16 - Play date 2 - Ahhh Museum

We have probably had several other play dates I forgot about but let's consider this play date 2.  At the museum (getting as much use as possible from our passes).  The boys are getting bigger now and more adventuresome.  They were running around more and trying more things.  Buttons, ball machine and sand being hit items.  

Jones loved the climbing structure this time and climbed up to the very top on his own and then back down (Ewan was less of a climber).  They were so cute exploring things.

Like 18 months ago we took them to the museum for the first time and they rode the chilulily wheel and so we recreated this.

Thea even got to play a little. She sat up for like 15 seconds before diving for this ball.

And then we said goodbye in the parking lot. Jones waited until we walked away and said "thanks for museum Ewanie". And holly gave me a photo of the boys for the wall.  It's so fun to have a friend with a kid the exact same age as my kid.  

loves to party

This boy loves to party!  Ever since he attended Kathleen's birthday in April he's been very excited for parties.  Since his actual birthday was on Father's Day we scheduled the party for the following week.  But on his birthday we did make sure and complete his birthday list which included - pizza, cupcake, pool, and balloons.  Easy enough right.   

We took him to Garfield Park for pool.  It has a nice splash park and kids area and he even went down the little slide several times he loved it.  When he got sooo tired he could barely walk we headed out for napping.  

We got him balloons and cupcakes and ordered pizza.  He was so excited for all these things and with his cake he attempted to eat all the sprinkles off and then was cradling his cake before he actually ate it.  So funny to watch.  

He had such a good time he asked to do it again the next day.  And then the following week we had his real party.  We invited friends and family and just had it at the house.  Naturally it was the hottest day so far this summer.  But we made things work.  I originally was doing a camping theme but abandoned that when I couldn't find any camping things and we just had a colorful summer theme.  Jones had trouble wanting to nap before the party so he was asleep when guests arrived.  I woke him up though.  We had a pizza photo booth, a clown game, toys, and food and funfetti cake.  

He loved having his friends over.  He was thrilled for balloons and pizza.  He loved playing both inside and outside.  He was so excited about cake.  He wanted to play with all his presents.  He especially loved going for a dip in his new pool after the party.  He was a party animal.  

I asked that everyone so outdoor toys since the house is becoming cluttered.  That's pretty much what he got including pool, mower, soccer set, baseball etc. We got him a scooter, helmet, pajamas, and a outside basketball hoop.  He loves every bit of it. 

It was a good birthday and when everyone left he started to cry he wanted "more party".  My little Jonesy every day can be a party if you make it so.  Every day.

Jonesburf 24 months

Dear Jonesy -

Holy cow you are two little man.  You are so full of energy, joy and spunk.  You make each day better but it's always a challenge.  

You talk so much and we have whole conversations.  You make decisions like chicken or hot dogs.  You repeat most everything you hear sometimes you pick up phrases from people like "woo bro" or "ya honey".  

You run, jump, walk backwards, sideways and waddle. You love ball any kinds but especially basketball.  Each day  we play between two and four ball related games. You often dance to music or no music but you wiggle your hips all the time.

You like building blocks and crafts.  And we paint, draw, do beads, playdoh and sticks regularly. 

You absolutely love to go out.  Favorite places are downtown, target, museum, and the park.  And let's not forget live music any event with music and you are so in. 

You love parties.  Weddings. Birthdays.  New babies.  Any excuse for party and you are all signed up.  (Birthday party post coming).  

Thea is your pal.  You explain to her where you are, tell her it's okay, try to comfort and breast feed her.  You are a very serious big brother.  

We digress on potty training, and have had several episodes of "No" or times where timeout was necessary. 

Mommy is so excited watching you mature and change.  I love you to the moon and back at enjoy when you grab my face for a hug and a kiss.  I also like that you still want to be carried and snuggled.  

Love love love. Mommy

These photos were taken with a wall at The Tube Factory they are less that perfect and most were super blurry and I had to change his pants into unmatching basketball shorts before I snapped them because he had an accident, but real life people real life. 

Thea 4 months

Oh baby Thea.  Still so tiny but getting more mellow.  We think we know why you are fussy so much we think it's boredom.  We've been trying to keep you entertained when you start fussing and it seems to be working.  Bonus. You also are not a fan of strangers if it's not a familiar face or smell you tend to scream.

Dear Thea - 

4 months brings exploring with your hands.

You reach for everything and get it! 

You explore faces and textures with your hands.

You stopped sleeping thru the night and get up between 2-6 times a night which is terrible for mommys sleep.  

You started take two naps which is new for you.

You like to play with your dolly as well as other textured noise making toys.

You love bath time it calms you. 

You scream talk which is so cute.  

You pull yourself up and attempt to get out of your rocker.  

Your drinking between 3-5 ounces at a time.  And prefer nursing to bottles.  

You are very interested in food.

You are very interested in Jones and what he's doing and will follow him with your eyes.

You also seem to listen to him when he talks to you.  

You reach for me most anytime you see me - clearly a mommys girl.

You weigh 10 lbs and 10oz and are 25 inches tall.  Long and lean.

You can sit up unassisted for a few seconds and roll over. 

Ohhhh little birdie.

Love you - Mommy

Bonus a few snaps of you not for monthly pictures.  

47 - National Park - Muir Woods

One of our day trips on vacation was to Muir Woods to see giant redwoods (we actually visited three other national parks too and got passport stamps at 2 of them but I am crossing this off as "the national park even though it's not a new to me park it was for the kids and kathleen).  

We made the decision to leave the stroller and as we hiked the maybe half mile from the car to the park and Jonesy probably spent all his energy.  Because once we got into the park he immediately was over it.  He demanded to be carried.  He only wanted to see the water not the big trees.  He threw his water cup down and spilled it on the trail - not my usual happy boy and he napped most of the way to the park. It was quite terrible but several other parents had sympathy for us.  

Anyhow we still did a baby hike with the babies in tow, and tried not to let Jones's attitude spoil the fun or beauty of the park.  And go figure as we approached the end of the hike he wanted to run around and enjoy himself.  He happily played next to giant redwoods while Kathleen got the car and I fed Thea. 

24 - Robins Wedding

Earlier this month we flew to California for  Vacation and Robins wedding.  Her wedding was in kirkwood near Lake Tahoe and it was a beautiful wedding, beautiful bride, beautiful location.  And Jonesy he loved the "party" he got to come for dinner and dancing and he thought it was awesome.  The next day he requested "party".

It was so good to see family as well. It was nice for jones to have cousins to play with and to hanging with his aunties and uncles.  He also dubbed my mom and her sisters "grandmas" and was calling them all grandma.

It was a good trip.  More about our trip soon.