Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Father's Day
We had such a nice Father's Day yesterday. It was filled with family and sweet moments. We started our day off at Gymboree where Elliott was a bear :) This is Elliott playing along with the Gymbo dance at the end. I thought I was recording the whole thing, but found out I never hit record - hate that! BUT, this is Elliott doing peak-a-boo :)
We then headed over to lunch where we met up with my parents and Robert and Meagan. Elliott has decided that he needs his own menu now when we go out to eat. The cute thing is that he has started reading out letters (some are right, some aren't) and I love that the reading connection is being made.
After lunch we headed over for a walk in Balboa Park. We brought Elliott's 'tricycle' along. He has a new balance bike, that he is *this* much too short to ride, on which the rule is he always has to wear his helmet. But since he can't ride his bike, he now insists on riding his tricycle with his helmet on. And who are we to discourage good safety! (Jamee, I know you know this one well ;) I think one of my favorite moments of the day was when he came riding into the restaurant (we were finishing up, while Brad had taken Elliott to get his bike from the car), helmet and all. Needless to say, he gets quite a few chuckles and smiles when he's out riding :)
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It was especially nice to celebrate this Father's Day knowing Brad is on the horizon to so many wonderful opportunities for him and our family. While there are still so many 'ifs' out there, the open spaces are slowly starting to fill in. This is a very exciting time for our little family and I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. Happy Father's Day, Brad!
We then headed over to lunch where we met up with my parents and Robert and Meagan. Elliott has decided that he needs his own menu now when we go out to eat. The cute thing is that he has started reading out letters (some are right, some aren't) and I love that the reading connection is being made.
After lunch we headed over for a walk in Balboa Park. We brought Elliott's 'tricycle' along. He has a new balance bike, that he is *this* much too short to ride, on which the rule is he always has to wear his helmet. But since he can't ride his bike, he now insists on riding his tricycle with his helmet on. And who are we to discourage good safety! (Jamee, I know you know this one well ;) I think one of my favorite moments of the day was when he came riding into the restaurant (we were finishing up, while Brad had taken Elliott to get his bike from the car), helmet and all. Needless to say, he gets quite a few chuckles and smiles when he's out riding :)
We stopped at the sculpture garden and it was such a lovely backdrop, I had to take a photo. (You can see Brad and Elliott under the sculpture.)
There was also a bit of tree climbing...
It was especially nice to celebrate this Father's Day knowing Brad is on the horizon to so many wonderful opportunities for him and our family. While there are still so many 'ifs' out there, the open spaces are slowly starting to fill in. This is a very exciting time for our little family and I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. Happy Father's Day, Brad!
Potty Time!
So a certain little someone we know used the potty for the very first time tonight :) I'm still not sure who was more excited him or me! It was totally spontaneous, after his bath and I certainly don't expect this to be an every day thing now, but wow - talk about a big step!
San Diego Botanical Gardens
One of my new favorite places to take Elliott is the San Diego Botanical Gardens. We went for the first time in February and I fell in love! Not only are the gardens beautiful, but they have (very smartly) put some money into developing two great kid-friendly areas. I actually intended to do a full post after our first trip, but never got around to it. Fortunately, we recently celebrated our friend's 3rd birthday there and had a chance to visit it again as a family.
The upper area is called 'Seeds of Wonder' and has a play house, water pump and model train as well as lots of gardens to explore. Everything is meant to be touched and explored. As part of our friend's birthday party, Elliott also got to partake in a few crafts and activities, including painting rocks, painting on easels and potting a succulent. As before, the water pump and the train was a definite favorite.
After we had snacks and cake, we headed down to the lower children's garden, the Hamilton Children's Garden. This is my favorite :) The garden meanders around with lots of twists and turns over several levels. There is lots to explore in side garden areas including a music garden, art stations, a dirt pit, a boating 'stream' and a tree house.
The tree house alone is worth the trip. It is so beautiful. The foundation of the tree itself is man-made, but it is covered with real plants and feels so real. The roots at the bottom make a maze of tunnels and there is a spiral stair case up the center to take to you the upper levels. Our first trip was on a holiday Monday, so it was crazy busy and the older kids had taken over the bottom of the tree house. But last Saturday it was so open and available, Elliott could freely explore without fear of being trampled.
Both children's areas are also a perfect way to spend a hot day as they feature plenty of opportunities to get wet. Elliott was ridiculously dirty by the time our day was done - the sign of a really great day if you ask me!
I was able to score some Groupon tickets to the gardens, so I am happy we will have the opportunity to go back soon. I can't wait!
The upper area is called 'Seeds of Wonder' and has a play house, water pump and model train as well as lots of gardens to explore. Everything is meant to be touched and explored. As part of our friend's birthday party, Elliott also got to partake in a few crafts and activities, including painting rocks, painting on easels and potting a succulent. As before, the water pump and the train was a definite favorite.
After we had snacks and cake, we headed down to the lower children's garden, the Hamilton Children's Garden. This is my favorite :) The garden meanders around with lots of twists and turns over several levels. There is lots to explore in side garden areas including a music garden, art stations, a dirt pit, a boating 'stream' and a tree house.
The tree house alone is worth the trip. It is so beautiful. The foundation of the tree itself is man-made, but it is covered with real plants and feels so real. The roots at the bottom make a maze of tunnels and there is a spiral stair case up the center to take to you the upper levels. Our first trip was on a holiday Monday, so it was crazy busy and the older kids had taken over the bottom of the tree house. But last Saturday it was so open and available, Elliott could freely explore without fear of being trampled.
Both children's areas are also a perfect way to spend a hot day as they feature plenty of opportunities to get wet. Elliott was ridiculously dirty by the time our day was done - the sign of a really great day if you ask me!
I was able to score some Groupon tickets to the gardens, so I am happy we will have the opportunity to go back soon. I can't wait!
Friday, June 17, 2011
And More Good News!
We got a surprise yesterday when Brad checked on the status of his financial aid application. Turns out UCSD has awarded him a grant to cover his school expenses next year! The only thing not being covered is his 'room and board' which we were planning to cover ourselves anyway. So basically he gets to go to school next year for free!! (We were not expecting this in the least!)
I am beyond proud of him and all the hard work he has been doing the last few years. It is certainly paying off!
I am beyond proud of him and all the hard work he has been doing the last few years. It is certainly paying off!
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