Two!

There were several birthdays to celebrate over the summer whilst in Canada, including the second birthday of our nephew Kieran.

Kieran is big-time into trucks and heavy machinery so there was definitely a 'röd tröd' or common thread running though many of the boxes and bags that were opened.

In preparation for the arrival of Clara, Kieran was preparing to move out of the nursery and into a 'big boy room' - a room we sensed might be in need of some decorations - so picked up some truck-centric wall art/hooks we found at one of our fave Swedish design stores. To be honest, I am pretty sure both Richard and I were expecting rather little immediate interest from the little one, but sufficient excitement from his mom and dad, however we learned a very important lesson: truck shaped, shiny and not stuck in an impossible-to-open package = very exciting gift! It made me giggle a little to see his little mittens clenching onto the red digger and pusher wall hooks while countless other bags and boxs were opened ...

Nice work Design Torget for manufacturing something that was as appealing to Richard and me as it was to the little one. Of course, the shinny little red things were quickly forgotten once the big toys came along, but that's more than understandable!

Kieran masters the new digger with Richard's dad, Allan, 'overseeing' the action

And then came the piece de resistance of the party: a cement-mixer shaped birthday cake courtesy of Oma (Richard's mom, Eva)!

Speaking of cakes, I simply had to post a photo of the beautiful buttercream cake Eva made for me just a few weeks later - yum yum yum! (NB - it says 33 NOT 35, please!).

It was great to be around to celebrate this milestone, and we are sure to aim for a repeat next year if Kieran's wished-for special guest star arrives: mid-Tour de France Kieran announced Andy Schleck (Team leader for Leopard Trek) would be coming to his third birthday party!

Before I wrap up the photos of my ever so cute and terribly clever nephew (you can tell how smart he is from the photos, can't you?!?), here are two lovely shots from our trip to the Toronto Zoo.

water park fun

meeting the penguins