The View

When Tonicci and I are at home and done with all our activities, he would often go near the window and look down at the cars, buses, pedestrians and people walking their dogs. He would often run to the window as well, whenever the snow is starting to fall. We live in the 8th floor of a small condo but our view is fantastic since we get to see the skyline of downtown Toronto. The street is busy with cars and people passing by, and Tonicci loves observing it all.

Art attack

For this winter, we decided to enroll Tonicci in art class. The location is so convenient since it's just 3 blocks away from where we live.This is fantastic for us since Tonicci and I just walk to go to his classes. It's a very small group, only 5 children with 2 teachers. I leave him there for 1 hour 30 minutes. He really likes it.



the art room- the girl on the right is his teacher Cheryl

two of his recent art works

Freezing!!

We appreciate winter and the picture perfect landscapes when the snow comes down, but the temperature nowadays is just too cold! There are days when it goes down to -22 C! These pictures were taken at the park after Tonicci's swimming class. He didn't have his boots on so he was complaining about how cold it was. We had to rush back to the car for some warmth!

Fascination

We had an entry a while back about Tonicci's love for trains, particularly the Thomas and Friends collection. We can certainly conclude now that it's an obsession- he can play with the trains all day long and won't even touch his other toys anymore! The fascination intensified last Christmas, when he received more trains to add to his "fleet", as well as his very first set of train tracks. Oftentimes we find him singing the theme song of Thomas, talking to his trains as if they were playmates, would insist on taking a bath with one of them, and wouldn't go to bed without his favorite engine of the moment.

Jet and I often wonder when this obsession will end.

Bonding Time

On weekends, Jet and Tonicci love taking bubble baths- it's their father and son bonding. Jet stays as long as Tonicci wants to- it's his fun time after all.

I think Jet will kill me since I posted this picture but it's cute right? :)

Shed Aquarium

Jet really wanted to take Tonicci to Shed Aquarium in downtown Chicago. He said that it's really beautiful and a must see attraction for kids. When we mentioned our plan to Tita Bootsie (Jet's aunt), she invited to take us there.

Together with Tita Bootsie's family, Tita Julie and Tito Joemar, we spent the entire afternoon at the Shed. The pictures below show how awed and mesmerized Tonicci was of the place.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to go to the Children's Museum that same day. Hopefully, we get to take him next time we visit Chicago.

Tonicci got to touch the shells and starfish at the childrens activity center

he loves his Ate Bianca

waiting for the dolphin show to start

Christmas and New Year

My cousin Jane hosted Christmas Eve dinner...



the children sang christmas carols

everyone was excited upon Santa's arrival (as played by Ttito Farhad)

kids weren't supposed to open gifts yet but Tonicci couldn't wait

While New Year was held at Tita Julie's house...

everyone was dancing while waiting for the clock to strike midnight



Ghasemi household

We stayed with my uncle and aunts while we were in Illinois. We've never stayed at a bed and breakfast, but this was probably the closest experience to it. With 17 people living under the same roof, there was never a dull moment! It was probably the most fun Tonicci ever had. With so many cousins to play with and everyone showering him with attention, it was practically Disneyland for him every single day. He finally got to meet and bond with his Ate Maegan and Patricia, Kuya Jamil, Tito Vince, Ate Julie Anne and Ninang Jeiran. Too bad he didn't get to meet Jasmin, his other Ninang. He also adored his Tito Farhad, Tita Juliet and Tita Baby. They were so generous to him and gave him so many gifts.

We consider this as one of our best family vacations ever.

Dancing with his Kuya Jamil

Toronto to Chicago

This past holiday season, we decided to spend it in Illinois with relatives. We chose to take the car and drive to get there instead of flying and I have to admit that it was more pleasant than we expected. Passing through the Detroit US border was a breeze since we left Toronto at 4:30 AM. The only hiccup on our way there was when Tonicci got car sick twice and threw up. We had to make unplanned stops just to "fix" the situation. Including stops, it was about 12 hour drive - the longest car trip the family's been on so far!

We'll post more pictures of our trip to the US soon.