Monday, October 31, 2011

Hallowe'en Party!

Autumn Sand by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on November 1st]

Today was the big day... the day of my annual Hallowe'en party! So exciting! I was up and out of bed at a pretty early hour and headed out to my swimming lesson, which wasn't much more than a passing distraction before the party.

Once I got home, Mommy went to work in the kitchen while Daddy and I tidied the apartment. Carrienn arrived about an hour early, followed by Claire, Vanessa, Anton, Cheyenne, Jenna, and Max. Claire's Mom and Ursula stuck around and helped as we played games, ate lots of snacks, and had a blast! The excitement became a bit overwhelming and I had a few meltdowns while playing outside, but overall it was pretty great.

Once the party was over (Ursula was a big help in tidying up) we took it easy. Daddy took care of a lot of work, and Mommy and I went to bed a bit early. Tomorrow is Hallowe'en! So exciting! I can't wait!


Sunday, October 30, 2011

Empty Apartment Picnic

Empty Apartment Picnic by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on November 1st]

Today was the last day for cleaning out GG's old apartment... once Mommy and Daddy were up and ready, we headed out for Guelph (for the last time, perhaps) so that we could finish off our work of the past several weekends. As usual, we stopped at the Subway along the way for sandwiches.

Once we arrived, we ate lunch on the floor (see photo above) in a little picnic. Denny was pretty thrilled to run around in the empty apartment... I picked up a shammy and cleaned off the baseboards throughout the whole place. Other than that, I was bored. Mommy cleaned out the tub, Daddy washed walls, the stove, and the insides of cupboards, while Gammy and Grandpa vaccuumed and finished everything off.

Once we got home, we did some Halloween shopping... all the stores were a zoo! Daddy had TONS of work to take on over the weekend... so he drew pictures and painted stuff on the computer while I danced around him.

Listening to: Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Awesome Goats and Bumpy Rides

Woodsy Glow by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 31st]

Today was a pretty big day - the day of the big field trip to the farm! Mommy joined me on the trip to school and then the lengthy bus ride to the farm. She was happy to note that I was the sanest child on the journey. It was a veritable wall of noise.

I got put into Mommy's group, along with Dani, Jason, and Homsa. We got to play on large bails of hay, we got to run through the world's muckiest corn maze, and we got to see lots of cool animals - alpacas, sheep, ducks, chickens, calves, and the most amazing billy goat Mommy or I had ever seen.

One of the day's highlights was the big wagon ride, which was the bumpiest I've ever been on. All of the wet weather made the farm so muddy that it was like off-roading in the jungle. I got to pick a gourd to take home, so I chose the weirdest-looking one... Dennis stole it once I got it home again.


Friday, October 28, 2011

Dennis plays Soccer

Wheat Stalk by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 29th]

I'd mention that the weather was miserable and wet today, but anybody reading this blog must be getting sick of me going on about that, so I'll leave it there.

I had piano class this afternoon after school... once again, it was great. Inexplicably, there were huge piles of snow piled up outside near the skating rink, which got me excited for about five seconds.

Once we got home, Dennis turned into a real pain in the butt. He went into my room, found my soccer ball, and started throwing it around the house! We took it away from him... so he went into the kitchen, stole a pumpkin, and started lobbing it around the kitchen! He trashed the place!


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Going out for Donuts

Dennis in the Dirt by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 28th]

Another day, another rainy mess. At least it's not freezing cold... but the amount of rain and mud and darkness is somewhat frustrating. I mean... come on! This is autumn! Our favourite time of the year!

School was pretty good today, and when it was over, I got to go to drama class. In the upcoming school play, I have a teeny bit part (I have a line!) - so we practiced. I had a bit of a disagreement with one of the other kids, but no big deal.

After school, Daddy and I were watching a television program about donuts, which made us really want to go out for donuts (even though Daddy doesn't like donuts and I can't eat them). We had a great evening, just the two of us... we eventually found some (stale) late night donuts and brought them back for Gammy and Grandpa and Nee-Nee and Mommy!

