Tadhg celebrates his cousin's birthday

One of the advantages of living in Canada is being able to celebrate special occasions with family and Tadhg took full advantage on Monday to celebrate his cousin Nicholas's birthday. After school Tadhg, mom and dad travelled to Tadhg's cousins' house for some pre-birthday playtime. Tadhg loved being with his cousins as always and had a great time playing with his cousins and their two cats.

All of Tadhg's Canadian family arrived for the festivities and Tadhg was delighted to see everyone. Tadhg even sat down with the birthday boy for the big present opening and helped Nicholas open his gifts. Tadhg had such a good time that he didn't want to leave and had to be coaxed into the car where he swiftly fell asleep.

Tadhg the piano man

Despite his parents lack of talent, Tadhg has picked up a love of playing music. He loves a tinkle on the old ivories and was excited when mom and dad finally found an extension cord long enough to bring power to the electronic keyboard. Tadhg hopped up on the piano stool and started playing some piano and organ music. He'll need to wait a few years for his feet to touch the pedals though.

Tadhg is getting used to the white stuff!

Tadhg is getting used to all this white stuff that falls from the sky in Canada. After another heavy snowfall on Wednesday night, Tadhg and dad were out shovelling more snow. Once the driveway and footpaths were clear, Tadhg and dad got creative in the garden and made a sea of snow on the patio table with a sea monster rising from the depths.

Tadhg's frosty friend

There was a lot of snowfall in St Catharines on Friday night and Saturday morning. It was a perfect opportunity for Tadhg to take out his new snow shovel (a present from Baba and Papa) and help dad shovel the snow from the driveway and footpath. Dad is starting to feel like a real Canadian what with all the ice skating, hockey games and snow shovelling, eh!

After the driveway and footpath were clear, Tadhg and dad made a snowman in the garden. Tadhg is a big fan of the Frosty the Snowman story so was delighted to see Frosty come to life in his very own garden! Dad put his own sun hat on Frosty's head and Tadhg loved to look at the snowman out the back window.

Tadhg the rock star!

Tadhg found a "Guitar Hero" guitar in his new house and loves to put in on and play guitar! He looks like a real rock star! Mom and dad plan to get him a real one so he can learn how to play.

Tadhg's first day at Canadian school!

Monday was a big day for Tadhg. After a few weeks of idle bliss it was time for Tadhg to start school again. Mom and dad decided on a local Montessori school (Beyond Montessori) for Tadhg. The family had visited before Christmas and met Tadhg's teacher and future classmates. The kids looked happy and the school looked nice and clean so mom and dad were happy to sign Tadhg up for 3 full days a week.

Tadhg was a bit nervous going in for the first time and didn't want mom and dad to leave. He was happy to learn that everyone spoke English at the school which makes it a lot easier than speaking in Czech! Mom and dad were a bit sad to go but knew he was in good hands.

Mom and dad were the first parents waiting outside the classroom door at 3:30 to pick Tadhg up. The little guy was in great form and ran out laughing to say how much fun he had. He looked so cute running around the school with his backpack on. Mom and dad are delighted to have found a school that Tadhg enjoys (and to have some time during the day to focus on work!).

Tadhg gets a car!

After years of playing with toy cars, Tadhg finally got his very own car on Saturday when mom and dad picked up their new vehicle in Canada. Mom and dad wanted something safe, spacious and family friendly so decided on a Honda Element. Tadhg was very excited and loved hoping into the front seat with blue bear to take it for a (virtual) spin.

Tadhg and his cousins

One of the biggest benefits of life in Canada for Tadhg is being so close to his cousins that he can see them regularly. Tadhg loves spending time with his Canadian cousins and is typically running, laughing and screaming when they are together. On Friday, Tadhg and his cousins met at Baba's house for a gathering of Baba's grand-kids .

Tadhg had a great time and especially liked sledding with his cousins at the back of the house. It was a bit cold though so Tadhg decided to come in after a while and leave his cousins to sled some more.

Tadhg's New Year's Day

Tadhg spent most of New Year's Day with his Baba playing games, telling stories and snuggling in the rocking chair. Tadhg loves spending time in his Baba and Papa's house and is getting to know where all the toys (and treats!) are kept.