2012 Intercontinental G1 Tribute Buzz-A-Thon

As a means of paying tribute to Emmett's great Uncle Doug and great Aunt Jac who are scrapping with cancer at the moment, Emmett's dad, a couple of uncles, and a bunch of cousins significantly reduce the R-value in their respective attics... just in time for Valentine's Day.

Here they are, age before beauty:

Where's Uncle Blair?

We don't want to give it away but, let's just say that if Uncle Blair hasn't showered, Dalton McGuinty knows it.

Unlike Aunt Nancy's appearance on U.S. network television, this doesn't quite qualify Uncle Blair for superstardom. Almost, but not quite.

Lowering the boom at Boom Lake

On a late-season ski into Boom Lake, Emmett sets the tone for the outing by rolling his chariot into a tree well. Twice. He emerges unscathed.

His mom, on the other hand, rolls her knee into a sun-softened drift and emerges Lady Limps-a-lot with a second degree MCL strain. Emmett's dad, fearing the wrath of Emmett's mom, opts to waive his option to photograph the event.

What better opportunity, though, to share photographic evidence of Uncle Blair's spectacular 2003 crash... ironically, at the exact same spot on the exact same trail.

Welcome to Stransgaard

Emmett and his folks flew east last weekend for the occasion of Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Blair's wedding.

Seeking to not steal the limelight with his oft-underestimated celebrity (not to mention his snappy tie), Emmett absconds with Uncle Blair's glasses and successfully navigates the event incognito.

Babies in big boots

These photos of Emmett's Uncle Blair were taken by Emmett's dad in January and March, 1980.

This photo of Emmett was taken by Emmett's dad in April 2010.

Hard to say what's most noteworthy: two generations of the baby-in-adult-boots gag, the evolution of jolly jumper technology from 1980 to 2010, or the extent to which Emmett's dad realizes how much he doesn't miss his old Cougar boots.

Visitors from the East

Emmett's Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Blair arrived from the east for the weekend. His parents planned an action packed weekend, including lunch at Rocky's, watching speedskating, swimming lessons, skiing, and a night in the mountains. Emmett was delighted to have them in town, and especially likes hanging with Auntie Lindsay, who supported him while he tried standing...

...and read lots of books to him...

...while his dad and his uncle went to the hockey game.

Home for the Holidays

Emmett's parents dragged him home to visit family and friends, celebrate his first Christmas, and tour him around their respective home towns. The holidays were full of fun, festivities, and many firsts including Emmett's first plane ride. He handled the outbound flight like a champ.

On the return flight, however, he was lucky to not be hauled off by security when just before pushing back from the gate he spat up a smuggled stash of breast milk cleverly concealed in his belly. Fortunately, the volume of liquid amounted to less than 100 mL.

Relatives from the clan Stran eagerly awaited his arrival. His cousins were smitten with the newest member of the family, as were his aunts.

Not sure if Uncle Blair was as smitten, though he eventually started to come around...

Luckily, Grampa and Poppa came to the rescue, giving Emmett some quality armchair time.

All in all, Emmett received more than his fair share of attention and cuddling over the holidays. Hey, when you're as cool a Christmas character as Emmett is, who can resist?