your favorite visitors

Mimi and Papa were here for a week at the end of August.  When you know they're coming you start counting down, but it's usually three weeks, then two weeks, then weeks, then three days, then they're here.  And you often tell me plans you have with Mimi.  Play my toys in the playroom... Go wiff Mimi to the beach...  Sleep with Mimi in her bed...  Eat ice cream...  Etc.  On their last night here, you slept in the guest room with Mimi, and apparently at 3AM you fell out of the bed.  And you didn't like it one bit.  So maybe that plan will change in the future.

It was so hot the whole week and you loved when we were somewhere with some fort of water feature.  And most places we found at least one.

We went to a Minnie Mouse first birthday party for our little friend.

 And we went to a celebration of mom and dad's British friend who became a US citizen.

We had lunch at the train station.

 You met a friend who did not want you to leave and you got in a playful argument.  He begging you to stay, and you insisting that you had to go home for a nap.  You were cracking everyone up.

We went to the beach.

 We went to Knott's Berry Farm.  You were more brave this time.  Tried more rides, and went on kiddie ones by yourself.

 It was hot and you had this wet bandana on your head most of the time.

 We went to 'Planes' and you loved every bit of it.

 We went to the Parnell Park Zoo.

We ate lots of ice cream and snow cones and tried to stay cool.  And you were sad when it was time for them to leave.  But happy that we'll see them again soon!

Longer, warmer days...

I'm doing spring cleaning and I'm finding all sorts of new things for you to play with.  You're really good at the matching puzzle game.

 We got a water table for the porch and you love it.

 You also love to help.  You opened a pack a diaper's I'd put in your room and put them away for me.  You called me to your room to see, and proudly announced, "Me stack dipes me self!"

Painting flower pots.  

 Planning ahead for summer.  You sat in every chair in the IKEA display, put your hands behind your head, and said, "Me relax the beach!"

 Dad and I took you all by yourself to Knott's.  We're trying hard to have dates with you and Addie alone more often.

 You're so brave and you go on the kid rides all by yourself.

 I went to buy you some ice cream, and when you saw me, you came running with excitement.  Right before you got to me you took a huge digger, and skinned both knees.  It broke my heart!  But some wet wipes and the ice cream made it all better after a few tears.

 I made a puppet show curtain for you and Addie.  You get the idea, but Addie doesn't, so you're usually frustrated when she tries to join in, but I think it'll be a fun addition to our play room.

We're looking forward to warmer weather and a fun summer as you grow and become more adventurous.

always involved, and having fun with grandparents.

Helpful...

You want to 'help' and be a part of just about everything.  You helped me blow out my birthday candle.

When I was working on a project with wood blocks you wanted to sand them all for me before I painted them.

When I'm doing laundry, you fill the machine and shut the door.  You push the power button, then need a little help with the wash setting, then you push the start button until it clicks on.

A lot of times it takes longer to have you help, but I try hard to be patient because you're learning a lot and someday it really will be helpful!

Independent...

A couple of weeks ago I heard you in the kitchen.  When I looked over at you, you'd pulled the milk and chocolate syrup out of the fridge and you were digging for a cup.

You love carrying plates to the sink after a meal, and if someone leaves a cup on the coffee table, you often take it to the sink, just because you know it doesn't belong on the table.  And you wipe surfaces down if a rag is left in your reach.  And you always wipe your own sticky hands and face, not very well, but you want to do it yourself.

Involved...

If I'm doing something that doesn't require any help, or it's just something that gets too messy with a helper, you still want to be with me doing your own version of the project.

I was planting big containers of wheat grass, you wanted your own, and even days later you checked on it and watered it with a squirt bottle.

I was painting blocks and you wanted to help, so I gave you your own frame to paint. You were so careful, and very proud of the finished product.

And when we're not busy with projects and chores, we've been having a lot of fun.

Playing at the park and going on walks...

 Planting a garden and celebrating Annie's birthday, gnome style.

 Discovering new toys...

And enjoying a week long visit from Mimi and Bapa.

Walks to the park...

 Trying new rides at Knott's Berry Farm.  You went on everything you were tall enough to go on, some even all by yourself!

 You love dippin' dots!  The store by us closed so we were happy to find them here.  You chowed down on your "Dots at Knott's."

 You wanted to get right back on the boat ride.

We spent 6 hours at Knott's and had to drag you away so Addie could get home for a nap.  Fortunately, we bought year passes, so we'll go often!

We took you on a bus ride.  You've been asking for weeks if we could ride a bus, so you were so excited when it finally happened.

 We went to the zoo.

 I fed that scary looking guy, just so you'd think I was cool.

 You loved riding on and watching the train.

We made cookies and raced cars.

We went fabric shopping in LA.  You loved hugging and hiding in all the soft stuff.

We went to the beach.

You even learned this week that you like broccoli.

 The week went too fast, and you tried lots of tricks to get them to stay longer, but finally said good-bye until next time, sending Mimi home with the frame and art work inside that you painted all by yourself.

We're so happy it's staying warm and light later these days.  I think we're going to have a fun spring and summer!