November 2012

Omitted from our October post was a martial arts accomplishment for Zoe.  After eight weeks in the program, she received her yellow belt and was moved to a more challenging class.  Her instructor has mentioned to us on a couple occasions that Zoe is a good listener and has lots of focus.  Recently a substitute instructor took us aside and implored us to keep Zoe in karate for the long term because of the potential she is currently displaying.  Okay then, karate it is. 

While karate comes easily to Zoe, ice skating does not.  She started lessons in September and the first month was painful to watch as she spent far more time on her bum and knees than on her skates.  But with a little coaxing she persevered and by November was up to the same level as the others in her beginners' class (i.e. able to stand without falling!).  Though they are still not doing much actual skating, Zoe views skating as more of an accomplishment than her karate because of the effort she has put into it.  She claims she has stick-to-it-tiveness, a lesson far more valuable than skating and karate put together!    

  

At the skating arena.

 November opened with a weekend visit from Sara's parents.  We kept them busy with visits to the Ontario Science Centre, including two IMAX films, and the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair.  It just so happened that the day we attended the fair was the same day as the Angus show.  Even more coincidental was the discovery that one of the bulls in the show (who went on to win his division) was born to a cow that Sara's dad used to own.  We parked Jerry happily near the cattle show ring while the rest of us took in more of the sights.  Zoe's favourite was the horses!


Zoe and Grandpa in the IMAX theatre at the Science Centre.

Grandpa and Zoe competing in a computerized wheelchair race at the Science Centre.  Zoe appears to have some rear wheel assistance.

Zoe looking at an "edited" image of Grandpa at the Science Centre.

Chengis had to share his couch with Grandma and Grandpa who were also good sports about it.

More couch sharing!



Zoe riding a mechanical horse at the Royal Winter Fair.

Like most of the the planet we had a warmer than average November and took full advantage of the opportunity to spend time outdoors.  We spent one weekend afternoon at the zoo with good friends.  Without jackets.  In November.  In Toronto!

Zoe and Rose find themselves on exhibit at the zoo.

Rose, Zoe, and Mary peering at the other children on exhibit.

Silly time at the zoo.

Goodbye hugs at the zoo.

Goodbye kisses at the zoo.

Sometimes our goodbyes go on and on....

A project made at school.

Toronto's Santa Claus parade is usually the third weekend in November.  Once Santa makes this first appearance, the decorations begin to appear and the season is launched.  (Remember, our Thanksgiving is in October.)  With all the warm weather this year, many outdoor lights went up early and many were turned on in late November, ours among them.  It's not usual that we are ahead of the game but with a 5-year-old in the house, it's easy to get into the spirit!

A 5-year-old elf and her reluctant reindeer.

At the end of the month, we made a trip downtown to see the Christmas windows, pay a visit to Santa, and see our annual Christmas pantomime show.  This year's production was Snow White (with James Bond), the best one we've seen so far.  The weather turned cold that weekend making it actually feel like Christmas.

Christmas display windows at The Bay.

Zoe was concerned that Santa did not have his glasses this year.

A Christmas horse!

At the theatre before the show.

November ended with a bout of scarlet fever for Zoe.  She missed several days of school and is still on antibiotics at the time of this post, though is feeling better and has been back to school for a week.  We are hoping that we get through the rest of the holiday season with no further bugs!  For anyone!