Playing "Memory" with Motma

Today our very talented friend Sandy gave Connor a Animal Memory Game that she MADE! Connor and I played it on the floor earlier today and had a great time. Tonight Connor invited Motma to play; since they couldn't get on the floor, they had to improvise...

Operation Big Boy Bed

Yesterday I disassembled Sean's crib, moved Connor's twin bed where the crib had been, and moved the higher, newer twin bed from the playroom to where Connor's bed used to be. I then assembled Sean's new bed rail, and hoped for the best. Chris and I had talked about how no matter when we made this transition, Sean would most likely be up several times at nap and bed time before settling down. Well, I am not holding my breath, but Sean went to sleep in 4 minutes at nap time and slept his usual 2 hrs.
Last night he went to bed at 8:30 p.m. and bounced out at 7am saying, "Hi, dad, do you want to play garbage trucks?" Chris and I smiled at each other in disbelief. I guess low expectations are easy to exceed, but this is amazing.

Here are the boys in their new beds and dinosaur bedding.


Sweet Dreams, everyone!

Inauguration Day!

The boys were very good today as their "Motma" and I were glued to the inauguration. Connor took to modifying familiar songs such as "Down by the Docks" and "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" to "Down by Barack" and Barack Jacob Obama-heimer Schmidt." Pretty funny. Sean enjoyed drawing Obama on his Doodlepro that he got for Christmas. Sean actually remembers and recognizes all the "players" from the election (as does Connor). He recognizes McCain, sort of, actually he calls all white haired men in suits "McCain." When Motma said, "See all the American Flags, Sean?" He said, "No, Motma, those are John McCain flags." Good thing he is only two or he would have had quite a debate on his hands with two "Obama Mamas" in the house. I think they sensed our hopefulness and were pretty happy today! Thanks for the souvenir Obama buttons, Grammy!

A Visit with Sacha and Calvin

The boys on the couch...

Sacha and me at lunch in Malibu--thanks for treating Sacha!


Auntie Jules with baby Calvin. He is such a mellow baby! Never cries enjoys fine milk and the company every


Hooray for Sacha!! All the way from Virginia with her sidekick Calvin!

New Year's Day at the Beach

We went to a different beach closer to Daddy's work today. It was a little windy, but we managed to dig and play in the sand anyway. The boys enjoyed popping seaweed and being chased by the waves.

Leaping for joy!

Standing on rocks as the waves gently flow back and forth.



Life is Good! Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve for 4 and Unders

Sean liked the idea of dipping and eating carrots, but in practice... not so much. Here he is taking a break from his dusk outdoor play activities to try a snack.

Our good friends came for a dungeoness crab dinner which was ex hoc mundo! The 4 and Unders had Dino Chicken and apple slices.



Connor played outside with his new hat on... it can be a stegosaurus hat OR a Roman soldier hat--very versatile!

At the end of the evening, after watching the NYC Ball drop at 9pm, the kids went outside to throw little crackling snaps. I was too busy worrying about their little hands to take any pictures of that.