Children's Playground in San Francisco

Today we met Thuy-Phuong, Al, Ryan, Sophie, and Elyse at the Children's Playground in Golden Gate Park. It was amazing. We're going to go there as much as we can. Next time we will bring a change of clothes for Casey though. We've been carrying around a change of clothes in her diaper bag forever without using it and I guess we got a little cocky. We were busy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and each time we went out we felt like we were packing for a week-long trip. This time we decided to try to travel light.

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Who knew the park would have a water and sand area? At first Casey managed to squat while she was playing in the water, but then before we knew it, Casey was sitting right in it. We managed to salvage her sweater, shoes, and socks before they got too wet, and luckily happened to have a onesie in the backpack. As you can see in the last three pictures, she had to go pantless for the second half of the day. At one point she tapped her knees and said, "I pants." Sorry baby.

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There is a big concrete slide that you can ride down on a piece of cardboard. She wanted to go on it and so the three of us went down. Next time I'll bring a big piece of cardboard because I kept getting stuck.

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We tried to go on the merry-go-round but they closed for lunch as soon as we got there. Casey didn't understand and didn't want to leave the area, and kept looking at it and saying, "I like it!" so Elyse and Sophie had to get creative and managed to lure her back with bouquets of leaves. Every time Sophie would walk backwards in front of Casey, Casey would start walking backwards too. When the kids squatted down to talk to her, she squatted down too. It was so cute. She wanted to do everything they did but also ran away, knowing they would chase her.

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Finally the merry-go-round opened. On our first trip Eric had scoped out the one dog, and we ran for it. I can't describe how thrilled she was to ride on that dog because you wouldn't believe me. The whole time she couldn't stop saying, "Mommy, DogDog?!"

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It was way past naptime and we had to head back to the car. She fell asleep in the stroller she was so tired. Eric and I had to relax for the rest of the day to recover from our busy weekend. We both have colds. Casey had one on Tuesday and Wednesday and we were worried that all of the fun stuff we had planned for the weekend would be cancelled. Usually her colds last at least 2 weeks and then I end up sick for even longer. Eric and I thought we were home free when she was fine on Thursday and we were still feeling ok. Somehow we still managed to fit a week or two of fun into our four days.

Outdoor ice skating

Last night we went ice skating in downtown San Jose with our friends Mary-Mia and Rod and their girls, Rose and Marie. Eric got the biggest size skate (not big enough) and Casey got their smallest size (not small enough) but we were out there circling the rink anyway. Casey goes in the front, I go behind her, holding her up and trying to stay stabile, and Eric pushes from the back. Casey was moving her skates back and forth like she was walking. It's a pretty good system but still I'm surprised our backs don't hurt today.

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It was right next to the Fairmont Hotel so we relaxed in the lobby on some cushy chairs and couches with a coffee table in the middle. It was a pretty good spot because there was music playing (to drown out the noise of the kids), the tables were low (so they could stand if they wanted), and no one really notices kids running around in a hotel lobby. We ordered some dinner and the girls all ran around and played in the giant gingerbread house. Rose explained to Eric that at home they don't put cookies on the walls and that they don't like to save cookies, they just like to eat them! So funny. Casey loved Mary-Mia and jumped right into the chair with her. Like Mary-Mia didn't have enough girls to watch! Then later Casey was looking for her, saying "Mia-Mia, are you?"

Farm party

Yesterday Casey got dressed in her farmiest outfit and we went to Oskar's 3rd birthday party at Hidden Villa Farm. She was a little shy at first but as the day went on, she got back to herself. Actually, the more people there were the more social she became. But no matter how shy she's being, she always wants to sit by the birthday boy or girl. She made sure she got the prime seat next to Oskar before the tour and after.

The kids got to pet goats and sheep, and we saw month old chicks, a cow, and a blacksmith. She took pictures of the little chicks and was very brave with the animals.

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In the fourth picture you can see Casey pointing out the potty with grass growing out of it. The kids were quite impressed (there were about 5 potties with different plants growing out of them).

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In the last picture she's angling for the first piece of cake. Smart.

Academy of Sciences

This morning when we woke up I explained to Casey that on the day after Thanksgiving we don't eat oatmeal or cereal or eggs, but we eat turkey and pumpkin pie. She liked the idea.

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After breakfast we went to the Academy of Sciences with Susan, Steve, Ava, and a million other people. I thought all those other people would all be at the mall. We saw the albino alligator, some huge turtles, and lots of huge fish. Casey was probably most interested in the drinking fountain, but she had a great time. We ended up in the toddler room where they had a big boat with a kitchen in it and she was very happy. She cooked us all some eggs and served us apple juice. We had a little change of pace on the drive home and Casey sung me to sleep. I had a good nap.

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Casey's talking more and more. This morning she looked at me and said, "I love YOU, Mommy" and pointed at me. Then she looked at Eric and said, "I love YOU, Daddy" and pointed at him. Then she said "I love you TOO, DogDog" and squealed and gave him an Eskimo kiss.

Happy Thanksgiving!

