Life in the Z house

Scot's having his knee surgery tomorrow morning, so Landon and I took the day to getting ready to take care of our patient. We spent the morning shopping and stocking up on all of Scot's favorite treats and snacks. Landon dove into an art project and made a "Get Well Soon" picture, that is now hanging on the refrigerator. Landon and his Dad are inseparable when they are together, it will be an adjustment for Landon not to have his Daddy playing chase and running around after him....the crutches will definitely be slowing Scot down.

After our busy morning, we headed off to the park for swinging, sliding, and sand playing.

Boys will be boys!!

Landon had a play date at the Railroad Park this afternoon with his new friend Michael. Whew....I don't know who got more tired, the Moms or the boys. Landon and Michael got to know one another by going through the other's diaper bag.

Once it was settled that each bag carried similar items (Cheerios, bottles, diapers, etc.) it was on to eating grass and dirt, and of course Landon looking for all the muddy areas to crawl through. The boys became completely mesmerized by the train whistle....an attention grabber I need to buy for home! We took the boys on the train, carousel, and played on the playground. Forget about eating lunch, they were too interested in their surroundings.

"Don't look at the camera, my mom is taking ANOTHER picture."

"I'll crawl over the bridge, if you do."

"Weeeeeee!"

Family Photos!

I'm not going to lie to you.....this family loves the camera!! We had a photography session at Schnepf Farms on Saturday. We enjoyed picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, walking through the corn field, and enjoying the foods. Here's a sneak peak of our photos!!

Jimmy, thank you for the beautiful photography!! You always have a magnificent way of capturing us enjoying life!! We love you!

Haunted Zee House

As most of our friends and family know, Scot and I absolutely love the this time of year and are on the brink of obsession with Halloween!! We took this weekend to get the house decorated, inside and out, taking special pride in the fact that this is Landon's 1st Halloween. We wanted everything to be perfect...spooky, but not too scary! Here's a snapshot look of our hard work.

Every year we set up "Halloween Town". If you have ever visited our home to catch a glimpse of our town, you would see how much detail it has.....lights, noises, movements, multiple elevations! Landon loved staring at it....his Halloween obsession is beginning!

It may seem a little creepy, but we have 5 foot coffin propped near our front door. On Halloween night we add a strobe light and fogger, for the extra effect. Surprisingly, Landon was quite curious of it.

Landon meets Scully the Skeleton, our Halloween doorman. He is quite friendly, but is quick with his sarcastic comments!

You can never have too many skulls!

Don't forget the front yard......our cemetery complete with ravens and bones!

The count down begins for the goons, ghouls, and ghosts to trick-or-treat!

The City of Lights, Family Style!!

We headed off to Las Vegas for a couple of days. Scot and I taught Landon two important life lessons while in the City of Lights: 1. What NOT to do when you grow up and 2. The fine art and luxury of room service. Our perspective changed, in an adult city, we found the fun family sites to visit. We took Landon to see the beautiful fountains (he was not to fond of the one at Paris), water show, dolphins, white tigers, lions, and of course every kid needs to visit FAO Schwartz. Landon had his 1st taste of ice cream, courtesy of his Tata.

In the arms of grandparents, is where time stands still.....

Happy Grandparents Day to the most wonderful grandparents Landon could ever have!! You are giving him so much love, guidance, and offerings and have shown him things in life that Mom and Dad cannot as parents. We love you so very much!! Thank you for all you do!

Who's the Boss?

Each day Landon's independence grows and with that has come his ability to control his environment and everyone in it. He is beginning to understand that he can use his voice to vocalize exactly what he wants. In the grocery store this afternoon I may have experienced his 1st tantrum, luckily it was short lived and easy to resolve. Landon has a true dislike for anything that confines him, stroller, high chair, and more recently, the shopping cart. While shopping today I noticed Landon getting squirmy and was fidgeting with the safety belt. Suddenly, he lets out a blood chilling scream, with his fists in the air, and his face scrunched up......incredibly cute, but shocking (I wish I could have recorded it and shown it to him when he is older). I picked him up and he gave me his adorable smile.....very satisfied that Mom has reacted appropriately.

Landon has also learned to be the pack leader with the dogs, especially Kenzee. Landon was enjoying his snack and was generous enough to share with Kenzee. When she kept begging for more Cheerios, he pushed her away and points for her to go!! HA! HA! HA!

Again, Landon bossing Kenzee. They were playing with his socks, when she stole the sock from him he was quick to snatch it back!

As Scot and I say.....This is Landon's world and we're just living in it!!

Just another Saturday...

Family excursion this morning...the park. As most parents know, heading out of the house, for even the shortest trip can be an adventure. After Landon's breakfast, nap, Mom and Dad downing a pot of coffee, came the ever struggle with sunscreen and shoe application (never a favorite of Landon's). Off we went to the park. Our son, Mr. Personality, charmed everyone, including Mom and Dad. He sat back in his new car toy (thanks for the inside tip Turnbow's) taking in the sites and enjoying the waterfalls. He waved at the people as the train passed back and forth. A trip to the park is never complete without a taste test of the grass, leaves, and bark. YUCK! You would think that with the 5 course homemade, gourmet meals we prepare, his palate would not be interested in dirt and plants.