Magnus, Maya, and I have just returned from an extended staycation in Burlington (or "Boilington" as Magnus likes to pronounce it) with all of Kendrick's brothers and sisters.
After a few kid friendly modifications (foam mats, bathtub, booster chair, extension cord, stool, travel crib, Magnus' car collection) Goldie's apartment served as an excellent home away from home (toronto) away from home (dubai). It did however take a few days for the kids to get used to the new place and the new people. Magnus was often telling us that "Maya don't like new people", and it was in Burlington that he developed the habit of hugging my leg. But in the end they both soaked up all the attention lavished on them.
Here is a set of photos from Auntie Tristany's camera during an outing to the waterfront park:
Maya's new travel crib:
Rosebud to rosebud:
"And that's how you do a purple nurple.."
Record Holder for the "Longest Time Without Making Magnus Cry"
Afternoon crankiness. Didn't want Auntie Elena to help lift him onto the bench.
Maya soothes Magnus:
I believe those belong to Magnus!!
Full house in Boilington
Hang on Magnus!
Handling the reins:
Mysterion:
Getting ready for a swim with Auntie Clemmie, Uncle Reg, and Auntie Elena:
The 3 Aunts:
And here's a special edition of "What Magnus Said" in Boilington!
Tristany: Wind the bobbin up, wind the bobbin up, push, pull, push, pull, Magnus!
Magnus: No! It not Wind the bobbin up, wind bobbin up, push, pull, push, pull, Magnus! It wind the bobbin up, wind the bobbin up, pull, pull, clap clap clap!
Uncle Alex has no snappy comeback for Magnus
Gina: Magnus, would you like to go swimming with Uncle Reginald and Uncle Alex?
Alex: Uncle Alex is not going swimming, I'm afraid.
Magnus: Uncle Alex is afraid!
After being told not to address Auntie Goldie as "Goldie"
Gina: What did you say Magnus?
Gina: What did you say?!
Magnus: Goldfish! Goldfish! Goldfish!
A 7 year old Burlington native chats us up at the grocery checkout:
Boy: So you're not his mommy? <looking at Magnus>
Gina: Oh yes, I'm his Mommy.
Boy: <looks at Clementine> So... he has two mommies?
Gina: Um, no, that's his Aunt.
Boy's Father: C'mon, let's go!
Google maps, look out:
Gina: Where's Uncle Reginald?
Magnus: At 425 Burlington!
Pork lover:
Clementine: Go Canada! Magnus, are you Canadian?
Gina: Yes Magnus, you are Canadian!
Magnus: No, I am Canadian bacon
Maya starts fussing:
Magnus: Maya is an introvert!
Magnus is a smart alec:
Magnus: Auntie Goldie, go sit on the white chair!
Gina: Magnus, that's not polite. Either you let Auntie Goldie sit next to you, or else you go sit in the white chair all by yourself.
Magnus: OK <runs over to the white chair and sits down>
Boilington follow up:
Gong gong: <to Gina> Tomatoes are acidic.
Magnus: No gong gong, You say to-may-to, I say po-tah-to. You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to
A big thank you to our lovely host, Goldie-Auntie-Goldie, for giving up her apartment, sleeping on a couch, waking up every morning with Maya or Magnus invading the living room, and helping with all the meals, the laundry, and working full time to boot! Thank you too to Auntie Clemmie, who crossed the country to come see us and chauffeured us everywhere. We benefited not only from her medical skills but also her teaching skills: Magnus turned scooter-pro under her watchful eye, and I had a private home-ec tutor for a segment entitled, "Freezer Fundamentals and Fun with Fish Sauce". She also championed our trip to the zoo, which was probably the best zoo trip I've had since the 80's. Thanks to Uncle Reginald and Auntie Elena, for having us over for lobster, and for coming over to swim, play, eat, and most importantly, quest for chocolate ice cream! And thank you to our flat-mates the Floridians, Auntie Tristany and Uncle Alex, for soccer coaching, winding the bobbin and magnus up, and uttering the most memorable "Magnus!". Thank you all for your presents, your time, your dancing, your singing, your spoiling but not over-spoiling, and most of all your good company!
