PNE!

It's hard to believe it's PNE time again! Summer is almost over. :( The boys and I met up with my family to take in a bit of the sights and activities of the PNE. Unfortunately, James had to work and couldn't meet up with us. But he and I are taking the boys back to the PNE next Friday so they can see the Doodlebops (a rockband for toddlers)! So I'm sure we'll have more pictures then.

We met up with Gramma and Grampa first and went straight to the barns to see all the farm animals. Adam was, of course, thrilled with all the animals and Daniel really enjoyed it, too. The first thing we saw was the chicken and pig that we take the boys' picture with every year. It's becoming a tradition! I don't know how long that chicken and pig have been around - definitely since James worked at the PNE 13 or so years ago, possibly since we were kids!

Next we saw the baby chicks, always a popular spot in the barns. Adam just kept gently touching them and saying, "Baby, baby." I'm sure he would have loved to take some home!

There was a new thing in the barns this year. The kids got to go through the steps of how farmers farm and harvest their meat and veggies and all the steps it takes to get those things to the grocery store. First, they had to wear their aprons and go plant some carrot seeds.

Next, they went to the hen house and collected an egg to put in their basket. Then next stop was the cows' barn where they got to milk a cow.

Next, they had to drive their tractors around the field. They spent most of the time crashing into each other!

Their carrots grew! They had to pick one of the carrots to take to the store.

They then traded in all their goods and received a pretend dollar to trade in at the grocery store. They both got some dried fruit, which Daniel loved and Adam said was bleh.

Next stop was the bee hives. Adam made sure to tell us all many times that there were bees there. "Bee! Bee! Bee!"

After the barns, we wandered around outside and came to the CTV news booth. You can stand against a blue screen and get your picture put on an image of the news studio, many of the CTV shows or, new this year, at an Olympic venue. The boys both chose the Olympics. I think the final products turned out really cute!

Our ski jumper, Daniel:

Our Olympian, Adam. Adam had to wear the huge Perry's Prospects t-shirt because his shirt was the same colour as the blue screen. He would have just been a floating head otherwise!

Next was the street parade, where kids could meet up with a whole bunch of different mascots. Adam was not impressed and didn't want to go near them. Daniel was the same way last year. This year, he was a little braver. He started by just giving all the mascots a high five but, by the end, he gave a hug to a Care Bear and to Garfield.

The next stop was the Armed Forces area. The boys loved the rescue boat and thought it was a bouncy house!

And they got to sit in a fighter jet!

Finally, it was time for dinner (mmm...PNE food!) and on to the Superdog show. We had to get there kind of early to get good seats but Aunty Laura and Uncle Jason went to get mini doughnuts for everyone (you have to get mini doughnuts at the PNE!). Uncle Neil hung out with us, though.

The boys got a little antsy, so we went down to the floor where the Superdogs would race and perform. Our little Superdogs had some good dance moves on the winner's podium!

After a bit more waiting, it was time for the show to start. It's hard not to smile when you're cheering all those cute Superdogs on!

Adam and Mommy:

Daniel with Aunty Laura and Uncle Jason:

Adam with Uncle Neil. Look, that's almost a smile on Uncle Neil's face!