bunnies

Yesterday my dad and I went to the YMCA to go swimming and we found ourselves in the midst of an Easter party.

There was a petting zoo complete with bunnies, cows, ducks, goats, pigs, and a massive unidentified animal that I have tried describing. My mom thinks it sounds like a yak but what kind of petting zoo would ever have a yak? The bunnies were my favorite because they were soft and I could cuddle with them.

And then I had a nice visit with the Easter bunny. Apparently, I might wake up to a basket of chocolate on Easter morning.

FIRE!

Aside from making detailed grocery lists and bossing my parents around, I use what all of my teachers have described as sophisticated planning skills to create scenes like the one you see in the photo. I cannot be certain but I suspect them saying me having sophisticated planning skills is a euphemism for me being a control freak. So was Trinity and look at her now. We both get our work done, and lots of it!

I used the grappler (shown in the bottom left corner) to haul in the logs one by one to build the farm. Minutes after the construction of the house was complete, disaster struck and the whole farm was on fire. I immediately called 886 (aka 911) and the crew arrived just in time with their laddertruck to extinguish the blaze. Tragedy averted.

All of this work had the (un)intended benefit of extending my bedtime until 10:00pm.

happy (belated) Valentine wishes

Here is a photo of me enjoying my Valentine cupcake at Whole Foods. It was well over a month ago but we have fallen behind with everything because of work and school but we are managing to keep our cupcake consumption up.

Soon I will catch up with my blog about my visit from Trinity (fun!), what I am doing in school (reading reading and more reading, and Asia is my favorite continent), and spring break.

my grandpa

April 22, 1944–January 23, 2013 After a brief hospitalization, Brian passed away peacefully with his wife of 47 years holding his hand. He spent his final days enjoying the company of his wife, children, and granddaughter.

Brian leaves behind his wife, Roberta. He will be missed by his children Mike and Stephanie (Brad), and grandchildren Trinity and Atticus Orion. Brian is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Joan). Brian was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.

After a long and distinguished career at TELUS (formerly BC Tel), Brian retired in 2002. He then spent his days relaxing on his back porch knowing that he lived in the most beautiful part of the world. He lived his entire life in Victoria and had no interest in going elsewhere. He followed politics closely and spoke knowledgeably of current events until his last day. His favourite activity was walking his very best friend, Harley, in Victoria’s many parks. Harley died less than one week before Brian; neither could have lived without the other. 

Sincerest thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (Surgical 7N ward) for their compassion and the excellent care they provided to keep Brian comfortable and happy in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation at 1952 Bay Street, Victoria BC, V8R 1J8.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, February 1, 2013, at Royal Oak Burial Park. Plans for a celebration of Brian’s life will be announced at a later date. Please see http://www.mccallbros.com/brian-harold-gray/ for more information.

140 (plus 1)

Tomorrow is the first of 140 days of the legislative session.

My dad took me to the Capitol to have lunch with my mom today. We met her at her office and we walked through the super-secret underground tunnel. I ran the whole way, like a train barreling through a mineshaft, because the tunnels slope in a most fascinating manner. It would be ideal if I could take my tricycle there but I am supposing that might interfere with business.

They have decent food in the Capitol prepared by real chefs. My dad had the Monday special (catfish and vegetables) and my mom and I shared grilled cheese and french fries. My beverage of choice was coconut water. My dad had a white chocolate mocha. Had it been Thursday, we could have enjoyed the sundae bar. Alas, I am sure that I will have many, too MANY, opportunities to dine there in the upcoming months!

The politician in me emerged while we were eating lunch. I went over to the next table and said "my name is Atticus. I am three. What's your name? How old are you?" And, just like that, I won some votes.

After lunch, my mom returned to work and my dad took me on a tour of the Capitol.

Santa

I paid Santa a last-minute visit today to get my arrangements settled.

It was a productive visit. I was most curious about how Santa placed the star atop the storeys-tall Christmas tree. According to Santa, Rudolph flew him up there. Then we talked about what kind of snacks I should leave out for him. It turns out we both love chocolate chip cookies. (Who doesn't???) I will offer him some decaf chai and a plateful of the white chocolate cranberry macadamia cookies I baked. Then we got down to the important business of what I hope to get for Christmas. I am hoping and hoping for a wooden train set. wish me luck.

Santa seemed confident that my wishes will come true. He seems reasonably trustworthy.

The only moderate disappointment of the day was that a visit with Santa didn't mean a trip to Swains like last year.

p.s. You might notice two things in my photo. I continue to be in desperate need of a haircut and I took matters into my own hands earlier this week and snipped off some locks.

wolf

Look at my new wolf sweater! This photo was taken last week at a birthday party.

Not only is this the most handsome sweater in the world, but Trinity sent it to me. That makes it even better. When I wear clothes to school that Trinity has sent, I am sure to brag about it to anyone and everyone.

Before the H&M store finally opened in Austin, Trinity sent me a steady supply of cute clothes. This fall, I had a fondness for shirts with elbow patches.

I suppose our Texas "winter" is about to draw to an end so it is time to stock up on summer clothes. And I desperately need a haircut.