Formwork

Soccer

2010-06-14T22:54:00.002-04:00

LL's soccer season is almost wrapping up for the year. We missed out on a team photo because the day the photographer showed up we only had 3 players and decided to wait for a week. Of course it rained the next week so we missed our window of opportunity. BUT the guy did snap off a dozen great shots of LL in action. Today one of the dad's took a team photo and mentioned he would email it - so perhaps I'll post that when/if I receive it.

Sunday concert

2010-06-14T22:49:00.003-04:00

Ann invited Chloe and Juliette over on Sunday for a year-end concert. They each performed on their own and as duets and as a trio (unrehearsed)- it went swimmingly! (Except my memory card ran out.)

School spectacle at Theatre Outremont

2010-06-14T22:43:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday the school had a 2 hour year end show at Theatre Outremont. The theme was a travel thru time to visit various eras starting with LL's class as cavemen and women. LL wasn't too thrilled about doing the show but I think once he was on stage and saw that the theatre was full he was more interested in it.

LL's class presentation on Nagano and Beethoven

2010-06-14T22:38:00.004-04:00

Friday morning LL's class gave the parents a presentation on Kent Nagano and Beethoven. They've been studying them for a project over the last couple of months- highlighted by a trip to PDA to listen to the OSM rehearse a Beethoven symphony and to meet Kent Nagano. We borrowed some nice duds from Stan and Donald.

Festival

2010-05-27T00:26:00.002-04:00

LL participated in two festivals on the weekend- he was awesome. Me- not so much (I was trying to accompany him but alas I think my accompanist career will be cut mercifully short.)

LL's first game

2010-02-19T22:41:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday LL was asked to join the older kids in a game against a team from Lasalle (...or maybe it was Lachine). Anyways his team ended up losing 3-1 but he did manage to get the one goal for his team, hit a post earlier on, and ended a +1. For his training regimen this week we've covered up the bottom 2/3s of the net in our basement leaving only the top corners to shoot at. Look out for roof daddy. Next week's lesson: foot speed. (Insert evil laugh here.)

Videos

2010-02-10T23:39:00.002-05:00

So apparently these videos I've been posting don't work, so I guess I'll go back to posting them on Youtube rather than directly on blogger.

Here's the last video:

And here's a new short clip:

Sunday as we were leaving the rink one of the club coaches asked if LL wanted to keep skating on one of the vacant rinks. Eventually I just asked if he could practice with the older kids. So they stuck a blue pinnie on him and put him on defence.
Except for a getting called off-side (hadn’t taught him that concept yet) he did pretty well. Check out the splits on this goalie as LL puts one off the ol’ noggin'.

New sweater

2010-01-24T17:16:00.001-05:00

We got LL a Habs jersey for his birthday so off with #12 Tim Horton's and on with the bleu blanc et rouge.

....and then there was passing

2010-01-24T17:08:00.002-05:00

LL and one of the other boys have discovered the concept of passing.....completely revolutionizing the game.
Here are some highlights of Gretz and Kurri at work.

6th birthday

2010-01-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

6th birthday, originally uploaded by architect.

LL turned 6 on Thursday. He invited 2 boys from school over on the weekend to play hockey in the basement. Next thing we knew all the boys were playing with the ol' Thomas the train set- a renaissance of sorts! Happy Birthday LL!

LL's bday cake

2010-01-22T21:40:00.001-05:00

LL's bday cake, originally uploaded by architect.

DD enjoying LL's cake.

Bday party

2010-01-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

Bday party, originally uploaded by architect.

If snowmen could talk...

backyard rink

2010-01-22T21:38:00.001-05:00

backyard rink, originally uploaded by architect.

Made a small backyard rink for LL - still learning the ropes on how to make a nice rink - but not too bad considering the weather has not been cooperating.

good to the last drop

2010-01-22T21:37:00.001-05:00

good to the last drop, originally uploaded by architect.