Listening to: Justice - Audio, Video, Disco


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Hiding from Mommy

Hoody Grin by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy walked me to school pretty early this morning, which was kinda fun... I got to play in the playground BEFORE school, which was a change, even if the weather was kinda miserable and wet.

When school was over today, I went over to Claire's house! I had a great time... the two of us did a lot of playing, and I even got to use her new Nintendo DS. Of course, I only ended up drawing pictures on it, but hey! That's what I do. When Mommy came to pick me up, I didn't want to go, so I hid from her. It was pretty funny.

Once Daddy got home from work, the two of us did some drawing. Mommy was gonna make a pot roast for dinner, but the roast she bought from the butcher went bad (and to rub salt in the wound, when she called them to complain, they were pretty rude).


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sulking in the Closet

Ruckle Park Tide Pool by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I guess things were going okay st school today, but when I got home for lunch, I dunno... I just kinda turned into a major grouch on Mommy. I was short with her, snappy, and even downright obnoxious. I even went off to sulk in my room at one point (I actually sat down in my closet and slammed the door). Mommy had it out with me... on the walk back to school I broke down and cried, but we made up.

The rest of the afternoon was pretty uneventful. I got to stay afterwards and play in the playground, which was pretty cool... I made a play date with Claire for tomorrow.

After dinner, I hung out and drew a lot of pictures with Daddy and stuff before he had to head out for his dentist's appointment. I was hoping to go with him, but it was so late!


Monday, October 24, 2011

First Hike in a While

Autumn Glow by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was really hoping that we could have dim sum for lunch today. However, we wanted to go for a hike, and didn't want to have to leave Dennis at home only to come back and get him again, so we went to Jawny Bakers for lunch instead. Our meal was so-so.

We headed out for what I THINK is our first major hike of the autumn... all of the bad weather and weekends in Guelph have made it tough to go walking in the woods this year, but not today! The weather was great, Dennis had a lovely time, and Daddy and I spent a good amount of time talling each other made-up stories and stuff.

Of course, once we got home it was back to the drawing board... or rather, the drawing book. Aside from eating dinner, I think I spent the entire evening drawing.

Listening to: Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do


Sunday, October 23, 2011

Not Guelph

The Top of the Stack by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 24th]

Today ended up being something a little bit of a surprise. We thought we were gonna be making another long trip to Guelph to help finish cleaning up GG's apartment, but seeing as how Gammy and Grandpa and Uncle Ed and Aunt Diane were taking care of it, they didn't need us!

Instead, we decided to go to the mall in Markham so that we could get some odds and ends. We were stuck in traffic for quite a while... we may as well have gone to Guelph.

I got some shoelaces and some bubble tea... and that was about it, really. We headed home, stopped for crafty stuff and groceries on the way, and made dinner once we got back to the house. Soon after that, Gammy and Grandpa and Ed and Diane got back to Toronto... we helped them unload loads of GG's furniture. Mommy then spent the evening re-arranging the kitchen.


Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Sleepover that Wasn't


Wickaninnish Beach a video by Clover_1 on Flickr.

[As transcribed by Daddy on October 23rd]

Today was pretty good, even though once again the weather was the pits. I had a nice day at school, and when it was all over, Carrieann came over for a sleepover at my house! We've been planning it for a while... so exciting!

Anyway, the two of us spent a lot of time playing, reading, snacking, and drawing pictures at the dining room table (clearly my favourite activity). We had a nice dinner, even though Carrieann barely ate any of it. Same goes for all the snacks and desserts.

We both got to stay up late and stuff, and when it came time for bed, I was out like a light! Unfortunately, Carrieann wasn't able to sleep... she was up for about three hours before we sent for her parents to pick her up. When *I* woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't find her, I was so upset!


Friday, October 21, 2011

The White Keys


Wickaninnish Fun a video by Clover_1 on Flickr.

