California Playing

In the NW, we usually see wood chips under the play structures at parks. In California, we found sand. Who wants to wear their shoes when playing in sand?

She's a Trooper

We gave CJ a big test today - a 10-hour drive to Grandma and Grandpa R's house. 12 hours, if you count the stops. We broke the trip into thirds and brought along the necessary diversions of toys and even a few movies to watch on Mama's computer. She did great, although she was a bit jazzed up when we got there and certainly not ready for bed. She was too excited to see Grandma and Grandpa.

She Earned It

No, not her MD, but CJ passed her Goldfish swim lessons today and earned her medical kit. She did great. After the first round of Goldfish swim lessons, the teacher told us that we could repeat Goldfish or move on to Penguin, but Mama wasn't so certain that CJ was ready to move ahead. This time Mama feels a bit more certain. CJ did great and really loved getting in the pool and playing all the games she was familiar with. This pool added a few obstacles (we had to drive, parking was a bear, the broken heater, the deep pool fiasco), but CJ really loved the fun shallow area.

The sun peeked out on Tuesday so we stayed after and CJ played and played, not wanting to leave. She found a small mat and was able to push it and jump on it to float around while kicking. She fell asleep as soon as we got into the car. We played again on Thursday and Friday. This pool is definitely better for recreation, but the first lessons were Mama's favorite.

That Mama is Better

One of our Craigslist finds was a nice bike trailer. We've used it to go to the park, the fountain, the farmers market and the brewfest. Whenever we have gone for a ride, Daddy has been the one pulling the trailer with his bike. CJ and Mama have noticed lots of Mama's around town pulling bike trailers and have been wondering if this Mama could do the same. Today we noticed one and when Mama asked CJ if she thought Mama could do that she said no.

Why not?

Because that Mama is better.

But, Daddy pulls you.

Daddy is better, too.

Friends

Today CJ crossed her wrists and said she was doing the sign (American Sign Language) for "friend". When I asked her where she learned that, she told me "Lourde taught it to me." Lourde is CJ's imaginary friend. We don't hear much about her, but we do know she lives "at downtown". Mama checked the internet and saw that the sign for friends is moving and linking your index fingers. It looked very similar to CJ's movement, only with the fingers instead of the wrists. That Lourde sure is smart.

Bubbles and Beads

She loves parties. This one had shiny beads, games, bubble wands, a pinata, yummy food, cake, juice boxes, water balloons and lollipops. What's not to love?

We're Getting Close

Preschool starts in less than three weeks. Tonight was a potluck at the park, where we got together with the teachers and many other families. CJ's favorite part may have been the mini cupcakes. Friday after next is orientation day and school starts the following week. Hard to believe it's been six months or more since we were making the preschool rounds. Guess it is time to start thinking about kindergarten...