Thursday, June 30, 2011

Last Day of Kindergarten

Last Day of Kindergarten by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was another big day... my very last day of Kindergarten. To celebrate, I made sure I wore the hat I wore on my first day of Kindergarten (Often referred to as my "Hello Kindergarten" hat), just to bring everything full circle. See the photo above for reference.

I also brought my American Girl doll, who I've been calling 'Buttercup', so that I could bring her in for show and tell. The other kids thought she was pretty cool. Also, we had free popsicles and orange wedges!

I played with Claire and Connor and some friends after school over by the baseball diamond... we played "Wedding Dress", where the girls had to pretend to model wedding gowns - the winner would get to marry Connor as a prize. But then Connor pooped in his pants and had to go home, so that was that.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

American Girl

Daisies by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Once again, I had some trouble sleeping last night, so Mommy let me sleep in this morning for quite a while. The Nationwide postal strike is over, so we expected a deluge of mail, but it didn't happen.

School was fine - I got my report card today, which was pretty neat... all praise and raves, of course. Looks like next year I'm going to be put in a Grade 1 / 2 split class... that's good, right? Mommy took me to the splash pad afterwards to celebrate.

When I got home, I was stunned and overjoyed to find the American Girl Doll I ordered waiting for me... and that pretty much sums up how I spent the rest of the day - dressing and undressing my doll about five hundred times (which is amazing, considering she only came with two outfits).


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Chut

Above the Water by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I didn't sleep well last night, but thankfully I slept in a bit today, so I didn't feel any ill effects. School was okay today, except for the extra-long school assembly we all had to sit through. We said good-bye to our retiring principal and watched the older kids get awards. I found it thoroughly boring.

After a delicious dinner, Mommy and Daddy and Cool Uncle Gareth and I drove out to do some shopping for Gammy's birthday. On the way home, we passed a restaurant called "Chinese Hut", which prompted me to suggest the portmanteau "Chut." This word (which I defined as a puree of eggplant, peanut butter and crackers, which is then fed to crazy people) proceeded to make everyone laugh, especially when I repeated it and tried using it in a sentence.

When Mommy and Daddy and Gareth started using it, however, the joke got old and annoying, which frustrated me to no end. Some Jelly Babies and Skittles calmed me down.


Monday, June 27, 2011

Gardens & Galleries

With Gareth by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Cool Uncle Gareth visited us this morning - I proceeded to jump up and down on him as he sat there, reeling. Thanks goodness he had to head over to his big art opening in Oakville, otherwise I would have wiped him out.

After brunch and lunch, I walked with Mommy and Daddy and Dennis over to the garden, and then Daddy and I walked home again, which was nice. The two of us played video games until Mommy and Dennis came home, and then we drove out to Oakville to see Cool Uncle Gareth's art show!

We had a great time - it was nice to see Gareth and his work, but I absolutely loved the grounds of the gallery - gardens and ponds along the lakeshore. We had so much fun! As soon as we were done, we bought a bunch of groceries and came home for dinner. Phew! What a great day.

Listening to: Joe Jackson - Gold


Sunday, June 26, 2011

Cool Uncle Gareth-Related Excitement

A Picnic with Kristen by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

We almost spent the entire Day with Cool Uncle Gareth, so needless to say, I was extremely excited and thoroughly full of proverbial beans. Actually, I had *actual* beans for lunch, as a matter of fact.

Once lunch was done, Mommy and Daddy and Gareth and I drove out to the butcher... we had a walk to the bookstore, bought a magazine with Cool Uncle Gareth in it, and bought a big bag of dog food for Dennis. Next, we drove over to New York Fries because for some reason I really really wanted New York Fries.

Mommy and Daddy and I took Dennis for a walk around the block once we got home, and then Daddy and I went over to Gammy's house, where we played Pictionary with Cool Uncle Gareth. Mommy made a massive full rack of ribs for dinner, but by then I was so over-stimulated and excited and amped that I had a meltdown over having to change into my jammies.


