Finger Painting

I am always trying to think of new things for Zack to experience. When I am at a loss, I check with the kiddos that are going to preschool. A few parents mentioned that they had used finger paints at school already. I thought it might be little early for Zack, since he ate chalk this past summer. But he is 16 months now, and might be ready to really enjoy it.

So last weekend we broke out the paints and let Zack try out his painting skills. Well, at first he didn't understand that is was OK to get your fingers all messy so I gave him a little brush. Once we showed him how to do it, he liked the mess. Right up until he put his finger in his mouth.

He was exteremly unhappy with the taste, and before I could finish wiping his tongue, he rubbed a finger in his eye. A huge mess and a lot of crying followed. I don't have any pictures of the paint in eye since I was trying to make sure he wasn't going to be blinded. (Mostly kidding, paints are safe for eyes, just require washing with water.)

After the bath he was much happier and it will be at least a month or so before we try painting again! This was later that night, happy and snug as a bug!

Lunch with Landon

Last week Kari invited Zack and I over for a lunch play date. I offered to let Kari to squeeze in a training run while I served the boys lunch of chicken and avocado.

We always read that kids this age "parallel play" which is to say they just play "beside" each other, not really with each other, until they are about two years old. But not these two. They really enjoy seeing their friends and particularly enjoyed catching up on gossip (at least as close as I can tell, since I don't speak toddler gibberish).


And while this was suppose to be lunch, and not playing, lunch turned out to be pretty funny. The boys barely noticed I was there.

Landon let Zack sit in his booster seat while he sat like a big boy in one of the chairs.




They were chattin', sharin' food, stealin' food, and pretty much having a great time.
I was laughing so hard at them carrying on. Z telling LT something, LT laughing in response, then LT gabbing and Z laughing. Luckily, I had the camera.

I took over 8 minutes of video, but tried my best to cut it down to "non-parent" 2 minute length. Just refill your coffee and enjoy!


Below is the video...

Z Loves Avacado

Zack must know that his parent have California roots, because the kid loves avocados! True it was one of his first solids but he really does love them.
Here are a few fun pictures of Zack enjoying his favorite food.

Even though I try to tell him small bites, he is sure he can get at least half of an avocado in one bite!

"See, no problem Mom!

Yummy!!

When you can't get enough on the spoon, fingers work great!

Bucket truck

As most of you know by now, Zack loves planes, trains, etc. He has just got a new little truck that goes with his growing Thomas the train collection. I am not sure the official name but we call it a "bucket truck".
This morning when we were playing up stairs, a real one pulled up in front of our house. It turns out our neighbor Kris was getting her large tree trimmed and made Zack's day!

Zack was so excited and fascinated that we had to run out front and watch while the set up. When they raised the bucket I think Zack was in 7th heaven.

He stood out front, perfectly still for at least 30 minutes just watching.

Hair cuts, a year later...

A year ago, almost to the day Kari and I attempted to get hair cuts with the boys. I am not sure either age was easy, just different. Last time we just had to hold them. This time was all about containing them. Zack had ran around the block near the salon by the time LT arrived. When they saw each other, it was like a scene in a love story, they both ran towards each other. I didn't have camera out but here is Z giving LT a big hug. LT was a little taken back, since he practically tackled him.

At first the salon was exciting enough.
While Kari went first the boys played with the barber chairs...


Then they each decide to check out the reading selection, Zack chose to read about chicks in a wedding magazine, trying to understand why they do what they do...

Landon went right to the GQ for the latest fashion advice, hoping he can eventually dress better than his dad.

I gave up on keeping them safe with all the scissors, razors and electrical items, so I gathered the boys up and let Z take LT on a tour of Cherry Creek. Here they are outside "Plant Laboratories", Sofi's mom's salon.
Z showed LT the "Cherry Cricket", were you can get a good burger with a beer
(so the grown ups say), played with some wind chimes at "Show of Hands", did a little window shopping and took in some culture at art gallery.

We headed back to the salon just in time to switch from Shawn in charge to Kari in charge. Here is what happened when Kari had boys.

Cars and trucks

There really isn't anywhere Z goes with out and train or car, or both.
Here he is hang with a train at My Brother's bar, with LT and his folks.
Good thing he always has a few...LT really liked the Mini Cooper!