Elliot endorses Liberals!!

Elliot, along with Ned's Noodle are officially endorsing the Liberal party of Canada for this current National Election to take place on January 23.
The Globe and Mail, citing a desire for change and realizing that Jack Layton is too much change when everything is considered, endorsed the Conservative party.
They are more than welcome to do so though it was interesting to read their endorsement, which was laced with caution and reaked of discomfort. In fact, I would have to say it was the least enthusiastic endorsement I have ever read.
Well, this is an enthusiastic endorsement for the continued excellence of our nation and for a strong federal voice on issues that matter to every Canadian.

Puppy

The very heavy, very cute puppy dog that Elliot had to say hello to every morning and say goodnight to every evening. He petted the inanimate animal so lovingly.

Grandma Ashton

A proud and pleased Grandma spent lots of time hanging out with her grandson during the Christmas week. Thanks for brining out and cleaning all those wonderful toys for Elliot to play with and for making sure he had lots of food and milk to survive on. He sure loved hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa while his parents took off for a few minutes to Broadway.

Grandpa Ashton

Many early mornings, lots of hugs, lots of things in Grandpa's big winter boots. Elliot enjoyed his time with his Grandpa a lot. He even managed to get the name "papa" out quite a few times.

Uncle Clayton

There are few people who Elliot looks forward to seeing more than Uncle Clayton. A frequent visitor over the last few months, Elliot loves playing with his Uncle, chasing him and being chased.

Aunt Cara

Aunt Cara is famous for her excellent Auntery, being an Aunt to many others. Elliot has benefitted greatly from her natural charm and loving touch. He is looking forward to seeing her again as soon as we can arrange it.

Uncle Andrew

Uncle Andrew helped Elliot realize that men with facial hair aren't scary. In fact, Elliot finds his Uncle Andrew to be very nice and very funny. He looks forward to seeing him again soon.

Two headed monster and other photos...

More pictures like this one and less scary can be found here.

Elliot in the snow

We had Elliot out in the snow about three times and he started to figure it out in the end. Our first outing found him less than enthusiastic at first. We had him in a lovely blue sled purchased by his Grandparents. He lay still in it while we slid him through part of Harold Tatler park and down the road back home. The second trip outside was with his Grandparents and he walked through the deep snow. The last outing included a snow fight and a snow angel. Overall I would say he was cautiously enthused by Saskatoon in the winter and I think he will really enjoy it when he gets a bit bigger. He did enjoy watching the kids slide down the hill at astonishing speeds.

Christmas with the Ashtons

Elliot woke up at about six in the morning in Saskatoon and Grandpa and I hung out with him downstairs until people started to pull themselves out of bed at around 8:30. Then we waited until Uncle Andrew and Aunt Cara came in from their beautiful home. Then we opened lots of presents and ate waffles with icecream.
Elliot did well at opening his own presents. Again, being the center of attention, he was quite happy with the occasion.
Grandma put together an amazing and delicious meal for us in the evening.

Flying again

I was worried that Elliot would be more difficult flying this time as he is much more active now but he was quite content sitting with his mom. We were excited to land in Saskatoon and see lots of snow. We were even more excited to walk through the airport doors and see Grandma and Grandpa. From what I remember, they were quite excited to see us too. That was Christmas Eve, at about 7 in the evening. Elliot slept well that night and we woke up Christmas morning in snowy Saskatoon. Christmas is supposed to be snowy so it felt good.

Christmas with the Verwoerds

In what was really a precursor for both the Grandparents and the grandchild of the real Christmas celebration both had planned in the near future, the Verwoerd house was alive with the sounds, smells and sights of Christmas. Many presents were exchanged, many laughs were shared and many potatoes were eaten.
It was a lovely affair and Elliot was often the centre of attention, which he always likes.
Also, I defeated Aunty Michelle soundly at Crokinole.