Saturday, June 25, 2011

À la Peanut Butter Sandwiches!

Snickergrass by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Apparently at school this morning, they announced my upcoming birthday in the morning announcements. Unfortunately, I'm in the afternoon classes, so I had to hear about it from other people.

Cool Uncle Gareth walked with me to school today, which was good - I got to play in the playground a lot once class was over. Luckily, Mommy and I got home from school and avoided a downpour by mere seconds.

For dinner, Mommy made what has to be the best peanut butter sandwiches that Daddy or I have ever eaten in our lives. As soon as that was finished, we went over to the fancy supermarket at Shops At Don Mills and bought some extra-neat snack food.

Listening to: Sondre Lerche - Sondre Lerche


Friday, June 24, 2011

Therapeutic Puddles

Happy Dino Head by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy did a lot of sewing this morning, so I joined her in her sewing room and played with all of my toys on the couch and stuff.

School was okay, but playing in the playground afterwards wasn't so great. My old nemesis stepped on my fingers, was rude to me, and even called me names which really hurt my feelings and made me feel pretty sad. Everyone tried to cheer me up, but I just wanted to go home.

The walk home made me feel better, because I got to splash in the rain puddles. Also, once I got home, I found Cool Uncle Gareth there waiting for me! Not only that, but I got to play video games with Mommy AND Daddy wasn't at work late tonight! Amazing! He even took me out for Starbucks before bed.

Listening to: Bon Iver - Bon Iver


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Pants Punishment

Laying on the Lawn 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I woke up in a pretty bad mood - I saw the rain outside and got depressed, thinking that my school's big massive outdoor play day would be cancelled. However, we called ahead and discovered that play day was still on! I was overjoyed, and almost late for the festivities.

There were games, sports, and all kinds of activities, snacks, and all kinds of fun. Pretty awesome! It WAS cut a little bit short because of the rain, but all in all, I was happy.

Later in the day, I was sitting oddly in the computer chair, so Mommy, much to my chagrin and surprise, made me take my pants off. That's the rule... every time she catches me sitting in the chair incorrectly, she makes me take off my pants. It's actually working, because not wearing pants makes me angry.

Daddy was late from work AGAIN, so Mommy and I watched a movie. He'll probably be late tomorrow night as well, but that should be it for a while.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Folk Fest

Dino Head by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I didn't go to the farmer's market today, because we had to stay home and wait for the courier (who didn't come until the afternoon). We eventually got the chance to go for another bike ride, which unfortunately was kinda terrible and wrought with drama. Ah well, we'll keep tryin'.

At school today we had a big party with our eighth grade dance partners, but unfortunately my partner Anna wasn't available to attend! No problem, though... we had a 'folk fest' dance party thing at the end of the school day, and I got up and danced with all of the pros in front of everyone. I'm awesome!

Daddy was really late coming home from work AGAIN, so Mommy and I ate chicken nuggets together and watched yet another Muppet movie. Not too shabby, but I miss Daddy.


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Back on the Bike

Mall Railing by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on June 22nd]

I was up pretty early and spent a good chunk of the morning over at Gammy's place before she had to leave for work. The rest of the morning was all right - Mommy put me right back on that bicycle, and we drove back-and-forth on the street… and I'm happy to report that it was completely drama free! I kept at it and even with the wobbly training wheels on, I was able to watch where I was going and to keep my balance.

Back to school was all right today, except for towards the end, when my old nemesis reared her head and was teasing a bunch of us on the playground. Mommy suggested that I shouldn't let it bother me, but… it kinda did.

I really wanted to go for a walk with Gammy and Grandpa last night, but wasn't able to due to the fact that I had to go to bed. So, tonight I insisted on going for a walk with them to the corner store and stuff. I convinced them to buy me some candy.


Monday, June 20, 2011

The Bloodcurdling Scream of Father's Day

At The Top by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I spent the morning tidying up the place - and then we woke up Daddy and gave him his Father's Day presents (including reversible shorts!). Soon afterwards, Kristen came over for a delicious outdoor brunch, and then we played Strawberry Shortcake in the backyard while Dennis ate sticks.

