Roxana & Ricardo & Julia & Stella

Making Coffee

2011-12-31T14:01:00.001-05:00

A new thing we do, when we have time: the girls helping to make coffee. They know all about the grinder, coffee, milk, etc... The challenge is making sure nobody falls off the counter (not happened so far!).

Bonus picture:

Christmas Trip to Montreal (2011)

2011-12-28T11:56:00.001-05:00

We just got back from a short trip to Montreal, to spend Christmas with the family (similar to last year's trip)

Here are a lot of pictures from it:

Duke next to the Christmas tree:

Stella & Julia:

Doctor Fufu, going to pick up her nephew at school:

Susi:

Stella learned to say "cheese" for pictures...

Just like last year, Marc stopped by to show the kids a big truck. He let everybody climb up and see it up close. What a treat!

Julia and Uncle Andrew:

Nobody loved this more than Stella. Her first words the next morning were "big truck, beep, too loud!". For several days afterwards, she keeps talking about it.

Benjamin and Julia:

Jack, Benjamin, Julia, Mariana.

Every day, Benjamin played until he was exhausted.

Stella:

Cousins playing.

Happy Tia Fufu.

Stella playing next to the "poufs" made by Tia Fufu.

Dylan & the Boys.

Benjamin, exhausted again.

Jack too.

Julia.

Stella, playing with cars.

Mariana & Dylan.

"Cheese!"

Then we met up with a good friend we don't see often enough. Here is Stefan telling a little story to Carlos and Caroline.

Stella concentrating.

Merlin trying to get away.

"Lella up 'tairs. Lella down 'tairs."

Then we spent some time with the nieces. Sena and Aiyana:

Buca and her new scarf.

Aiyana.

Julia Claus.

The big niece, Sena:

Group picture: Julia, Raluca, me, Duke, Aiyana, Tanţa, Stella, Roxi, Sena and Octavian.

Stella.

Aiyana.

Stella & bubbles.

The 3 girls put on a show.

Buca and granddaughters.

Crazy Julia.

Raluca and Aiyana, playing a crazy staring game:

Stella staying warm

2011-12-18T19:01:00.001-05:00

Stella, warm.

Skating

2011-12-18T18:57:00.001-05:00

Roxi and Julia at "Skate with Santa", at the UConn ice rink. Stella and I were on the outside looking in.

Beltane Goat Farm

2011-12-04T17:43:00.001-05:00

We spent a few very pleasant hours at Beltane Farm, nearby. They make fantastic goat cheese, and have cheese tastings every Sunday at this time of the year. We met up with some friends and had a great time.

Judevine:

Curious goat (they all are...):

Roxi peeking from under a goat she was milking:

Kristen:

A very friendly cow, spooking Tansen.

Julia was less impressed with learning to milk a goat.

The goats waiting their turn.

Stella:

Yule Be Swingin'

2011-12-04T17:41:00.001-05:00

We went to a music show at UConn, just like last year. We had a good time, although Stella couldn't sit still for the whole hour...

Last weekend

2011-11-12T10:50:00.001-05:00

Julia's been reading more every day. Here she is reading to Duke:

Here she is taking a nap:

The results of last weekend's project:

Migrant worker (and his grand-daughter):

His salary:

Lost dog

2011-10-23T19:50:00.000-04:00

We found this little guy and his mom, in our driveway. The owner finally tracked them down a few hours later - but we got to play a little first.

Acadia 2011

2011-10-23T19:47:00.002-04:00

We went back to Acadia for a week of vacation. We've been there every year since 2008 - what a great place to relax and get some fresh air.

On the drive over, we stopped for a little break, near a bridge.

Starry nights near Bar Harbor:

A warm day in fall, at Sand Beach.

Bubble Pond:

Sunset near our cabins:

The girls enjoying the bike seats, indoors:

Reading a book with a little heating pad:

Don't take pictures while riding a bike!

The carriage roads, perfect for biking.

