Easter B-u-n-n-y

We have resorted to spelling the name the now dreadful hopping creature who brings baskets of tasty delights and gifts. Took a little visit to the mall to see the Easter Bunny....big mistake. He waited in line with Carson, listening to me talk up the bunny, all the while he is getting excited, listening to my story of the wonderful bunny who brings jelly beans. The bunny comes out to start photos, Landon catches a glimpse of the cartoon-like creature. Uh-oh! Shaking his head saying "no no no" and then the tears start. Needless to say, I didn't subject him to getting any closer to the b-u-n-n-y. Unfortunately, we did have to exit the mall and of course, our exit is near the b-u-n-n-y. Landon sees the colorful set for photos approaching in the distance and I see the panic setting in his eyes. Quickly, I tell him, "close your eyes Lan!".....hands plastered over face, stroller moving a warp speed to get away from the b-u-n-n-y. He kept his hands over his face until I gave him the signal, we were safe!

"Is he gone?"

A ride on the carousel, cures the stress of seeing the b-u-n-n-y!

Where's Fireman?

The tiniest of friends created by a large, wonderful imagination. Little Fireman goes everyone with Landon, since they met last week at Toys R Us.

Our right brained boy has an incredible imagination and memory. He manipulates household items and toys to suit his pretend play. He talks to his animals and of course, Fireman, animatedly using his hands and expression with such awe and excitement. Playing with him and watching him play is so magical, as he creates and builds his fun!!

Would you like some cupcake with your sprinkles?

Cupcake time!!! Carson and Landon made Spring cupcakes today. Let me clarify, cupcakes were made, cooled, and ready for decorating. Pastel colored frosting ready for spreading, sprinkles ready to be sprinkled. The boys dug right into the cupcake, no decorating needed....yum! Next, each ate a heaping spoonful of frosting ...delicious! Just testing the ingredients!!!

Their final masterpieces!

Spring is in the Air

Landon enjoyed his 1st, but definitely not last, spring training game. We have been so excited to venture out with Landon and have him experience all type of sporting events. Lando had a blast, throwing his baseball, running through the crowd, giving high-fives to the fans , and eating all American ballpark foods! Take us out the the ballgame anytime!!!

Family festivities and BBQ's...definite must!!! We celebrated Landon's Papa's birthday after the game. We all just have a great time together, there is nothing better than family! Happy Birthday Jimmy! We love you!

Slow Motion

Pointing to his throat and saying "ow", won our sweet boy to a quick trip to his pediatrician's office this week. Who would have thought he would find the Rapid Strep test to be so fun, as he reenacted it on Mom and Grandma, careful not to gag us with the cotton swab! Poor Landon is moving a little slower this week with bacterial tonsillitis. His only survival.....mini, slow melt Popsicles, frozen go-gurts, and the Disney channel. Appointments, play dates, and classes were cancelled for the week. Time for the Zee family sick treatment: warm baths, soup through a straw, Vicks vapor rub, and tons of cuddle time. Everyday he's been asking to go swing at the park, but hasn't pushed the subject as he climbs on the couch with all his lovies, and lays down. Our house is twice as messy, as we haven't left and indoor activities have gotten creative (when he has the energy to play). Hoping for a quick recovery for our sweet boy!!!

This is his Fireman Landon gear....tools, backwards fireman hat, and a spray bottle to put out fires. What you don't see is his hose strategically placed across the couch, onto his slide, and into his car. Gotta love pretend play!

A little time out for arts, crafts, and paints.

Fun is Always Near!

In 2 weeks, we have had about a half a dozen, play dates with our friends Carson and Lindsey. We have put our heads together and really taken advantage of all the amazingly fun things we can do with our boys. We have spent countless hours at the park we love.....swinging, sliding, playing in sand, picnics and McDonald Happy Meals. Our recent fav event is Toddler Time at the library. The boys get the best of both worlds, reading new stories, intertwined with music, dance, parachute time, and just good ol' play time fun.

Waiting patiently for Toddler Time to begin.


The wheels on the bus...


Sunny days and Happy Meals

Today we ventured out bright and early to the Phoenix Zoo. We loaded my car, and the very prepared moms that we are, packed for a small road trip, a quick run into Starbucks, and we were off to the brave the wild with our boys. I don't know who was more excited Lindsey and I or the boys. Needless to say, all 4 of us had the time of our lives. The exhibits were perfect today, the animals out and ready for viewing, as the 2 of us snapped enough photos to fill the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We braved the giraffe feedings......giddy the entire time and thrilled to get the opportunity to get up close and personal with our safari style adventure. The Harlem Globetrotters were at the zoo and we were fortunate to get a great viewing of their ball handling skills, followed by an autograph. A ride on the carousel to top off the day, after get getting attacked by bees at lunch, was exactly what the boys needed before heading off to nap on the car ride home. Ahhhhh! Never a moment without fun!!


Great times with our friends, Lindsey and Carson



"I know the way, Carson. Follow me!"


Lindsey and Carson


"Hmmm, what is that?"


"Since Mom doesn't know what the heck we are looking at, I better find out."


Autographs from the ball players


Thrilled watching the basketball wizardry! I think this was his favorite part of our zoo excursion.

Photo Discovery

Finally having some time to play with the Christmas gift Scot gave me.

