Through the eyes of a 5-year-old

Last Christmas Brookie got a kids’ camera. You know, the kind you can throw down the stairs and run over with the car. She took pictures all through the holidays and into the new year. She asked us a few times if we could put the pictures on the computer but I couldn’t find the cable and I seemed to always get distracted with the monotony of the daily grind. So, long story short, we finally found the cable and actually took the time to download her photographs. Brookie sat beside me and we edited them together. The above are some of my favourites . . . especially the last one. It is a mirror. Is it just me or does this child have a good eye for line and light?

When we finally cleared all the pictures off the camera, Brookie had a renewed interest in capturing that perfect shot. I suggested that we could go out together for a photo shoot. Brookie took her camera and I took mine. Together, we wandered the neighbourhood and snapped away at anything that interested us. The following are some of those photographs.

     

There are two things that I absolutely love about Brookie, the budding photographer. Mostly, I think it is amazing that she gives me a glimpse of life from her perspective through every shot. Incredible. She sees beauty in things that I would just pass by. This is truly fantastic. The other thing about it is that Brookie literally squeals with excitement after every flash. She takes a picture, looks at it and then calls excitedly for me to come and see. She loves to take pictures. That is also truly fantastic. Nothing in this world could be better than seeing your child fill up with awe, confidence and joy as she discovers her talents and interests. Fantastic.

~Mandy

The First Day of Skating Lessons

October 30th was the first day of the girls’ skating lessons. They were so excited. I have been putting this off for a few years but because there are no dance lessons being offered this year, we decided it was a good time to skate. They had a fantastic time and they both did much better than I had expected! Here is Rosie on the ice with some skating helpers. She managed to move forward and backwards as well as doing the classic “Head and Shoulders” song all while staying upright.I call that a success.

I couldn’t get any pictures of Brookie this week because of where she was skating but I will try again next week. She did really well too. She learned how to glide forward and backward.

After all that exercise, the two little skaters happily enjoyed a snack while watching some of the other classes practise. I think it is going to be a very fun year.

~Mandy

Halloween

This Halloween we did things a bit differently. It was a full afternoon and evening affair. After getting the “pretty fairy” and Minnie Mouse all ready at home, we headed out to the Town n’ Country Mall in bustling downtown Moose Jaw where all the stores were participating in passing out candy. It was a lot of fun. The kids got a really good start on filling their candy bags and they actually got to show off their costumes without the usual winter layers.

We stopped to have some dinner and let the sun go down a bit. Then it was time to take it to the streets! We visited some beautiful, old homes in Moose Jaw for even more Halloween fun. Sean and I admired the architecture and the kids tricked and treated their way up and down the Avenues. We did some coaching beforehand about how the girls needed to actually say “trick or treat” at the doors. Nice and loudly. Then follow the candy donation with a big “thank you.” Well, you don’t need to tell Rosie twice to say it loudly – she was literally screaming at the poor people. She made at least a handful of them actually jump. Needless to say, the two girls brought many a smile to the neighbourhood. And although it was a bit chilly, the weather was quite perfect for the occasion; there was even a beautiful, big moon lighting our way.

After the fairy and Minnie tired of hoofing it up and down the street, we headed back to Caronport for a Halloween Party, complete with games, deliciously spooky snacks and friends to share it with. All in all, it was one of our best Halloweens yet!

In the morning, Sean and I awoke to the sound of candy sorting. Brookie and Rosie were in the living room, going through their bags and every few seconds we could hear Rosie squeal with excitement as she yelled, “Brookie! Look at this!”

So now begins the daily “post Halloween” rationing of the treats. And the girls are already talking about what they want to dress up as next year.

~Mandy