From the Week.

Here is what some of our week looked like:

We saw the Hedgehog. Chris has NEVER wanted to get his picture with anything else, ever.

I took Finn to a toddler drop in thing at the YMCA. He liked it...he basically spent the entire time running around the gym. This was at the end when he was winding down a bit.

It snowed, and he looks ultra cute in his winter gear!

We set up our little tiny tree. Still needs a topper.

Chris went through an old box in storage where some Christmas stuff was hiding. This is the bear Jim (his stepdad) gave him long ago. It was Jim's when he was a kid! He was well loved. His name is Putz, or something along those lines.

Also found: Mr. Froggy, Chris' childhood companion. Finn likes him.

Best Christmas decoration. You bet it's on our tree.

Also found: "Chris Cool Mix". We will obviously be popping that in our discman.

Finn LOVES mandarin oranges.

And Finn loves Mr. Froggy.

Family Photo Session: Take One

Here are some pictures from our family photo session with Frances Eden Creative!

This day was very short - Finn was ultra fussy and wouldn't be without his soother, and he didn't want to be held, which made for an interesting hour. It was my fault for scheduling this session around his nap time. What was I thinking?! Seriously. At least you can't tell from these pictures! We decided to finish the session at a later time. Frances is terrific.

All in all, I think they turned out pretty darn good! It helps to have a cute little child.

Killer Boots Man!

Living in coastal BC, everyone needs a pair of rainboots or some kind of waterproof shoe. If you don't, you get soggy feet, guaranteed (looking in the general direction of Chris Doucette) Babies are no exception - rain is quickly becoming the commonplace weather here again, and since Finn is Mr. Walkertexasranger now, he needs some boots. These remind me of Paddington Bear. Remember that guy?

Wanting to go outside with his new kicks.

Testing these babies out.

Boots off. Time for a quick read in the ol' basket.

The BEST Choco Chocolate Cookies.

I know, that's a bold statement. So maybe what I mean is, these are the best chocolate chocolate cookies I've ever made and if I could be so bold to say, ever tasted. I got a recipe for these cookies from All Recipes, and I modified it eversoslightly. I strongly encourage you to make these. Strongly.

Chocolate Chocoalte Chip Cookies
1c butter, softened
1.5c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1tbs milk
2c all purpose flour
2/3c cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2c chocolate chips (OR 1c semi sweet and 1c white chocolate - superyum)
(1/2c chopped walnuts - didn't include these)

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Beat together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk until fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, stir in to butter mix. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 

Thanks, Dad.

I look exactly like my mother. Well, mostly. Where I got most of my facial features from my mom, I got my smile from my dad - as well as my fingers, toes, and awesome Dutch skin that makes me look like it's February year-round (the ability to tan is both foreign and fascinating to me - what's that like?)

One trait my father and I share is this: putting enough soda crackers in our tomato soup to make it have the consistency and look of mushy oatmeal.

Thanks, dad.

From the Weekend

Here are some highlights from the weekend, and maybe one from Monday.

My morning must-have.

The old elevator in the Bay at Guildford Mall.

Trying to be humorous. Working.

Finn's most prized possession.

Laughing with Grandad and Soda.

Happy birthday Uncle Dan!

Watching church from the nursery whilst snackin'.

Quality time. This is the one from Monday.

Running Around

That's pretty much the gist of this post - Finn running around on our porch. Going in the house, going out of the house. Running around. Back and forth. Banging on the window. Eating a feather. Seeing what's under the fence. More running.

A Lovely Autumn Day.

A lovely stroll downtown Vancouver. Stopped for a coffee (for me) and a muffin (for him. and me.) while waiting for my sister. This was the first day of toque weather, and it's a good thing he looks so scrumptious in his.

Why are you even trying to look at me?

Muffins rule.

Seriously, stop looking at me.

Leaves through the glass.

Halloweeny

I can't believe this is Finn's SECOND Halloween. It's old hat to him now. Well, sort of. Are we the lame-o parents that didn't dress our one year old up for Halloween and take him trick or treating in a stroller? Yes. Honestly, the reason is, the 25% of me that is Dutch was itching...I didn't want to spend $30 on a costume he would not only wear once, but would only wear once for like an hour. WE'RE LAME, CHEAP PARENTS.

We did give him a nice 'stache and a bow tie. We will say he went as Fancy Finn.

 

Others had some fun with the moustaches as well. Well, some of us did.

Cohen is not a moustache man.

This is Finn and his BFF Cohen. Up to no good already.