Fun Filled Family Fiesta

It's Saturday, and we're all home as a family. The weather is beautiful outside, but we stayed home for part of the afternoon, after this morning's swimming class (See previous post). The kids are usually quite tired after swimming anyway. I took some pictures of Arman, he's so cute. Here are some pictures of him:

Today, Melur showed a lot of artistic flair. For starters, she styled Mommy's hair. She was very focused in her endeavor. You'll notice a very stern look in her face as she's styling Mommy's hair. What dedication!

Then... you know how Melur's obsessed with princesses? She made a tiara for Mommy. She made it with a hand drum, a toy cone, some paper and scotch tape. Check it out! She's so creative.

Melur's Hand-Made Tiara

Since we're on the subject of Melur's art, I just HAVE to share these other art pieces created by Melur over the past few months. She draws by copying what she sees around her. Her pictures usually tell a story. But you gotta hear it from her in order to really experience it. Here are some pictures.

The weather's been so good today. We went out later and relaxed in the sun. Perfect ending to the perfect Fun Filled Family Fiesta...

Goodbye Sea Turtle

Saturday, 31st March is Melur and Arman's last day for swimming lessons. They were enrolled in the Sea Turtle program, and they both got their report cards today from their instructor. Here are the comments: Instructor's comments for Melur Excellent progress! Way to be. Try harder to pay attention in class and listen to the instructor, but keep up the great work! Instructor's comments for Arman Good effort Arman! Try a bit harder to participate in games as well as getting your head under water for rhythmic breathing and submersion. Keep up the effort. So, Melur can register to the next level (Salamander) and Arman stays in Sea Turtle. Mommy and Daddy think that we will register Melur for the Spring classes that start in May. We will register Arman in the winter instead. He needs to be a bit more mature thats all.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel...

Mommy came back from work today, and Melur looked so cute. Heba braided her hair and she was wearing a dress. Melur loves wearing dresses and the weather is finally warm enough such that she can go outside in one.

Here, Mommy took one picture of Melur inside the house. Whenever we ask her nowadays, she'll say she wants to be Rapunzel. Her bangs are too long though and they are getting into her eyes. She won't let Mommy touch it coz she doesn't want to cut her hair.

Safeway Sunday

It's a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon. Melur wanted to stay home with Mommy, so I ended up leaving the house with Arman to go to Safeway for some groceries. We headed out to the bus stop, located just outside Acadia Park. I was looking forward to a day alone with Arman on such a beautiful day. We took some pictures from the bus stop.

Arman and Daddy at Acadia Park Bus Stop

But wait... Mommy gives me a call and Melur wants to follow!!! Aww... Good thing the bus hadn't arrived yet. Looks like it'll be the three of us again.

Hurry Melur! Hurry!!!

Melur arrives in time for the bus. Fuh!! What a run... I guess Melur got bored with playing at the park by herself, and decided to come long for the ride. The more, the merrier, I say... The C22 shuttle soon arrived at the bus stop, and we were on our way to Safeway. The nice weather clearly lifted our spirits. Could this be the start of sunnier days to come?

We actually visited the dollar store first. It's one of my favorite places to bring the kids. Cause if the kids ever want anything, it's usually only a dollar (Hahaha...)! We arrived at Safeway soon after. You see Arman eating a strawberry wafer we got at, you guessed it, at the dollar store! And the cost is, you guessed it, a DOLLAR! The dollar store is a kid-pleaser, and easy on the pocket.

The trip to Safeway was quick and easy. Their favorite car-shaped shopping cart was, as usual, occupied... so we ended up with a regular shopping cart. Soon after, we headed home, with the kids feeling tired... Melur especially. Arman was not too bad. We like to sit in the front the bus, cause there are more seats facing each other, and more space to stand.

Kids on the bus home

We took the 99 B-Line bus, and arrive at the UBC loop just after the C22 shuttle left the terminal. So it was going to be another 30-minute wait before the next one arrives. Look at all those groceries. I was getting a little cranky having to carry all that stuff around. So while waiting for the bus, I thought I'd relax, and let the kids play a little bit outside the UBC Rec Center. Arman has a fascination for rocks, while Melur picked flowers. I insisted that Melur only pick wild flowers, and not the ones that were planted by UBC for landscaping. Here are some pictures:

Kids playing outside UBC Rec Center

We headed home soon after, and that was the end of one of our many trips to Safeway...

Bottles from Oakridge Centre

Swimming class was canceled today. Turns out, there was a brief power outage last night, that affected the swimming pool's mechanical systems. And we didn't know until we got there. Usually, the kids are very tired after swimming, and we wouldn't be able to do much else. But today, we decided to head over to Oakridge Mall, to get the kids some new bottles.

We saw a reality show on TV recently, called Nannies 911. It's a show where a British nanny would baby sit for an American family for a few days. The families in this show are usually in dire need of help, and the nannies help point out some better ways to parent. One of the things mentioned was to replace their milk bottles with a substitute item.

As you can see, we took a lot of pictures on the bus. We left in hurry, and I got mad at Melur cause I thought we missed the bus. But it turns out, we just barely made it. The bus ride there was about 45 minutes. Almost like going to Metrotown, which is probably why we haven't been to Oakridge Mall, since Halloween. Remember the Gorilla outfit?

I don't know why, but Arman didn't like taking pictures. He'd turn away whenever I pointed the camera phone at him. I had to tickle him, in order to get him to corporate. That's why he's always laughing in these pictures. Arman is always jovial, and happy. It's contagious!

Fun taking pictures in the bus

Well, the first thing we did when we arrived was walk into Zeller's. This is where we got new bottles for Melur and Arman. You'll see more pictures of the bottles a little later. Ironically, Melur got a Dora bottle, and Arman got a Spiderman bottle (just like the snow caps they have).

After buying the bottles, we went into the mall and walked for a little bit. I saw a sale for some pots and pans, up to 80% off. There was a Teflon cookware set originally CAD$299 on sale for CAD$89. On an impulse, I got it and took it home. With such a big box to carry with me, it was time to head back.

Well, since we barely spent any time at the mall, I decided to let the kids play outside for a little while. It was cloudy outside, overcast, but not too bad. The kids love playing outside. I saw a sign for Empire Movie Theater. We haven't gone to a theater since coming to Vancouver. I think we'll watch a movie next weekend.

Fun playing outside Oakridge Mall

Well... It's time to head home. The kids are tired... and sleepy... which usually means they're cranky, but not today. Look at Arman.... He's YAWNING... The kids were restless while waiting for the bus. The were pacing back and forth. I had to sit them down. More Pictures...

Restless at the bus stop

So I finally gave their bottles. Here they are... Dora and Spiderman. No drinking from them, until we get home and wash them. They're too tired to be really excited about them. But I think they're happy.

New Bottles for Melur and Arman