Stella, exploring near Bubble Pond.

On a ride:

The sky near Jordan Pond, at a lunch break:

One of my favourite pictures of Julia:

From the top of Cadillac:

Moonrise, back at the cabins:

More carriage roads:

From a strenuous ride around Sargent Mountain:

Our rocky beach:

Riding in a carriage on a drizzly day - we got soaked!

Taking a break from the rain inside the 100 year old library in Bar Harbor

Dewy morning:

Foggy harbor:

Bunk Bed!

2011-09-29T20:07:00.002-04:00

The story of a bunk bed for Julia & Stella:

Johnnie working on the frame:

Some cherry boards we looked at.

Here he is shaping the one we ended up using. The shape is the same as the tree it was taken from. This will be the corner post that holds the bed up.

In the meantime, Julia and Stella had fun. We got this toy from a friend, but we'll be giving it to someone else soon.

The corner post almost done.

Julia showing the two bolts that will tie the post to the bed. The heads were ground flat to get that look.

Working into the evening:

A few days later, the finished bed (no mattress yet):

Julia in bed:

Peeking out of the little window (which has a shutter on the inside):

All work by Johnnie Walker (Walker Woodworking, in Ashford)!

Camping

2011-09-11T19:04:00.004-04:00

We spent a couple of sunny days at Savoy Mountain. It's easy car camping, but still a lot of fun.

Stella, showing off the "Trindade slouch".

Running after her big sister.

No paparazzi!!

The field in the middle of the campground.

Walking to the pond.

Julia at the pond.

Stella preventing naps.

Andy & Julia.

Roxi and Stella in the afternoon.

Julia on a hike, looking for "interesting" things to put on her cup.

Julia met some great little girls, who were a few campgrounds away. They spelled their names with the many fallen apples that were everywhere (the campground used to be an orchard).

Stella & friends, in front of the fire.

Stella in the morning.

Julia saying goodbye to her friend.

One big post

2011-09-07T21:59:00.004-04:00

One big post with recent pictures...

First, some "country living". Here is Julia (still wearing pajamas) and her cousins playing with the chickens.

Stella checking out the tomatoes that Roxi was going to can.

Saucing:

Then, some pictures from a weekend in Montreal. Julia "swimming" by herself:

The birthday girl.

Susi napping with Jack:

Mariana, Julia & Benjamin.

All the kids wanted to go pee "near the fence" before going swimming... Julia just did like her (boy) cousins...

Jack, still napping.

Benjamin.

Jack was tired that day.

Stella & Susi:

Jacko.

Party Weekend

2011-08-21T12:21:00.005-04:00

Stella on the picnic table bench:

And bouncing with vôvô:

Julia playing a board game with grandparents.

Vóvó.

Julia and her birthday-party dress.

The farm-stand, where we picked up two nieces.

The nieces and Julia, ready to head home.

Grandparents relaxing before the party.

Nobody knew it, but it quickly became a costume party.

Duke had a good time.

Timmy was great:

Rosie:

Aiyana, showing us some tricks.

Rosie, as the "Mariachi Witch".

Blowing out candles:

The morning after:

Julia, still wearing a dress that she got as a present (she insisted on sleeping in it):

Stella, Julia, Ice Cream and JF

2011-08-21T12:16:00.002-04:00

Stella and the doll-house:

Julia sharing ice cream with her little sister.

JF and Marie-Eve surprised us with a little visit. What a great idea! Stop by anytime, guys.

Downtown

2011-08-07T15:09:00.003-04:00

We went back to downtown Hartford - which is something we don't do enough. Hartford gets a bad rap, for some reason. Most people don't go there on the weekends, which is a shame as stores and many restaurants end up being closed. Coming from Montreal (and Lisbon!), this is the opposite of what a city should do.

But when we do go, we usually have a good time. This time we went to Bushnell Park, to see the famous carousel. We first had a drink at a local place, and Julia then had a great time riding the horses. For $1 per ride, it was well worth it. And, since nobody goes there, parking was easy, and there was no line-up... :)

Me and the girls at the bar:

Stella near the playground.