Mommy and Daddy and I drove Kristen home, and then drove around downtown... once we got home, we decided that I'd go for a bike ride... which, unfortunately, led to a lot of drama. I had some difficulty controlling the bike, and propelled myself into an emotional spiral of frustration. At one point I kinda lost control of the bike, sending me around a corner and into the street. I screamed a horrifying blood-curdling scream, which my parents will never forget.

Hopefully, we can get back on the bike tomorrow (and every day thereafter), only this time with a clear frame of mind. I'll get there - I've just gotta keep at it and not give up.


Sunday, June 19, 2011

Penny Deposit

Dino Rider by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Every Saturday morning, I make a case with my parents to go to Spring Rolls for Dim Sum, and every Saturday I make it seem like an idea out of left field. Today, my plea pretty much seemed to do the trick! But first, we had an important task - I had to take all of the change I saved up in order to buy an American Girl doll, and hand it in to the bank.

We took all one hundred and seven dollars (primarily rolled-up pennies and stuff) and deposited it, making me feel pretty proud. We then went to Spring Rolls as arranged, and even though we tried to scale back our usual food haul, we all still felt pretty full. Mommy also got a new pair of Birkenstocks, and I got bubble tea.

We then began the arduous task of finding parking at the butcher. Due to its proximity to the beach, the fantastic summer weather meant that we had to park blocks and block and blocks away. Daddy and I made sure we went to the bookstore, since we were in the neighbourhood.


Saturday, June 18, 2011

Candy Trickery

Relaxing at the Top by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

So, the other day Greorge and Ursula came over to Gammy and Grandpa's place and completely tore out the carpet, so that Gammy's allergies would be okay. The palce looks totally different now! It's pretty weird with just the unfinished wooden floor.

Anyway, school was fine today - Mrs. Free wasn't in, so Mrs. Gamble filled in, and that was cool. Mommy and Claire's Mommy took Claire and I to the swimming pool afterwards... we didn't have bathing suits, but we didn't let that stop us from having a blast at the pool. Mommy and I bought candy on the way home.

Daddy DID NOT work late tonight, so once he got home, I talked him into walking back to the corner store with me. I didn't tell him about the candy Mommy and I got earlier, so I tricked him into buying me candy AGAIN! I'm so smart.

Listening to: Junior Boys: It's All True


Friday, June 17, 2011

The Sculptor

Eye Twinkle by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on June 18th]

I woke up at an ungodly hour seeing as how I was insanely excited to head off on my class field trip. Mommy had to calm me down and join me in bed so that I wouldn't bounce off of the walls.

Eventually it was time to head off to school - me and the other kids in my group (chaperoned by Molly's Mom Lisa) drove off to the Harbourfront Centre, where we got to all learn about sculpting. We learned about the 'Four S's' - slip, score, smooth, and... well, I forget the fourth. But whatever, they gave me a big hunk of clay, and I made a pretty awesome-looking three-headed dinosaur thing.

Once we got back to school, Mommy had a hard time finding me, and was worried that she'd actually lost me for a minute. Turns out I was just playing in the playground. Maybe it was the cute little buns in my hair, which made me look taller, yet younger.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Daddy's Underpants

Silliness with Daddy by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Once again, I was up ridiculously early this morning, and went over to Gammy's place to hang out for a while. For some reason, she and I got discussing underpants, and I went into a long narrative about how my father changes into a clean pair of underpants every single morning.

While I was at school today, Mommy went over to the new hair salon that opened up where the old barber used to be - and received what may actually be the best haircut she ever had. It was so good, it cured her back ache. I didn't realize you could get a haircut without going really short. Now I am intrigued.

In the evening Mommy and I went through her old Honeymoon photos, since we're planning our big summer vacation to British Columbia. We're all really excited and looking forward to it!

Daddy was home from work pretty late again.


