Gallego Family

2010-01-15T17:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes he sleeps...

2009-10-08T12:46:00.000-06:00

Rockin' out!

2009-09-29T13:24:00.002-06:00

Rockets!

2009-08-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

Zack has a thing for cars, trucks, planes, backhoes...let's face it any kind of mode transportation. While back he started talking about rockets. The super dad, of course, Albert showed him some launches on youtube and made several out of Lego's. I know he has been waiting for Zack to be old enough for the really cool big boy toys and I am sure we will be building rockets etc. at the Gallego house.

But for now the little rocket set I was lucky enough to come across at trip to Bookies will have to do. (True be told, Zack found it and wouldn't let it go but I was looking for something like it and it was perfect.)

It has two shuttles, several rockets from past space missions and a few test jets...All a boy could want.

Playing at Landon's with homemade rocket.

Dad and Zack deciding on which block makes prefect rocket.
One of many rockets built with new Lego's dad got Zack for his birthday!

Little space shuttle that of course joined Zack and mom for pancakes.

Flying over little creeks is the best!

"Blast off, into outer space!!"

Never without these spaceships, at least this week.

More takes off and landings.

Zack loves to "match" things the past few weeks and we lucked out with two shuttles in the package I bought. Of course he has to know their names too...Discovery and Enterprise.

Getting back to almost normal stride...His balance is back to normal too.

Nothing better than flying rockets in Copper Mountain while dad completes 78 mile bike ride.

Walking again!!

2009-07-27T14:14:00.010-06:00

Zack got his cast off and didn't walk for the first week and a half. I'll admit I was a bit worried, so I called the Doctor. She assured me that it was normal and to give him another few days and work on exercises. She must be psychic or a really good childrens doctor because he was trying to walk the next day, and getting better every day after. Or as Zack says "getting stronger, getting bigger!"

Below is little sample of his walking over the past two weeks, ending with him chasing me at the Zoo Sunday. He's almost back to his pre-break sprinting.

Zack and Landon at Botanic gardens

2009-07-13T14:54:00.035-06:00

Zack and I went to the Botanic gardens with the Campbell's. After our usual greeting, (both boys running in slow motion, laughing, just like in a movie) we were off to explore the gardens. Zack already has a few favorite spots, like the bumpy road (hand-placed stone walkway-amazing and hard to imagine how long it someone spent on it), T-Rex waterfall, and the pond. koi.
Today we found a few soon to be favorites!

First off was a little kids dino area. They have a sand pit and few dino cut outs...

Zack tried out dino one...

While LT went for the Dino lover.

Next Zack took Landon to see the koi pond, and
LT showed Brian the view from the bridge.

Zack has always loved to push LT in stroller, or sometimes just the stroller. So he was off with LT in tow.
LT showed us a cool area towards the back of gardens, that has little "hikes".
It has a few paths that go over little hills cut into the landscaping that the boys can climb. Zack loved it! I am sure we will do this many more times!

The next stop was this beautiful little waterfall what pours into little pond.
On the way to pond, it goes under a few rocks which the boys found a crack in.
Zack could have sat and watched the water all day.

On the way out I managed to get a family picture of the Campbell's
with everyone looking the same direction!!
One of Zack's favorite things is to stop in one of the many gazebos for a snack. This time it was less about the snacking and more about the dancing, spinning and just plain silliness!
***apologies in advance for little bit of shake and the load beeping from the construction vehicles.

Of course the most exciting thing at the Botanic gardens is the construction!
We watch the diggers when we arrive and then again when we leave. Boys!

Brusha, Brusha...

2009-07-12T07:43:00.012-06:00

We started brushing Zack's teeth before the actually had teeth and so far at least he likes to brush his teeth. The routine was we brushed then let him finish up but lately he is more adamant about doing it himself. I am a little worried he just doesn't brush as effectively as needed so I got one of those battery powered ones. I remember that Elias and Adriana loved theirs, so figured why not.

Turns out he likes it as long a its mama's...that is the key now.

Notice the other pink one in his other hand. I never have a tooth brush now because Zack uses, leaves somewhere** and Storm eats it.

**Bathroom became water hazard with cast so we brush elsewhere.

Random faces of Zack

2009-07-11T15:15:00.017-06:00

These are a few of the faces Zack made while playing with his water table...I was there but I am not sure what some of them were! I did my best to decipher the ones that aren't obvious.

Example #1, I asked him to smile for mom...
This is what I got.

Example #2, not sure but odds are he was making some kind of car noise.

This is when he said T-Rex was "so tiny, so cute", right before he gave him a kiss.

And the T-Rex Kiss.

And this one is just one of my favorite's!

Bath with a cast?!

2009-06-22T17:33:00.000-06:00

Usually Zack has a bath every other night as part of his night time routine. With a cast to his hip, this becomes a challenge. Granted he isn't playing in dirt or mud like usual but he is two and still manages to get pretty messy. The first two days we just did a wash cloth wipe down but he really seemed to need a bath tonight.

At first he wasn't to sure about the grocery's bag and saran wrap cover we fashioned to protect the cast from water, but once he had bowl of bubbles, he forgot all about it.

Cars, of course, need to to be washed too.

Eventually we actually got Zack scrubbed too! All was fun and games until he tried to pour the whole bowl of bubbles on cast...That put an end bath time quickly.

Zoo with Grandma Gallego

2009-06-18T18:17:00.004-06:00

This morning was too beautiful to stay inside so Zack and I took Grandma to the Zoo. We made the normal rounds stopping to see Hippo play in mud bath, and watch a trainer feed penguins. Zack requested that we see "panda bears" but since we don't have any here, settled for the brown and black bears.

Even though I thought we had seen everything at the Zoo, we managed to uncover a new activity. They have this nice little Avery tucked back by the primate area. It is a lot like the one he loved in Long Beach at the aquarium. You can buy at little Dixie cup of nectar to feed the birds.

They aren't as brave as the ones in LB, but they sure like the food. One little bird must have been really thirty, since he followed us around the whole place. We nicknamed him "greedy", and he earned it when he stole the cup out of my hand.

That really upset Zack and he had a hard time understanding that it was empty. We were finally able reassure him that we could come another time and feed the birds with dad.

Next stop was to visit the train. Grandma tried to get out of riding the train but Zack wouldn't hear of it..."Gramma, on train too" he said several times until she caved.

I think she enjoyed it, of course Zack did.

Next we found a little rock area in shade to take a break. However even with a broken leg, Zack doesn't really take breaks. He insisted on trying to "climb up". Of course I was right there and insisted that he could sit on the rocks and climb again soon.

It ended up being a great spot for Gramma and Zack photo opp...

It was hard to get Zack to sit still, even in a cast...But managed to get one with him semi still.

And then one of him cracking up at something Gramma did.
Another fun adventure at the Denver Zoo!

Zack's birdy house

2009-06-18T13:19:00.011-06:00

I bought Zack a raw wood bird feeder from the hobby store a few months ago, thinking it would be a great rainy day project. Since we are having to be more creative than normal to keep Zack busy, I figured this was perfect time to get out the paints.

I sprayed the base coat of brown a few days ago so that it would be ready for Z. He started with "yellooo" and "geen" of course.

He is started out very meticulous then got side tracked, as you can see in video. The paint brush be came a "spaceship", heading for "outer space".
Then it was back to painting "dots". Not too bad for first non paper project and I am sure the birds will love it!

Morning at Botanical Gardens

2009-06-15T13:29:00.017-06:00

This morning Zack and I decided to get some fresh air before our afternoon rainstorm...9th day in a row that it has rained / hailed here in the afternoon.

Albert's parents have never been to the Botanical Garden's so off we went. They have a great display of Jurassic creatures mixed into the plant displays that Zack really enjoys.

Zack usually runs / hikes all over the place so I wasn't sure how happy he would be to get wheeled. He's been such a good sport so far.

We got Grandma Bernice a wheel chair so she could be like Zack. Seemed to go over well and helped her see more of the gardens. Zack has a favorite path that has hand-laid river rocks that make for a bumpy ride in the stroller...so of course we had to go "that way". It proved to be to difficult for Al to push wheel chair over so Bernice was good sport and hiked it for Z.

Zack showed Papa one of his favorite bridges...lots of Koi live in the pond below.

Grandma joined the guys to see what all the excitement was about and I was able to get picture of the whole gang.

Zack was really a trooper, and seemed to enjoy pointing out all the colors he could name and hunting for buggies. No "wollie pollies" this time but lots of "bees eee-ting lunch".

Nice picture of Al and Bernice at the garden just in front of the visitor center. You can see the grey clouds in the back ground and we made it out to the car just as we got our afternoon rain shower!

Cooking with Play doh

2009-06-14T08:31:00.001-06:00

One of Zack's birthday presents was a little play doh cooking set...Huge hit!!!!

It has lots of molds that make you can make steak, broccoli, and tomato slices.

Best thing so far is the pizza slicer, since we make lots of pizza with toppings.

Pretending to eat pretend pizza..."Yummy, tasty!!"

Zoo with Papa Gallego

2009-06-13T16:24:00.027-06:00

Saturday morning, the weather turned out to be a really nice 65 degrees, so Albert, Papa Al, Zack and I headed to the Zoo. Zack loves the "manimals" and was very excited to show papa the baby giraffes.

We started out at the tiger den where Zack thought the tiger taking a bath in pool was funniest thing he had seen. "Tiger wet", he said.

Next we headed off to see giraffe's! Along the way, there was a bunch of peacocks showing off there amazing feathers.

