Happy Birthday, Henry!

Our baby boy is two years old. He runs (doesn't walk) around the park. He feeds himself and drinks out of cups without lids. He strings 3, 4 and sometimes 5 words together. He can count to 10...and mostly get the numbers in the right order. And he knows how to throw a great party. To celebrate his big day we hosted a small party complete with lots of food, Elmo & Cookie Monster cupcakes and most of all, the company of our wonderful friends. Click here to see the photo gallery.

We brought out the infant bouncey seat for our friend's newborn, but Henry decided it looked like a good place to rest after everyone had gone. The photo on the left was taken May 10, 2010 (one week) & the right was taken May 5, 2012 (2 years). Time flies when you're having fun. And we are having the best time of our lives.

Hello Spring!

At the end of March we went to Mountsberg Conservation Area for the annual Maple Syrup Festival. The conservation is home to native birds of prey such as bald eagles, owls and raptors. We enjoyed the birds and learning a few fun facts (did you know that a bald eagle's head doesn't turn white until it turns five years old?) but let's be honest...we were really there for the maple syrup and pancakes!

Jake enjoyed the last "offleash" weekend at the beach.

Henry and his friend Janna enjoyed a walk on a warm sunny afternoon in Kew Park.

The first week of April we had a great visit with the Hurdle family (Tara's BFF in St. Joseph, MI) Vaughn (8), Cohen (6) and Courtney (3).

Henry and Great Gram playing in the sandbox before dinner at Papa's.

We arrived back in Toronto on Easter Sunday just in time to catch the neighbourhood parade. Click here to see Henry watching the Annual Toronto Beaches Easter Parade.

March Madness!

If you know anything about our family you probably know we are sports fans...ok...fanatics! The NCAA basketball basketball tournament has been the perfect opportunity to work on Henry's cheering skills. When he sees the MSU Spartan logo he screams "Go Geeen!" (And the occassional "Touchdown" which will be handy in the fall.) Aside from the Spartans loss in the Sweet 16 we have had a wonderful month. Grandma and Grandpa Kaasa visited and were thrilled to have an early spring in Toronto. They looked after our boys while we took a quick get-away to Vegas for a Home Depot convention and some much needed R & R. Mark received the prestigious "Merchant of the Year" award at the event which gave us another good reason for a special celebration on his birthday. (I will take the liberty to brag about him since he won't!)

It seems impossible, but in four weeks we'll be celebrating Henry's 2nd birthday.

Grandma enjoyed the sunny day at the beach with Henry and Jake.

Grandpa's iPad is now fully loaded with Elmo videos!

Spring came to Toronto early and we are taking full advantage of the warm weather.

When a boy is sick, all he wants is his dog.

Happy 5th Birthday Jake!

It's hard to believe we've had our Jake-ster for nearly 5 years. He is most definitely an important member of our family and considers himself the family body guard.

We celebrated Jake's birthday with a special treat from the dog bakery and enjoyed a sunny day at the beach.

Great Gram, Nana and Auntie Liza visited the same weekend and Henry got cozy with "Gate-Gam" on the couch.

Niagara Falls

Situated between New York and Ontario, Niagara Falls is just over an hour drive from downtown Toronto. We decided it was time to get out of the city and take a quick road trip to experience the magnificent falls.

Mark and Henry with the (still beautiful, but less impressive) American Falls in the background.

While Niagara Falls are impressive, Henry was more excited about the indoor water park.
Click here to watch Henry at the water park.

After 2 hours at the water park Henry decided it was time to go all by himself and didn't want any help from Da-da. Click here to watch part 2.

We returned to the city and took advantage of the spring-like weather for a day at the beach with Jake.

Winter has arrived!

Henry is proving to be a tough little toddler and doesn't mind the cold a bit. It takes us just about as long to get ready to go outside as we actually spend outside, but all in all we have had a very mild winter and are enjoying the little bit of snow we have had. Growing up in the South, Mark didn't get the opportunity to partake in the joys of shoveling snow, layering on clothing, salting icy sidewalks, shoveling more snow and...sledding! Now that winter has arrived in Toronto he is getting his fill.

Click here to watch Henry sledding.
Click here to watch Tara sledding.

All bundled up and ready for winter.

Sled complete with a seatbelt and windshield for our little Arctic explorer.

When we're not outside in the snow, Henry keeps busy in his play kitchen...his big gift from Santa.

Christmas 2011

Last year was Henry's first Christmas, however this year was the first year he 'got it'. And boy did he get it. Our Christmas celebration started the first week of December and kept rolling right on through New Year's Day. Top 5 differences this year from last year:
1.) Recognizes Santa...aka "Danta!" and Snowman...aka "Mo-man!"
2.) More interested in the gift than the gift wrapping.
3.) Tall enough (and able) to remove ornaments from the tree...and proceed to throw them on the floor.
4.) There was a Turkey on the table at Nana's...ok...a Tofurky, but that's as close as we're gonna get.
5.) No white Christmas in Michigan (or Toronto); last year we had snow in Atlanta...strange.

Click here to watch Henry and Jake opening gifts from Santa.

Traditions a plenty at the Luzod Christmas Eve gathering - toddlers are always intrigued by Uncle Lonnie leading the crowd in carols and Henry was no exception.

Papa Andrew and Henry at Kew Park in Toronto.

A Christmas kiss for Henry's trusty side-kick.

Lots of laughs opening presents, and presents, and more presents.

Chasing ducks on a mild Christmas morning at Shiawassee Park, Farmington Hills.