First weekend back at hockey

2010-01-11T09:08:00.002-05:00

LL reported to training camp in shape this year.

TRAINING SESSION

2010-01-10T22:09:00.002-05:00

Testing out a video camera we got for Christmas. It was bloody cold on this day but LL and DD didn't seem to mind. DD even had a hat trick (he was wearing three of them).

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T23:33:00.003-05:00

Christmas 2009, originally uploaded by architect.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Huoguo 2

2010-01-01T23:33:00.001-05:00

Huoguo 2, originally uploaded by architect.

Huo guo for Christmas dinner! Followed by homemade jiaozi production on Boxing day.

Happy goalie

2010-01-01T23:32:00.001-05:00

Happy goalie, originally uploaded by architect.

Guess what the big hit was for Xmas?

Christmas morning 2009

2010-01-01T23:31:00.001-05:00

Christmas morning 2009, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann's parents were here Dec 24-28 this year. LL was very patient waiting for everyone before opening presents. (Ann's parents didn't get in until 3am christmas morning so we let them sleep in a little!)

One for Santa

2010-01-01T23:30:00.001-05:00

One for Santa, originally uploaded by architect.

"Bruddies" as LL likes to say.

Hand-off

2010-01-01T23:29:00.001-05:00

Hand-off, originally uploaded by architect.

We were lucky enough to have the olympic flame relay come right down our street right in front of our house. LL wanted to run with the flame but security was pretty tight so we ran along the sidewalk. I had no idea the distance would be short (one stop sign to the next stop sign) before the next hand-off!

Torch relay on our street

2010-01-01T23:28:00.001-05:00

Torch relay on our street, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann and LL a few minutes before the handoff

sled 3

2010-01-01T23:27:00.001-05:00

sled 3, originally uploaded by architect.

DD enjoying a little ride down our neighbour's sloped driveway (off our rear alley)

Rudolph

2009-12-31T23:52:00.002-05:00

DD bustin' a move.

Christmas breakfast at LL's kindergarten

2009-12-31T23:12:00.003-05:00

LL played three songs for his class a couple of weeks ago. One small slip up at the end but he kept going (Yay!)

Try this

2009-10-18T11:44:00.002-04:00

Ok I'm going to try a different format- same video.

You make the call

2009-10-18T11:14:00.002-04:00

I couldn't be on the ice today because Ann was working and I had to watch DD. However this gave me a chance to actually watch LL play hockey. Here is a clip from his 3 on 3. He's wearing # 12 in the purple and white Tim Horton's sweater. LL has the honour of being the first kid in his group to raise the puck. Unfortunately the dad in the bicycle helmet was up to the task and stopped the shot with his shin.

my hero

2009-10-03T22:31:00.001-04:00

my hero, originally uploaded by architect.

Spiderman and Superman interest appears to be waning, however stock in the Flash is at an all time high.

Noon hour light - end of September

2009-10-03T22:30:00.001-04:00

Noon hour light - end of September, originally uploaded by architect.

Gotta remind myself to take some video of DD crawling before those days are over...(soon)

Alley cats

2009-10-03T22:29:00.001-04:00

Alley cats, originally uploaded by architect.

Chill is in the air here in Montreal especially this past week- less and less kids playing in the back alley.

From failing hands...

2009-09-19T23:15:00.001-04:00

From failing hands..., originally uploaded by architect.

Taking some time out from his superhero duties for training camp, LL assumes his daytime role as scoring machine.

Boy has rhythm

2009-09-06T22:22:00.002-04:00

Post-dinner at the Tsai house.

LL first day at school

2009-09-06T17:15:00.001-04:00

LL first day at school, originally uploaded by architect.

And so begins a new chapter in our lives. LL started kindergarten a couple of weeks ago. Here is is on the morning of his first day (basically a whole hour at school).

Friendly neighbourhood kindergartner

2009-09-06T17:14:00.001-04:00

Friendly neighbourhood kindergartner, originally uploaded by architect.