Over at the giraffe's habitat, the babies were all full of spunk. Several were running around and "playing" according to Zack.

After we checked out all the animals Zack could take for one day, we headed over to the train, of course. Papa thought it was a great kid attraction and rode up front with dad and Z.

Zack was telling dad exactly what happens when the train leaves the depot. "Alllll Aboard!!"

Mr. serious during train ride. Great morning at Zoo!

First trip to dentist...Kinda.

2009-05-26T22:42:00.004-06:00

I had a filling fixed a month or so ago and it was bothering me last week so I had to make a trip to the dentist.

It was last minute so they said I could bring Zack along. I figured if it became more than just an adjustment, I would just go back the next day and Albert would watch Zack.

The waiting room proved to be interesting to Zack. There were a few cool books, one with amazing pictures of wonders around the world, which kept him busy for 5 minutes. Then he discovered a river rock wall water feature.

That was great entertainment for the next 5 minutes until they called us to the back.

I was a little surprised that the dentist chair and all the equipment wasn't more intimidating. He ran right up to the chair and climbed up.

He sat on my lap the entire time they check and adjusted my cap. Didn't hurt that the dental assistant Brandy is super nice and pretty lady. Zack was in full flirt mode. She spraid him with water pic and the air blower.

He played hide and seek with me, running out with Brandy when they took an x-ray.

By far the best part was the gloves...

we had lots of fun trying them on while we waited for the dentist to look at the film.

Then I showed him he could blow it up like a balloon.

It had rained quite a bit while we were inside, so the "ballon" got to play in puddles.

Then it went everywhere with us the rest of the day!

Mr. Cool

2009-05-17T20:26:00.001-06:00

I have finally got Z to wear his sunglasses more regularly...Only because he had new cool ones just like mom and dad!

Play date at little playground

2009-05-17T18:19:00.002-06:00

This past Saturday Zack had been missing LT so much. It worked out that we could meet Landon at his place and take a short to a cute little school play ground. I didn't bring a stroller but that was ok, LT wanted to test out his new double stroller.

I don't how to properly describe this feature on jungle gym but it had a crank and little race car. Needless to say, Zack spend a decent amount of time "racing".

LT had great time climbing up and down the stairs, until he decided it was snack time...

And raided my backpack, stealing a container of strawberries and blueberries. It worked out perfectly, once Z caught him. Z ate blueberries and LT ate strawberries! I am sure we will spend more time at this playground.

Boys and bugs

2009-05-10T14:33:00.028-06:00

I know having a son will include a lot of little critters coming home, and it stared the other day with Zack.
He's already chased a few ants around the side walk at park and petted snake at JCC family day. Friday he caught his first bug, a Rollie Pollie bug (otherwise known as sow or pill bug).

He loved it!! At first I had to hold it so he could say "Hi".

Then he started to warm up to the idea of holding it...

Eventually he held it gently and tried not squish the poor thing....It rolled up at few times which he thought was super cool.

Of course, like all animals he had to give it a "hug"! We put quotes around hug because you have to say "huuuuggg" when you give animals a hug.

Single Dad Weekend - Episode 1 (Breakfast and Soccer)

2009-04-25T09:27:00.007-06:00

For the first time since Zack was born Shawn has fled Colorado for a weekend of grown up conversation and uninterrupted warm meals. She's leaving just us boys at home (Zack, Shadow, Storm and I) and I think she's a little worried. However I'm not sure if she's more worried about Zack or what state the house will be in when she gets back :)

On the bright side Saturday is usually a busy morning with Soccer practice and I figured why cook when Z and I could go get yummy french toast and pancakes.

On our way to breakfast, Zack with a couple of cars of course.

Zack mowing a pretty big plate of french toast. "Tasty Good!"

Zack "hiding" on the way to soccer practice

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of soccer practice because I spend the entire time chasing and corralling my bundle of energy. One thing they do at soccer is play red light, green light. However today Zack didn't really care that much about whether the light was red or green, but he did find a yellow spot on the ground and tell me, "yellow, slow down, slow down".

The best part of soccer according to some is the happy face stamps at the end.

Apparently the stamps had to "HUG"

Now hopefully we can both manage a nap!

CARS!

2009-04-23T15:29:00.044-06:00

When you ask any of the parents or kids, for that matter, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Zack, they all say is, "CARS!" Even LT says, "Cars, Zack's house".
Zack is infamous for always having a car in hand. We try a lot of different activities with Zack each day but he always seems to some how involve cars, or trains or planes. Here are just a few examples just from the past few months...

Some of the more obvious places to play with cars, like at home on living room coffee table...which seems to be a favorite,

Even though he has perfectly good train table downstairs in his play room. Here, he appears to be showing Sofi the proper way to push Spencer through tunnels...though I think she has other ideas.

When I got out some play doh for the first time, he made "bumps" and ran it over them with his favorite yellow hummer...again, not all the different than most kids, probably.

He also likes to involve everyone in the car playing...Ofelia was his chosen playmate the last time she was over...

And of course, I would expect him to bring dune "buggy's" to the park, but here is where Zack's love of cars differs...

Zack slides with his cars and trains, mostly because he always has one in his hand.

And has quite moments with them while enjoying view of Platte river and hoping a train comes by. He considers them one of his friends and is always hugging them and making sure the are happy!

He enjoys running down hills with his favorite orange race car and hummer, yelling "racing, racing".

We bring countless cars when we go to Zoo, so Zack can drive across every flat surface available.

Now some less traditional places...laughing it up in his toddler bed with LT, with two cars...

Driving through his giant box tent,

or making Pizza...

While enjoying his first IN-N-OUT cheese burger (mom's favorite) in California,

Driving at LAX airport gate waiting for our plane...

On the famous 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica, California.

Relaxing at Embassy suites, Los Angeles, California before bath with new, fast California yellow Lamborghini'.

Even during the intermission at recent Elmo's "green thumb" musical...

Chilling before bed...

And finally cars go to bed with Zack. To say that Zack loves his cars is an understatement!

Baby sitting Ofelia

2009-04-16T12:21:00.005-06:00

Zack and I had a babysitting / play date with Sofi and Ofelia on Wednesday. Sofi and Zack played great together this time but Ofelia was a little tired and cranky. Zack has always liked babies but usually just goes about his business of play with the bigger kids.

This time he was really focused on Ofelia. He played with her on his old exersaucer for at least 30 minutes.

He showed her all the buttons, sang along with her and even showed her how he used to chew on it when he was teething.

Soon after they began to play Ofelia really began to fuss (scream), he said "sad, baby sad", and found her paci for her. He even gently, mostly, put it in for her...Guess Zack is ready to be a sibling!

Easter party at Zack's pad

2009-04-13T15:03:00.003-06:00

Easter Sunday we decided to have a little get together with Zack's friends and their parents. WARNING: With this amount of kids and activities, there are lots of pictures. Originally an outdoor Easter egg hunt and egg coloring was on the agenda. It turned out to be a cold, rainy day so we ended up having the egg hunt in the living room.

So, while the kids were preoccupied in the basement play room, I hid plastic eggs full of stickers, tattoos and little plastic animals. Then the caravan headed up the stairs, with baskets in hand.
Some of the kids had "hunted" earlier, but some where new to the game but everyone found plenty of eggs.

Zack looking for eggs with cars...he thinks they all have cars in them, since that is what the Easter bunny did earlier that morning.

Dylan putting his first found egg in to his super cool bag. Click the Dylan to see more pics.

Landon found a few eggs and a few stickers left behind by Seth.

Joe was running around collecting eggs at lighting speed.

Riley was very pretty in her Easter dress along with basket.

After collecting comes the excitement of seeing their treasures. Sofia and Jason checked out flower stickers...

While LT was checking out Riley's stash...

Zack and Nixie among the carnage left by the egg hunt!

Ben and Dylan laughing it up after collecting impressive amount of eggs for a rookie!

After a play break (so I could set up egg dyes) we moved on to coloring eggs.

Zack showing off one of his many yellow eggs (yellow is his favorite color)

Nixie was very serious about her favorite, turquoise, just like her dad's bikes.
Rob and Seth went for stickers and crayons on his eggs, impressive for the rookie!

Landon was very perplexed about which sticker went with his green egg, but was good with his tattoo decision.

Jason and Sofia made several eggs...she is pro since making them at french class earlier in the week.

Dylan was also on a roll until dad cut him off at some where around 6, I think.

Isaac woke up from his nap in time to head over and join the fun!

At one point all the kids were in Zack's play room with Seth and his mom, Chi. We half joked that she was in charge and we were all heading to local pub...should have, the kids love playing with Chi.

Sofia brought a bubble gun that was a hit with all the kids, although it caused a lot of sharing challenges. As you can see Zack was a little impatient for his turn.

After all the kids left, during our brief clean up, Zack decided his hummer basket doubled as a hat! Finally he was off for much needed de-staining.

Lil' Kickers

2009-04-11T17:33:00.039-06:00

Last Saturday Albert, Zack and I checked out a local soccer class. I know you are saying "Soccer class, seriously?!" I hear ya, I said same thing about three months ago. I was sure we would wait until Zack was about 3. That said, the toddler "Mom and Me" gym class session was ending and here in Colorado the pools aren't open until Memorial day weekend. So we are left with a few months that we need to burn a little energy. I can certainly continue to take Zack to park and kick ball around but he really enjoys going to classes and seeing other kids. He is my little social butterfly. Just like mom!
So we decided try this parent & tot program with a few of Zack's friends...Joe, Josslyn, and Issac were able to join us even though it was snowing several inches in Denver.