[As transcribed by Daddy on October 23rd]

Man, the weather was awful today. It was cold, blustery, and wet. The wind was really blowing out there - our back yard is now a huge mass of sticks and twigs and fallen trees. Heaven if you're Dennis.

Today I brought home a lot of the 'books' I'd written and illustrated at school, including a lovely little pastiche about a Dinosaur who lost, searched for, and found his missing tooth. Everyone is pretty impressed by both the quality of the illustrations and the emotion conveyed through the characterization of the dinosaur.

After school today I had piano lessons - I was happy to move from the black keys onto the white keys! I feel like I've graduated to the big time!

Listening to: David Bowie - Toy


Thursday, October 20, 2011

Mystery Sadness

Ruckle Point 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 21st]

I can't say that I had the best day today. The morning was fine and good, and then school was fine... but for some reason, once the late afternoon rolled around, I just kinda... sad. Not really sure why. It might be because I didn't get an invitation to my friend's birthday party (not her fault - back when she sent out the invitations we weren't really friends), but I'm not certain.

I had drama class once school was done, but due to being pretty sad, I actually wasn't all that into it and was happy to be home. Luckily, Mommy had spent a good part of the day making my Hallowe'en costume, which I got to wear! It was so awesome and fun!

I went over to Grandpa's house, and he took some photos of my in-progress costume, which really helped improve my mood even further. Mommy and I ordered pizza, seeing as how Daddy had to go out to see our friend Rebecca perform stand-up comedy.

Listening to: Real Estate - Days


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Halloween Pro

Desert Shed 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 21st]

School was fine today - I got to hang out with my friends after school and have a great time in the playground. Seeing as how the weather is supposed to get bad over the next few days, I'm glad we had some fun.

In the afternoon, Mommy and I sat down and made up a bunch of invitations to our annual Hallowe'en party. Fun stuff! I glued jack-o-lantern's onto pieces of paper. LIKE A PRO.

Once Daddy got home from work, he and Mommy and I went on a major costume quest... we bought a mask component for my costume, as well as materials for the bandolier and rob and hood and stuff. My costume is gonna look so awesome.

Listening to: M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Double Play Date

Asulkan Trail 06 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 20th]

Today was cool - while I was at school, my recently placed book order arrived, which included a Halloween-themed doodle book. Pretty cool... I was happy to take it home and fill it up with drawings.

Of course, I forgot the fact that I had a play date scheduled with Cheyenne AND Carrieann today... they came over to play, but I was mostly interested in drawing. Mommy felt bad for my guests and took the book away so that I'd actually play with them. We managed to have fun!

We were gonna go out and buy materials for my Hallowe'en costume after dinner, but we all elected to watch Star Wars documentaries instead.


Monday, October 17, 2011

Justin Bieber Piñata

Optometry 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 19th]

I had a swimming lesson this morning, which was pretty awesome! Swimming is always fun. Right after that, we headed out to run some errands, but got caught up in traffic due to the big Toronto Marathon. Oh well!

After lunch, Daddy and I went to the local bowling alley to buy a gift certificate for Claire, but they didn't sell any, so the two of us drove to the big toy store and browsed Star Wars toys (we bought a Barbie for Claire). Fun times!

Finally, in the afternoon my parents drove me over to Claire's house for her birthday party. I had a really awesome time - I ate cake, played games, destroyed a Justin Bieber piñata, and I guessed the correct number of smarties in a jar (more or less), winning the jar!

If all that wasn't enough excitement for one day, my folks and I joined Gammy, Grandpa, Nee-Nee, and Aunt Diane for a fancy lasagna dinner!

Listening to: Björk - Biophilia


Sunday, October 16, 2011

A Long Time with my Grandparents

Hiding in the Pumpkin Patch by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 18th]

Mommy and Daddy had to head back out to Guelph to help put away all the stuff in G.G.'s apartment, and since I got kinda bored last time (and Dennis got kinda sick), Dennis and I stayed with Gammy and Grandpa!