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Dr. Cancer

Rainy Helmet by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I met up with Claire and her Mommy on the way to the farmer's market, and did our weekly vegetable shopping. Since the violin player wasn't around, Claire and I entertained ourselves my playing doctor. Specifically, we invented a doctor named 'Doctor Cancer', who, carrying on from my conversation about Cancer with Mommy last night, treated Mommy for Cancer.

We made up some medicine called "Chemotherapy" by taking some grass and sticks and rubbing them together, and then sprinkling that onto another stick, which we made Mommy carry under in her armpit. However, after administering an imaginary X-Ray, Claire and I discovered that Mommy didn't have cancer... she simply had a case of two broken arms and two broken legs. The 'chemotherapy' treatment we invented cures that too, luckily.

The rest of the day was also nice, although I was a little miffed that Daddy was late coming home from work AGAIN.


The Cancer Discussion

Walkin' by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I had an okay morning - I did some playing outside and then some planning with Mommy, as we carefully put together our potential itinerary for traveling out west this summer.

School was okay... nothing too amazing to report, although a discussion with Mommy about the signs of the zodiac eventually led to a discussion of cancer, a disease I'm familiar with (Basil probably had it plus my friend Helena has it), so I learned a bit. It was a good talk.

I got into a spot of trouble with Mommy before dinner, in that I was sneaking handfuls of chocolate chips. We watched a DVD of 'Muppets from Space' during dinner, and I was a bit disappointed - in the movie, the Muppets never actually go into outer space.


Monday, June 13, 2011

My Own Muppets

Terra Cotta Bubble Tea by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Ugg, this weekend has been something of a washout. It was grey and surprisingly cool - I at least got in a little bit of playing outside in the back yard while it was still kinda nice out. It never did rain, but it seemed like it was going to.

Daddy and I watched one of my new Muppet movies during lunch, but then Daddy had to head in to the office (on a Sunday!) so I finished the flick by myself, which was cool. Mommy and I played some video games in the afternoon, and then Grandpa took me for a walk over to the playground! Isn't that cool?

Daddy surprisingly came home from work at a semi-reasonable hour, so even though he missed having dinner with us, we did get in some quality time before it was time for me to go to bed. I turned a lot of my own stuffed animals into 'Muppets' (I put a frilly dress on my pig doll and called it "Miss Piggy", for example), which everyone thinks is adorable.

Listening to: Battles - Gloss Drop


Sunday, June 12, 2011

Jude's First

Grass Examination by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was up pretty early this morning, ready and raring to face the day. Eventually I dragged my folks out of bed so that we could have ourselves a pretty awesome morning... I played inside and outside and stuff. I had a teeny tiny lunch before we all got ready to head out for the day.

First, we stopped off at the toy store to buy a birthday present for Jude Bourret - today was his first birthday! We headed over to his parents' apartment, which quickly became pretty filled to the brim with happy party-goers. Jude didn't really start enjoying things until they brought out the presents and chocolate cake.

We hit Best Buy on the way home, where I got a movie and Daddy bought a video game. Once we got home, we realized that Mommy left her purse at Jude's house, so we turned right around and got it. I was pretty exhausted by then.


Saturday, June 11, 2011

Two Baths

iPhone Glow 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on June 12th]

I had a bath this morning, and once I got myself all cleaned off, I decided to model some of the new clothes Mommy and I picked up at Old Navy a few days ago. I paraded around the apartment, tried a few poses... and backed into Dennis' water fish. I fell into it and drenched myself. Mommy laughed out loud, which hurt my pride a bit, but... I guess it was funny.

School was good today - I got to be the helper, which is pretty awesome. For show and tell, I brought my big collection of 'vintage' Strawberry Shortcake dolls. My fellow classmates also thought they were awesome.

Daddy was working pretty late tonight (he had to make up for all the time he missed during Jury Duty) so Mommy and I had a quiet evening for just the two of us again.


