Short Movie

Alex playing the maracas Auntie Colleen brought back from Mexico

Friends

Today was our 5th trip tot he pool so far this season.  That's only one less than all of last year.  We got to bring Matthew's friend Nyimah with us.

 The three amigos.

 Today Matthew was able to hold his back float for 3.5 seconds!!  Last week this time he had never even attempted one.  He is so ready for swimming lessons to start on Monday.

 Alex really loves the water

 and because he has a little more body fat than Matthew didi at this age, he is able to stay in a lot longer

 We were in the water for two hours today!

I think thats a record.

 They had a blast.

 Enjoying the wave pool.

 Alex taking a break.

Afterwards we came home and the kids had "home made" Mac N Cheese.  Matthew will only eat it if its home made.  Thank goodness Kraft makes it home made and puts it in a box for me!

Landscaping is a Spectator Sport

Last Monday the neighbour across the street was having some landscaping done which included a forklift/tractor and a semi truck to be on our street.  Of course one must be as close to the action as his mother will allow.

First trip to the Pool 2013

Again this year Nana and Papa bought pool passes as a birthday gift for Matthew.

The city of Renton sneakily opened the pool two weeks earlier than usual so we missed a few opportunities to get wet but as soon as I realized what they'd done we were in our suits and on the road!

 Alex testing the sunscreen to make sure it is safe for all of us.

 Matthew is back in the water without a moments hesitation.

 No cats here.

 Apparently there are puppies though.

 This year Alex actually gets to get wet instead of just riding around in the moby wrap.

A look at our lovely pool and one of the ever vigilant lifeguards who we really appreciate. 

Alex's Version of Blanket Love

Anytime he spots a blanket on the floor he squeals and runs over to rub his face on it.

I tell ya Nana makes the best blankets in the world.

Pet Store

 Last week Matthew and his Dad stopped by a local pet store. 

Matthew and a leaf bug.

The big fish.

Another Post Courtesy of Matthew

Guests

On Monday Anna Piianaia and her crew (Sadie 10, Ian 6 and Isabella 4) came to spend the day with us.

It took a while for the kids to loosen up and get used to each other but by the time that Alex woke up from his second nap they were all hanging out together while Anna and I sat in the back yard and chatted.

After supper the kids had really relaxed and game of baseball turned into this...

Wildlife

Last week as I was watering this lovely hanging plant

I noticed a teeny little nest and a teeny little egg.

Can you see it down in there?  Well we were very excited about this little development and were excited to see what it might develop into but when I went to look tonight I saw that the nest remains but the egg is gone.  Not surprising I suppose considering the numerous squirrels and cats around but still disappointing.  

 Of course we can always find this kind of wildlife out on a sunny afternoon.

 A little pink eye doesn't slow down the natives.

Pink Eye

After his first day of daycare, Alex came home with pink eye.

He looks like he got in a fight but his attitude was great (except for the battle that ensues when I have to put the drops in).

Alex at Work

For the past 11 months Alex has accompanied me to the office.  Since he has become very mobile it has been difficult for me to have him there but more often than not he is thoroughly enjoyed by the patients and staff alike.  

 This patient actually got on the floor to crawl around with him.

 a quick pic with his assistant 

 This little guy and his dad come in fairly often and if Alex is napping he repeats "Where's the baby?"

 Here they are teaming up to help me adjust.

Tomorrow he starts daycare.  He will be there two days a week and with Grandma one day a week.  I'll be on my own again at the office.  I have admit I am totally torn.  It has become very difficult to have him at the office but at the same time I'm going to really miss having him with me every day.  I've been so lucky to have been able to have him with me for so long.

Exploring New Spaces

On Memorial Day weekend we went out to explore our neighborhood despite the dodgy weather.

 One of our neighbours has this huge patriotic eagle in his driveway.  Not pictured here is the equally giant American flag top hat that was sitting on top of their hedge.  I hope they make another appearance for Fourth of July.

 Enjoying the park in our neighborhood.

When we got home, we went out into the backyard and the boys explored while I dead headed the Rhodys

You're going to mow the lawn when the sun comes out?  That'll be awesome!!!

 This tree has all these great rocks you can lift up to look for bugs!

Best Mom EVER

As we were heading home from running errands one afternoon, I spotted a guy walking along Maple Valley Highway with a snake wrapped around his neck.  I made a U-turn and we went back to find him.  He was a very pleasant man so we chatted for a bit then he let us hold the snake and snapped a picture for us and one for his FFB page!
He was a seven year old python named Jafar.

An Afternoon in the Yard

This post has a million pictures in it but I wanted to show you all what an afternoon hanging out in the yard with the kids and Auntie Kathy is like.  The first bunch of pictures of Auntie Kathy were taken by Matthew.  You can see what she will do to appease that kid.

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 This next bunch is Matthew's antics.  He is always and repeatedly showing us how strong and fast he is.  He also often demonstrates his prowess as a T-rex.

 

 One of my favorite parts of M's body, his belly mole.

Next we have Alex practicing drinking from an almost empty cup.

 Matthew digging with his little feet crossed under him.

 The adorable and mostly happy Alex.

 As you have seen from past posts, I have started to let Matthew experiment with the DSLR camera.  He is often confused by all the buttons and dials but I am no help at all since I always have it set to Automatic mode.