Lizzy's Party

We had a big party to celebrate Lizzy's fourth birthday. We ordered a jumpy house and it came really early, and Lizzy and Peter spent most of the day jumping away. In the afternoon, our neighborhood friends Charlie, Nick, Owen, Evan, Trevor, Connor, Drew, Paige, Maddie, and Jack all came over. Some school friends, Bennett and Riley, as well as some of Daddy's friends from work, Brendan and Noah, and our families also came by for the celebration. Whew! That's a lot of people, but we had a lot of fun getting to see so many special friends. It was a really hot day, but all the kids jumped around in the bouncy house, played with the roller coaster or sandbox, or played in the backyard or playroom. We had a special pony pinata, and of course some cupcakes. We loved getting to spend time with our friends and family and to celebrate our special Lizzy girl.

Academy of Sciences

Our cousins called us on Thursday morning and said they were heading into the city, and though we had lots to do to get ready for Lizzy's party, we can never pass up time with our cousins (and work can always wait, right?). We met them at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Golden Gate park is just so beautiful, and it was a gorgeous, sunny day. We found a darling hidden garden, "The Shakespeare Garden," where we ate lunch. Lizzy and Peter held hands all along our path to the garden, then everyone enjoyed a great lunch and playing outside. We had a wonderful time in the Academy of Sciences. We loved seeing all the butterflies in the rain forrest, and of course the aquarium is always a favorite. I think Elizabeth really loved just being near Jack! Who can blame her really, the guy is pretty great:) She always loves to walk around and hold his hand, and she really just loves spending time with him. Jack is so wonderful with all the kids- he plays with them and talks with them. Pretty amazing for a teenage boy to be so wonderful with kids!

The bummer of the day was when I discovered that I had locked my keys in the car! I didn't know what to do and felt so frustrated and upset! Instead of being proactive and thinking of a solution, I spent a lot of time being mad and crying! I don't usually cry a lot, and rarely in front of Lizzy and Peter, so I don't think they knew what to make of me. Lizzy was so wonderful and really patient with me. She hugged me and stroked me and kept saying, "It's okay, Mommy." She really taught me a lesson on compassion, and I was so grateful to her that she just let me have a little time to be upset. Lizzy and Peter spent two hours in the parking garage, and the majority of the time they were laughing and playing around. I was reminded how lighthearted children are, and their amazing ability to make the best of any situation. They certainly showed me that locking your keys isn't the worst thing in the world, in fact, it's just a chance to spend more time in San Francisco having "fun."

Backyard Getaway

Our Papa came over the other day and brought a very special present for Lizzy and Peter for their birthdays! He helped us put together a wonderful play house for our backyard. Right away, everyone was eager to get inside and enjoy a cozy new spot for playing. The most popular part of the new house........the phone (narrowly beating out the doorbell). Everyone wants a turn to talk on it, and we're working on sharing (without throwing) the phone. Lizzy loves to take out lots of blankets and stuffed animals and create a special house for her stuffed animals to live in. Of course the little house is awesome, but we really loved getting to spend an afternoon with Papa. He helped us water all our flowers, which were desperately thirsty. A vivid memory of my youth (and it's still going on to this day) is Papa coming home from work, changing his clothes, and attending to the lawn and plants. He would carefully water each one and set the sprinklers just so. I guess that explains why Papa's garden looks pristine, and our plants are suffering a dry, slow painful death. Papa even stayed for dinner. We loved getting to spend some time with him and enjoy a semi-peaceful dinner together. Thanks for all your help, Papa!

Pearly Whites

Oh, what a difference a year makes! Last year (yes, it's been a year- bad mommy!) when Elizabeth went to the dentist for the first time, it was not a good experience. She was super scared and would barely open her mouth. Since it's almost her birthday, I figured it was time we tried again. I went in expecting the worst, but my brave little girl surprised me with how willing she was to try everything. She let the hygienist use all her tools and give her a thorough cleaning. She was so brave and easy going I couldn't believe it! I guess she really is growing up:)

Four Wheelin' It

Today we were driving home after running some errands, and we saw that Drew and Paige were out front playing with their big car. We stopped to have a little fun before lunch. All the kids were so excited to see each other, and they loved taking turns riding the car. As you can see, Peter was pretty excited to ride around! It's hard to tell which he enjoyed more- riding in the car or being so close to Drew. Honestly, the way both Lizzy and Peter hug and kiss Drew, it's getting a little ridiculous. I guess they just really love their friend! It cracks me up how Peter is such a big boy now, waiting for his turn, and finding his own quiet way to be included. Peter rode around and around, with his small, proud smile on his face, so happy to be having fun and hanging with the big kids.

Bike Ride Peter-Style

Yesterday I had to open the garage door, and Peter ran right in, moved a whole bunch of junk aside, and pulled out Lizzy's old tricycle. I guess he wanted to go for a bike ride, and really get to ride something himself rather than sit on the back of my bike and watch Lizzy get to have all the fun on her bike. Lizzy and I got our bikes and Daddy pushed Peter. Lizzy did great! She is really getting the hang of riding close to the sidewalk so cars can get by, and turning and stopping. She kept saying, "What a lovely day for a bikeride!" Peter was in heaven. He did a pretty good job of keeping his feet on the pedals, and loved being a part of the action. Everytime I would look at him he had this little smile on his face that he gets when he feels really proud of himself. Patient Peter finally got his turn to ride a bike!

p.s. Yes, if you look carefully that's Lizzy's pink princess shirt that Peter insisted upon wearing! We all know that guy loves his big sister, and since pink is in for guys, why not? Daddy on the other hand wasn't too crazy that Peter's riding around town looking like that, but we've all learned to pick our battles:)

Ta-Dah!

Okay, it could be just me, but it seems like Peter is just getting cuter and cuter each day! I know I'm biased because I'm his mom, but seriously, that guy is pretty darn adorable! One of the really fun things that is happening with Peter is his talking. He is starting to talk more and more, and is saying lots of two word combinations. It's really fun to have "conversations" with him, to feel like he is really listening and understanding, and to hear what he has to say too. Now, whenever Peter feels like he has accomplished something, like walking across rocks or climbing something high (you know, the really important stuff), he puts his hands up and says, "Ta-Dah!" with a really proud smile on his face. He also is fiercely independent (hmmm, where could he get that from?) and wants to do EVERYTHING by himself, declaring, "I do it!" Yesterday we went for a walk around the neighborhood, and Peter pointed out every car and truck to me, as well as all the yellow and blue things he could find. This guy is shaping up to be a real talker, and I love hearing what he has to say!