Happy birthday, Logan

May 17, 2014

Unfortunately, we missed Logan's official birthday party because we were on the CA Mille.  So we found some time a few weeks later.  And had a lot of fun.  We even all went swimming.  As Bruce says, "Of course!  It's an even numbered year!"

After opening all of his gifts, Logan played with his really favorite things all afternoon.

Favorite things:  "Broosh", "papple","bwonn", "'ear",  and "Momo"

Buddies - Andrew and Logan

May 13, 2014
Riverview Park

Nothing like a day at the park with a buddy, an apple, and playground equipment.

What would Jordan do? (WWJD?)

May 13, 2014

I rely on Jordan to keep me current on all things related to motherhood - what's the hot trend in diaper bags, what gifts might Theresa like as a new mom, best time  to go to the Children's Museum.  She's very gracious with her answers and I haven't seen her roll her eyes once.

Now I realize that she has ALOT of tricks in her diaper bag.  So the best part of the field trips we take together is what I learn from her.  On just one trip to the park, here's what I learned:

• Pack up the items you might need for the park.  Bring the bag into the park.  I left my bag in the car
• Put goldfish crackers in containers that the kids can carry themselves.
• A back pack is a good alternative for a diaper bag as kids get older.  
• You can't have too many baby wipes.  Aside from their obvious use, they are good for cleaning hands before lunch.  And feet after playing in a Chik-fil-A  playroom.
• And my favorite - give Logan a whole apple to nibble on.  He loved it.  He ate the whole thing.  Over the course of an hour - sitting on the picnic bench, swinging on the tire swing, climbing, sliding, walking and running. 

Fishing for balloons

April 21, 2014

Logan sighted a helium balloon as soon as he entered the kitchen this morning.

I tied the balloon to Logan.  It followed us like a shadow all day.  Of course we had to leave it behind when we went in to the library.  Logan asked about it every half fifteen minutes or so while we were away from it.

Later in the afternoon, I heard a big "Oh, oh".  The balloon had broken free and was way out of our reach on the 20 ft high ceiling.  Logan looked crestfallen.

Using the telescoping device we use for changing light bulbs, Logan and I started to "fish" the balloon down. Logan was right at my side, looking up at the balloon, getting dizzy, and hoping this would work.  The next thing I know, Logan's not next to me anymore.   Then I see him running out of the guest room where he had gone to get his tennis racquet.  He ran back to the balloon, and joined the fishing project with his tennis racquet.

I was laughing so hard, I'm surprised we could succeed.  But we did.  And Logan walked around with all his fishing equipment for the rest of the afternoon.

Field Trip: Scottsdale Center for the Arts

April 21, 2014

The Scottsdale Library was our destination today.

We got there in time for story time.  I have a pretty high tolerance for enjoying programs - particularly about reading.  But this was a yawn.  There were about 10 little peeps, each with an adult supervisor.  The activities were very sing songy and basic.  And, unfortunately, a bit of a throwback relative to the way the librarian spoke about girls and boys.

It was a good socializing exercise, though - following instruction, paying attention to the leader, sharing with the other kids.  Logan loved the toys that were involved - balls, fish, and tambourines.  Getting him to return them required a bit of trickery on my part.

The really fun part about the library, though, was the playroom.  It was filled with activities and books for toddlers.  We played there for a long time.  Logan did well at sharing and playing with the other kids.

We had some extra time, so we checked out Civic Center Park - the home of another favorite "L-fie" - Logan and Luna selfies.

Why I love genealogy

While hanging out in the great Riverview Park in Mesa today, I told Andrew that he and Logan were cousins.  

Andrew:  But I have four cousins.  (Counting them off on his fingers) Amy, brad, candy, don (note:  I made up the names since I can't seem to remember anything anymore.)

Luna: That's true, but you and Logan are second cousins.   

Andrew:  No!  Brad is my second cousin!

And this is why I love genealogy.