Turns out LL wasn't really sleeping through the night all these years.

LL and his work colleague

2009-09-06T17:13:00.001-04:00

LL and his work colleague, originally uploaded by architect.

LL and I went to the market and when I turned around he was talking to some kid on a bike... Apparently they were trading war stories.

Was that a bird I just saw

2009-09-06T17:11:00.001-04:00

Was that a bird I just saw, originally uploaded by architect.

I think DD uttered his first words, "What the heck was that...?"

Super LL

2009-09-06T17:10:00.001-04:00

Super LL, originally uploaded by architect.

Never too busy for a quick pose with DD

Hal Jordan

2009-09-06T17:09:00.001-04:00

Hal Jordan, originally uploaded by architect.

Supes found GL's ring....probably on the living room floor where all the other toys are.

Hal Jordan (cheerleader)

2009-09-06T17:08:00.001-04:00

Hal Jordan (cheerleader), originally uploaded by architect.

...or using the Force.

BOYS

2009-08-18T00:19:00.001-04:00

BOYS, originally uploaded by architect.

Mid-August update... the last few weeks have been crazy busy. I basically got slammed with work and babysitting duties. Thankfully Ann and the boys put up with my general grumpiness and last night I managed to get to bed before 3am for a change. In fact, I fell asleep before the boys did! Anyways I thought I'd take the time tonight to catch up with the blog before getting back to the grind again.

1!

2009-08-18T00:14:00.001-04:00

1!, originally uploaded by architect.

Our lil' guy turned 1 on Sunday so we celebrated after dinner (Ann had to go out to the Eastern Townships during the day).

TSAI BOYZ

2009-08-18T00:13:00.001-04:00

TSAI BOYZ, originally uploaded by architect.

..and one with dad. LL and I made the cake as Ann designated me official cake maker for family events earlier this year.

HOUSE GUEST #4

2009-08-18T00:11:00.001-04:00

HOUSE GUEST #4, originally uploaded by architect.

We also had other (unwanted) house guests in the roof above our balcony. We hired a guy to get rid of them so he set these traps and would then take them to the South Shore. Our first catch was a skunk. All in all we caught 2 skunks and 4 squirrels. We're crossing our fingers that that was the whole family and we can now seal up the hole through which they were entering.

WAITING HIS TURN

2009-08-18T00:08:00.001-04:00

WAITING HIS TURN, originally uploaded by architect.

During the 1st couple of weeks in August LL continued with swimming lessons. He was at the same level as last year (Salamanders) but has now graduated to the next level. I had originally signed him up for 9-9:30 lessons with the same teacher as last year but after a couple of days we switched him to an earlier spot with a different teacher so he wouldn't miss activities at garderie. With the new teacher LL immediately started swimming without his life jacket. Yay!

TENNISED OUT

2009-08-18T00:02:00.001-04:00

TENNISED OUT, originally uploaded by architect.

Lil' guy was pretty worn out from the weekend's activities.

RF

2009-08-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

RF, originally uploaded by architect.

Some guy practicing tennis.

MG

2009-08-17T23:59:00.001-04:00

MG, originally uploaded by architect.

The next weekend (Aug 1 and 2nd) Grant, Michelle and family came for a visit. Spent the better half of Saturday touring through the neighbourhood parks, while Sunday we took in JT market and family day at Roger's cup.

4 FUNNY FACES

2009-08-17T23:56:00.001-04:00

4 FUNNY FACES, originally uploaded by architect.

No comment.

AIR HOCKEY (OLD RINK)

2009-08-17T23:55:00.001-04:00

AIR HOCKEY (OLD RINK), originally uploaded by architect.

The same weekend J headed back to Toronto we inherited an old air hockey set from our next door neighbours.... more on this later...