After the Turkey Trot we went home to shower and cook up a few Thanksgiving dishes and then we went over to Kyle's grandma's house to play and then have dinner. Casey and Cami rode around on little bikes and cars and the first picture shows her on the little roller coaster. Casey and Cami both have DogDogs and they rode in the cars too.

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Then the girls got dressed up in the matching outfits that Veronica had bought for them and their DogDogs. Casey wasn't too into taking the pictures and wouldn't even hold DogDog for some reason, but we took as many pictures as we could.

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For dinner and Casey ate more turkey than ever before in her life (I probably did too). And she also got to eat more of Ted's famous broccoli. For dessert she had pumpkin pie but mostly she was interested in the whipped cream. The kids ran around like crazy. In the last picture, Kyle and Casey brought their chairs into the den so they could watch some tv. You can see that Casey can barely sit down for five seconds in a row.

Turkey Trot

We did our first Turkey Trot on Thursday with Veronica, Ted, Kyle, and Cami. We ran the 5K with 3 jogger strollers. Eric had a super-heavy stroller and I weighed it down a little more with my backpack. Between that and the crowd (we started way too far back) I was almost able to keep up with him.

Casey did surprisingly well in the stroller with her bag of sliced apples. That girl eats a lot of apples. She was saying something but Eric couldn't hear and then I realized she was making a request for the "Katie Song". That's the song Eric makes up about all the fun stuff that Katie and Casey like to do. She yells out ideas like swing, wawa, and Teddy DogDog Katie lap and he has to incorporate it into the song. Somehow he didn't feel like singing right then.

Then we went to the kids' run and it was not what I was picturing. It was very crowded and the trail was narrow and parents were pushing and throwing elbows to try to get a good spot in the front, so I undertsand why she didn't want to get down. I never thought it would be me running in the 2 and 3 year old division. Check out how I beat that little 3 year old boy! Maybe next year, kid.

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Casey seemed pretty happy with her medal. And she got two of the smallest t-shirts they had, which should fit her in about 4 years.

Early morning call

Eric and Casey had early morning calls today. She talked on her DogDog phone, "Yeah, yeah, OK, yesh." I was so tired but I couldn't stop laughing. I know they look like they are posing but they aren't.

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Later she gave Baby Two and DogDog horsie rides on her knee, saying "Neigh neigh".

Hanging with Brynn

With the big birthday extravaganza I didn't have time to post these pictures of Casey and Brynn from Friday. Those clean freak girls (yeah right) decided they needed some wipes to wash the slide. They cleaned, climbed all over, and ran around putting leaves and rocks in their pockets. Good toddler fun.

Ha bu to Daddy

Today was Eric's birthday so we had a big birthday bash weekend. Yesterday Eric and Casey went for a quick run while I went for my run and then we all met with some friends at Starbuck's. Casey had a good time hanging out with the big girls.

In the afternoon, Casey and I went next door so Eric could spend an hour reading and relaxing. For dinner, we went out for burgers with Davina and Tyler. Casey loves seeing them and sat on their laps while Eric and I ate our dinner. They brought some amazing cupcakes for dessert. So much for my one week of healthy food before Thanksgiving.

Today Casey and I woke up early to make Eric some gingerbread muffintops and wrap his presents. I was torn between hurrying and letting Casey help, but decided to let her help make the muffins. She was pretty good actually. She likes to pour and stir and then she even helped put the batter in the muffin tin. I was getting ready to wrap the presents and she went tearing down the hall yelling "Daddy!! Ha bu to you!" and ran into our room and woke him up. It was pretty funny but I wasn't ready! So I grabbed some tissue paper and threw his presents into some Dora giftbags so he couldn't see them.

Casey and I went to buy birthday presents on Friday. Every time I told her we were going to get a present for Daddy she said "NO ME!" Oh my goodness. When did we create such a birthday monster! Seriously it was the same reaction every time I said it. Luckily she was better when he opened his presents, although she still thinks the little electric drill is for her.

We went for a hike and it was really nice out. We kept the snacks coming and Casey walked around a bit and we sang about two miles worth of the birthday song. I guess Casey still likes the backpack because she made Eric sing happy birthday to it. I sat out on that verse. I can sing to DogDog but the backpack? I just can't do it.

We got home just in time for a nap and then we took Casey over to play with Kyle and Cami while we had high school date night -- went to the mall and saw the new James Bond movie and then ate at the food court. The food at Mr. Falafel wasn't too bad!

When we went to pick up Casey there was a surprise party -- three little kids in Dora and Diego party hats yelling surprise. It was hilarious. Then we sang happy birthday. Again. But with homemade chocolate cake and ice cream this time. Apparently Casey ate lots of chicken and broccoli and when Veronica asked her if she liked the chicken she said "yes, more broccoli". What the heck? It was good because then I remembered to ask Ted the important question. It turns out that the secret sauce is oyster sauce. I've been trying butter and cheese, which are two of her favorite foods. Silly me. I guess I'll be picking up some oyster sauce at the store next week.

Fun weekend. We're looking forward to another fun and busy weekend starting Thursday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jSQjnW2fa4

DogDog Ding Dong Ditches

Funny stuff

This morning Casey woke up and told me "Teddy DogDog poo poo. Stinky." Then she told me that all the other dogdogs also went poo poo. Luckily she didn't ask for diapers for each of them, as she often does.