Julia:

Roxi & Stella:

Pictures from 2 weeks ago

2011-07-27T20:23:00.003-04:00

Catching up on some pictures taken in Montreal recently.

Uncle Andrew and 3 kids:

Benjamin hiding from Jack & Julia.

Moon seen from Pte-Claire village.

Roxi nursing Stella.

Jack and snacks.

What Saturday was like.

Jack and Mariana.

Jack!

Benjamin!

Stella!

Julia and Mariana.

The kids at breakfast.

Portugal Trip, Part 4

2011-07-07T22:48:00.005-04:00

Looking at the street below, in the morning:

Stella in Belém:

Julia taking in some sights in Belém.

Zé scoping out the restaurants:

Arriving for lunch:

Rafael, with a chipped tooth.

I tried to sneak this picture, but was obviously not fooling Tio Luis.

Pretty girls:

Roxi being very patient.

Heading to the playground:

A piece of art, by Rafael, entitled "Duarte in Dusseldorf".
(we hope to see Duarte in person next time!)

In Restelo:

We then stopped (too) briefly to see Bé and Ana Rita, who was looking better than ever!

Portugal Trip, Part 3

2011-07-07T22:35:00.005-04:00

Spending quality time at our "home".

Julia's favourite part of train stations.

Enjoying fresh cherries:

The girls meeting cousin André.

New cousin Carolina:

Beautiful family:

Tia Ana & Avó Alice.

André, Julia & Rodrigo.

Funny: she does the exact same thing with my mom:

Another day: big discussion on the best way to travel to Egypt:

Maíra.

São and Lionel.

More quality time:

Portugal Trip, Part 2

2011-07-07T21:55:00.008-04:00

More pictures in Quarteira:

On a walk around dusk:

Julia and cobblestones.

Stella really liked the beach...

Stella & Mama.

Julia & Papa.

Stella napping, under a blanket.

Back on our balcony.

Another beach day:

Running errands:

It had been a long time since I last did this...

Julia being silly on an evening walk.

The bakery across the street, which we visited at least once per day.

Waiting patiently for Stella to be done flying her helicopter.

More pictures to come...

Portugal Trip

2011-07-07T21:38:00.004-04:00

We spent 2 short weeks in Portugal, to see family and relax. It was not enough time for everything, but we all enjoyed it. It was Stella's first time in the "homeland".

Here is Tio Zé, showing Julia how to cook bacalhau:

Here he is again, having a coffee in Corroios.

The next day, settling in to our little appartment in Quarteira.

Some views from the balcony:

Stella and Julia at the excellent playground:

Morning at the balcony:

More pictures to come...

Trouble and her dog

2011-06-05T10:07:00.000-04:00

Stella on a bike

2011-06-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

Good news is Stella is very comfortable in a bike seat. Bad news is we often have to support the bike after the ride, so she can keep sleeping,..

Savoy & Greylock

2011-05-29T17:05:00.004-04:00

We spent a few days camping at Savoy Mountain (Duke stayed at a shelter). The weather was beautiful, although there were a few too many bugs.

Julia has been biking more and more lately, so we brought her bike with us.

Stella cooling off.

Getting ready for a little ride.

Trouble.

Simultaneous napping - a good thing.

The view from the top of Mount Greylock.

Andy & Marcia, seen from the top of the tower.

Julia walking down the many tower steps.

Trouble.

Stella being entertained at a restaurant.

Trouble on a tree.

Aiyana's Recital

2011-05-21T16:16:00.002-04:00

Aiyana (aka "my little niece") had her first guitar recital yesterday. She took it very seriously, and was very focused.

Here she is, with mom, before the start.

Listening carefully to the teacher's instructions.

Ready:

And playing.

She did really well. The older kids were good too, and Aiyana will be playing like them soon!