HOMECOMING DINNER BY J

2009-08-17T23:53:00.001-04:00

HOMECOMING DINNER BY J, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann's brother J came back to Canada after spending the last year at a cooking school and stage at a restaurant. We were treated (incl. Ali and Mark) to the first demonstration on Canadian soil (J's parents and brother were lucky enough to exerience the full deal in France). Amazing, really. The rest of the week J was working on the production for cross country check-up on CBC (on the controversial swimsuit ban) so we were getting these strange calls from some guy named Mark Tewksbury.

P1040826

2009-07-05T15:32:00.001-04:00

P1040826, originally uploaded by architect.

This pretty much describes every night in Canmore.

P1040783

2009-07-05T15:31:00.001-04:00

P1040783, originally uploaded by architect.

I have a photo like this of my siblings and I on a firetruck- I'll have to try and dig it out one day.

P1040686

2009-07-05T15:29:00.003-04:00

P1040686, originally uploaded by architect.

Hanging out with DD on the back porch.

P1040776

2009-07-05T15:29:00.001-04:00

P1040776, originally uploaded by architect.

LL conquering the Rockies.

P1040775

2009-07-05T15:28:00.001-04:00

P1040775, originally uploaded by architect.

Love that prairie sky.

P1040750

2009-07-05T15:27:00.001-04:00

P1040750, originally uploaded by architect.

My dad volunteered to take LL out and search for lost golf balls and now LL is wanting to go find balls all the time. Here's the family at the closest hole to my parents.

P1040694

2009-07-05T15:26:00.001-04:00

P1040694, originally uploaded by architect.

Had to run into Banff for some business so LL tagged along for the ride.... I'm pretty sure I've seen this same photo on other blogs before.

P1040652

2009-07-05T15:24:00.003-04:00

P1040652, originally uploaded by architect.

DD enjoying the swing on the back porch.

P1040541

2009-07-05T15:24:00.001-04:00

P1040541, originally uploaded by architect.

DD having a bath in my parent's kitchen sink.

P1040603

2009-07-05T15:23:00.003-04:00

P1040603, originally uploaded by architect.

We're going to have to renovate our kitchen now.

P1040531

2009-07-05T15:23:00.001-04:00

P1040531, originally uploaded by architect.

Yup both camera and dad got wet on this one.

Cave dwellers

2009-07-05T15:22:00.001-04:00

P1040498, originally uploaded by architect.

LL was introduced to the Wii last week- it's all we hear about now.

Year end show 2009

2009-07-05T15:20:00.001-04:00

P1040341, originally uploaded by architect.

A dark shot from LL's last year end show at the garderie.

and a kickstand to boot

2009-07-05T15:19:00.001-04:00

P1040346, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann and LL with the most recent craigslist find (just happened that the seller lived around the corner from us). LL still needs the training wheels but maybe we'll start practicing on 2 wheels later this summer.

Most Interesting Brother in the World

2009-06-23T23:16:00.004-04:00

Only LL can make DD laugh like this.

P1040351

2009-06-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

P1040351, originally uploaded by architect.

Yesterday night was the graduation dinner at the garderie. Many of these kids will end up at Lambert Closse in our old neighbourhood- so I'm kind of sad that LL will not be with his old gang of friends next year. Anyways we're really happy that LL enjoyed his last 3 years at the garderie, made so many friends and adapted to the french environment despite being the only one there handicapped by 2 anglo parents!

P1040355

2009-06-20T10:50:00.001-04:00

P1040355, originally uploaded by architect.

LL opened the show with 3 songs on his violin: Oh Come Little Children, Go Tell Aunt Rhody and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. A few mistakes but he played through it (whew!).

In the mind of DD

2009-06-20T10:35:00.001-04:00

4733_112074683091_692173091_2855027_150862_n, originally uploaded by architect.

I filched this one off of Ali's facebook - because it's a classic and for the benefit of those not on facebook. I think this was taken a couple of months ago.

IMG_8571

2009-06-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

IMG_8571, originally uploaded by architect.

