Making Strides

One of CJ's teachers made a point to show Mama some of CJ's writing. CJ has always liked to make sure she is spelling something right and so she's been limiting herself to her bucket of known words when she writes. But they've been working on it and CJ is starting to sound out words and to keep going with her ideas, rather than stopping and waiting for someone to tell her how to spell something. This is really great to see. Mama was so proud.

A Dozen Years

Happy Birthday Little B!

Yoga Girl

CJ's been doing yoga for some time, but today she started a real class at a yoga studio. This is the only activity she wanted to do besides gymnastics so we found one that worked and signed up. She took her pink mat and had a great time. They play games as well as doing postures. Sounds like fun.

Comfort Girl

Little B likes to make herself comfortable on long trips. Nothing like sleeping on Daddy's pillow.

Building Morning

CJ's cousin brought out his massive Lego Collection and we lost her attention for a long time. She was so busy building that she couldn't be interrupted for anything else. She built people, cars, and even a stable for this horse, complete with baskets full of hay for snacking on.

Toy Battles

The first battle was building one of the toys CJ's cousin received for his birthday. It took a few adults to put it together. But later some weapons came out and a real battle ensued.

Go Karts

While CJ wasn't so sure about the go-karts, her cousin thought they were pretty fun. Especially when he and his father passed CJ and Daddy. By the end a smile was almost showing on her face.

The Fun Zone

Today we headed out to CJ's cousin's birthday party at a fun center While CJ turned down the opportunity to play in bumper cars, she enjoyed the bowling and the arcade games (especially when she won 75 tickets) and shopping for her prizes.

The Birds

Grandma came to town tonight so after dinner we took her to see the birds. We'd never been before and were amazed by the crowds almost as much as by the birds. It was pretty amazing to see the birds circle around and around the sky before they all tucked down for a night in the chimney. Look closely.

(Photo and video courtesy of Mama's Iphone, since she forgot her camera at dinner. Oops)

The Children's Museum

After school today, CJ wanted to check out the Children's Museum. Yes it was sunny and we should have been at the zoo or a park or something, but she had her heart set on it so we went. And she had a fun time checking out the new exhibits. It had been a while since we'd been. I'm sure we will be back soon.

Junior Ranger

With the return of the fall weather this week, we decided to head out for a hike. When we got to the trailhead, we realized that we needed a parking pass. We opted for the annual one, so our free hike turned out to be a bit more expensive than planned. We did get to meet the park ranger and she gave CJ, the Junior Ranger, a nature hunt to complete as we walked. Once we got out of the car, the rain started to pour down so before we hit the trail we stopped for a snack in the nice picnic shelter. When we got going again, it really wasn't that wet.

CJ enjoyed finding the items on the nature hunt list and also slugs, snails and rocks that drew on other rocks. She was only sad that the ranger station was closed on our way out so we couldn't turn in the hunt checklist to get the prizes she had been told of.

Daddy Daughter Day

CJ and Daddy spent hours together today at the climbing gym while Mama ran some errands. They had a great time and were happy that the gym was not crowded at all even though it was a wet day outside.

A New Place In Town

A new restaurant opened near the house. While we were sad to see the ice cream store go, we were happy to hear that the new place would be a kid-friendly hop house. Tonight we walked over to check it out and we were a bit surprised at how crowded it was when we arrived. Dinner was a little slow, but pretty good. I'm not sure it replace any of our favorite places, but it is great to have a nice option so close to home.

The New Bed

Luna Hulabiscus

We had to get one shot of CJ with the crazy big flowers before they disappear.

And here's one before that top front left tooth falls out.

It is getting wiggly.

Back At It

School is back in session and CJ is back making art. Here's a piece she did of her walking with Mama. Mama is wearing her bag over her shoulder (like I really do). There are two cars driving by. And yes, the sun is shining!

Shake A Leg

Our neighbors joined us for a walk (scooter ride for the kids) to the bakery and farmers market. After we picked up some fresh flowers and a flat of berries, the girls found a musician to dance to. We finished the excursion with a stop at a park on the way home.

Block Party

Tonight we went to a block party, but not on our block. We have one dog walk that we call "the usual" and it takes us two blocks from home. With repeated walks over the same route, we've met some of the neighbors and many have children about CJ's age, thus we ended up at their block party.

CJ had a blast bouncing in the bouncy house (when it wasn't falling flat on the ground), playing games, eating popsicles, doing the cake walk and getting some glow in the dark bracelets since we were still hanging out when night fell.

On the way home we caught a glimpse of a beautiful pink/orange moon. Pretty cool.

Ice Cream and Water

Today we rode our bikes down to The Pearl. An unexpected purchase caused Daddy to have to run home to get the car. While he was gone, CJ and Mama hit the ice cream store. This girl loves her ice cream.

When Daddy returned, we enjoyed some time in the sun, while CJ kept herself busy in Jamison Fountain.

School Picnic

Tonight was CJ's school picnic. We enjoyed the evening meeting other parents and children from her new school. Climbing trees seems to be a favorite activity of this group.

Gym Dandy

Today CJ resumed her gymnastics class. This year she's part of the older group, known as the gym dandies. She looks forward to her class every week.

First Day of School - 1st Grade

Here's CJ having breakfast and getting ready to head in to her first day of her new school. Luckily Daddy had the day off today so we all went to drop her off and pick her up. She said she had a good day. So many new kids to meet.

Bye Bye California

Here's CJ checking out the koi fish in Uncle D's backyard before we headed out on the long drive home.

Family

CJ's Sand Castle Creation

One of CJ's favorite places to visit in California is the park across from Grandma and Grandpa's house. This morning she and Daddy braved the cold to create this sand castle, complete with wheelchair ramps and more.

Dog Days

We celebrated the good news of CJ's new school with her uncles at one of our favorite California destinations.

Each year this place gets a bit nice. We had lots of son, some good beers and a fancy cheese plate for the wee one. Little B enjoyed lots of pets from the people nearby. Luckily we went early - by the time we left there were no seats to be had.