I'm still a novice with the program and the DVD tutorial was 10 hours long, so I took on the Adobe Photoshop head on. The capabilities are endless. Here is just a few of my test runs......

Already?

Here it is our potential preschool!!!! Scot, Landon, and I went for an interview with the owner today.....so bittersweet. The school seems to have all we are looking for....it amazingly balanced calmness and structure. How do they do that with toddlers? Landon felt right at home, they allowed him to blend into the class, which he did with ease. The teacher, with her Scottish accent greeted us immediately, but was quick to tend to her students ( we loved that she didn't neglect them and their time with her). The interview was conducted in the middle of the classroom, the children unbothered by our presence, and us feeling quite comfortable with the curriculum.

Will this be the golden ticket into Landon's educational jumpstart? Stay tuned.

So Much Love In So Little Time!

Landon's sweet blankie, only became his magical best friend about a year ago. Blankie contributes the enchanting sprinkle of calm and tranquility throughout his days and nights. This small square of blue fabric provides him his comfort zone into a blissed out state of mind.....only Blankie can only give that with any instant cuddle. Being a toddler, no doubt is fun and exciting, but I'm sure it is also turbulent with so many unexpected and unknown twists and turns that Landon can't predict, I'm glad his sweet Blankie can be there with him.

Before


After

I had a pink Blankie with a satin trim and used to suck on the edges. Scot's lovey was a blue blanket he trailed behind him, just as Linus on Charlie Brown. What ever happened to them?

Bisto Blog

To all my fellow blogging friends, I invite you to share a recipe that your family food critics give 2 thumbs up to. I have learned to appreciate the culinary arts (sure I'm still a novice, but that's not important) and am always looking for new ways to grow and try new fun family recipes. With a cupboard overflowing with recipes and cookbooks, I still struggle with what to make for dinner....before having a child I could dive into several courses to prepare for my loving husband, but with a 2 year old in the kitchen with me now, I still try to keep the dishes interesting, but a little simpler, and tantalizing to my toddler's palate.

Here's my contribution of a new recipe. Last night's dinner was a success around my family table. If you would like to join in, feel free to post a recipe on your blog or in my comments section!

Salmon with Brown Butter, Almonds, and Green Beans


4 Tbl unsalted butter
1 1/4 lbs skinless salmon fillet
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 lb fresh green beans
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 Tbl capers

Heat 1 Tbl butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook until opaque throughout, 3-5 minutes per side; transfer to plates.
Meanwhile, fill a 2nd skillet with 1/2 of water, bring to a boil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add the green beans, cover, and steam until just tender, 4-5 minutes; drain and transfer to plates.

Wipe out the green been skillet and heat the remaining 3 Tbl of butter over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until the almonds and butter are golder brown (not burned), 2-3 minutes. Stir in the capers. Spoon over fish and green beans.

When I Grow Up...

Harmonica player...

Artist...

The next Tony Hawk...


Pianist...


Basketball player...

Photographer...

Doctor...

Just don't grow up too quickly, buddy!

Our lil' beast!

Beast class at The Little Gym started this week. This is Landon's 2nd semester as a Beasts. He has been at this studio with the same group of boys and teacher for 1 year now (we initially started him at 4 months old). The boys in the class Brody, Cash, and Landon are definitely the 3 musketeers. Over the course of 1 year they have learned to socialize with each other, follow each others lead, entertain each other, and just down right be boys!!! Sure other kids have come and gone with our classes, but Lan, Brody, and Cash have always stayed at each others side! Landon has grown so much and you can just see new milestones be reached, challenged, and tried during these classes. He loves being there....we we're only off for a few weeks, and he and all the boys were thrilled to be back on their stomping ground. Each of us moms took turns noticing how big our boys were getting, all the while getting misty eyed as they wanted to attempt new and old skills independently. So bittersweet to watch them grow! The teacher Miss Rachel has been with the boys a year now....so ohhhs and ahhs right along with us, remembering when they weren't walking or nearly so demanding as to how class will be run for the day. Yes, some classes the boys just demand bubbles or balls or just want open play time.....Miss Rachel, so eager to please the boys usually will adjust our class lessons or go over our time limit. Scot, Landon, and I absolutely love The Little Gym and adore the families we have become so great friends with!

Listening to Miss Rachel

Landon's favorite part to swinging on the bars.....falling on the big mat!

If one does the obstacle course, you're sure to find the other two!

Cracking each other up!!!

Imagination Movers

Landon just can't get any more adorable!! Lando rockin' out to the Imagination Movers.....a favorite in our house. He runs, dances, sings, and jams on his guitar to their catchy tunes. Musician, perhaps?!

Out with the old, in with the new.....

Look out 2010, here we come!!! On New Year's Eve I usually feel a little nostalgic and melancholy. Another year so quickly passed, a reminder that time is going by in the blink of an eye. A year of beautiful memories and challenging stepping stones leading us into the open and empty pages of a new year, waiting to be filled with a myriad of new memories, moments, and testaments.....

Toasting the night away!!


Good cocktails with great company, our friends, the Pelokes!!

We rang in the New Year at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Keeping entertained with adult company, great drinks, amazing food, a gorgeous villa....even better, Scot and I just enjoying each other's company!! We had a brilliant night to lead into a brilliant new year!

A beautiful 1st morning in 2010!

Cheers to 2010!!