Zack immediately found a yellow ball that he had a constant hold on, no matter what the class was doing.

Issac found a few balls himself and had lots of fun running from his dad.

The coaches are super fun and try to talk to and relate to the kids...Here the coach is explaining to Zack that he could put down yellow ball and kick it.
Finally we got him to actually kick the yellow ball.

One of the drills is each kid gets a turn at kicking a goal...
Zack kicked his with yellow ball still in hand.

Joe became the goalie after his goal, but Zack made his first goal....GOAL!!!

These picture are from week 2, Now all the kids have their official blue jerseys.
Here they are lining up for fun game of "Red, light Green light". Of course it is one of Zack's favorites, it involves cars!

Dylan and his mom Jamie checked out soccer this week. Somehow the coach actually gets the kids to listen to directions a few times. Here, they are listening to directions about "Red light, green light" game.

Then they are off!!

Here Joe is excelling at the "green light" part...but he did manage to stop a few times too! One of the side effects of class, 45 minutes of interval training for adults.

Joss showing this older boy girls are fast too!

Playing "Red light, green light", with yellow ball of course.

Dad and Zack listen to coach as class crashers Renee and Sofi listen in...Turns out even with Renee's soccer genes Sofi was more interested in watching class and just cheering for her friend, then actually playing soccer. Maybe next time!

Nixie tried out he class this week too but unfortunately she was put into the 2-3 year old class, but we did see her score at goal!

Another game the kids play is popping bubbles but only using their feet...It is like a feeding frenzy in lion cage when the coach brings out bubble bottle.

This week Zack really got excited when it was time for each kiddo to take a turn kicking a ball into the net...
He laughs the whole way up to ball and even harder after it goes into the net...GOAL!!

A rare moment of seriousness before connecting for goal!

Dylan on the other hand, is very serious during approach but does have a little celebration dance after his successful goal....
YEAH GOAL!

Not sure if class would matter if they didn't get their stamp at the end of class.

Zack has been getting stamps for months at gym class so he was all about getting his today. Dylan waited patiently for his but then was equally as happy!

Easter play date

2009-04-10T15:06:00.003-06:00

On Thursdays Zack and I get together with a few of his friends and their moms. The original plan was for kids to play together and for mom's to alternate running errands, getting a run in, or just getting away. To date, non of us has ever left....We just enjoy hang out with other cool moms.

This past Thursday was our turn to host and with Easter a few days away, Zack and I planned for a little Easter fun. Each mom brought some plastic eggs filled with stickers, tattoos and little plastic animals. I didn't get any pictures of hunt, these guys are too fast now and I was in charge of carrying Zack's "hummer basket". (He picked it himself, huge surprise!)

Landon looking very pleased with his ducky cookie.

Zack giving a little loving to one of his girls, Sofi, while Sadie waits for her hug.

LT, the expert egg dyer, dyed his hands blue and then proceeded to rub his eyes. We don't have picture of this but Kari thought he looked like prize fighter, who lost!

This was Sofi's and Ofelia's first time dying eggs and Sofi thoroughly enjoyed it!

This was Zack's first time too...Loved it also!! He colored his eggs yellow, of course.

Sofia arrived just in time to color an egg or two...She chose to color eggs then go the sticker route, including herself!
I had several pictures of Sadie coloring eggs but they were all blurred so hopefully Nicole can send me one for the blog. It was a lot of fun coloring eggs with the kids and great play date, if I do say so myself!

Chopsticks

2009-03-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

Albert and I love sushi and turns out Zack does too. He has been eating the "cooked" sushi since he could chew...But the other night he insisted on using the chopsticks the "right way" instead of just spearing his food with one of them.

Zack has a lot of Albert's stubbornness, in a good way, of course. He was determine to get the little shrimp on the chopstick or starve. Any help from us, caused great frustration.

Finally he got a bite, and almost lost it in his soy sauce...

But a quick move on his behalf and he had success!

Yummy!!! We are going to have to use his college fund instead for his budding gourmet tastes.

Zack's "city" girl friend

2009-02-06T13:00:00.007-07:00

Yesterday we had a spring-like day in Denver, and with my active little man, we decided to take advantage of weather and go run around the Zoo.

Sofi, Renee and Ofelia met up with us soon after we arrived. It has become quite challenging chasing Zack and Sofi and not leaving Ofelia behind. We ran around the feline exhibit then the polar bear area. But at one point we made a stop at one of Zack favorite spots by group of pine trees.

Z loves to hide behind trees and have me find him. At first Sofi was little stressed when Zack (aka "No, No" as Sofi likes to call him) would run off and hide from her but she eventually caught on.

Sofi is a city girl, she lives in a loft downtown, just blocks from Albert office. So when hide and seek became boring, Zack decided to show the city girl how cool sticks and pine cones can be.

At first Sofi thought it was silly to run around collecting pine cones. But once Zack gave her a few from his collection, she really got into it.

In fact, she wanted to have "all" the pine cones to herself. She grabbed as many as her little hands could hold then ran from Zack. Poor little man, is learning how hard women are to please.

They learned about "big" ones and "small" ones.

Of course, Zack got bored with pine cones as soon as we got Sofi interested. So he moved on to rock climbing.

Finally one brief moment with both kids together on rocks...
Even Ofelia had a good time, when she was awake!

Pizza and Beer

2009-01-11T13:33:00.008-07:00

Zack loves pizza and this past Friday we had an impromptu pizza dinner with the Campbell's.

It was really a fun evening because the boys play so well together. They headed right into Zack's playroom while the adults chatted in the main room. Soon Zack ran into other other side of basement and stole a few empty beer bottles...

At first LT looked like he wasn't about to get into trouble by drinking from bottles with Z.

But Zack, the good host that he is, offered LT his own bottle.

And Landon didn't object this time...

Later, Landon thought the train table was a dance platform and climbed up and got his groove on...

An "I" tooth, finally!

2009-01-04T21:24:00.004-07:00

It seems like Zack has been trying to cut his incisors for the last few month...And finally one made it through! Just 3 more to go! Here's look we see pretty often around here...

Zoo Lights

2008-12-28T21:20:00.028-07:00

Each year the Denver Zoo sets up a special lighting display for the holidays! I been so excited to share the tradition with Zack. He loves all holiday lights so I had no doubt he would enjoy it. The weather forecast for Sunday evening looked the most promising (40 degrees dropping to 35 by 7 pm or so) so we bundled up and headed out. Our friends Heather, Brandon and JD Oss joined us for the fun.

He LOVED it!! The whole night he was saying "lights, lights, lights!!"

Most of the evening was spent chasing Zack from one display to the next.

We did manage to get him to sit still for one picture but only because he was mesmerized by the gecko.

The light tunnels were a big hit with the boys! JD (left, with mom, Heather) and Zack, with Dad.

Zack was constantly trying to get into everyone pictures.
Here he is posing with nice young lady.
Dad says it's a good way to meet chicks...
But I think it was more about the lights than the ladies....
At least for a few more years! (Crossing fingers.)

The train lit up was also quite the hit...Zack is one distracted by lights!

Brandon, JD, and Heather

It was really hard for both of the boys to stay out of the displays but they tried!
One solution was letting them play with the ropes that were suppose to keep them out.

JD is 14 months older and Zack had a blast copying him all night!

Happy Holiday's!

2008-12-25T11:46:00.010-07:00

Happy Holiday's from the Gallego's!

It was impossible to get Zack to sit still for a second...

And when he was still for one second,
he was still being a goof!
Certainly is different than last year!

Making cookies!

2008-12-17T20:04:00.013-07:00

This year Zack helped me bake cookies for Albert's company's cookie contest!

Of course, Zack picked the snowman cookie cutter.

He thought it was so fun to cut out the shapes, although,
they weren't the prettiest cookies,

but after Zack taste tested a few,

he decided that taste is all the matters, these were yummy!

He also dicovered the little sprinkle balls,

which are kinda hard to get out of jar,

but turns out they are tasty too!

Our cookies turned out pretty good, but Zack slept during contest so we didn't get to officially enter but heard we did pretty good job and might have won!!

Snowman otherwise know as "Nay, Nay's"

2008-12-15T19:35:00.002-07:00

This past weekend we built a Z size snowman. Zack absolutely loves snowmen. He can say "snow" and even "snowman" just fine but for some reason he calls them "Nay Nay's". We have no idea where it came from but he is very clear about what he is saying. We stayed outside as long as we could, but a storm was coming and Zack's hand were bright red.

(He won't wear either of his mittens.)

Christmas tree 2008

2008-12-09T10:12:00.013-07:00

This past weekend my sunglass clad dudes and I headed out to get our Christmas tree.

We were going to go to a tree farm and get a "living tree" so we could plant in yard after the holiday's but teething has really messed up nap time so we opted to just go to Loews's and look at cut tree. Zack checked out the selection, but ended up loving a fake one with a ton of lights. Is even more environmentally friendly so we bought it. I have never had a fake tree but we live in a different world now and it is pre-lit! Huge time saver!

Zack showed some concern about the tree fitting in the back of the truck, but with little creativity it worked out.

Zack and dad put the tree together, but needed to take a little nap before the was up for ornament hanging.

So I started with the high, breakable ones. Then he and dad finished up with Zack friendly ones down low.

He really liked the snowmen...

and the dog-dog ones...

and the candy canes...

Especially once he figured out that they are eatable!

I really love how excited Zack gets every morning to say good morning to tree and turn on the lights. And again at night when he says good night and turns them off. This is a fun age!!