First off, I had a nice lunch with them, and then they took me with them when they went grocery shopping... during which I planned out my afternoon snacks. I met some of their friends, went to the library with them, and had a great time!

In the afternoon I went for a long walk with Gammy (we mailed some letters), I played on the computer, watched some television, drew pictures... and eventually got somewhat bored. I eventually wondered aloud if it was the longest time I'd been left with my grapdparents.


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Ripe

Desert Disdain by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Alas, Dennis is still sick - in fact, he's so gassy today that it made our place just a horrible place to walk around in. No visitors, please... we'll let you know when his intestines subside.

School was fine today - my teacher made some lovely comments about me in my agenda, which was nice. Mommy made me an egg and cheese sandwich for lunch, which was a highlight of my day - as was the play date with Carieann after school.

We ordered some dinner and went over to Gammy and Grandpa's, in order to eat with them, which was really nice. Daddy passed out on the couch while Mommy and I played cards before bed.


Friday, October 14, 2011

Pictures of Dead Babies

At The Mall with Etana by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and Daddy are starting to feel better, but they're exhausted... Dennis was sick in the house again last night and had to be taken outside a bunch of times. It got pretty gross.

I had a nice day at school, but couldn't wait to get to my piano lesson at the end of the day. After it was over, my teacher came by and told Mommy that I was doing really well! That's awesome.

When Daddy got home from work, he found me drawing pictures and biographies of dead babies, which he found pretty morbid - until he discovered that I was making cute Egyptian-style tombstones as Halloween decorations for the front of the house.

Dennis decided to be sick in the house WHILE we were eating dinner... after which Daddy and I had a nice evening together shopping for Halloween costume components.

Listening to: Electric Six - Heartbeats And Brainwaves


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Vet Bills

Hilltop Happiness by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Dennis is still sick... and because of that, Mommy and Daddy are still tired, having been up with him at night. While I was at school, Mommy took him to the vet... they charged us an ungodly amount of money and gave us some medicine for him, but basically explained that he just has an upset stomach.

It's seriously a lot of money. But we're just happy that he's going to get better.

School was fine and good today - but I was mostly excited about drama class afterwards, which was so much fun! I put on a sketch and everything. Some of the older kids did sketched which involved shooting guns, which I didn't like. Anyway, Mr. D thinks I'm great.

After dinner, Daddy took Mommy and I out in the rain to buy some Jawa costume stuff. Hopefully we have some money leftover after Dennis' vet bill.

Listening to: Ben Folds - The Best Imitation of Myself


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

President of the World

Asulkan Trail 05 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

It was picture day today! I happily picked out a gorgeous little outfit, got myself all prettied up, and went to school! It was great - all of the other girls really took notice of my fancy, shiny shoes.

I changed back into my regular clothes at lunch, and went back to school. I played with Carrieann for quite a while after school, and then came home and waited for Daddy, who I missed very much (as did Mommy - Dennis is still being sick all over the place). Once he got home, I made sure the two of us drew lots of pictures.

Dennis threw up in my room and then ran off into the back yard in search of a raccoon... Mommy was so upset, I told her I loved her. She told me she wished I was in charge, which prompted me to put together some rules for when I'm President of the World:

1. Everything costs two dollars
2. Being mean is illegal
3. Being nice is compulsory
4. All parents are required to offer their children candy and cupcakes for breakfast.


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Star Wars Thanksgiving

New Glasses 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Happy Thanksgiving! Daddy gets the day off from work, and I get the day off from school! Awesome! I spent the morning keeping Mommy awake - she was up in the night with Dennis, who was sick inside the house. A lot.

Mommy buckled down and started cooking the big thanksgiving dinner... Daddy and I took a walk over to the drug store for some medicine for Dennis, and discussed Star Wars pretty much the whole time. Then we came home, ate lunch, and watched the last movie in the Star Wars series! It was great!

Uncle Armour arrived for dinner, which we all had at Gammy and Grampa's house. It was pretty delicious... I ate my weight in pumpkin pie. Great job, Gammy and Mommy!