Multitasking

2011-05-16T20:06:00.003-04:00

Stella can now walk and hold things... or she can get across a room in 2 or 3 seconds... many more ways to make Trouble.

Update

2011-05-02T19:36:00.003-04:00

Some pictures from the past few days.

Stella showing off a new tooth.

Stella and Julia with a mystery guest.

A view of the lake on our walk.

Special invited night-time reader:

Lazy Sunday morning.

Stella being very very outdoorsy.

Burlingame

2011-04-23T15:58:00.004-04:00

We spent a rainy day and a half in a campground in Rhode Island. The first say was very nice, and we walked around a bit. Today was pouring the whole time... Good thing we were staying in a cabin and not a tent.

It was the first camping time with Duke, and he did well: no problems on the drive, and he slept fine (we brought his crate with us...).

Stella and Julia at the playground:

Julia climbing more things:

The view near our cabin.

Julia, having a drink.

This morning, rain outside, and spent a little quality family time, before heading back.

Next time, we hope the weather cooperates...

Stella

2011-04-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

Phone Call

2011-04-13T18:16:00.000-04:00

Weekend visit

2011-04-11T19:22:00.002-04:00

Our friends came over for a little while on Sunday, and brought their dog. Here he is next to Duke. Duke weighs about 55 pounds (about 25 kg), but Dudley is about twice his size...

Julia could walk just fine, but sometimes she preferred if Andy carried her.

Closeup of Dudley.

We walked over to see the nieces who, as usual, were playing outside.

On the walk back.

Latest

2011-04-05T18:23:00.002-04:00

Some pictures from the last few days:

Julia and her cousins.

The girls at the Centennial Pond playground.

Duke, also at Centennial. His first hike away from home. He's getting used to being in the car for short rides... hopefully he'll be ok when we drive up to Montreal.

More Sugarin'

2011-03-27T16:58:00.003-04:00

This time we visited Anita & Brian (and Clara) to see their impressive maple syrup operation.

Here is the home-made evaporator, with 4 "beds", and the barrel of sap:

The cheap labour, paid in sips of syrup:

Brian, keeping an eye on the evaporation, and tasting the sap.

Anita doing her favourite task:

Clara, Julia and Ella going to collect more sap:

Good stuff!

Wondering how to get it out of there (there was a pump).

Some of the amazing finished product, on the left is the early-season syrup, and on the right is what is being made by now.

Thanks guys!

Sleepover

2011-03-20T14:48:00.002-04:00

The two nieces slept over last night - and camped out in Julia's room.

Here they are, waiting for a bedtime book.

This morning at breakfast:
Aiyana.

Sena.

Julia.

Then sharing the dollhouse.

Author's Tea

2011-03-18T19:50:00.002-04:00

Julia had her annual "Author's Tea" this week. This year, it was autobiographical: Julia told everyone about herself: her favourite colour, favourite things to do, etc. 27 kids went in about 25 minutes...

Here she is:

Stella, not listening to her big sister.

Miss Natasha (will be missed).

Afterwards, outside, with Lexi and mama (3 pretty girls). It was beautiful and warm.

We had ice cream and Julia said hi to the cows.

Bonus picture: Stella on a walk today.

Sleeping Julia

2011-03-16T20:47:00.002-04:00

Julia fell asleep while I read to her from my book. A pretty good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Stella.

Sugarin'

2011-03-12T17:05:00.002-05:00

Julia and I paid a little visit to Hurricane Farm, in Scotland, this afternoon. The weather is warm, and the snow is melting.

Today's main attraction was the making of maple syrup:

A little surprise: a one-day old lamb, yet to be named. Seemed very comfortable in Erica's arms.

Julia and Violet had fun.

Stella, recovering

2011-03-06T18:10:00.001-05:00

Poor kid's been recovering from being all stuffed up. Nobody's been sleeping very well, but we're all better now.