One and half years old!

2008-12-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

*Note that pictures are terrible...taken with camera that is being sent out to repair...Too many play dates*

Today Zack turned 18 months! We celebrated with his favorite breakfast, Pancakes! He ate 5 little ones...Yeah!

Unfortunately B-Day's usually include a trip to Dr. but this time was suppose to be ok, since we don't have shots! But it was during Zack's nap time and the Dr. was running behind and Z had to get flu shot. Made for cranky Z.

Having Thomas and apple juice helped a little, until he had to have his shot....

And a lollipop from a nice nurse after always helps. Then we were off to Zack's favorite lunch...Little Anita's for burrito!

Much happier!!
Stats: 20 lbs, 13 oz & 31.5 inches! Growing, Growing, Growing!

An inside snow day!

2008-12-05T06:30:00.024-07:00

Yesterday Zack and I headed to the Campbell's to have a play day with them plus Mia. We did lots of fun things since all the naps are short these days. One thing was play in the snow. It was only 12 degrees outside, too cold for the kiddo's, so we brought some outside in!

Each one kid had a spoon and had a blast playing in the snow! They also so had their own take on it...

LT liked the snow balls I made...

While Mia spent at least an hour "cooking" her snow.

And of course, Zack loaded up a dump truck.

And had a little snack. More pictures from the day!

Hoops with LT

2008-11-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Below is a little video of Zack and Landon trying out his new basketball hoop.

Love of dirt

2008-11-28T08:22:00.002-07:00

Zack has a new fascination with dirt, or sand, as I was told by a 4 year old at the park today. It's is his new favorite activity, at least when away from his trains and trucks.

It's harder than you would imagine to find some dirt to play in these days, since all the new playgrounds have wood chips instead of sand but there are still a few good ones around.

Here are a few pics of him having a great time in old fashion dirt (sand)!

He needs two shovels lately but is pretty good about sharing if he has to.

Of course he was really excited when two of his favorite things came together. A building by the house was demolished and he got to watch the excavator's from his books, dig in his beloved dirt!

Dad took him over for a short look when it wasn't too dangerous.

Monday at Children's Museum

2008-11-25T09:40:00.006-07:00

Monday morning, Zack and I bundled up and headed to Children's Museum to meet Landon for indoor fun.
It's becoming increasingly hard to take pictures of Zack at play. He is never still for more than a moment. He is always running to the next toy, activity etc. Kari will attest to how fast the little guy is...He sometime manages to escape from both of us. Here's the one time I can almost always get a picture, strapped in car seat!

Landon arrived right as we did and the boys were off. These pictures are of the boys in the little garden...planting veggies then picking and throwing them.

Landon really loves this garden, since I am sure it reminds him of his own little basil and lettuce garden at home.
Soon after, Miss Mia arrived and joined in the gardening fun. I really love Monday's when Mia can play with the boys.

This is a rare picture these days...
All the kiddo's in the same frame! (Mia, LT and Z)

Of course, right after Z and LT moved on to play with some of the letter toys. Surprisingly, I was able to get these two in a picture together.
Lately it's been interesting to observe how the same yet different the boys are. Examples of my point;

Zack checks out things for about minute then runs off to find something else to play with or build. While LT will take the time to even climb up to get better look.
(left)
Another difference is Landon seems to be fascinated with how things work. He needs a closer look at how stool is put together, (right) while Zack, of course, has no interest unless he can stack things on it. Of course he has ran of and is no where to be found.

Sofi arrived soon after and was little bored with the museum so we headed to the play ground outside.
Zack showed Sofi the treasure map, (left) before he took off to play on slide and she showed off her monkey skills.

It was really fun morning and treat to play with lots of Zack's friends.

Newest member of the gang

2008-11-21T06:36:00.003-07:00

Sofi is a big sister! The Medina's welcomed Ofelia Blue on November 7th.

Kari and I took the boys to the hospital in an attempt to keep Sofi busy while Mike attended to some of the new baby events.
Taking pictures while chasing three 17 month year olds through the maternity wing proved to be too challenging and I didn't get any picture of the "play date".
The only picture I managed to take was of Sofi taking "her new baby" to see Renee. She was super sweet and very excited to meet her new sister.
Sorry it's terribly blur, but I was trying to stop Z from getting on elevator at the same time.

Welcome to our crazy world Ofelia!

Future CEO's?!?

2008-11-17T20:12:00.003-07:00

They have a new display at the Children's Museum that looks like a veterinary clinic. The boys thought it was OK, playing with scalpels, charts, checking the vitals of Kari and I...Then they found the front desk set up...

They look like they would run a successful business, right?!

Look at the seriousness in both of their faces, you would think this was for real. Or maybe those are the faces the daddy's make when they are working?!?!

I have no doubt these two will be the future leaders of some successful adventure together!

Watching LT

2008-11-15T21:56:00.006-07:00

Kari and Brian were kind enough to watch Z for us Friday evening so we could join our friend Mo for dinner. So, to return the favor, we watched LT so they could go on a Saturday night date.

First order of business was to decide who was going to ride in the hippo...obviously the little guy pushes bigger guy. Makes perfect sense to me. Landon took his turn being pushed by Zack.
Then that game be came boring, so they moved on. Zack seemed happy just to have his buddy over.

Next Landon spotted all the nice glass things on the DVD case and proceeded to use the universal, baby talk, "ugh, ugh, ugh!!"

Which we guess means. "I want that!"
The "that" in this case was, a thermometer that looks like a bunch of cool "bubbles", according to LT. It was all I could do to keep them from smashing into each others head. After just a few minutes of exploration, it went back up on the shelf.

Next Zack showed Landon the glass whales we occasionally have to give kisses.

Of course, Zack expected LT to give them a kiss too. I'm sure they aren't painted with kid safe, lead free paint, Sorry Kari!

The whales must have inspired Zack, because he pick out his favorite book on marine life to show Landon, since Landon HAD the same book.

Unfortunately right after this picture we lost an octopus arm to Landon, much the same way his own book did.

I decided it was time for some dinner so the boys thought a race up the stairs would be fun...I think Zack only won because Landon got distracted half way up by Shadow hanging out at top of stairs.

Dinner went mostly well, if you judge by the size of the mess Albert helped me clean up. Kari suggested that LT was into apples and to try it, plus maybe some apple sauce.

Landon wasn't in the mood for either,

but he ate all of his sweet potato fries, plus Z's.

It was so much fun trading date night, that maybe we should do it again!?

Finger Painting

2008-10-22T20:30:00.012-06:00

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

2008-10-20T20:07:00.022-06:00

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

2008-10-09T20:05:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-06T06:57:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-10-03T19:49:00.020-06:00

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

2008-10-01T18:19:00.000-06:00

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!

A boy and his bear

2008-09-30T14:31:00.002-06:00

I came across the softest little bear about a month or so after Zack was born. It says 2007 on one of the paws and so I thought it would be nice cuddly bear memento for Zack. He really didn't care about it, opting to hold his cars and trucks as comfort items, so it sat in his room for the past year. He still loves his trucks and trains but has recently fell in love with his little bear. He cuddles with him every night before he goes to sleep. I tried to get a picture of him and his bear buddy, but the light was low.
Hope you can see how loving Z is...

Kiss good night for bear.

Coffee date with Mia

2008-09-27T08:53:00.022-06:00

We had a coffee date with Mia and Anna on Friday. It was such a pretty morning, we decided we would walk the few blocks to from Anna's to the cafe. For some reason, Zack wanted nothing to do with Mia's wagon and opted to be carried. Even after Sarah, showed him how fun it was. I should have known it was gonna be an adventure by Zack refusing a free ride.

Getting coffee with two energetic one year old's proved to be quite interesting even though we had them out numbered with 4 adults. I don't have many pictures because we were too busy keeping them out of the street, out of our coffee, and in the patio area.
One thing that kept them busy for a few minutes was Mia taught Zack about positive affirmations.
According to Anna, you look into reflective window and say, "I am smart enough, cool enough, pretty enough", etc. Then you kiss your reflection. Mia has it down pat and practiced several times. Zack tried it once. I think he's not to sure about the "pretty enough" part.

Next gangster gymnast Mia showed us how much she loves shoes. What skillz!
So after trying to drink, now cold coffee and one chocolate milk mess, we gave up on the coffee shop and headed to the park to let these little monsters burn some energy!

Mia was all about the swing...

While Zack checked out the slide.
Coffee with these two is defiantly not like the it used to be...

Zack meeting Mia for first time at Cafe Caliente when he was just a week old.
Ah, the good old days!!

Obama baby!

2008-09-26T06:27:00.001-06:00

In honor of the first presidential debates tonight, I thought I would post these pics of Zack modeling my Obama hat!

So cute!!

Such an Obama Mama boy!

Hawk Haircut

2008-09-25T08:55:00.012-06:00

The day finally came! While Z still doesn't have a lot of hair on the sides or back, the hawk was becoming more and more like a bad comb over. It was time for his first hair cut! I don't, I repeat, I don't cut hair, but I did watch my sister Heather trim Elias with Albert's buzzer. So figured Albert and I could manage to take and inch or so off the top, right?!

First we let Zack check out the buzzer and get used to the noise it makes. He had a great time turning it off and on, again and again.
I was admittedly a little scared of butchering his hair, so I made Albert do the actual trimming. After all it was his trimmer. Dad took a swipe at the front of the hawk, just taking off about a half inch.

