Help!
 

I believe you mean Esther.

Best toys
 

When we did this recently (fourth-birthday present*), someone told us that it was a good idea to go to a bike store to ensure proper fit, so we did. One of us went sans kids to scope things out, etc., and then we returned avec kids. That plan doesn't work as well at Xmas, though.

* As opposed to a fourth birthday present, which a bike decidedly is not.

Best toys
 

This catalog is designed for unfrozen caveman grandparents. It's perfect for imposing on your grandchildren the 1950s childhood that even your children didn't have to endure.

For a more practical, durable tricycle that doesn't come from the J. Peterman meets Restoration Hardware school of toy design, try this:

http://store1.yimg.com/I/yhst-955571...819_117023379]

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I would only get that kind of a trike if you live in a flat neighborhood. We live in a very hilly neighborhood, and we needed to be able to help push him up and keep him from speeding away on the down. We got a Radio Flyer Steer & Stroll, and have been very happy with it. It has an adjustable seat position, so he can still ride it at 4, and he loves stashing stuff in the "trunk."

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...CLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

tm

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Oh, never mind. This is the parents' board, after all.

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I had a trike just like it the old fashioned I was growing up, and I adored it Besides, that catalog has bagpipes!

Then again, we all know I was probably unfrozen at some point.

BR(considering getting those bagpipes for my sister's kid - it would be great revenge for years of sibling BS)C

Think this would fit in the living room? http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/images/5070.jpg

We have someone in the neighborhood who each winter constructs an outdoor rink in their back yard. It takes up their whole back yard, which they had bulldozed flat to make this possible. They build a frame, lay down a double lining, flood the thing, and let it freeze.

Pretty serious about their hockey.

Don't they spent a lot of time chasing down errant pucks?

The kids are still too young to really send em flying. They have about a 6 inch lip above the ice and that's it. We'll see what happens as the kids grow.

They don't carry so well across ground.

Besides, just get a bucket of 'em and clean up later.

My dad used to make a backyard rink for us each year. If the yard is fenced in, there is no errant puck problem.

CBS
 

Adoption special tonight:
http://wwwimage.cbs.com/cbs_video/in...ay04/home1.jpg (clip)

U.S. children available for adoption:
http://www.adoptuskids.org/servlet/p...chema=PORTAL30

Christmas Morning . . .
 

. . . .with a 2 year old is a wonderful experience. I think it will be even better next year.

S_A_M:D

Christmas Morning . . .
 

I remember Christmas with the Wonk Princess when she was that age. It is a wonderful experience and you're right, next year will be even better. Of course, in ten years, it'll be over in about five minutes.