Livin' "Z" Life

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Party Time!!

Saturday arrived and our park planned party needed to be revamped. It was still raining that morning and the park would be a toddler's parent nightmare, with the mud, puddles, and soaking playground. The outdoor theme quickly had to be indoors. Several phone calls and a QUICK set up of our house later, we were on track with the party. This year's birthday, Lan completely understood what was going on, friends, balloons, cake, and presents. He had been talking about his birthday party for weeks and his spirits were so high as he saw the prep work underway. This year's theme.....Fire Trucks, of course!!

The firemen of Station 56 surprised Landon and all his friends with a visit to our house!! I don't know who was more excited, the kids or their parents. The firemen was so inviting to let Landon and his friends play in their truck, trying on the gear, and the birthday boy got to start the engine and turn on the lights. Each sliding door was opened to reveal all the gadgets and lessons on fire emergency protocols were being taught to each kid inquiring. Landon got a special talk from Fireman Joe on how to become a firefighter when he grows up. He listened so intently, soaking up the tips!! We passed around food and cake pops to the firefighters, who waved goodbye, and sounded the sirens as they departed!!

Birthday party fun was not over yet. The kids smacked around the firetruck pinata until it cracked open with treats!! Happy Birthday was sung and Landon was quick to ask, "May I open my presents?". The party was wonderful having a home full of family and friends to celebrate Landon turning 3!!

Celebrating Landon!!!

Our boy is 3!! Landon is 3 as of December 14th, 2010, 8:41 am, and we still can't believe time is blowing by us!! I feel like I blinked and my little baby has become a little man. Landon is hilarious, his sense of humor reflects ours. He is quick to make you laugh, learning to play jokes on us. He enjoys the thrill and adrenaline of being scared and loves to hide and scare us, as well. Lan is a perfectionist, smart as a whip, intuitive, and observant. LOVES to be center of attention! Quick to pass out hugs, kisses, high-fives, knuckles, hand shakes, or a wink. His manners are unbelievable, with his "nice to meet you", "may I have this", "please", and "thank you"'s. He is a little adult in a boy's body, asking for "cold coffee" in the morning and reporting that he is going to school at "Harvard". He loves animals and his dogs are his best friends, bossing them around or calling them his "fire dogs". He never met a hose he didn't like, thinking he can put out a fire with it at a moment's notice. Lando takes his fire trucks and firemen very seriously, calling them "his trucks and men". He is a charmer, sharer, and has a sensitive soul! He is 3!!

Scot and I had Tuesday, the 14th off, to have our family celebration time with him, before his party on Saturday. The little sleepy head woke to find a bundle of balloons, and .......a hamster!! (He has been talking about wanting one recently). His tiny hamster, which he quickly named "Wonder Pet", make him giggle when she runs on her wheel. He is not afraid to hold her, loves to open her cage door to talk to her, and give her snacks. The afternoon of his birthday, he was taking his nap with Wonder Pet in his room. We could hear him on the monitor talking to her saying, "Hamster wake up! You are my hamster now. I'm going to take a nap.". We were laughing so hard!!

The birthday boy's second surprise....a visit to the Fire Station. Fireman Matt toured us around Station 56, showing us all the behind the scenes of being a firefighter. Landon listened very closely, following around "his fireman". Playing in a firetruck , is Landon's favorite place to be. He sits in every seat, trying on the gear, turning on the lights, and even carrying the heavy fire hose. The station firemen were quite impressed with his comfort in the truck, were taken back when he shook their hand with a "nice to meet you", and commented that his seriousness for fighting fires, with his 6 foot red hose, at open was surprising. Station 56 was a blast and we had to pry Landon out of the station!!

Our day was still not at an end. We headed to paint our Z Family Santa Cookie plate. Diving into the paints and his artwork, Landon completed the family's masterpiece.

Standing in the grocery store we asked Landon, "What would you like for your birthday dinner?" We headed to the seafood counter. Landon replied "I want crab, lobster, and shrimps!" The gentleman behind the counter, laughingly stated, "He's like an adult." "We know", was Scot's and my response!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Angel Baby!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Chinese medicine or Chinese Torture?

I recently started alternative medicine, Chinese medicine, for my chronic digestive issues. Second week into my new alternative approach and this is me today. Following my acupuncture treatment, this afternoon, I received......cupping. For those of you wondering, no, it wasn't painful. The glass cups were applied for approximately 5-10 minutes, until my skin turned a lovely shade of purple. So, here I am, clearly needing to modify my wardrobe to NOT include strapless or backless attire until my swollen, purple spheres have faded. I felt so energized and well rested following the treatment. Next week, acupuncture and cup sliding.....hmmm.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Landon's GORGEOUS face!!

Photos courtesy of my girlfriend, Lindsey of Lindsey Leigh Photography. (Check out her blog)Just a few of the wonderful pics she captured of us for Christmas!!

Zoo Lights

Opening night of Zoo Lights and we had to be there!! This was Landon's 1st visit to zoo lights. The mood was perfectly festive, the air was crisp, and spirits were high.

Landon bolts to the entrance of "his zoo", he possessively names it. Anxious to see "his animals" and wake them up from sleeping so he can have a little visit with them!

Taking Landon on his 1st camel ride (and my 1st ride too). He loved riding "his camel", talking in his ear, and saying "YeeHaa!". Landon was so polite at the finish of his ride, thanking the camel for his fun!

Holiday wishes from our home...

Decorating at Z North Pole!! Anxious to have the festive Christmas feel early in our home, we had our trees, decorations, and lights up before Thanksgiving!

Landon decorated his tree and picked out new ornaments for this year. He loves this time of year, just as much as his mama and dada do. He is quite hesitant with talking about Santa....doesn't like to hear that he is coming into his house while he is sleeping. He is very worried Santa is going to take his dogs, toys, blankie, etc. Landon's not trusting that Santa Claus, he's keeping his eye on him!!

Oh Christmas trees, oh Christmas trees!!!

Thanksgiving Week....

As usual, I have to back track to recount our activities. What can I say, the Z house gets busier and busier every week!!

Our families celebrated turkey day a little early, I had to work on the actual holiday, as well as my brother, and quite frankly, it just worked out well with everyone traveling in and out of Phoenix.

Landon could hardly contain himself when his Uncle Ants (Uncle Anthony) arrived to our house to stay the weekend. He couldn't get enough of him....waking him up every morning, climbing into his lap, following him around the house, and if Uncle Ants even got up from the table without announcing it to Landon, oh, the devastation on Lan's face! They were attached at the hip, two peas in a pod!!

Once, Aunt Holly, Nannie, and Kori arrived, the festivities and feasting began.....

Lets start the eating off with lunch at the Arizona Culinary Institute, where my cousin Jackie studies. Three courses of amazing food, limoncello, a tour of the behind the scenes kitchens, and a celebration of my Nannie's birthday, we had to be rolled out there.

Not even 3 years old and Landon has a refined palate for fine foods!

Happy Birthday Nannie!

Inside the massive culinary kitchens.

Our Thanksgiving day came and went so quickly. We had about 20 people, some newcomers to our family, and friends that quickly felt like family. Naturally, the wine flowed like water, the kitchen was hopping with apron clad ladies, football on in the background, laughter at every turn in the house, Landon and his friend Ashton, running, wrestling, and playing. The day was perfect!!