Here fishy, fishy

Today we went to the aquarium and saw lots and lots of fish and other fun watery things.  We touched star fish (a little reluctantly), saw jelly fish, octopus a friendly sea lion being fed and lots of colorful fish of all shapes and sizes.  Above all, Carmen's favorite things were running from exhibit to exhibit without really looking at anything for more than a few seconds, touching the fake coral and feeling shark teeth.  Max was mostly patient during the outing and  enjoyed watching fish go by.  When he got antsy, we kept him occupied with what else, several packages of Mum Mum crackers.

The crowning achievement for the day was, drum roll please...

Carmen got her face painted!  She saw some other kiddos with fun designs painted on their faces and she said she would like one too.  Well, we know how that went last time (as a refresh, Grandma stood in line for over an hour so Little C could get her face painted and when it was her turn she refused to do it).  Today was a moral victory.  There was no line. Carmen sat, she smiled and said the paint tickled when it was being applied.  She came away with a red octopus on her cheek.  Not sure who was ginning more, Carmen or Mom and Dad.

The afternoon concluded with lunch out and then home for naps. 

 

Splish Splash

Apparently somebody loves the water...

7 months

Time is certainly not slowing down, in fact, it seems to be going faster and faster.  Just two weeks ago you would roll onto your tummy and fuss, fuss, fuss.  Fast forward to now and you are on the move--inching, scooting and almost crawling.  You are efficient in your movement and so very determined.  When you see something you want, you beeline right for it; usually one of your sister's prized possessions.  You are quickly learning that she is great at sharing some things and not so great at sharing others.  You continue to smile at Carmen and still light up when you see her.  The two of you are interacting so much more and even 'playing' a little. 

There is no doubt that you are a healthy eater--you are getting so much better and we have yet to find something you don't like.  Thus far banana is definitely your favorite.  And thank goodness for Mum Mum crackers.  We entertain you with these while we try and eat our dinner or when we are out running errands.  You scarf them down in no time at all and I often feel like we are feeding an animal at the zoo.  You get it everywhere and are full of crumbs from head to toe, but they make you oh so happy.  You get so excited when you hear the package open.

You continue to talk, talk, talk and blow bubbles.  You always wake up mad in the middle of the night but when you wake up in the morning and it's time to get up, you roll around, play and talk to yourself.  Although I want to say good morning, I often wait and just listen to you.  I wonder what you are thinking, something good I'm sure by the way you smile and coo. 

You love to be outside and just watch the world go by.  You are tracking things like a hawk and taking in every detail.  You love being in the stroller and especially watching the big kids.  You are enamored with their every move.  You will be there all too quickly.  For now, please continue to snuggle with me, outstretch your arms when you see me, let me kiss your head, tickle your toes and make funny faces to make you laugh.  7 months come and gone already dear Maxy. Thank you for being ours and making these last 7 months so amazing.  Here's to you smiley boy!

Hardware...Finally!

Well, it's been almost 9 months since our kitchen got a face-lift and we finally installed the cabinet hardware.  Not sure what took us so long as it gives the kitchen a little polish and keeps dirty and sticky 2-year-old finger marks off the white cabinets.  It also keeps a nagging wife happy.  Hooray for hardware!

Back to Seattle

We are back in town after two wonderful weeks of sun and fun.  We came home to gray skies and lots and lots of rain.  "No more sun," says Carmen.  "It's wet outside."  We will have to wait a bit to play golf and blow bubbles again. 

Now, it's back into routine.  Trips to the grocery store, laundry, going through mail and ah yes, back to work.

We couldn't have asked for a better vacation.  Can't wait until we get to do all over again next year.

A few parting pics:

Lions, Tigers and Giraffes, Oh My!

Today we spent a jammed packed day at the Wild Animal Park and Aquarium--no bears, but lots and lots of other fun animals and fish to see.  Among the highlights: a baby jaguar and baby warthogs, several varieties of monkeys, big lizards and snakes, a white alligator, a white tiger, a white rhinoceros, tortoises, a kangaroo with her joey in her pocket, running zebras and Carmen's favorite, feeding the giraffes.

 

After visiting our animal friends, we headed to lunch where we dined with sharks. We had a prime seat and Carmen was in awe of the big fish swimming around while we ate. We made a quick tour of the aquarium exhibits which included touching the sting rays, a lobster and starfish, before our little explorer was ready to retire for her long-over due nap.

 It was a fun day. Not sure who enjoyed it more, Carmen or Grandma!