So the family is home now and life has returned to normal (chaos). The kids took a few days to adjust to the time zone and there were some very, very long nights with Kai screaming because he wanted someone to come play with him in his bed or rock him back to sleep. Thankfully he's back to his normal, happy, playful self now. It didn't help that he cut a new tooth AND got a nasty viral rash a couple of days after getting home.

Kira adjusted fairly easily; she was woken up a number of times by Kai but otherwise didn't seem affected by the time change. She's started back to her gymnastics again, we've moved her to a new place that is closer to our house and she seems to really love it there. This weekend we are starting them both in swimming lessons; it will be interesting to see how Kira does in them as she really doesn't seem to like the water...

Now that Jon's game is completed and in stores he is back to working normal hours. It's nice to have him home before the kids go to bed - especially now that Kira doesn't nap anymore as bedtime can be quite "entertaining".  Kai has been practising saying "daddy" and now greets Daddy when he walks in the door. I guess you could say it's his first actual word that he can use at appropriate times. He also says things like 'what are you doing?' and "that way" but he understands A LOT more than I remember Kira understanding at this age.

Rocking out in the car at the playground

Yep, she still dresses herself --- this was a particularly bright combination

Watching Kira on the slide

Pirate Bunny! Yar

Kai went and sat with Kira on the couch. She was so excited to have him sitting on her lap. They were there for a good 5 minutes or so before I took this picture. Too cute.

Few more shots from Malaysia...

Playing at the mall

Kai's a pro at sliding down the stairs on his bum

Pizza night with Uncle Dylan

Amazing - she ate pizza! 

Kai at the doctor's office - he got bronchitis while away

Hanging out with Auntie

Sleeping baby

They shared a bed at Uncle Randy's 

Tropical princess - this is from Club Med

Building sandcastles on the beach at Club Med

TV Time

"That way!"

Gearing up for some squash

Chatty Kai

Kai woke up around 1130pm one night and was in a fantastic mood.

Auntie Leena caught this video of him saying all sorts of indecipherable things.

More Malaysia pictures

Kai climbing in the drawers, little monkey

Kira + Auntie Bel going for a swing

Uncle Nat + Kai

Jon's favourite restaurant

Kai + Grandma. Fighting his nap as usual

Hanging out at the mall

Kai and Marcus

It's blurry - but this is Kira playing with a barbie doll. This is something that will hopefully not continue once she is back in Canada. Sigh.

Getting ready to go play in the mall playground

Some shots from Malaysia

Exhausted little dude

Too cool for words

Happy birthday Marcus! Hanging out with his Aunts + Uncles + Cousins

Uncle James

Fighting for space on my lap to watch Team Umizoomi

Kira's birthday party - they were doing splatter paint

Kai was fascinated by the birds at the aquarium. He stood here for 10 minutes just staring at them.

Hanging out with Kermit

Hello Fishies!

Kira and Auntie Erin blow out candles on their birthday cake

Auntie Erin is so silly

"driving" to the airport

Happy lunchtime viewing, Erin!

Just for you, Erin --- here are some new pictures. I hope the picture of the husband doesn't make you lose your appetite though. His hair is nasty.

Anyhow, I've been trying to enjoy as much time with the kids as possible as they will be gone soon (sniff, sniff). Jon's overtime seems to have stopped, so it's been nice having the whole family together during the weekends again. It's almost a strange feeling as we seem to have gotten used to his not being around on the weekends. 

This weekend we had a lovely playdate with Wendy and her daughter Eliana. Kira and Eliana don't get to see each other nearly often enough, thanks to our chaotic schedules, but they sure know how to make the most of the time that they do have together. They had a blast running around and playing. I look forward to visiting again when Kira's back. 

Today, Jon took Kira up to Mount Seymour because Kira really, really, really wanted to build a snowman. Seeing as we don't get enough snow here we had to take her up the mountain. She had a blast with her friends and came home exhausted and soaked. It's nice that she's old enough to enjoy these things now.

Anyhow, here are some pictures for your "viewing pleasure"

As a fundraiser for his upcoming bike ride, Jon auctioned off the opportunity  for someone to cut his hair to however they wanted it to be. This turned out far worse than I ever could have imagined. It is hideous. He is not allowed out in public without a hat. I cannot wait to shave his head on March 13. 

Pouting cause I took his video game away. Classic. Also, note the "before" for the hairdo.

And the "after" - check out the new 'do! He's working on his new fave thing - buckling up safety belts.

Kira's "report card" from her final gymnastics class. She was super excited to see her own picture

Mellow time before bed. Kai gets jealous when Kira's on my lap and insists on climbing on too.