Les finissants. Last week the graduating group at the garderie went for the traditional overnight trip to Ferme d'Andre. LL has never wanted to take part in the garderie sleepovers but he agreed when we told him this was his last hurrah with his friends. LL had a great time and said he had too much fun to miss mommy and daddy.

IMG_8465

2009-06-20T10:29:00.001-04:00

IMG_8465, originally uploaded by architect.

LL and the posse ride off into the sunset.

IMG_8495

2009-06-20T10:25:00.001-04:00

IMG_8495, originally uploaded by architect.

First official sleep-over!

Spring in Montreal

2009-06-17T22:08:00.002-04:00

P1040327, originally uploaded by architect.

Last few nights have been really nice. Ann and I spent some time pruning the lilac tree that was starting to make its way into our windows. Our neighbour gave us some much needed tips. For the past month or so we've also weeded our backyard. I started at one side because the weeds were choking off our neighbour's plants but after a few weeks the entire backyard ended up being ripped out. It's now a big yard of dirt and rocks. Waiting for a contractor to come over and price out how much to put in some new retaining walls.

P1040319

2009-06-17T22:04:00.001-04:00

P1040319, originally uploaded by architect.

I gave up trying to get both boys to simultaneously look at the camera. Anyways I think this one's a keeper.

P1040277

2009-06-17T22:03:00.001-04:00

P1040277, originally uploaded by architect.

LL helping D with his bottle.

Face off

2009-06-17T22:02:00.001-04:00

P1040284, originally uploaded by architect.

D didn't want to finish his milk.

We want the cup, we want the cup, we want the cup...

2009-06-06T23:06:00.003-04:00

LL's soccer team has been doing great..... it helps when one of his teammates has been playing in the 5-year old league since he was 3. Anyways, months of practicing hockey goaltending in our basement has finally paid off in this game-saver. We've been working on the "butterfly style" of course but I've also added my own creation "the caterpillar style" to LL's training regime which he pulled out of his bag of tricks today. All the team needs now is an enforcer to prevent liberties with the goalie. The team is now 9-1-1 ..... (their one loss came when the other team produced their own ringer.....a 7 year old!)

Team Mexico

2009-05-28T11:56:00.003-04:00

Team Mexico, originally uploaded by architect.

LL and his friend L

Team Mexico off of their Ritalin

2009-05-28T11:56:00.001-04:00

Team Mexico off of their Ritalin, originally uploaded by architect.

LL missed his Saturday soccer because we were in Toronto, but we were back for Monday soccer. Unfortunately we missed notice on Saturday that Monday's match was cancelled due to another soccer tournament. LL and his teammate/friend from garderie ended up having a ball anyways, playing in the park.

Courtyard House

2009-05-28T11:54:00.001-04:00

DSC00166, originally uploaded by architect.

Went to Toronto on the weekend for Ann's cousin's wedding. Before leaving we took in an open house at the Courtyard house near Deann's house which was part of the Open Doors Toronto weekend. Here we are with Greg, T and R in the ground floor courtyard (unfortunately the upstairs was closed off to the public). Ann's parents and Holden and family were there too but I forgot to bring my camera. Thanks Greg/D for the pictures.

entertainer

2009-05-28T11:51:00.001-04:00

entertainer, originally uploaded by architect.

It's never too soon for the Tsai boys to start wearing dishes.

before

2009-05-28T11:50:00.001-04:00

before, originally uploaded by architect.

LL cuddling with his favorite brother and vice versa.

after

2009-05-28T11:49:00.001-04:00

after, originally uploaded by architect.

"I'm spent!"

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:30:00.002-04:00

A little arts and crafts from LL (made at garderie).

Ovechkin has nothing on him

2009-05-04T20:49:00.003-04:00

Don't ask me.