Friday, June 10, 2011

A Daddy-Free Surprise

iPhone Glow by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on June 11th]

I had something of a toothpaste-related meltdown (a long, complicated story that I won't get into here) this morning. Even though Daddy's jury duty is over, he had a going away party for one of his co-workers today, so Mommy and I knew he'd be late. As a result, Mommy made special plans.

As soon as I came out of school today, I ran right up to Mommy demanding to know about the special plans. When she announced we'd be going to the movies, I reacted as though I won the lottery... which made everyone in the vicinity laugh.

Mommy and I caught Kung Fu Panda 2, which I really enjoyed... a lot of fun! We also did some show shopping and followed it all up with a trip to Boston Pizza. What a great evening! I was pretty amped up even before we got home, though - I think all of the evening's excitement was a lot to handle.


Thursday, June 09, 2011

Elmer The Safety Elephant

Stone Pose by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today at school we had a fire drill, which was pretty interesting to say the least. Perhaps not coincidentally, we were also paid a visit by the school's assigned Police Officer representative (I think his name was "Office John"). He told us all about the community safety mascot, Elmer the Safety Elephant. It was pretty interesting.

After School, Mommy took me to the local wading pool, where I played with Claire and Connor and stuff. I brought my giant globe/beach ball, which went over really well with all the other kids, especially Connor.

Daddy was finally relieved of his jury duty yesterday, so he was already at home once Mommy and I got back from the pool. He happily indulged my request to take a walk to the corner store for the second day in a row, even though it was a million degrees outside.


Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Summer Candy

Funny Straw by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I went to the farmer's market this morning, and had to actually run to catch the bus on the way there! Once we arrived, we met up with Connor and Claire and their mom. Claire and I danced as the violin player played (exactly as we planned), but it was Conner who seemed to be into it the most!

Mommy and I headed home and had a nice lunch, and then I went to school for a pretty nice day of learning and stuff. Mommy and I stayed a little bit longer than normal after class was done, and then we came home and were soon joined by Daddy, who was let out of jury duty a little early today.

Daddy and I walked over to the corner store, and he bought me some penny candy, which we both ate on the way home. Eating sour candy on the way home from the corner store in the summer heat brought back a lot of childhood memories for him!


Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Dancing Again

Praying? by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy was off to jury duty selection this morning. Since he had to leave so early, it threw off our morning... Mommy and I totally got the time all confused.

I was off to school after lunch, and we skipped our regular schedule THERE, too. We went over to the Junior High School for our big dance performance - Mommy attended, and even though she had to sit through a few ear-splittingly loud school band performances, was really happy to watch the dance performance we put on. I was great on stage, and really seemed to be having a great time! Mommy did a little investigating, and yeah... turns out it was for an eighth-grade dance program where the older kids had to incorporate us little kids into their act. Cute!

After Daddy came home from Jury Duty, he and I played badminton and Doctor Who in the back yard. He fell asleep right after dinner. I guess sitting around in a room waiting to get called to serve on a jury is... tiring?


Monday, June 06, 2011

Albion Hills

Fieldy by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy went out with some friends from University for brunch today - Mommy and I hung out and had ourselves a nice little meal after playing outside in the lovely weather.

Once Daddy got home in the early afternoon, we all piled into the car for what was SUPPOSED to be a distant hike. Unfortunately, due to a lot of traffic closures this weekend, the major arteries and highways were seriously blocked. So we kinda improvised and made up a new destination and route on the fly.

We eventually made it to Albion Hills Conservation area in the later afternoon, and went on a fairly lengthy hike, following the bike trails. I made sure to get all slathered up with sunscreen first.

The drive home was good - we were all so tired from the walk that we managed very simple hot dogs for dinner.


Sunday, June 05, 2011

Clover, watch where you're going!

Standing in the Ruins by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

It was pouring with rain this morning, which scuppered the plans we all had to go and take a serious hike throughout the day. Instead, we grabbed some breakfast and then drove out to the chiropractor, where Mommy and Daddy both got some long-overdue adjustments. That was followed by a trip to the butcher, where Mommy bought some goodies.

