The pumpkin (is delicious)

Tonight the pumpkin carving happened. Olivia at first refused to approach the pumpkin's guts, and I can't say that I blame her. She did get into mixing the seeds, however, which added to the taste of the now-baked end product. I am proud to be part of a family where the main point of nearly every activity is to eat something.

Olivia the painter (aka "Oh-va-va")

Olivia received an easel from Uncle Todd and Auntie Erin. Here she is demonstrating how she has achieved the level of intensity and concentration required to be a great painter. The heavy breathing has less to do with painterly commitment than it did with a very bad cold. Thankfully, that's gone, but the easel is not.

Jam session 1: mellow riffs

This is when Olivia and her guitar, who also goes by the name "Piano," just met. Olivia opened the box to find him, a 2nd birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa.

Clearly they already have an electric connection.

Jam session 2: guitar jam en bateau

Here, Olivia and "Piano" bust out a few more licks--this time on the new chair Ahnee Kelly and Uncle Marc sent. (Note: chair goes by the name "motorboat," and demands pushing often.)

2 little monkies jumping on the couch

The title says everything.

The sublime reciprocity of first friends

Olivia loves Noema. They were first friends. Here, Noema pays Olivia a visit to practice remarkable sharing. I hope someday they run the world.

Charlie the Clambird

When we visited the arboretum on our way out of Vancouver, we were delighted to find so many awesome birds living among the greenery. Charlie charmed us by saying "Hello Charlie" over and over, which Olivia loved. He clammed right up, though, once the video started rolling. Enjoy this decidedly one-sided conversation between Olivia and Charlie.