April update

2009-04-25T23:13:00.002-04:00

March and April flew by. Ann's parents were here last week for a brief visit. LL has been riding his bike to garderie everyday with Ann and as of today has started his football (soccer) career. Nice weather is here and all the neighbourhood kids are out playing in the back alley again. Yay. Didi is doing great and sleeping really well at nights. He's also on the verge of being able to completely sit up by himself. It's the small victories that count.

soccer skillz

2009-04-25T23:06:00.001-04:00

soccer skillz, originally uploaded by architect.

Let the season begin.

soccer warm-up

2009-04-25T23:05:00.001-04:00

soccer warm-up, originally uploaded by architect.

LL and his friend Lily are signed up for soccer which started today. They started with some intro drills and then a short game which LL's team won 4-1. No goals for LL but he did make a pretty spectacular sliding defensive tackle to prevent a sure goal. I didn't manage to get that one on camera so the legend is already growing with every iteration of LL's account of events.

sandwich to end all sandwiches

2009-04-25T23:02:00.001-04:00

sandwich to end all sandwiches, originally uploaded by architect.

Every once in a while the stars align and we have all the right ingredients lying around, everything is ripe at the same time and I don't screw up the egg. The result: THE sandwich. bacon, lettuce (ok I would have preferred arugula), tomatoes, Egg over easy, avocado and mayo on lightly toasted Oats and honey bread. yum.

pipe cleaner hockey

2009-04-25T22:58:00.001-04:00

pipe cleaner hockey, originally uploaded by architect.

Habs are out but the pipe cleaners have advanced.

april 25 parc JFK

2009-04-25T22:57:00.001-04:00

april 25 parc JFK, originally uploaded by architect.

the swings are finally up and it was 25 degrees today so I headed off to the park for a little bit this morning with the boys.

push from LL

2009-04-25T22:56:00.001-04:00

push from LL, originally uploaded by architect.

Big brother getting in some babysitting practice.

Program

2009-04-25T22:55:00.003-04:00

P1030623, originally uploaded by architect.

I was a late addition.

kanata concert

2009-04-25T22:55:00.001-04:00

kanata concert, originally uploaded by architect.

LL and Ana. Not that they're playing together, LL is just getting ready for his turn.

matty final game

2009-04-25T22:54:00.001-04:00

matty final game, originally uploaded by architect.

Caught Matty's final championship game for the season. Unfortunately they lost 4-2 but it was a valiant effort. One disallowed goal and a few amazing saves by the other team's goalie otherwise it could have gone the other way. Photos top to bottom: Matty coming out for the pregame skate, a bit of a slide after clearing the zone, getting back for defense (we won't talk about Matty's stick that 'slipped' out of his hands in the general direction of the puck), being chased down by 4 of the other team's guys and finally (the highlight of the game) Matty coming in with some pressure on his heels and putting it where mamma hides the cookies. Good job Matty!

Still working on the scoreboard

2009-04-07T22:11:00.001-04:00

P1030618, originally uploaded by architect.

Newest addition to the downstairs rink- just trying to get the boy interested in ...y'know......hockey.

Alberta bound!

2009-04-07T22:10:00.001-04:00

P1030364, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann took the boys out West to Alberta for a couple of weeks (March 17- 30) while I stayed back home to get some work done. It was a great couple of weeks for all involved. I managed to get lots of work done and around the house... LL and Elliott really bonded during the two weeks and Ann got her dose of small town filled. Thanks Ann and thanks to the grandparents for the help!

Ski bunny

2009-04-07T22:07:00.001-04:00

P1030382, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann signed LL up for his first ski lessons (she's been looking forward to this for 5 years). LL took to it immediately.... I think it's probably a lot easier than skating for him. After 3 days LL was pretty proficient and taking the Bronze chair up the slopes.

Take note

2009-04-07T22:05:00.001-04:00

P1030504, originally uploaded by architect.

I have a picture like this of my mom and I when I was this age....I'll have to try and locate it sometime.

P1030476

2009-04-07T22:04:00.001-04:00

P1030476, originally uploaded by architect.

Ann or LL took a series of these but this is the only one where they're all more or less un-blurry.