Playing at the park

Here are just some recent pictures and a video of Bruce (and Willow) at the park. Bruce loves the splash park (basically like an uber-sprinkler to run through) and the slide. He also loves to climb all over the playground equipment. In the evening, we hung out with our friends Laura and Aaron and their boys Walt and John. We had a great time touring their wonderful mini-farm and even learned some Texas trivia! They always make sure we take a load of home-grown veggies when we leave too, so we are now enjoying the fruits (and veggies?) of that. It's so nice of them to share their talent. Hope everyone's having a great week!

Proud of himself for climbing to the top

"Have a treat, Willow"

Going down the slide

Walking down the dock

Looking for turtles in the water

In the splash park

Plotting his next move

Sometimes the puddles are the most fun

Still playing

The cutest footprints ever

PC Gaming for Toddlers

OK, so, despite the fact that I know both of our mothers will sigh and wonder where they went wrong, I had to post this video. Jerret downloaded a video game for toddlers and it's no surprise that Bruce loves it. (Jerret does too - maybe we should download a Linux version just for him!) Since Bruce loves to type on the computer and play with the mouse (can't imagine where he got that), we had been looking for something on his level that he could do without just messing things up. The funny thing though, is that his "messing things up" on the computer has taught me about some abilities and options that I didn't know how to use - things that happen when you push two unlikely buttons at once or scroll and push a button, etc. It's interesting - give it a try when you get a chance - but remember that some changes may not return to normal!

Our most recent pet praying mantis, smiling and looking right at the camera

(what, you can't see his smile?)

Our little girl appears to be growing normally and doing well! She is certainly very active, moving and kicking throughout the day. Bruce is now 15 months old. He has been very healthy and his newest skill (aside from the above demonstrated talent in the gaming department) is climbing! He climbs all over the couches, stairs, coffee table, bed, etc. He can even get on the kitchen table when he's feeling a bit daring and mom turns her back momentarily! Although we discourage the more dangerous feats like the kitchen table, it is so fun to see him discover this part of life. He attends Toddler Time weekly at the library and has learned some new finger plays and how to color. He also gets to dance (this remains one of his favorite passtimes - most recently exhibited daily on the coffee table) and catch bubbles!

We are really enjoying the time we are now able to spend with Jerret every day. It seems so abundant in contrast to what we've had with his previous jobs. We are also a bit giddy over our "cold front". The weather has been so nice lately! It is currently below 80 and we've had a few gentle rain showers in the past few days. How refreshing in contrast to the recent sweltering stickiness!

Fun Stuff

Here's some fun stuff just in case you have some free time lately like we have!

4th of July

We went to Ram Stadium to watch the fireworks for 4th of July. It was a good show and not very crowded, so it was very nice for us. The show started about 2 hours after Bruce's bedtime, so we were a bit worried whether or not he would enjoy it, but he had a great time! He watched the fireworks, pointing, clapping, and talking throughout the show. I only got one (very poor) picture of the fireworks because Jerret made me stop messing with the camera and pay attention to the show. But you all know what fireworks look like anyway. :)

Us with the stadium in the background


Hats off!


He walked laps around the grassy area


And had to have some help staying away from the street


An exhausted but intrigued little boy watching the fireworks


And here are a few pictures of our recent life.


Watching TV with Daddy (very serious)


We found a new veggie that Bruce likes. He can only eat about 1 kernel at a time, but he LOVES corn on the cob!


I took this picture just because I knew the Mesa crew wouldn't believe it without proof. Someone else CAN hold her (very carefully)!