Star Wars was awesome.

Listening to: Ben Folds - Fifty-Five Vault


Monday, October 10, 2011

Guelph Again

Ruckle Point by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Sigh. Still sick. This is getting a little old, especially for Mommy, who's feeling it the most. No worries - she was able to take me to my swimming lesson this morning, which was fine and good. I was more than happy to be back in the water!

We grabbed coffee and stuff on the way home, and loaded with Daddy with caffeine so that he could drive us back to Guelph, for yet another marathon cleaning session over at GG's old apartment. I was pretty bored throughout... I played on her piano a bit and tried to stay out of the way. Unfortunately, we think Dennis got into something, because... well, more on that in a second.

We stopped at the Apple factory on the drive home for some goodies, and decided NOT to go for a hike - the weather is insanely gorgeous and the colours are lovely, but we were so long in Guelph that we ran out of time. We came home, had some dinner, and went to bed. And then Dennis was sick inside the house all night long.


Sunday, October 09, 2011

Mommy's Sinuses

Sunny Portrait by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Well, we all woke up feeling pretty sick AGAIN. In fact, Mommy's sinus headache seemed to be pretty awful... she's worried that she has some sort of outright infection. I can't honestly say that she seemed too happy or anything about it.

We pretty much stuck around the house for the better part of the day, which suited all of us fine, I think - even though the weather is ridiculously warm and sunny, given the time of year. I watched Daddy played video games, we managed to make a trip to the butcher, I used the computer, played in my room, watched a movie... I even finally found the time to buckle down and finish drawing all of those monsters Kristen asked for (she's making some sort of project with them).

Oh! And I'm actually pretty excited about that Jawa costume, too.

Listening to: Feist - Metals


Saturday, October 08, 2011

The Big Crunch

Party Game by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

I started working on a pretty awesome new book at school - a book about a dinosaur without any friends. I've been working really hard on it. Also at school today was "The Big Crunch" - instead of a bake sale, the school put on a huge apple sale at recess. I brought in a dollar and everything so that I could have an apple. All proceeds will go to the fifth grade class trip. A pretty cool idea!

I stayed after school pretty late, playing with my friends and stuff. Once we got home, I wanted to watch my Monsters Inc DVD, but I broke it! So... I watched something else and waited for Daddy to come home. I also drew pictures of Jawas.

Mommy is still feeling sick, so I asked if we could go out for dinner. We had sushi... it wasn't very good today, but none of us minded. I hope Mommy feels better tomorrow.

Listening to: David Bowie - Toy


Friday, October 07, 2011

Jawa?

New Glasses by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning I dressed myself, as I occasionally do, and it looked a little weird. So... I made sure that I chose something a little bit more casual, and I chose something casual for Mommy to wear, too.

School was fine - Mommy and Daddy are a little bit upset to hear that my old nemesis from previous years has started picking on my friend Claire. We really hope something is done about that.

Anyway, after school Mommy and I walked over to my piano lesson, and even though we were a little late, I had a pretty good time. My teacher encouraged me to play very confidently, and he gave me some stuff to practice. Once it was over, I walked home with Mommy, and then Daddy took me with him when he voted in the Privincial Election.

After watching Star Wars, I perhaps have decided to be a Jawa for Hallowe'en. Not sure yet.


Thursday, October 06, 2011

Awesome Drama

With Josiah by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Unfortunately, while I was walking to school this morning, the lid on the water bottle in my backpack came loose, and it kinda ruined all of my Sugar Babies Cereal concept art. Ah well. It doesn't bug me much - I can always re-draw that stuff.

Today is Wednesday, and on Wednesdays I usually stay at school through lunch, but I think Mommy and I both independently arrived at the conclusion that it wasn't working out. She missed me and I missed her. So... I came home for lunch, and it was pretty nice.

