2 days, 2 birthdays, 2 cupcakes

We've had a busy, frigid two days here in Dallas. With temps hovering around 25-30 degrees and lots of wind, making our way between birthday parties has been a little daunting. Daunting, but worth it. Yesterday we attended a birthday for Josh! The kids ran their heads off in an indoor playground then convened for cupcakes. Here's the crew awaiting their cupcakes - Walker as you can see cannot wait.


Then today, we met Emmawyn for her second birthday. Walker immediately found his way to the ladies and began making the moves. I love this progression. First he goes after Mackenzie and telling by her big fat smile, I don't think she minds.

Then Walker asked Emmawyn for a hug and she gladly obliged.

Then, Mack wanted another hug. And Walker, of course, was happy to.

I think Walker has found his Valentine!

Love this shot of the kids at the keys.

Finally, time for more cupcakes!

This is one happy kid.

Journaling

For the past two day's I've been hard at work writing writing writing. Today, Walker asked, "Where's Walker's journal?" Good question. So, I dug out a blank notebook, just his size and an over-sized pencil, easy for little hands. He found his comfy chair, just like me, and began writing. 20 minutes later, he was still scribbling. Here's our little journal-er in action.

Reading to Baby

First day back home in Dallas. We spent the day unpacking and playing with all our long lost toys. After a little grocery shopping, we met our midwife for a quick listen to the "tummy baby" as Walker called it! Inspired by our trip to the midwife, Walker found his own baby and read to him. Ah....

And a little video:

Sun Break!

Finally, on our last remaining day in LA, the rains have stopped and the sun is shining. Jack and I took Walker to Griffith Park's Railway Station for a ride on their super-duper-cool kid sized choo choo. Walker was ecstatic!

Observing at the Observatory

We are in LA enjoying the moments when the rain breaks long enough for us to get out and run around. The downpours are bordering on biblical. Crazy! Here are some shots of our little explorer in a West Hollywood park. He was very impressed with the size of the banana plants - but a little confused by the fact that there were no bananas.








Last night we headed for the Observatory in Griffith Park. It was a hazy, slightly misty sunset, but beautiful none-the-less. When Walker peered down into the LA basin he said, "Whoa. Lots of houses." True, kiddo, very true.

Debbie's Ukelele

We had a wonderful evening visit with dear friend Debbie Lagomarsino last week. Her home is a treasure trove of magical musical instruments. Walker played some gongs, some Gamelean bells and his favorite - a kid sized guitar.

And a video of the ukelele-ist in action!

Visiting

We're back in Paso Robles for a few days before heading south to meet up with Jack. We've spent our time visiting with family that we rarely get to see. Walker was very pleased to spend some time with Great Uncle Terry and his amazing collection of firehouse and fireman memorabilia.

We have also enjoyed doing a few chores around Happy's home -
hopefully enough to earn our keep.

Visiting my Aunt Sue's mother, Emmalou. Walker wanted to see inside the sewing box.

Hiding in the cabinet.

And dinner with dear friend, Suzanne,
whom Walker refers to as "Auntie SuzAAAAAAAAne"!

Spending some time with "Tip" - Happy's house cat.