Here's were it all starts.....

Where do I even begin to get you all (and even myself) oriented to our last 3 weeks? Of course, no blogging took place over this time...I barely had time to sit down between work, family visiting for the big event, work again, and have 1 day to pack a family of 3 for our 10 day excursion to the east coast. Here I goooooo, to blog my little heart out and type 'till the fingers fall off, I'll keep it short and sweet! Stay tuned for further posts from our amazing vacay!

My older brother, Vince and his bride, Melissa, eloped last November after their move to Connecticut. Needless to say, coming from a huge family, who all love a great wedding, it was only necessary to celebrate their nuptials. Family and friends traveled from all over for the party, held at The Preserves (my Dad's home). Music blaring from the DJ booth, drinks flowing, and immediately we head to the dance floor...we all love to show our moves (I do not come from a shy family)! The bride and groom, with their gorgeous daughter, Chloe, were center of attention, as they should be. With a toast by Vince directed at thanking the family, new additions, and feeling so blessed by his lovely wife, their was not one dry eye in the house. My favorite part, having both my brothers in Arizona with me!!

Here's what you don't see in my photos: my 80+year old Nannie puffing away at a cigar, my mom and step-mom chatting it up like old BFF's, and my dad and step-dad calling each other "husbands in-law"! WHAT?!! Families are the best!!!
Feel free to snoop at my family's photos: http://www.liddellimages.com/

Doesn't get any cuter than this!!

Our boy, showing off his moves on the dance floor!

Fireman Landon

Landon was invited by our friend, Fireman Scott, to visit him at his station in Scottsdale. Immediately, as we turned into the fire station, Landon reached across the backseat and donned his Fireman hat..."going to work, Mom and Dad"! This was not his 1st encounter with fire trucks, but this was his 1st private tour with his own personal fireman into his favorite place, the firetruck. Fireman Landon was so comfortable with his surroundings, playing on the the radio, sitting in the seats, steering the wheel. When Fireman Scott got an emergency call and speed away in the truck, Landon was not sad to leave his seat, but rather understood their call to duty. He was awestruck as the firemen waved "goodbye" and speed away!

Thank you so much Scott for the wonderful day and awesome memories!!

What didn't we do today?

Airplanes and a dog, not quite what we had planned for our day.

Landon loves airplanes, surprise, surprise, what boy doesn't.? We took him to breakfast at the DV airport. An outing I highly recommend with toddlers. It seems we may have been the last to venture there, as there were many other families enjoying the airplanes during take off and landing while dining on breakfast. The wonder and enjoyment in his eyes was amazing!! The only problem was explaining to our 2 year old that we can't go on an airplane today....such a disappointment to him!

So what do you do after a wonderful meal? Buy a dog. Huh?!

How did this happen? Scot has been working on convincing me to get another dog for over a year. I don't know what happened to me, but I just happened to see the sweetest lil' pup up for adoption and we couldn't resist. She initially gave a big sloppy kiss to Landon, rubbed up against us, and we brought her home. Shilo is a Beagle-Doxie mix and she is just adorable! What to work on next: the sleeping arrangements. To be continued....

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.