I think Zack was a little worried that we were gonna cut off his chic magnat, but we went slow and only trimmed a little off the top and cut the little duck tail off the back.

Here he is, Elvis/Billy Idol lip and all, combing his new hair do!

Piano lessons

2008-09-21T09:05:00.002-06:00

Zack loves to go next door to Wanda's house and say Hi. Lately he has noticed the piano. Yesterday when we showed up at Wanda's she was in the middle of practicing for her up coming lessons. Zack saw her playing and wanted to sit up on bench and join in. I've never had the camera with me for documenting his playing, so this time I dashed home and caught his concert.
Zack takes his piano practice very seriously...

"I don't need to read, I play my own tunes!"

Looking more and more like big boy!

2008-09-19T07:20:00.000-06:00

But still needs a nap after playing with his friends.

Three is company but CRAZY!!

2008-09-18T07:20:00.000-06:00

The Campbell's are taking a family vacation this week so Zack and Sofi volunteered to keep LT occupied for a few hours so mom could do some getting ready. I was only able to take these two pictures of the three of them when we arrived in front of the house.

This is the only time the three of them were even in the same area.
Next time I will bring an high speed action camera and an assistant!

For some reason, everytime Zack goes to the Campbell's, he has to knock on the door at the house next to them. Brian says it is because he wants to buy it and move there. I disagree, at least until Zack gets a job.

Z loves his fruit!

2008-08-20T06:00:00.005-06:00

Zack is all about fruit and has been for a while now. It is funny because when we go to grocery store, farmers market etc., he points, signs and says all the fruit words he knows to get me or farmer to give him a piece. I end up getting the funniest looks at the grocery check out when I ask to pay for an extra half eaten avocado, pear, plum, well you get the point.

Here is he with a apricot, at Sunflower market

Home with fresh whole peach...

He also insists in doing things for him self. I cut the first one into pieces but he would have none of it. So decided that I guess it was time he gave all those new teeth a test run.

Here is older pictures of him doing some damage to his first nectarine.

I guess there are worse things he could beg for at the store!

Test drive

2008-08-18T08:40:00.006-06:00

Last weekend I went with Albert and Zack to the bike store. This is one of those "Dad and Zack" things they do with their time together. Albert has been telling me that Z loves the this tricycle's they have for little guys. When we got there, Zack immediately ran to the little bikes to show me what he could do.

First he demonstrated how I should push him around the store...so fast the picture is blurred...
Then after a safety check of the handle bars, kicking the tires, and playing with seat belt...
He was ready to show me how good he is on the open road, well the open store.

He is very serious when he rides bikes, and was doing laps for at least 30 minutes. We decided that with winter coming he wouldn't get much use in the near future so it would be a great birthday present next June.
Of course, it is the most expensive tricycle I have ever seen, so we will accept gift cards for his birthday if anyone is at a loss for what to get him :)

Ketchup

2008-08-16T11:09:00.001-06:00

I am a huge fan of In-N-Out burgers back in CA and always searching for a close substitute. While running errands the other day Zack and I found a new burger place right by the house. I have yet to find one that makes yummy cheese burgers like my double, double with cheese, but I have to say, this place, Five guys burgers and fries, is about as close as you can get. This simple place that only makes burgers, (any way you want, no extra charge for topping) fries and grilled cheese on hamburger bun. Maybe a coincidence, but the colors for both restaurants are red and white. A bonus was that Zack loves their grilled cheese. So we went again this week to take dad!!

Waiting for burgers wasn't to bad because we always have a truck, this time a fire truck...

That doubles as a peanut transporter. (They serve peanuts in shells.)

I am not a fan of ketchup, so I have never had it around but Dad got some and let Zack have a messy try.

First we had to just try it on our fingers, but finally he understood the dippin' of the fries. Next we dipped the truck but I was to busy cleaning that mess to get picture...Next time.

And I am not surprised he seemed to like it...just like most kids.

Chillin' at the Zoo

2008-08-15T06:26:00.003-06:00

Zack, Landon, Kari and I had a little impromptu trip to the Zoo yesterday. Of course, Zack doesn't go anywhere without a car, truck or train...

Today was the little camping dune buggy.

Landon seemed happy just playing it cool in stroller with his sunglasses.

We decided to take the little train that makes a short circle around the flamingo area. Luckily, both the boys are still young enough that they are still willing to sit with their mom's...and even take pictures! The hat team on the left, sunglasses team on right.

This is the second time Z's has ridden the train but was just as serious as the first.

This was LT's first time on the Zoo train and he seemed pretty serious himself. They both smiled a couple of times but I missed it with the camera.

Avacado Kisses

2008-08-14T15:23:00.017-06:00

Today Zack, Kari, Landon and I had a quick picnic while at the Zoo. It was our typical smorgasbord, where Zack eats LT's food and LT eats Zack's.
Both of the boys were enjoying blackberries and avocado when...

Landon just had to give Kari a BIG KISS and HUG.

Kari didn't seem to mind the avocado in her eyebrows, hair, neck or shirt.
What mom could resist such yummy kisses?!

Doesn't LT look handsome in his avocado / blackberry outfit? Unfortunately for LT, all good things must come to an end and mom won the face washing wrestling match.
I didn't get any pictures of Z eating this time, but Kari got a few last time we picnicked at Zoo.

Little Shark!

2008-07-14T14:29:00.000-06:00

We bought Zack his very own big boy bed today!

He helped mommy put it together...and even tried to read the directions.

Putting the screws into the little holes was the perfect game.

Very serious game...Here is Z's concentration face.

The giant styrofoam pieces were also fun until I found out he was biting it!! Most people would get the hebegeebees from biting it but it didn't phase him and he took several bites. He wasn't to pleased when I held him down and pulled the pieces out of his mouth but he was soon happy again and went back playing with the screws.

When I saw the bites out of the styrofoam I was reminded of surfboards after a shark attack.

Sidewalk chalk

2008-07-13T14:39:00.000-06:00

Joss gave Zack some sidewalk chalk for his birthday and I finally broke it out for Z to play with. It's been a few years since I have drawn pictures on concrete but I thought I did ok making suns, flowers etc.

Zack didn't seem to really like my pictures...

He did decide to draw a few scribbles on the walkway in front of the house...

Genius or had a little help from mom? It didn't last long before he was trying to eat them so we will be waiting a bit before we have another chalk coloring session.

When pigs attack

2008-06-27T13:00:00.000-06:00

Zack loved the petting zoo so much last week that we decided to go again. This time we invited LT and his mom.

All was going well, Zack showed Landon the cows, chickens, goats and turkey, and finally the pigs.

At first I thought he was just licking Zack because he was laughing, (as usual for Z) but then I noticed he was biting his cloths!! Little bugger was trying to eat Zack for breakfast.

Here is what happens when pig's attack...

While I was picking up Z he made his move on LT...

He was fine and didn't cry or anything but you can tell by look on face he wasn't to pleased!!
We decided to ditch the crazy pig and check out the other "safe" animals.

Later Landon and Zack had fun pushing each other around in LT's stroller!

Cyclin' widows

2008-06-23T19:35:00.004-06:00

Last year when Albert got his road bike he made a vow to ride in the MS150. A fund raising event for Multiple Sclerosis that is a two day 150 mile ride to Fort Collins and back. Since it's been about 10 years since Albert has done more than ride to work and back, he knew this was going to require a lot of training.

Fortunately early in the training process Albert convinced our neighbor Bret to ride the MS150 as well.
Since then Lynda and I have been biking widows.

(at Bull and Bush after the first long ride of the year, only 42 miles)

Zack and I spend many weekends and evenings
waiting for dad to get back from bike rides,
but at least we have Lynda and Nixie to play with.

Zack loves to watch dad take off for rides and is even more elated when he returns.
Shadow always lets us know dad has arrived
so Zack can see him out front window.
Zack is aways super excited to greet dad when he returns from a ride.
Lately he even seems to associate all bike riders and bikes with dad!!

Sometimes just for fun (Albert says doesn't count towards training) Zack gets to ride behind dad in the trailer.

Bret and Dad after completing 65 mile Elephant Rock "practice" ride in Castle Rock

If you want to follow Albert's last week of training progress ,
see cute picture of Zack or to donate, please check out his ride site.
We are so very proud of his training and fund raising efforts
and can't wait for race day to cheer him on!!
Albert is the one that has to do the hard riding but it is defiantly a family effort.

First Shoes

2008-06-21T16:12:00.001-06:00

Zack and I went shopping for his first pair of big boy shoes today!! Of course it was a big day, and you know mommy loves shoes, especially, if you consider my past profession, how much I love children's shoes. I wouldn't take Zack anywhere but Little Feet and More right here in Cherry Creek North. They are the most knowledgeable, offer the best service and are previous customers of mine. Husband and wife team, Beth and Buddy, (owners) are awesome and the kids love them.

Anyway, there were a couple other first walkers getting shoes too and Zack had a great time making friends. I was so excited watching Zack picking and trying on shoes that I forgot to take a picture at the store. I only remembered when Zack was in car seat and ready to got to next errand.

He was so upset when we had to get going...but the shoes look good!

Later that day we met Dad at REI to get some camping gear. What better place to try out his new "hikin" shoes?!?!

At this point he was like, "Um, I walked better before these silly things". But soon he was back to running around just fine!

Park with Wanda

2008-06-19T14:48:00.000-06:00

Zack and I walked down to our little neighborhood park with Wanda, our next door neighbor. She is one of Zack's local grandma's since both of his live out of Denver.

Zack loves to swing but usually just kinda sits and enjoys the view...

