:00

As we were leaving the area the police with their cars blocked the area as they were looking for a suspicious biker. After a short take-down they were able to arrest the culprit. The police (or Grandpa who is able to get Ryan to do anything) had him spread his hands and legs against the cruiser. After questioning him he was released because he was too cute to do what they thought. Fortunately we got photographic proof.

The perpetrator
The take down

He's a Tiger! Roar!!!

2010-05-30T12:03:00.007-04:00

Ryan and I went to a Victoria Day Party at a good friend's house and had an amazing time.Ryan was playing soccer with the band singer.

Playing a little soccer on the lawn.

Showing off his balloon tree.

They had magicians.

Ryan got his face painted by an incredibly talented woman. http://www.pigmentofyourimagination.com

Ryan took the process very seriously. He has a mustache like Grandpa here.

The orange, nose and sparkles are on!

Putting on all the finer details.

Showing off the final product. He was a very happy tiger.

Ryan and I watching the show.

Showing off his balloon animals.

Close up.

Ryan couldn't stop looking at himself in every mirror he went by.

Practicing his "ROAR!"

And an action video of the roar.

Congrats Amy and Roland!!!

2010-05-15T20:47:00.012-04:00

I had the honour of being part of Amy and Roland's wedding on May 15, 2010. Marc and I are delighted to share our anniversary with such wonderful people.

Getting ready for the wedding
The Cameron ladies

Leslie

Val

Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Cameron looking lovely

Some pictures from the Korean ceremony.

Roland
Amy and Roland bowingAmy and Roland with Mrs. Lee
Amyand Roland with Mr. and Mrs. Cameron

Granny
The siblings - finally bowing down to Amy ;)

Amy and Roland
The wedding ceremony

Roger (Roland's brother), Mrs. Lee and Roland Mr. and Mrs. Cameron with Amy

The Cameron kids with significant others

Mr. Cameron pulling double duty - Father of the Bride and pack mule.

The Cameron Family

The bridesmaids
Leslie, me, Val, and Emma

Some fun wedding party shots

Artistic shots

The wedding party

Now let the party begin!!!
Vanilla Roland
Mrs. Cameron and the two drunken fools
Leslie, Pella and Annette
Annette and I

Leslie, Annette, Susan and I
Roland and the ladies

Annette and I

Happy First Birthday Adam!!

2010-05-12T16:47:00.001-04:00

The birthday cake for out little bee.
Showing off the birthday hat

Wearing the !st bday onesie from Aunt Marilee

Cousin Claire loving the cake
Adam thinking it wasn't so bad either
The goods

Adam vs. the Bear - 1 year old!!!!

2010-05-12T11:46:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that our little cutie is a year old. He is such a smiley little guy.

Here is his 12 month picture.You can just hear him saying Papa's "Hi there!"

And signs of future teenage lounging.
And the slideshow

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T20:21:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I got to sleep in and Marc and the boys spoiled me.

I got this lovely coffee mug with their pictures on it.
A heart that Adam painted.

A sunflower with an awesome stick flowerpot

And this awesome card from Adam.

Marc also surprised me with chocolate covered strawberries and wine when I had a bath. :) (We were out of chocolate so Marcc squished up some Smarties and melted them. Ryan loved that!)

Adam's Birthday Party Part 2

2010-05-08T19:43:00.000-04:00

Adam hugging Grandpa.
Opening some gifts

Ryan helping out.

The birthday boy

His facial expression cracks me up here.

Adam playing with Alexander and Claire.

The excitement was building.

Marc and I getting the goodies ready.
Claire was in charge of quality control - making sure all hats were in place.

Not so sure of the singing.

Adam - a little unsure of the cake.

Once he decided that it was good, he couldn't shovel it into his mouth fast enough.

Claire agreed it was good.

Ryan eating a cookie with his cake.

Adam's First Birthday Party - Part 1

2010-05-08T08:43:00.001-04:00

I have a bunch of pics to post from the party.

Marc and I
Cracker thief

Some lovely cookies made by Papa and I.

The cake baked by me and decorated by Marc.

Adam vs. the Bear - 11 months!!

2010-04-12T20:57:00.004-04:00

The year is flying by! Adam is still one of the happiest babies ever - particularly when Ryan is around. He has just started to crawl forward (he was always in reverse before.) And he is about 20 pounds now.
"Mommy - don't you take that picture!"

Just a cute one. He loves to pull his sleeve down and suck on it.

This is his "fierce" look.

And the slideshow:

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T08:27:00.006-04:00

Coming down the stairs Easter morning.

Adam, the Easter baby.

Showing off their Easter spirit.

Ryan's Easter Basket

Adam's Easter Basket

Adam opening his card from Grandma and Grandpa.Ryan opening his card

Ryan showing off his Spiderman pens. (A future pen lover!) The motherload of chocolate in a Spiderman form. Action shot of the egg hunt

Showing off his goodies

The look of amazement as he opened each egg was awesome!

Ryan showing Adam which eggs were his. The Easter Bunny put cheerios and crackers in Adam's eggs. Ryan got chocolate, Peeps, and jelly beans.

The hard boiled eggs that we decorated yesterday.

Fun at the Zoo

2010-04-03T23:31:00.004-04:00

We went to the zoo with Phetsamone, Anthonym, Isaac and Claire on Good Friday and had a great time!

Ryan with a monkey
Anthony and Claire

Marc and Adam

Phetsamone and Isaac

The four cousins on their own "cruise"

Fun with Chalk

2010-03-31T06:05:00.002-04:00

Ryan wanted to make sure the Easter Bunny knew where our house was
Marc did too :)

The BIG Easter egg.