Backyard Fun

It has been a beautiful weekend for playing outside. Rob had Friday off, so we feel like we are playing hooky today...three days in a row, WOW! Aside from getting blood drawn Friday (ouch!) Jack has had a great weekend. After the lab, Jack discovered the joy of frozen yogurt and we discovered a great frozen yogurt shop just a block from the house. Gracie got to come with us, but she cried outside while we ate inside...oh, that dog! We pretended for a while that we didn't know her (HA!).

Yesterday we decided to walk both Jack and Gracie to the dog park in the afternoon, but Gracie was OUT OF CONTROL, even with her Gentle Leader on. While crossing the street it became clear that it would not be a fun walk, so I decided to take her home and catch up shortly...but she had other ideas. She broke free of the collar just as the light was changing and BOLTED across the street to Rob. There I stood helplessly on the other side watching Rob pin the crazed dog down without any collar to grasp and then Jack decided to STAND UP in his stroller and watch me across the street! I don't know where Rob got his calm demeanor, but he managed to hold it together until I could get there and retether Gracie. Jack thought the whole thing was hilarious and laughed at his crazy dog all the way to the park. Once we arrived at the park, I took Gracie to frisbee in the dog enclosure while Rob took Jack to the kiddie playground. And of course, Gracie decide to poop when Rob had the bags in the stroller with him! For those of you who aren't familiar with Gracie's potty habits, she hates to "go" when we aren't home, but it was a special occasion I guess! Thankfully a man gave me one of his bags offering, "Wow, she really left a trail. I've got two more bags if you need them." Thanks. Rob chivalrously offered to walk her home for me.

Well, the video is from Friday when we were braving the wildlife in our own backyard. We have two bluejays that are apparently nesting in one of our trees. Anytime any of us venture into "their" territory, they DIVE BOMB us! One of them even chased Gracie into the house and Rob and I had to coax it out. Furthermore, it sits just outside the windows and stares at us when we are in the living room or eating at the dining table. They are very territorial. It's a bit amusing now, but Lord help the bird that takes a shot at my son!!!

Hope you've all had a nice weekend too.

More from Palm Springs

I know this one is a week old, but I HAD to post this video of Jack swimming with Daddy and the two dogs, Bella and Gracie. He had SOOOO much fun. This video is really adorable. We are already looking into a membership at our neighborhood pool because the kid loves the water. Gracie loves it too, so I'm sad she won't be able to join us at the pool here. Kim and Lorenzo treat their pool with salt instead of chlorine, so the dogs can swim in it without skin issues. It feels much better than chlorine. Jack will get his first swim lessons this summer too! FUN! I guess he got the swimming gene.

Big Boy

Jack had a great time this weekend at Auntie Kim and Uncle Lorenzo's. He is becoming such a big boy...he walked, played in the pool, loved Bella, and impressed us all by eating vitello tonatto and quail for Easter dinner! He has been rationing his kisses to Mommy and Daddy lately, but was in full pucker for Great Tutu. Wonderful trip, beautiful weather and fabulous company!

Back home this morning he really proved to be a big boy by eating his breakfast with his own spoon...no more baby! It is truly something new everyday around here.

Easter Weekend in the Desert

Our trip to the desert to visit Aunt Kim, Uncle Lorenzo and Great Tutu is long over due and we finally made it. We are having a fabulous time. Jack loves the pool and having the dogs swim with him.

The Easter Bunny Is Coming!

We got home today from a quick visit to Long Beach/Redondo Beach. Quick, busy, but very fun. We got to see Grandpa Phil, Andria, Grandpa Jim, Kelsey, and Nikki. Auntie Nikki is looking so cute and very pregnant with only two months to go. I was so honored to get to attend one of her child birth classes with her and help her register for baby loot. We just live too far apart.

We got home to find a package from Grandpa Nick and Tutu...Jack is ready for Easter now. Check out the cute dancing bunny. He LOVES it and now knows how to push the button over and over. His laughter is priceless. Between the bunny and the singing card from Grandma Laura he is well entertained today! Thanks Family!!

WALKING!!

We've had a few scattered steps over the last two weeks, but last night he finally got it! Daddy had him walking all over the living room. He even chased the dog! We are all really in trouble now! And he could not be happier about his new skills. He thinks he is such a big boy!

Hanging out at Trani's with Grandpa Phil

What a fun way to spend a Monday afternoon. After a big plate of pasta marinara, Jack was fueled up for plenty of fun with Grandpa Phil. He was amazed by all of the photos, sports memorabilia and, of course, the fish tank! Grandpa hauled him around the restaurant forever, making monkey noises and trying to get him walking. They finally settled in the bar to share a drink...aaah, milk does a body good! By the time we left, Jack took a two hour nap. Thanks for wearing him out Dad!