Playing Catch-Up Since Summer!!!

Where has the time gone? It's the age old question all moms w/ little ones ask- "how can the days go so slowly and the weeks/months/years fly by?" Blogspot has not been my friend b/c it's a constant reminder of something else I need to get caught up w/ since our move in August. However, I'm trying to see the triumphs rather than the shortfalls around the house and the office is finally unpacked enough to do some blogging again. So here goes! Here are some pictures from early fall. Enjoy!

Fun w/ finger painting. The mess we make is worth it- we have such a great time!

Swimming at our favorite indoor pool. There was a 30 foot slide w/ lots of curly turns. Simon squealed w/ delight and hung on to mom or dad. This is a pic of the swan slide.

Train ride at the zoo. It was still warm and sunny so we went often.

A nearby park & a large pile of leaves. Simon loved "crashing" into the piles of leaves.

Just my size!!!

Simon vs. the Trumpet

Family Photo

Why is it so hard to get a family photo taken? I've been trying since Christmas to get a decent shot of all of us! Perhaps it's because all participants (Simon) won't look at a camera in the distance just because we tell him to or because we're seldom "dressed up" in what I'd deem photo worthy clothes. Anyway, mission accomplished. Much thanks to my mom who captured Simon's attention long enough to get a picture. Way to go, Grandma!

We finally got a sandbox!

Sandbox on Craigslist.....................$15
Sand toys.....................Free w/ sandbox
150 lbs of sand..........................$9.23
Precious hrs. spent playing in sandbox.....Priceless

Simon at the Zoo

Flixster - Share Movies

Spooning with Simon

Look-A-Like

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Free family history

Fun Day at the Park

Yesterday started off with Simon playing outside with his car in his jammies. "Broooommm brooom", as Simon would say!

Then we had a great walk around Wash Park and made sure to stop for a snack, geese and a piggy back ride. We're loving the spring days and are anxious for more of them as May Day approaches!

The Things I Do For Fun!!!

I am becoming a shameless dumpster diver. The idea of getting something for free and making something out of it thrills me. So- this was my most recent adventure. I thought I'd share the before and after pictures.

Anyway- I found the 60's record player down our alley and begged Perry help me carry it to our house. (He was dubious that I could make something out of a broken record player). Then Perry dismantled the record player and took out all the guts. I went dumpster diving again and found 3/4" plywood being thrown out that would serve as shelves and put our handheld jigsaw to use.

After buying veneer strips and a new pine top (less than $20 in supplies) I painted several coats of paint, distressed the wood and coated it with poly. Too fun! Of course, if I had the right tools
(table saw) I could do this so much more efficiently, but love the idea that this cost around $20 and 8 hrs labor later is an awesome "Pottery Barn-ish" storage credenza.

I intended to sell this for $150 on Craigslist, but don't want to part with it now. I think I'll get rid of the credenza we've got now and take this instead. Too funny, huh!

Elephants, Birds and Bears- Oh my!!!

We went to the zoo a few weeks ago with Perry's Martin side of the family, and had an absolute blast. The day was warm enough that many of the animals were in their outside cages, wandering around and acting much like predators. I have to wonder if the concrete wall and ravine is enough to keep them from joining us on the spectator side! Yow!

Anyway- we especially enjoyed the rainforest, where Simon meticulously pointed at all of the birds flitting about. We also enjoyed the elephants, rhino and hippopotamus, although Simon wasn't as thrilled and clung to our necks for fear of getting too close to them. We'll definitely have to go back again.

Simon's 14 month pictures

We finally took the time to get Simon's year pictures taken- the only problem is that by that time, he was 14 months old and had passed his 1st year birthday. Nevertheless, we're thrilled and think the pictures captured his amazing, adorable personality. We thank God every day for him.

Also- stay posted for more blogs, I'm hoping to reclaim parts of my life that I lost while consumed at my previous job.