Here's her secret to getting healthy:

Standing

2011-02-28T20:16:00.000-05:00

New Beer

2011-02-28T18:29:00.002-05:00

Pretty excited about finding a very good local beer... They are just a little North of here. I only found it in 64oz (1.9L) "growlers". It'll have to do. :)

(the glass is a souvenir from a trip)

Dusting

2011-02-27T16:40:00.005-05:00

Woke up to a little dusting: another 2 inches of snow or so.

Julia stayed in her pajamas and put on some music (these days, she's really digging "Stay or Leave" by Dave Matthews).

Then we all took Duke for a walk again. He was scared to leave the house a week ago, but he's getting used to it.

Julia likes to walk on the snow banks...

Stella:

Home from Work

2011-02-26T11:44:00.003-05:00

This is what (sometimes) happens when I get home from work... :)

Body Parts

2011-02-26T11:44:00.001-05:00

Girls and Dog

2011-02-22T18:20:00.002-05:00

The nieces came over this week, and met Duke. He seems to really like kids.

Sena in particular seemed to really get along with him.

Lately...

2011-02-20T16:34:00.002-05:00

Roxi & Stella having quality time:

Teaching the girls to cook.

Stella:

Dark and stormy night:

More Stella:

Dukey-Duke

2011-02-20T09:07:00.003-05:00

More from last week.

2011-02-12T20:45:00.001-05:00

More snow

2011-02-08T09:55:00.001-05:00

Duke is loving the snow

And he also loves a good nap

Weekend

2011-02-06T18:46:00.005-05:00

Duke is starting to get used to our house and us, and vice-versa. Here he is running back home on Friday morning, after his first walk in the yard of that day, while I was getting ready to go to work.

This weekend, we had some visitors. Here is Stella with vôvô.

And Julia with vóvó.

The best way to describe Stella in the past few weeks is:

More Stella & vôvô:

Julia:

Julia and Duke, playing in the yard:

1

2011-02-02T20:42:00.003-05:00

Time flies. Stella is one.

Here are the girls, with a birthday (pumpkin) pie.

3 happy faces:

(her hand wasn't as close to the flame is it appears to be...)

And a bonus picture of Duke doing what he does best:

(btw, he's really getting used to us and vice-versa. He goes out in the yard for a half hour at a time, and hops around in the deep snow. Who knows when he last had a chance to do that. Based on the paperwork, he was picked up in the South more than a month before we picked him up, and probably only had access to the shelter's paved outdoor area)

Duke!

2011-01-29T18:53:00.003-05:00

Today, we adopted a 1.5 year old male yellow lab mix, named Duke. So far, we've only had him about 6 hours or so... he's very quiet, and still exploring the house (he has only seen the living room, kitchen, and dining room). He's been in the back yard, but since we have about 1m (3ft) of snow, he can only walk back and forth in a path I dug out for him.

Here he is on the drive home:

Getting to know Julia and doggy-treats:

Another one...

2011-01-27T17:55:00.002-05:00

Yet another snow storm over here. Apparently we got about 15 inches (35cm) of fresh powder. It's about time Connecticut had a real winter!

Here's our front door this morning:

Some animal tracks, over the snow-covered walk.

A little more snow, and we wouldn't find the shovel...

The start of the walk up from the driveway.

Mystic

2011-01-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

We went back to the Mystic Aquarium, for a short visit. The last time we were there was almost 2 years ago.

Stella enjoyed the beluga whales:

The entrance to the indoor exhibits.

Julia also had a great time.

Holding a live crab.

Stella's ready to go out

2011-01-20T12:06:00.004-05:00

I apologize if these pics get a little repetitive, but she was so cute, I just couldn't decide which pictures I liked best.

Julia at Breakfast

2011-01-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

Snow Day

2011-01-12T19:04:00.002-05:00

The biggest snowstorm in this part of CT since we've been living here: over a foot and a half (45cm), fell in only about 12 hours. Beautiful winter weather.

Roxy helped Julia shovel under the swings, as the snow covered up to the seat.