On the way back to school I met up with my friend Vanessa, who reminded me that we had drama class after school. I totally forgot! Anyway, by the time Mommy came to pick me up after drama class, I didn't come out - I was having so much fun, I didn't want to leave!


Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Sugar Babies


Ferry Glee a video by Clover_1 on Flickr.

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Well, I was finally feeling well enough to get back to school (and Daddy was feeling well enough to get back to work). Alas, my teacher wasn't - I had a supply teacher for the first half of the day. Luckily, she returned after lunch, and assured me that I hadn't missed anything while I was sick.

So, I'm taking a media literacy program as part of my first grade curriculum, and one of my creative pursuits was to create, brand, and market a kind of cereal (yes, this is ME we're talking about, and not my Daddy). I invented a cereal called "Sugar Babies", which comes with a free prize and everything. I know what I like.

In the evening, I watched more Star Wars with Daddy before bed. He is taking pride in the fact that I seem to be enjoying part IV more than I, II, or III.


Tuesday, October 04, 2011

The Sick Family

Meta Icefields by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Due to my head cold, I had a hard time sleeping last night - I joined my folks in bed, waking up my Mommy. Daddy was totally loaded up on meds, so he slept through it. Of course, once we all officially woke up, we were all too sick to go about our regularly scheduled activities. I stayed home from school, while Daddy stayed home from work.

In the meantime, we watched movies, played some video games, and did an awful lot of drawing. Mommy went for a long nap in the middle of the day - so Daddy and I hung out, playing games and making some cartoons. We even did a lot of house cleaning together!

Once I got Mommy up and out of bed, I harassed her until she made a big batch of chicken noodle soup, which we all devoured, even though none of us were able to actually taste anything due to sinus congestion.


Monday, October 03, 2011

Exacerbation

Stone Steps by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy]

Yup... still sick. In fact, everyone is sick. Daddy seems to have finally caught up to Mommy and I, and is just as sick. Luckily, despite my cough (which makes me sound so small and fragile) I seem to be in a pretty good mood.

Mommy did some cooking in the morning, and then the bunch of us drove off to Guelph to help Gammy and Grandpa sort out GG's apartment and belongings. We stopped for medicine and lunch on the way, and got to work. I watched a DVD while everyone else exacerbated their colds by sorting and dusting. The rain outside probably didn't hep, either.

The drive home from Guelph was uneventful. Once we were home, we loaded up on medicines and teas and stuff before having dinner and going to bed.

Listening to: Todd Rundgren - [re]Production


Sunday, October 02, 2011

Sick Weekend

Reflective Beach 2 by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 3rd]

Ugh. I woke up horribly stuffy, as did Mommy and Daddy (actually, Daddy is probably the best off of all of us). As a result, moods today were... pretty cranky. We somehow managed to take a trip over to the butcher for some groceries, but kept things low-key.

Once we all had some lunch, we had some errands to run, despite our horrible head colds. We went to the bookstore, where I got a book and a game and some juice. Next we drove across town to a music store, where we bought a copy of my piano textbook, and then we bought an actual piano (actually a simple electronic keyboard)! I was so thrilled!

Once we got home, I was happy to get practicing on my piano! We ate a simple dinner and watched the season finale of Doctor Who before my sick father set out into the surprisingly cold night for work.


Saturday, October 01, 2011

Terry Fox with a Head Cold

Backwards Photobomb by Clover_1
[As transcribed by Daddy on October 2nd]

Today was the annual Terry Fox run at school! I was so excited... I really got into it and ran around the track a bunch of times, but then my head started feeling funny. Turns out I'm coming down with a cold. I was sad to have to abandon the run, but I couldn't manage more than few laps.

After school, I went with Mommy over to Cheyenne's house for a play date. I had a nice afternoon! She had a cool doll house that we played with and stuff. Mommy talked with Cheyenne's dad, we had snacks. Good stuff.

My cold was in full effect in the evening by the time Daddy got home from work. We sat on the couch together and watched another Star Wars movie... the plan was for us all to grocery sopping, but I was to sniffly.


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!