I was feeling a little bit cooped up in the afternoon, so eventually we all compromised with each other and drove out to Markham, where we visited a mall. I bought some bubble tea, Mommy got some clothes and stuff. I was kinda all over the place - I swear, Daddy repeated the phrase "Clover, watch where you're going!" about a hundred times.

We visited the garden centre and the bookstore on the way home. I'd say that once we were all done, I was pretty exhausted. I still had enough energy to catch the latest episode of Doctor Who, however.

Listening to: My Morning Jacket - Circuital


Saturday, June 04, 2011

Grade 8

Dancers by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy woke up to discover me playing with Karl the caterpillar this morning, which he thought was very sweet. I also spent some time making a nice drawing for my eighth-grade friend Anna, although I kinda forgot to bring it with me to school.

This afternoon at school we went over to the Middle School, where Anna and I did a show of the dance we made together in front of all of the other eighth-graders. As of this writing, my parents still don't know what was up with the whole thing - maybe it was a program where the older kids learned how to mentor us really little kids? Who knows. Mommy gets to come and watch an encore performance on Monday.

Anyway, after school, Mommy and I went to the local restaurant for french fries and ice cream before coming home. After dinner, I was able to convince Daddy to play Strawberry Shortcake with me. Mommy thought that was pretty funny.


Friday, June 03, 2011

Catty and Karl

Eugenia Falls by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Cool Uncle Gareth had to head back to New York City today, so he came down and hung out with me in the morning for as long as he could. He even walked to school with Mommy and I in the early afternoon, but I completely lost any interest in him when I discovered a small caterpillar on the way.

I brought the caterpillar (named 'Catty') to class, and my teacher had me put in in a box for all to see. Rather than set it free, we decided to pack the box with leaves and then leave it for tomorrow's morning class to see.

On the way home, I found ANOTHER caterpillar, which I named 'Karl'. I put him in my little plastic bug collector box and pretty much watched him crawl around for the rest of the day, occasionally taking him out to crawl on my hand.


Thursday, June 02, 2011

Two Smoothies

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Sorry about the late blog... Flickr is having some problems.

Anyway! This morning Mommy and I did a lot of gardening work outside. Dennis joined us, whilst tied to a tree... his leash got all tangled up, and as soon as we untied him, he took off! He eventually returned after a jaunt down the ravine - once again, he was covered in dirt and muck.

School was fairly uneventful today. As soon as it was done, Mommy picked me up and the two of us took the bus out to Scarborough to do some shopping. I got some new shorts, new shirts, and two smoothies - one at Starbucks (which was great) and one at Tim Horton's (which was just pretty good). It was pretty hot outside and we were pretty wiped out - thank goodness Mommy and I bought new sunglasses! Daddy came and picked us up, and then we drove three feet to the local Subway, where we bought subs for dinner. Of everything that happened today, THAT was my favourite part.

Before bed, I showed Daddy my gratitude for the pickup and the subs by giving him a spontaneous and voluntary back and foot massage. He really did luck into having the best kid ever.

Listening to: Death Dab for Cutie - Codes and Keys


Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Overjoy

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I went to the farmer's market this morning... I selected a batch of lovely tomatoes, and instead of my customary gluten-free muffin, I opted for a gluten-free cookie. Gotta keep mixin' things up. Once we came home, I hung out with Cool Uncle Gareth. Some vintage Strawberry Shortcake books arrived in the mail, which made me overjoyed. My overjoy made everyone else overjoyed.

Gareth walked with me to school, and thought it was funny how I completely vanished once the school bell rang. Afterwards, Mommy took me to the splash pad, where I played for quite some time! I skinned my knee in the pool, but luckily I barely registered a reaction.

Daddy was late coming home again, so Mommy and I watched a Muppet movie while we ate dinner!


I'm a happy kid living with my parents and our dog in Toronto. I'm goofy, sweet, smart, extremely chatty, and pretty much the cutest kid on the face of the Earth!