Roxy multi-tasking.

Stella after coming back in.

Julia coming back in.

The driveway, after being plowed, and after the snow being cleared off the car.

Julia next to a snowbank her height.

It seems to be over - I'll be back at work tomorrow.

Stella

2011-01-11T17:02:00.001-05:00

After a bath:

Trying to grab the camera:

Let it snow!

2011-01-11T16:47:00.005-05:00

Pretty bush in our back yard covered in snow:

Ready to go:

At the bottom of the hill (the trick is stopping before you run into the thorny bushes):

Let's do it again:

All bundled up:

Swinging with Papa (note the "castle" in the background)

This is the swing-set that Ricardo built this fall:

Crazy tricks:

Cold Turkey

2011-01-10T20:40:00.005-05:00

A few pictures from a walk with friends on Sunday (click on this image to see the others).

(Dudley kept running off and chasing (cold) turkeys)

She's a witch!

2011-01-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

Julia got this costume from her cousin Sena, and she wore it for two days straight (never mind that it's not Halloween - dress-up is always fun). One day she was about to put it on and I mentioned that its not a good outfit to wear on a walk - she seemed a little disappointed, and put it on as soon as we returned from the walk, then she promptly fell asleep in it - including the pointy hat!

Looks like Stella is waving to the camera...

Stella fell asleep in the carrier during one of our walks, then she continued to sleep even after we got home and I took off the carrier - she was so cozy in her warm snowsuit!

Early Spring

2011-01-02T10:33:00.002-05:00

The oldest niece:

Stella, in the carrier.

Centennial Pond, melting in 10°C weather.

Stella enjoying the swing.

Walk in Bolton, and the nieces

2010-12-31T15:35:00.003-05:00

Some shots from a short walk in Bolton yesterday. If it's sunny after a snowfall, this large rock wall right next to the trail will get covered in icicles, making for a very pretty backdrop.

Today, we saw the nieces for a little while. These pictures of Aiyana will be priceless when she hits it big. Here she is showing a tricky finger position on the left hand.

I like the angry look of concentration on this one. Big sister Sena watching over.

Cute big niece.

Some random pictures from the last few weeks

2010-12-29T23:18:00.001-05:00

Sisters and cousins: Stella, Aiyana, Sena and Julia

Bath-time:

Stella asleep on the couch

Peace Celebration at Julia's school

2010-12-29T22:56:00.005-05:00

Every year, before the holidays, Julia's school has a "Peace Celebration". All the kids put on a show and the parents are invited to watch. After the show, there is fruit salad and cookies. It's fun for the kids and the parents, and I'm guessing the grandparents might also enjoy it, so here it is. The first song is "I am planting seeds of love in my heart", the second is "Peace-keeper".

Julia is in the front row, close to the center, wearing a red dress:

After the show:

Julia hugging her best friend Sidney:

Christmas trip to Montreal

2010-12-28T12:26:00.005-05:00

Julia at the War Memorial at the Vermont Welcome Center rest area in I-89.

Visting the Browns. Floor hockey downstairs and lots of cookies upstairs!

A highlight of the week: Marc stopped by to let the kids see his plow up close. All the kids loved it.

Stella:

Julia, skating at the park.

Doctor Fufu, Julia and Vóvó.

Tia Susi, relaxing.

Uncle Andrew: can you explain what was going on?

Vôvô building a Lego airplane.

Jack, with leopard print pajama pants, holding his new treasure.

Vóvó and Stella.

Sledding fun, on Christmas day:

Wendy, the perfect hostess:

The Trindades.

The kids:

(just kidding, Dave)

Two grandfathers, and one tired kid.

Stella's discovery

2010-12-19T22:45:00.002-05:00

Stella was very excited when she discovered that she can open the kitchen cabinets - and hey, there's lots of stuff in there! It was all good until she got her thumb caught in the door, right at the end of the video (yes, I put down the camera and ran over). She was fine :).

