Monday, August 31, 2009

Toys, Tomatoes, and Toddlers


A walk this morning through the jungle with Ms. Beth.

Then...


This afternoon, I played with my friend, Akari, who I met at the Kindermusik demonstration last week. Akari and her mom, Akemi, brought the most delicious apples, one of which I kept munching on for several minutes. Ms. Beth and Akemi had something in common--they both taught Junior High students and found it to be quite challenging since kids that age typically do not find education fun. As the adults talked, little Akari and I played with the Japanese books, blocks, and bubbles. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the tiny red tomato treat. What a great afternoon!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Birthday Party



Dada had cupcakes for his party. Yum! I had the best time singing, dancing and watching Totoro with Auntie Rebecca and Uncle Dustin. I also got to "talk" with Auntie Kimber, Uncle Tim, Auntie Casey, Uncle Brian. I had many stories to tell them.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Dada's Birthday






Today is Dada's birthday! We had great fun opening his presents and eating cake and ice cream with caramel sauce. I'm now understanding this concept of tearing paper off and getting to the toy! He received the last season of BattleStar Galatica from Mommy and Luke, Ray and I got him a portable DVD player for Totoro. In the evening we celebrated at the home of Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve. I again had to explore the gardens telling stories to Dada as he followed me. Since it had been raining, I was a bit muddy, and what started as a hand and foot washing in the bathroom sink turned out to be a full body bath! What a glorious day!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Kindermusik



Ms. Beth and I took our first Kindermusik class-- well, really it was a demonstration at the local Children's Orchard and Mommy and Ms. Beth wanted to see if I would sit still and pay attention. I did alright for 70% of the time. I loved the activities when we got to get up, shake, wiggle, stomp, and dance. When I was bored, I would dart off to the store to play with the toys on display.

p.s. Ms. Beth took this photo of me with her cell phone when we were on a walk later that afternoon

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rubik's Cube





As I continue to grow, I continue to learn new ways of solving the puzzles in my world. Today it is Daddy's Rubik's cube and licking the bowl clean!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Toledo Zoo






Daddy always takes Sunday off from work so today we decided to go to the Toledo Zoo for frolicking fun. I especially loved the monkeys as they jumped from one rope to another and the zoo playground set. Daddy calls me Monkey and now I am starting to understand why. Later that afternoon we went to visit Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve. Here I am riding the tractor and feeding the fish in the pond!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Out and About


This Saturday afternoon feels like autumn is here and summer has gone. The weather was clear, sunny, and beautifully cool. Mommy and I ran errands today and the best stop was the Lodi Farms Nursery because they had this fantastic playset and sandbox. I explored the area, picked up the rocks, and played with the cats while Mommy purchased a Sweet Autumn Clamatis and an Astilbe.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Oba-ba


Kaylie is learning new words each day which amazes Greg and I. This evening when speaking to my mom she said "Oba-ba", her version of the Japanese Obachan (grandmother). My mom had tears in her voice :-)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Totoro


I'm 21 months old today and the movie industry has already captured my heart. I can watch Totoro over and over. This is my favorite movie right now.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Shishka Fest 2009






Uncle Tim and Auntie Kim hosted the annual ShishkaFest this beautiful hot summer evening. I was too little to remember it last year and I probably slept through most of it. Not this time. I enjoyed playing with the brightly painted lawn chairs, climbing up and down the deck and indoors stairs, chasing bubbles and running in the lawn pointing at the airplanes that flew by. The food was delicious with the best being the tomatoes which I especially enjoyed. Some of the guest included Dan, Cecilia, Karen, Chelsey, Chelsey's boyfriend, Dan's mom, Miss Beth, Collin, Casey, Brian, and of course Mommy, Daddy and me.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Fireman


Ms. Beth and I played at the local Urban Toddler this afternoon while Mommy got her hair cut. During my stay there, I was the brave and courageous fireman climbing on top of the firetruck.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Play Station


Obachan and (later Grandpapa on Saturday morning) took me to Ridgemar Mall in Fort Worth where I got to climb and play in the toddler play area. There was a waterfall to climb up and rocks to climb down on. There was also a boat, truck, train and huge mushrooms to tackle and explore!

K of C Summer Picnic



Grandpapa's Knights of Columbus Council always has their annual summer picnic in August and this year we were were lucky to be in Texas during this year's event. I loved splashing in the large outdoor pool and going "up and down" on their swing.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Dinner Party at the Cordell's





My friends Andy, Eva, Nick, Charlie and the newest member Teddy invited us over for a dinner party and a party is was. We played outside in the sandbox, ran through the sprinkler, danced, played musical chairs and ate chicken, salad blueberry muffins, and had cupcakes for dessert. I was exhausted at the end of the evening. I can't wait to see them again the next time I'm in Texas.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Texas Retreat


Today starts our 10 day visit to Texas with Obachan and Grandpapa. They will be watching me when Mommy is working. The Grandpapa Kindercare programs include the word of the day, catch-the-baseball, storytime and naptime. Obachan prepares very delicious lunches and dinners for me. I even ate rice and seaweed and Japanese cucumber pickles. I loved to put on my little red boots and explore the outside at dawn and dusk -- the times when it was the coolest.