This time Wanda was determined to show him how to
"pump" his feet and go high...

He mostly just laughed but he did seem to kick once and make the swing go!

DT Aquarium with LT

2008-06-18T14:12:00.019-06:00

Today Zack and I wanted to get out and do something so we spontaneously ask Kari and LT if they wanted to join us at the Denver Aquarium. LT said he would love to so it was a date, Best Bud kind, not like with Mia, Sofi or Sofia. Anyways, the boys had a great time...

We found some cool tunnels, which are LT's favorite and

Zack had a blast pushing his Mini Cooper all the way through several times.

They had a eel that Zack enjoyed playing with and...

a whale shark for the Landon.

And once we tired them out...
We went to My Brother's Bar for lunch...

Fries first...

Then cheeseburgers!! YUMMY!!!

Playdate with Sofi

2008-06-16T15:39:00.005-06:00

Zack and I invited Sofi over to play, so Renee, who is teaching summer school could spend the morning at a training class. Renee was grateful, but a little concerned that Sofi wouldn't sleep while away from home. Renee suggested we go for a walk if that was the case. Unfortunately it was raining so Zack and I made the most of our indoor play date.

The kiddos played for a bit and Sofi even tried to make friends with Shadow.
But the second Shadow tried to give her a kiss she had second thoughts.
Zack even tried to show her that Shadow loves kids but she still looked unsure.

After all the excitement Sofi looked a little tired, so Zack had a good idea to let Sofi borrow his old swing....just to see if it would work....

Within minutes she was out, although she held on to those rings for dear life
.

After Sofi got up, the kids had a great time playing in Zack's room. Sofi loved the walking toys, blocks and balls and Zack played with his trucks.

All was well until Sofi decided that the trucks looked like a lot of fun....

Sofi has yet to learn that boys and their toys can't be easily separated!

Eventually they made up and Zack even showed Sofi what stairs are and how to climb them!!

Camping with the Campbell's

2008-06-16T11:12:00.019-06:00

This past weekend we invited Brett, Linda, Nixie and the Campbell's to join us camping at Lake Wellington. Unfortunately Nixie's family got a nasty bug the forced them to cancel but the Campbell's were still able to make it and got to hang out with LT and his parents in a beautiful lake setting. While Zack is now a camping veteran, this was LT's first experience.

I think LT looked a little concerned about the adults tent building skills, but it went up fine and end up being a fun place to play before bedtime.

Zack has become more and more confident in his walking abilities and was able to balance much better on the uneven territory this time, even enough to push LT around in his little stroller.

And of course, Zack had to try a campfire toasted marshmallow...

YUMMY!!!!

12 months!!

2008-06-11T11:49:00.003-06:00

Today Zack had his 12 month well check and this time we did have vaccinations. But before we had to deal with the shots, we got to play and run around the exam room, literally.

Zack found the cutest book in the basket under table and we spent 15 minutes reading this fun little book about animals.

He was able to be happy for a bit before the shots...

After all the yucky shots, Dr. Lisa said Zack could have a sucker!!
You can even see the toothiers in this picture.

It was sugar free but still seemed to be yummy by the look on Zack's face.

We have some stat updates... 18.5 lbs, 29 inches, and his melon was 17 3/4 inches.
He is a lot taller, but only one pound heavier. Must be all the running around!!

Camping weekend at Lake Welllington

2008-06-10T17:58:00.033-06:00

Albert was always into camping, real camping. Not like the kind I grew up doing, RV parked on a slab. He bought me all the gear and we did it many years but have realized we night have to find a happy medium when we have kids. Over the past few years we have been "car" camping...we have a huge SUV we load up with tons of gear and the dogs. It is this type of camping we are looking forward to sharing with the kids.

With that said, we decided it was time for Zack first trip. He started out by helping me check out all the gear and then decided what food he wanted to take. (right)

Picture of Lake Wellington (left)

Here he is setting up the tent with dad. Might be the first time the
tent has been built with out a single cuss word...

Zack had a great time exploring (eating) new things, pine cones, rocks, etc

We decided it was a bit cold at night so
we made a bed in the back of the truck,
and what boy wouldn't think that was cold to sleep in a truck. Outside he got to play with a big truck, which made him very happy.

We went for a family hike up to this cool water fall,

Casey, Irene, Ryan and Caden showed us the way...

Little man, like dad...The are starting to act alike.

Zack hasn't realized the is not a big as the big kids
and tries his best to keep up...

Zack's first camp fire with mommy!

Picture of camp before sunset...Turned out to be a great family weekend!!

Lunch with the Cunningham's

2008-06-10T15:49:00.000-06:00

Zack and I met Bekki and Daniel at the pool today.
We played in pool for about 30 minutes before both boys decided it was lunch time...

Zack wanted to give both Bekki and Daniel and hug
but Daniel was to busy chasing Zack's toys.

Zack played with the utensils while Daniel chewed on Zack's sunglasses

The strap on the chair also bought us sometime, maybe an extra 5 minutes. We managed to have a somewhat leisurely lunch. Certainly not as leisurely as we used to but it was still a nice spring lunch!!

Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup...Yummy

2008-04-23T10:45:00.006-06:00

When I was a kid, on rainy days, my mom would make us grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (with a little milk so it was creamy). Lately Z's favorite lunch has been grilled cheese and it was a cold, rainy spring day so why not...

He even knows how to feed himself!!

Walkin' in Boulder

2008-03-26T23:24:00.004-06:00

Mia's Grandparents live in a cool neighborhood in Boulder that you can just walk for days in...or at least and hour or so...

Mia showed Zack the sights, the houses she likes, etc.
(Zack has decided that Mia's tastes are little
to expensive for his budget right now)

They both enjoy walks so we got a few smiles along the way!

Sharing in Boulder

2008-03-26T23:06:00.008-06:00

We had a follow up date with Miss Mia in Boulder at her Grandma's house...

no matter what spoon I gave who, the other wanted it....

Mia was never quite happy with the arrangement and I think for a bit she wished Z would go home.

Zack tried to fight back but she is older...

By the car ride home we thought all was peaceful then Z went for Mia pod toy!!

Little Maestro

2008-03-26T22:20:00.016-06:00

Zack is known as the funny little man that laughs at everything but evidently he is very serious about his music. He must get his musical skills from his Grandmothers, because both Albert and I are not musical at all. Unless you count my love for 80's music.

Here Zack was trying to play "Twinkle, twinkle, little star"

Zack wasn't too pleased when Mia decided to bang out her own little tune. They jabbered back and forth for a few minutes before giving up and posing for "mamma-rattizzi". Zack really enjoyed playing with Miss Princess Mia.

Swimming with Dad(s)

2008-03-23T08:06:00.002-06:00

We missed swimming this past Monday and the weather was suppose to be snowy so we decided to go to Saturday's swim class. Kari had to work, so Brian and LT joined us.

Albert counting to three so Zack and Landon could "dive" in...
Look at them kick!!!

Zack was pretty happy with Dad's bubble blowing skills,

While Brian had to work really hard to impress LT...

Floating went over well this time, but now that Zack can move, he likes "laying" around less and less.

LT still seems to like to chill and did a great job at floating!
All and all was a pretty fun class for both the boys and dads.

Getting gear

2008-03-22T07:41:00.000-06:00

We been checking out bike trailers and gear for Zack so he can go for bike rides with Albert this summer. Zack seems to like the bike trailers but not to sure about the helmets,

but we have a couple of months to get him used to it.

His head is still three quarter of an inch too small for a helmet.

Maybe if we leave the tag on, he will wear it!

Crawling, Z style!!

2008-03-20T16:33:00.009-06:00

For awhile now Zack has been trying to move around using various techniques. Like good parents, we tried to show him how to crawl the way my sister taught Elias and Adrianna. But Zack had his own ideas about how he would get where around. The past few weeks Zack has been army crawling all over the place. We thought it would evolve into a more traditional crawl. But instead his inch worm/army crawl is just getting faster and faster. It seems to be working for him. I guess, as the saying goes...., if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

9 months!!

2008-03-12T12:03:00.002-06:00

Zack had his nine month check up yesterday! I don't know who was more excited, he or I, but we found out this appointment had no vaccinations! Yeah!! Honestly, it was probably me, since he really doesn't understand yet.

But with no unpleasenties, it made for a mostly fun morning. He got the usual mesurements and vitals checked...And, of course he flirted with all the lady nurses and doctors. This is the first dr appointment since he can really move around, so it was a lot harder to keep him preoccupied....but we managed to find some fun things, to do...

like wreck havoc on the exam table paper...

We have some stat updates...
17.5 lbs, 27 inches, and his melon was 17 3/4 inches.
Boy he is growing! Defiantly not a baby anymore!

Z & Mia's 2nd Date....Mid Morning snack

2008-03-06T20:31:00.013-07:00

After their walk (and Zack's nap) the couple had a little snack. Zack brought Mia some Cheerios's since she was so fond of them last time. Albert and I are planning on teaching Zack to be a little gentleman, but it might be a little early for him to grasp the concept yet...

Although, he let Mia have the first Cheerio...

And he listen intently as she told him about her
coffee date with Dylan...

And he waited for her to comment on how
she really likes Cheerios's...

Then she got all fired up about the Obama primary's
happening in Texas and Ohio...

She told him about the Cheerios's she had with
LT earlier, while he was napping...

Finally she paused long enough so he could go

ahead and eat some himself.