Julia sleeping

2010-12-16T10:15:00.002-05:00

These pictures were taken in the last week. While Stella and I have our afternoon nap, Julia plays by herself in the living room. Sometimes, when Stella and I wake up and walk out to the living room, we find Julia asleep too:

Yes, Julia was actually sleeping in this picture. Stella and I had just woken up from our nap (we nap in the bedroom like normal people do), and the house was all quiet. I went to look for Julia, and could not find her until I looked INSIDE THE TUNNEL. There she was, sound asleep..

The Girls

2010-12-12T18:23:00.001-05:00

Julia making cookies.

Stella.

Christmas concert

2010-12-09T11:16:00.005-05:00

We went to a Christmas concert at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). It was Julia and Stella's first time at a concert, and it was a lot of fun.

Our friend, Amanda, who was Julia's music teacher last year, did a great job getting all the kids in the audience (and the grown-ups too) to participate and sing along. Here, she asked the kids to go up on stage and help her sing "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer". Julia immediately stood up and walked on stage, without needing any encouragement from us... She is to the left of Santa, shaking his hand:

Julia is the third kid from the left:

Julia's favorite part: the "goody-bag" and the jingle bells that they gave out to all the kids to bring home.

A few more from Bequia

2010-12-09T11:06:00.003-05:00

These pictures were taken by our friend Andy (Andy and his wife Marcia accompanied us on this trip.)

This picture was taken from the small plane which took us to Bequia, just as we were about to land.

Julia and I passing time while waiting for our food to arrive at a restaurant.

It was so hot, that Stella spent the whole time in nothing but a diaper, and sometimes a sun-hat, and she was still sweating. I felt a little silly for bringing all those clothes for her, she only wore them in the airport.

A taxi took us on a tour of the island. The breeze in the open-air taxi felt so nice...

Ricardo and I on the ferry, leaving Bequia.

Back home

2010-11-30T10:40:00.004-05:00

Julia fell sleep at the kitchen table while waiting for someone to read her a book

"Look mama, it's Christmas!"

A very cute hat and matching sweater knit by Tia Fufu

And now we're ready to head out for a walk

Stella attempting to feed herself

A very relaxing day with my girls

Stella

Julia and Aiyana getting a little fresh air after their first sleep-over

Aiyana was being very patient while I was trying to untangle her hair

Bequia, Part 3

2010-11-19T20:03:00.007-05:00

Another view from "our" beach:

We took a ride around the island. This is heading North.

We also visited the Old Hegg turtle sanctuary, where Brother King rescues local turtles. Julia really enjoyed this.

Andy and Brother King.

More views from around the island.

Back at home, Marcia and the girls.

A sunrise from Friendship Bay (taken from our balcony).

Family portrait (for Christmas cards?).

From the ferry, departing for St-Vincent, and the long trip back home.

About to take off from Barbados (aboard a Dash 8-300, the PW100's did fine).

Goodbye Caribbean....

.... we'll be back.

Bequia, Part 2

2010-11-16T16:51:00.005-05:00

Stella spent some quality time with our friends.

One of many lizards and geckos around.

In Port Elizabeth.

Another rotie (lobster, this time):

This sidewalk ("Belmont Walkway") was a great place to get splashed.

Marcia made a great chowder with the leftover barracuda.

Quality time:

Stella, if you ever see this - I apologize for letting someone do this to your hair.

A parrot at the scuba place that Andy went to.

What we did while waiting for him...

Back at home, in Friendship Bay.

Bequia, Part 1

2010-11-16T11:43:00.008-05:00

We just got back (with our friends Andy & Marcia) from 8 days in Bequia, part of St-Vincent and the Grenadines (aka SVG) in the Eastern Caribbean. It was beautiful, very relaxing. On some days I didn't even bother to put on sandals!

Julia, peeking out the window of the Twin Otter than took us from Barbados to Bequia. The PT6's did fine.

The view on the inside. The noise and vibration made this one-hour flight pretty exhausting.