The other morning she woke up and said "orange balloon" (not sure how to spell her pronunciation of orange), which is what she got at Trader Joe's the other day. I think orange is the only color she knows or else it's her favorite. Hard to tell.

She has a Boynton book "Blue Hat, Green Hat" that has been missing for a while. On the back of all the books in that series is a picture of all the books in the series. So every time she picks up another book, she turns it over and points at "Blue Hat, Green Hat". I ordered it on Amazon and hopefully it will arrive soon! I keep telling her it's coming in the mail but I don't think she believes me.

I wonder if some day we'll find all the missing books and pieces of toys and puzzles.

Cheese and peas, please

Yesterday Casey and I went over to help Nanette and Maya bake chocolate cookies. Casey plays with Maya, I keep Nanette company, and we both help taste cookies. It's a pretty good gig. If anyone else needs cookie tasters, we are available.

While we were waiting for the cookies to bake, Nanette gave the girls cheese and frozen peas to snack on, and Casey learned her first rhyme. Cheese peas pease.

Another trip to Gilroy Gardens

Yesterday Casey went to Girloy Gardens with Kyle, Cami, and Brynn. She got to drive one of the cars that go around the park on a track again and could almost see over the dashboard this time. She wasn't quite as impressed with it as she was the first time she found herself behind the steering wheel but this time she actually steered. She even had a good time in line drinking my Icee and playing with the kids.

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In the fourth picture you can see her practicing for the Turkey Trot. In the last picture she's on the carousel by herself (without an adult standing by) for the first time. She rode like a pro.

The kids stayed up until they could barely walk or keep their eyes open and then they all fell asleep in the car on the way home. We drove with Veronica and Ted so when we got back to their house they invited us over for dinner. Ted whipped up a great dinner and somehow convinced Casey to eat broccoli. I have to remember to find out his secret ingredient.

Unclear on the concept

Today we went to Maya's birthday party. They had a puppet show in their house and all of the kids sat on the floor facing the show, except for one kid. Casey wanted to sit near Maya so she went and sat right in front of her, facing her. I think she was testing Maya's powers of concentration.
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During lunch she kept checking my plate to see if I had any cake on it, saying "ha bu to you? dake?" Then when we were walking around during the puppet show she noticed the cupcakes were out. She made it clear she wanted docolate and not nella. Looks like she's figured out the whole birthday thing.

Birthday party

Casey went to Baby Cole's first birthday party on Sunday. Look how grown up she looks coloring on the floor. And stealing Daddy's cake before she's even done with her own. That's my girl.

Family Day celebration

Five seriously cute girls. From the left: Brynn, Ava, Ashley, Casey, and Cami. All the families came over and it was so fun to see them. We get together with all of them but rarely all at the same time. The girls had a blast and Kyle enjoyed being the big brother. And the little brother too because Ashley's big brother Derek joined us.

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We got a ton of Chinese food and Karen brought the freshest gooiest brownies ever. In the last picture you can see Casey helping herself to another one. Eric thinks it may have been her fourth.

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We meant to take more pictures and even videos but we were just too busy having fun. We have to do this more often.

Pumpkingirl trick or treats like a pro

When I was in college I took a sociology class where we had to go out and do something that went against what people would expect in normal social interaction and then record what happened. I gave some money to a street person (in Berkeley) and asked him to try to hand it out to people. Most people walked right past him and then did a double-take when they realized he wasn't asking for spare change but trying to hand it out. I will always remember sitting on the curb, cracking up, thinking it was the best 7 bucks I ever spent.

Arjan outdid me last night. We went trick or treating with him (tiger) and Maya (Tinkerbell) and their parents. Arjan decided that he was going to bring a bowl of candy with him (in addition to his trick or treat bucket). It was one of those bowls that talks to you and has a hand that grabs at you when you try to take the candy. We all tried to talk him out of carrying that heavy bowl, but his mind was made up. As the kids knocked on doors, people would try to put candy in his bowl or in the bowl's hand and he would explain to them that they were NOT supposed to put their candy in the hand or the bowl. They were supposed to put the candy IN the bucket and take candy OUT of the bowl. Every one of them was very confused. Most of them took the candy once they figured it out and giggled.

Then came along the newly trickortreatsavvy 2 year old pumpkingirl who got two or three servings of candy from every house. While the homeowner stood there laughing in surprise at Arjan, pumpkingirl was ready with her hand out saying "I moooore" and they handed over the candy Arjan gave them. She would hardly let us hold her candy bucket even though it was getting very heavy. Finally she turned it over after much convincing but wouldn't let go of any new candy until we got to the next house and she realized she was going to need free hands if she wanted MORE candy.

By the end she was VERY tired (past bed time) and I was carrying the cuddly pumpkin and she saw Arjan and Maya walking up to the next house and got down and sprinted to the house. I haven't seen her sprint that fast since picking her up during that first month of daycare. We're taking her to a Turkey Trot kids' run and I think I'll bring a pumpkin bucket of candy and stand at the finish line with it. We'll bring home a trophy.