last days of 2008 + a cautionary tale

Just because Pookie has no legs doesn't mean he doesn't need a diaper:



You may have heard that Ida's going to have a new brother/sister in May/April?



This fact makes everyone want to get on top of Ida Mama at all times:






The plenitude of movies of Ida has had its downside. For one, she incessantly asks to watch them; for another, she demands to be filmed; worst, she often re-enacts movie episodes when she finds herself in similar situations. So we're taking a hiatus from the moving pictures for a time. Here's some thoughts, on this front:

Christmas X 3

We are discombobulated. But we arose today to open the presents we couldn't manage when we finished digging out the car at the end of that travel day last night.



Ida got some wooden bunnies and their hutch. She knows where they live.



Most repeated phrase upon returning to "Ida house": "Ichi poops! Daddy scoop!"

Early Christmas in Haddonsfield

Since we somehow strategized to travel for 16 hours on Christmas, we opened a few presents on Christmas eve morning:


And then these guys showed up:


Someone needs to talk to Elsie about spilled milk vs. crying:




Grandma will be missed!

Continued Wildness of Grandparents V

Ida vs. Vining Grandparents in Holiday Central South Jersey

Grandpa Vining plays rough!




Fortunately, Grandma has this cool light. It doesn't pulsate, though, whatever she says.



Short films of her grandparents tormenting Ida with Baby:

Ida vs. More Snow? + a return to further diapering + bacon vs. whiskey

It's not exactly arctic, but the city's made of Ice. Yesterday I pulled Ida home on the sled; halfway back she fell asleep, doubled over at the waist; and then she slumped over sideways and her arm dragged along for a block or so, a mitten trailing by its string. Anyway, Elsie's learning to fake smile:


(this photo stolen from Arthur)

Snowed so much that the Vining/Bradfords skiied down for dinner! Check out that Chariot ski attachment on Long A, and also Maggie's form. That's what you call driveway skiing.



Frightful as the weather may be outside, there is a persistent need for diapering inside:



We're just holing up eating bacon and drinking whiskey, waiting to see what cool junk Santa brings us.

Ida vs. Snow

Ida vs. "Daddy Black Chair"

MORE DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE VS. IDA

What is going on here?



Well, some folks have declared a desire for more documentary-style footage (while others have raised concerns that this may open us up to thieves and bandits, so I'm making some attempt to conceal our location and identities); the following film should provide some clarity:




A few words with the culprit:

Battle Royale: Jim! vs. Ida

Those on the inside may have been wondering, "Hey, Grambee don't travel solo. Where's Jim?" Well, in fact, Jim was indeed on the scene, entertaining Ida with his many strange voices...



...he even taught her to moo.



Did I mention strange voices?