The taxi ride to our villa.

The view from the beach, around sunset.

Our little place on the beach.... :)

Julia playing with a cricket.

Our place is the lower one with the green roof.

Some fish rotie. Very tasty.

We took several walks in Port Elizabeth. The bus ride took 10 minutes and cost fifty cents, and was one the most fun things we did. Everyone was so friendly, even though the buses (actually minivans) would cram in 20+ people in them.

Relaxing, back at home.

Stella took a few dips in the ocean. It reminded me of her sister when she was the same age.

Mama and daughter.

Stella sitting on my lap. Taken with a lens older than me.

We bought a 14 pound barracuda from some fishermen next door. It was excellent and lasted for several days.

Julia.

Hockey!

2010-11-06T19:07:00.002-04:00

Julia got to try out skating this morning, courtesy of UConn hockey. She had a great time and now she wants to sign up for a session.

Here is her first minute on skates, helped by a volunteer:

He was very patient...

Now she is being escorted back to the gate, looking a little anxious.

Volunteer #2, Doug, was also very helpful.

Julia is the one being dragged on a sled.

Now Erica was helping.

At the very end, she'd had enough, but she was able to skate quite a bit with no help.

PS: she needs another hockey jersey...

We miss Barkly

2010-11-02T22:03:00.003-04:00

I was recently reminded of Barkly. He used to love to sit by the gate in our back yard, and just watch the road, for hours. The othe day, I walked over and found Julia sitting on the gate, watching the road. I contemplated asking her to get off, but decided to get the camera instead.

Last week, we had a couple of really warm sunny days, perfect for drying some laundry and playing out in the sun:

Hallowe'en and Birthday

2010-10-31T19:08:00.008-04:00

We drove up to Montreal for the weekend...

Here we are, during a pit-stop. Stella is doing really well.

Arrival in Mtl:

Super Julia and Doctor Fufu.

The Devil having some juice.

Sir Andrew (I didn't get a photo of the helmet...)

Very appropriate...

Julia and Benjamin played together for hours.

!!!!

Stella's head is big for her age, but too small for the birthday hat.

Benjamin can pull it off very well.

More cousins playing.

The Devil having a coffee.

The actual birthday boy, wearing his hat.

The Devil and Snow White.

Some kid in a birthday hat, trying to hide...

A few mm of snow on Saturday night... it was mostly gone by the morning, but it was still a shock.

Julia in her new hat.

Back home, Stella in her new "strawberry" hat.

Harvest Party

2010-10-26T20:19:00.003-04:00

Went to a cool "harvest party" last weekend, graciously hosted by Hurricane Farm. Lots of music, some politicians (!), and great food.

Erica making some announcements before one of the bands.

A turkey working the sound booth.

My friends: bacon and kielbasa.

Julia eating an apple muffin.

Our gracious host.

Silly Julia

2010-10-25T22:49:00.004-04:00

Julia has been saying that she doesn't need to take a nap in the afternoon... so we agreed to let her have "quiet time" instead. So between 2:30 and 5:30, she plays quietly while Stella and I nap. However, when I wake up from my nap, I often find Julia asleep in the living-room in the funniest positions.

This was from Friday:

And this was today:

How is this comfortable?

Some more images of Julia looking cute:

Sad face:

Happy face:

And one of Stella:

One more

2010-10-22T09:56:00.003-04:00

Ricardo got a new camera

2010-10-21T22:39:00.003-04:00

More pictures of the girls

2010-10-21T22:35:00.001-04:00

Sleeping Julia:

Stella looking cute:

Stella being silly:

Farm, on Market Day

2010-10-16T20:32:00.003-04:00

Today, Roxi helped pick at her sister's farm, on the big day of the week: market day. I just watched Stella for a bit, and took pictures...

Farmer Ed, washing the radishes.

Julia and her cousins.

Stella.

Pretty niece #1.

Pretty niece #2.

Farmer Raluca.