Z & Mia's 2nd date....AM Walk

2008-03-05T09:29:00.030-07:00

After a long week of waiting we finally got the call inviting us to hang out with Mia again. The first date must have went reasonably well since this time we were asked to play the whole day. Of course LT found out we were at Mia's, and begged him mom to rush over after his morning nap. When LT arrived we were just getting ready for a walk. I loading Zack and Mia into the double stroller we had up in rafters, that Heather left here from the Elias and Anna days. (left with Parker Durand)

We put the boys into double so Miss Mia would have the chance to nap. Good thing we put the boys together because soon after we left the house Mia was out.................Sooooo cute!!

And of course after I said, "Z never sleeps on walks", he started to fade. It would have been perfect, two kids out of three out, but LT thought it was funny to "bang-a, bang-a" Zack's head.
Kari tried to stop him but...

We decided it would be easier to just switch the boys around. Zack was happy to try to get revenge on LT, although his reach isn't quite a long........ Soon after he crashed!!

WWF Baby Style! (Leap Day Play Date)

2008-03-03T14:21:00.032-07:00

This year was a leap year. I am not sure if it was a full moon, or just he babies are learning (or need to learn) new social skills. It started out like most play dates. This time it was at Seth's because his mom, Chi, let him ditch Montessori to play with all his friends.
Z and LT arrive first, since they like to get up at 6 am. They were just chillin' (left) checking out all of Seth's new toys...and the next thing we knew, the blows were flying...

Z and LT were fighting over this piano toy and Z "fishhooked" LT...

As soon as we had Z and LT distracted with other toys, Seth became the next offender, whacking Sophia for no apparent reason. (I really think he was trying to say hi and just doesn't realize how long his reach is.)

All of these kiddo's are supper sweet, and I am sure mean no harm. Althought soon after this incident, Sophia managed to recovered and held her own and kept Z and Seth from stealing the chosen toy this time. LT had decided to sit this one out...But later we realized he was just planning his next move...

LT must have thought Seth was NOT very "gentlemanly" so he decided to teach Seth it is not nice to hit the ladies, like his mom taught him.

LT's is working very hard on this one...But it is hard.

LT looking like,

"Sorry mom, but HE started it!!

So while the boys were rumbling, we thought the little darlings would not apart in these primative behaviors...

But I guess Mia wasn't pleased that Sophia was paying Zack a little attention. The little "Lioness" decided to stake her claim...

Anna, Mia's mom, had to pretty much pull her off Sophia! I guess the girls can hang with these boys for sure.

What happened to calm, uneventfully play dates!?!?

March first(s) 2nd first

2008-03-02T09:25:00.008-07:00

While at the park, Zack met a puppy...You all know how he loves dogs, but this was his first puppy meeting! This little retriever was 11 weeks old and was excited to meet Zack and Nixie!

This little guy was sooo cute and sweet...

He and Zack played for almost 10 minutes!

March first(s) 1st first

2008-03-02T08:52:00.025-07:00

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful Colorado day!! 70 degree's, sunny, perfect blue sky, etc. You can see for yourself below. These are the amazing days we always have in March that start spring fever.

Zack and I meet up with our neighbors, Linda and Nixie and headed down to the little park by our house, while the dad's went for long bike ride. Zack tried out the a big boy swing for the first time and seemed to like it although I have no proof. I tried desperately to get a picture of him smiling, but he was to busy watching the girl next to him.

Soon after he decided he had about enough swing and wanted to join the other kids on the slide.

This is Nixie, one of Z's "older women" trying out the big slide...She is super adventurous, which of course is making her mom crazy.

After little bit of swinging and sliding, we headed over to one of our fav burger places, Bull and Bush, to meet up with the dad's. Brett, Linda's hubby, and Albert had just completed a 40 mile ride and really "need" a beer. Zack couldn't decide if he wanted water or dad's beer...

While Nixie worked on eating all of her mom's bar-b-que sauce...Not the fries, just the sauce.

Brett says, "The fries are just a vehicle for the condiments."

After lunch we were suppose to go to our first ever rugby match at our stadium they built around the corner from the house! But unfortunately, Zack was exhausted from his day in the sunshine. It did give dad a good excuse to head home and take a nap.

All and all, pretty good day of firsts!

And, of course in typical Colorado fashion, Mr. Winter just couldn't let us enjoy for too long. Sunday we woke up to a few inches on the ground, snow blowing everywhere and temperatures in the 20's....Oh well, this is why we love Colorado, no two days are ever the same.

Zack was really confused...He went to bed after fun day of sunshine and sunscreen, and now he has to wear a jacket and hat!?!? What is up with that!?

Stormy and Shadow weren't bummed at all, they love the snow!

"Gimme some Spaghetti and no one will get hurt"

2008-03-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Zack has been powering through the baby food solids #2 and I think he is ready to eat whatever we are eating...or at least he thinks so...

I saw this face and realized I better make the little man some spaghetti or else.

At first he wasn't to sure about the texture of the mashed up pasta and sauce,

But soon enough I couldn't keep up with the little eating machine!

Kari Kare!!

2008-02-25T21:34:00.010-07:00

On Sunday, Kari and Brian were kind enough to watch Zack for a few hours while we went out to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. (This the last time we are counting our meeting as an anniversary.) As usual, Zack was very excited to see Kari, Landon and Brian. We are very lucky to have such great friends that Zack loves to hang with.

Pre-LT, Kari used to be a teacher, (elementary and preschool) and we often tease her about opening a daycare or preschool. I have started calling it "Kamp Kari". Zack is hoping she does because he would spend everyday there!!

The other day, Albert rediscovered the short cartoon on the "Incredible's" DVD At first, he thought the little boy's name was Zack, not Jack, and story might be how an evening of watching our high energy, non sleeping, funny boy might go... Jack, Jack attack. The kid even has the same Mohawk!! It made us laugh even harder when we realized the babysitters name is Kari!!

Lucky for us the evening at Kamp Kari's went nothing like cartoon, as you can see...

Little instant messaging to the folks, kinda like old fashion letter's from camp.

Maybe arts and crafts?!?! Or is Kari's Kamp really a sweat shop?!?!

And believe it or not, even a little nap!

Thanks Kari, LT and Brian!!

Prez (with a Z) day!

2008-02-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Albert had day off from work this past Monday so he was able to join me and the mommy's for swimming lessons. The kiddo's have been "swimming" since November and have really made progress. Here are some of the skilled kiddo's...

Practicing kicks, but bummed 'cause mohawk got messed up!

Catching waves...Little surfer dude!!

LT has splashing down...Although not suppose to get water in his ear.

Zack "diving" off edge...

Floating to "twinkle, twinkle little star"...

Practicing climbing out of pool...

Sophia, Zack and Landon getting ready to jump in...

Hanging like a "sea" monkey on the fence.

Mr. Funny

2008-02-23T10:01:00.009-07:00

Landon and Zack have a lot fun playing together!! And all of us enjoy watch them. They are both happy, funny little baby men. We are, however, noticing different personalities emerging.

The other day, playing at our place, I tried to get Landon to laugh...

I used various toys,

and even Zack tried...

I even resorted to the Little Peoples, his favorite...But the kid is just very serious...

Unlike, like Zack...who laughs at everything...

The shirts says it all...

"and I said, NO, NO, NO..."

2008-02-18T16:41:00.018-07:00

We've had "puppy / kiddies" gates in our house since the first week Stormy and Shadow came home. They are used to where they can and can't go...But they aren't to sure about the new gate we put up in what is now the playroom area.

It was put up to eventually keep Zack in, but of course it keeps Stormy and Shadow out, when necessary.

By the looks of Zack, he is not happy with new gate separating him from his dog dogs, and Shadow gets a little stressed if he's more than 6 inches from me. Sometimes I let Shadow in to play with Zack. Storm on the other hand, has no idea that how much he weighs, so we usually keep him out.

Last Sunday, we were all playing together and Storm had the best time trying to kiss Z through the gate. Turns out Storm wants in...and Zack wants out...

I am sure these two partners in crime will figure out something eventually.

Apparently Zack figured he could eat his way out.

Likes books now!

2008-02-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

In the past weeks Zack has started to enjoy his quite time with books...

He no longer just eats them!!

Play "date" with Mia

2008-02-14T14:54:00.032-07:00

This past Wednesday, Zack and I gladly volunteered to give Miss Mia's normal care takers a much deserved break. This was just half day to see if Mia liked playing with Zack and I.

What is a date anyway? According to dictionary.com, "An engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of interest" My understanding of a date is a meeting of two people at a predetermined place and time for the purpose of getting to know each other better. Nothing more, nothing less. Sounds like our objective of getting Mia more comfortable with Zack and I, so I guess this was a date!

So here is how the date went...

The usual start, the guy goes to girls place, and is interviewed by protective father. Steve and Zack did the normal guy to dad pleasantries while Anna gave me all the "Diva" tips. Then the parents were off to their respective jobs.

Mia noticed the not so subtle mamma-rattizzi right away but Z is used to it so he just went about playing...

Mia decided to not fight it and started posing...So cute!!
On the other hand the look I am getting from Z is pure embarrassment because of hovering mother. At around 10, Kari and Landon swung by to see if they could help,

but I think Kari just needed her "aborable little girl fix". I also heard they came over because LT didn't want Zack getting any time alone with Mia.

Not sure what upset LT, his current cold or Mia playing with Z for the moment...

but he did recovered quickly...maybe because he had his wingman, Zack.

Kari was a big help!! She must have inherited her mother's "baby whisperer" touch, because after a few minutes and little bit of milky's, Mia was out!!

