Recently in Videos Category

Sorry for getting video-happy on you, but I've had blog-envy of those folks over at 4kiwiwannbes for some time now and have some catching up to do now that I've figured it out.

By now Sophie's an old pro at this dance class business, but Josie wasn't quite ready to jump into the thick of things when we first got here and signed Sophie up for it. Recently she did the entire routine by herself from the sidelines, and the teacher said she was ready. I think she was right, see for yourself (and notice how careful Sophie is help Josie through it all):

First Dance Class Video

Like quite a few people we know, we spent most of the day Wednesday glued to the internet and/or television awaiting the results of the US election (remember we're a day ahead here in NZ, so we went to bed Tuesday night without knowing a thing!). Unlike the previous two elections, we were pleased with the outcome and more than happy to go celebrate it.

Fortunately for us it happened to be Guy Fawkes Day in New Zealand ("Remember, remember the fifth of November" for anyone who isn't up on their British history or hasn't read or seen V for Vendetta, the day commemorates Guy Fawkes' failure to blow up Parliament back in 1605) so we were able to go downtown and enjoy some rides, games and carnival food before the fireworks started at 9pm. Also coincidentally, our friend Christian arrived that morning from Auckland so we were able to enjoy all the fun with him.

Also notable in this post is our first attempt to embed video on our blog: we hope it works, and that you don't get sick from either the poor quality of the overly-compressed video or the clip itself. In either case you can probably tell Sophie was having a ball, which is the point of the whole thing. Thanks to Ingar once again for the web guidance, and to Christian both for the visit and for lugging Sophie's car seat all the way from upstate NY!

Guy Fawkes Ride Video

It's been a while since we posted any videos, but this one was too good to miss: some pre-bed-time hilarity involving winter hats, laundry baskets, head-banging and laughing. Click on the picture above to see.

"...here comes, Daddo!"

Sophie loves playing Hide'n'Seek now, thanks in part to some rousing matches with her cousins and also to the 'Where's Ernie?' Sesame Street regular sketch. Here's some video of her playing in the woods by the firepit here at my dad's. There's some really great light that streams through the trees here at sunset, and she just looks magical in it.

Sophie Sunset

Sorry for the orientation problem, we use the digital camera for video and pictures and often forget you can't easily rotate video after you've shot it!

Yesterday proved to be a good day for video-capture here on The Ranch, as we got some excellent footage of Sophie playing in the driveway here at Papa's. Those with slower connections be forewarned, these are large files (640x480, over 30MB each) so they may take a bit to load!

Throwing the Ball
Sophie demonstrates her throwing arm and running skills. Not seen here are frequent interruptions by Eula, who races in to steal the ball away not realizing Sophie's throwing the ball so she can chase it herself.

Sidewalk Chalk
By request of John, some footage of Sophie the Artist in action. She's saying "color, horsey" as mentioned in a previous post.

Eula, Sophie & Daddo
Anyone who remembers Eula's fear of toddlers (Geoff!) may be surprised or at least pleased to see how she behaves around Sophie now. While the first frame looks like Sophie just high-kicked me in the jaw, my face is actually scrunched up from Eula licking my chin as Sophie shouts, "Lick! Lick!" over and over.

The sidebar 'Tiny e Videos' link wasn't working out very well for a few reasons, so we've scrapped it in favor of Plan B. Forthwith, whenever we have new videos I'll make a new post under the 'Videos' category, and they'll all be grouped there. Eventually I may go back and break down the older entries into their respective dates, but for now here are the new ones.

High Chair Chat
From a recent snack-time with Sophie.

Swim Class 2/2
Our first swimming class at the YMCA, Part I.

Swim Class 1/2
Our first swimming class at the YMCA, Part II.

After enabling video support in August we scattered a few short Quicktime videos in different folders, but they're kind of hard to find if you're just browsing. I'll keep updating this post when we add new ones, and add a link to it on the sidebar so they're easier to get to. Don't forget to login as username 'friend', password 'friend'!

Walking and Shaking!
A short clip of our multi-tasking fiend doing her latest trick, walking and shaking an object. In this case a (clean!) pair of mom's undies.

Carseat Antics
A short clip of Sophie practicing "Da" and then giving me a raspberry.

With Mom at the Lake
An even shorter clip of Brandie and Sophie saying hello to me at Lake Tahoe.

Sophie Six Months Montage
A bunch of clips from Sophie's three-six months ages, mostly her eating and playing peek-a-boo with a washcloth.

Eula & Nepali
A 30-second clip of Eula and Nepali playing out at Helen Putnam Park, compliments of Matt & Ashleigh and their nice camera.