Mia's little cat nap didn't last long so we decided to head out for a walk... I've heard it works wonders at getting the little princess to sleep...

Kari wanted to make sure Mia wasn't cold, so she used all of her blankets...

and one of Landon's hats! She even looks like a diva in boy stuff.

So we were off...one baby in papoose, and one in each stroller.

Landon and Kari attempted at run...

while Mia and Zack strolled along chatting...

and to show Mia his sensitive side, Z made friends with this little doggie. You know how Zack loves dog dogs!! After the walk we headed back to Mia's place to chill and maybe have some lunch since they were getting along so well...

That was until Zack saw that Mia's cool cell phone. Zack is a lot like his dad...easily distracted by new electronics. Mia was admiring Zack's shoes and trying to make small talk but Zack wasn't listening...

Mia decided she had been ignored long enough...

And stole the phone. She also checked to see who Z was calling, while Zack was smart and just kept his thumb in mouth... sticking to his original story, "I was just texting my bro LT"

Again Zack was distracted by a new toy that Anna bought for their big date...

Finally Mia tried the direct approach to get Zack to give her the attention she deserves...wasn't working so I decided maybe we should move the date forward to lunch.

Mia had prepared a little something to impress Zack. Yogurt, apples, prunes, with a side of Cherrio's. Both enjoyed the food, and the company. Zack even tried to play a little footies with Mia...

After lunch both kiddo's were ready for a little quite time but neither was going to give in and go off to dream land. I was about to give up on Mia napping when Daddy returned. As soon as he held her, the thumb went in the mouth and she was out. What skillz!! So our job was done. I packed up Z and headed home for his nap.

It turned out to be a great play "date"!! Zack and I are waiting by the phone for a second date.

Brunch with grown ups

2008-02-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Albert and I had brunch with Adam, Patty, (Left) Theresa and Jamey, (Left lower) to celebrate the January and February birthdays. So as not to bore Zack while we had adult conversation, Zack was invited by Kari and Brian, to have a play date with Landon. I don't know who was more excited, me ,to have Mimosa's or Kari to have "twins" to play with!?!?
While Albert and I had a great time, from the looks of the pictures, Zack is the one who got the better end of the deal.

Thanks again to Kari and Brian, we had a GREAT time and
Zack LOVED his play date!!

Sick Baby

2008-02-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Zack caught a really nasty cold at the end of last week. Not his first, but definatly his worst. He was so sad and miserable that it just broke my heart everytime he cried after coughing. As a mom, you're suppose to be able to "fix" everything. While, I know there are going to be somethings I can't fix, but I can at least try! So this time trying, was making Zack some chicken broth with noodles soup. He is eating a lot solids but I wasn't sure what he would think of the noodles.

It's food, so I should have known he would love it!!

Technically, this wasn't his first soup, his "Auntie Patty" made him some congee soup back in November. He loved that too!!

Crawl training

2008-02-05T16:20:00.001-07:00

Before the big Super Bowl game, Albert spent sometime working on Zack's crawling...

The way my sister showed us when Adrianna was learning...

You can measure the Zack's level of concentration...
By the amount of tongue sticking out...

At least he is having fun trying!!

Swim lessons, II

2008-02-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Zack has started his second session of swim lessons. It is really amazing how much they have learned in just 2 months...going under water, splashing, kicking, and floating. Below are a few pictures from our last class.
Zack in "little pool" where they can stand and climb on fence.

Zack practicing holding on to edge

Zack and Landon getting ready...Aren't they cool little surfer dudes?!?!

I guess if you pull on Z's ear his tongue pops out, just like Landons...

Landon showing Z how to blow bubbles, but Z is uninterested.

Super (Puppy) Bowl XLII

2008-02-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Zack's first Super Bowl!! We had planned our usual Superbowl watching party (this would have been the 6th year). This year's party was going to be with more babies than ever! Unfortunately, Zack caught a really nasty cold and we couldn't bear passing it on to anyone.

While waiting for game and taking a little break from playing with Zack, I found this on Animal Plant... Puppy Bowl IV. I thought it was amusing and figured that Zack would find it hillarious. You know how he loves his dog dogs. (or check out link to Z's laugh on the right)

Watching his first "Puppy Bowl" in Giants red and blue!

Cheering on his favorite puppy, that is besides Storm, Shadow, Hailie and Bowen

Like many of the past Sundays, Zack, Albert and I settled on the couch to watch the New York Giants try and stop the New England Patriots from going 19 - 0. Zack and I were cheering on the underdog Giants and Albert seemed to be rooting for the Pats just to annoy me.

Sadness when Pats scored in second quarter...

All smiles when Giants scored...

To bad he missed the final score, but fortunately he was fast alseep. I gave him the good news, Pats 14, Giants 17, when he woke up Monday morning. YEAH ELI!!

The Mohawk

2008-02-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Zack's hair has grown in to the perfect Mohawk. Everywhere we go, at least once, people say, "COOL Mohawk! How do you cut it like that?"

Of course, I don't cut it. I have even tried to tame it...

But Brian said, "Looks like mom did his hair for school pictures".
Well, we have have decided to give in and embrace it!!

So here is the evolution of Zack's Mohawk...

Early showing of "Bath Mohawk"

Followed by "I think I am so funny Mohawk"

Then came "Ready for bed Mohawk"

Soon became "Heading out Mohawk "

Showed up for "Dinning out Mohawk"

Even "Brunch at LT's Mohawk"

Doesn't even take a break "Bed head Mohawk"

Evidently the Mohawk is so COOL that LT is trying to grow one of his own...

Good idea since his "wing man" has one, and it gets the ladies!!
But that is another story...

The Best Song Ever!!!!!

2008-02-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

"Old MacDonald had a farm......"

For whatever reason this song has the ability to turn a tired, fussy, crying baby Z (see picture) into a quiet sleepy little lump.

I discovered it's power one night while Shawn was out getting a much needed mommy's night out. Poor Zack was over-tired and fighting going to sleep without the mommy milk. He wouldn't stop screaming so I broke out in song, and sure enough once I got through the volume of the screams he settled right down. Since then we've both used the song to help settle him on long drives and late nights. However sometimes it take a little while before he'll actually go to sleep so we've had to expand the farm quite a bit. Now we're up to; cow (moo), pig (oink), sheep (baa), duck (quack), turkey (gobble), chicken (baawk), bird (tweet), fish (glub), rabbit (hop), frog (ribbit), Storm (ahoooo), Shadow (woof), kitty (meow), monkey (ooh ooh), tiger (rawr), horse (cloop) and of course Zack (gooo). One of the funniest moments from my parent's recent trip was when all 4 of us were singing old macdonald to Zack when he started melting during the drive up to Evergreen.

So if you're ever stuck with a crying baby, keep in mind it's worth a try.

Day of "O's"

2008-02-01T01:07:00.001-07:00

This past Wednesday Zack and I bundled up to brave the cold with 13,000 other Coloradans to see Obama speak at Denver University. We live one light rail stop from where he was going to be, so I decide it would be fun to take Zack for his first train ride along with his first political event.

So we jumped on the train that Albert takes everyday to work in downtown. Zack, like most boys, was fasinated with the train.

Zack and I walked from the train station 3 blocks then another 2 blocks or so to find the end of the line. Allison heard we were tying to see Obama and decided to meet us in line. Zack did amazing, just hung out, flirting with girls, singing songs and eating bananas. That is until he saw Allison eating something that looked tastier...Cheerio's!! Allison was kind enough to share and Zack had his first "O's”. Of course he loved them and munched on several while we waited in line for over 3 hours.

Zack decided to save some energy for meeting Obama and
took a little nap while we waited in line.

Zack woke up just as Obama was speaking, he was so excited...
OR it was the crowd screaming...Either way the little guy was a rock star!!

"O"bama addressing our group on Lacrosse field, with
Caroline Kennedy behind him.

The Auditorium that holds over 8,000 filled up, the second and third area were full, so by the time we reach the arena, Obama's campaign had realized there was still a large group of us still not inside and they very intelligently decided to set up speakers outside by the Lacrosse field and let us listen to his speech there.

Obama himself wanted to thank us for standing out in the cold to support him, So he came out and addressed our group before going into the arena.
Allison and I decided it worked out for the best, we were only about 30 feet from where he spoke, less drama, no security check and we could escape faster when he was finished. WIN/WIN!!

It turned out to be a great adventure for Zack and I,
especially since Allison joined us.

Below is the video I was able to take of what Obama said to us before he address the crowd in arena...

When I am 80

2008-01-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

This is the first of many post about the weeks Albert parents spent here in Colorado.

Albert's father, Al, grew up on the east coast and one of his fondest memories from childhood was ice skating on ponds. About a year ago he had the opportunity to try out his skills. As it turns out, he wasn't half bad considering he hadn't skated since the 1960's!! Now he wants to skate all the time. When we were planning his visit here, ALL he wanted to do was see Zack and ICE SKATE!!!!
Now, keep in mind, he will be celebrating his 80th birthday this April.
Since neither Albert or I have skated since the year we meet, and well, weren't even good then, (as you can see below) the closest I can hope for "when I am 80", is a hike aound the lake!!

Albert and my brother Brad skating about 9 years ago, note they are just inches from the wall, just in case.

Below are a few of the pictures Albert was able take from the sidelines of his Dad skating adventure at Evergreen lake.

Al in teal jacket with the beautiful Colorado day as a backdrop!

He started out kinda wobbly because this was the first time
Al had used "hockey skates"! (no toe pic)

Still got it!!