Our First Emergency...

We've been really lucky so far in our marriage (knock on wood)...no major emergencies for anyone in the family. But, we had our first emergency last night - our dog, Nala, needed to go the vet for surgery. :(

Undoubtedly, the hardest part about our current living situation is not having a backyard for the dogs to play off-leash. Nala LOVES to fetch, so she really misses being able to run and chase balls and frisbees. We decided to check out our local dog park to see how our dogs would do on Thursday afternoon, and they did wonderful! Nala had a blast chasing a stick and Chloe had a great time socializing with the other dogs. So, we went again on Friday afternoon. We brought a frisbee for Nala and threw it for her...but one of the other dogs there did not seem to like Nala running after the frisbee. We couldn't "read" the dog, so we couldn't tell whether the dog was playing with Nala or was a little more aggressive, trying to "herd" her. One of the times when Chris threw the frisbee, the other dog did something to make Nala yelp, but we couldn't be sure if it had just ran into Nala or if it nipped at her. Nala seemed fine, so we let her chase one more frisbee. But this time, the other dog did bite Nala while she was running for the frisbee. We knew immediately that something was wrong - Nala yelped and ran back to us, instead of going after the frisbee. Nala has NEVER let anything deter her from going after something Chris threw. I checked her and we saw that she had a big gash torn in her side, where the fur had been pulled and the skin was ripped off. The dog had bit Nala while she was running, which actually made the wound worse than just a bite, since it pulled and tore.

Fortunately, Chris was there and took care of the details with the other dog owner. I was so mad I was seeing red, and I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to control my temper to be polite, which would have made the situation worse. Even though the other man should have been watching his dog closer, he did the right thing and offered to pay for any vet services. Chris ran home for the car, while I got directions to the vet and exchanged phone numbers with the man. Poor Nala was very brave and tough (she was probably most upset that she couldn't chase the frisbee any more) and we got her to vet, where they took one look at her and told us that she needed surgery for the injury and would have to spend the night. The vet was wonderful and helpful, and I was starting to fall apart at this point when I kept looking at her injury and seeing how bad it was, so it was great to be able to trust the vet. They gave her a shot to calm her down before the anesthesia and even called us after the surgery to let us know that everything went well.

She's got quite an injury and has to take 9 pills a day for a while, but the other dog was up to date on all its shots and everything, so that's one relief. As Chris said, Nala is handling better than we are (especially me...I've been crying practically nonstop since last night), she's one tough cookie and she'll pull through fine. While we wish it wouldn't have happened in the first place, at least she's all taken care of now.

Our dogs are part of the family, especially Nala who we had since she was six weeks old. We love our girls and can't imagine our lives without them, so we are very grateful to the vet who helped Nala out. Hopefully she'll continue to heal and return to her old happy self as soon as possible.

17 Weeks!

It's been a while since I've uploaded any belly pictures, so here we go! Still looking more fat than pregnant, but I know I'll get there! Feeling great except for lots of morning (evening) sickness still. I'm starting to get mad at all my daily and weekly pregnancy update emails - all of them are saying that nausea should be completely gone by now. HA! That's funny! I've lost six pounds in ten weeks, just from puking! And yes, if you have any suggestions about combating the sickness, I've tried it. Saltines? Yup. Sea Bands? Yup. Pear juice? Yup. Sprite? Yup. Lemon juice? Yup. Standing on my head while drinking a glass of water and saying the alphabet backwards? Yup. No, just joking about the last one. But if someone told me that it worked for morning sickness, I'd probably try it!

It's all worth it, though - especially since I felt the baby move this week! What an amazing feeling - I can't wait until Chris can feel it too!

Christmas Time is Here!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I absolutely can't believe it's a week until Christmas - it's one of those things that I look forward to so much that it seems it will never be here, then woosh! Here it is!

So I LOVE to decorate for Christmas. Just ask Chris. When we were first married, he was a little bit overwhelmed by all the 18 gallon Rubbermaids labeled "X-Mas" in our shed! We made a deal that I could have one Rubbermaid for each holiday's decorations (at least till we get more storage space)... little does he know that I count Labor Day, Father's Day, Kwanzaa, and other such holidays in my official Rubbermaid count, and fill them with Christmas decorations!! :)


Our first Christmas, my mom made us a beautiful wreath for our door. Unfortunately, since we live in the ghetto, I didn't want to put it up and have it get stolen or ruined. So I made a cheap wreath that still looks festive, but that I wouldn't be heartbroken if some homeless person decides to steal. I made this one just out of ornaments I had hanging around and a few from the dollar store and just strung them on a wire hanger.

I also whipped up a tree skirt for our Christmas tree. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this fabric - the blue and silver with the snowflakes is PERFECT for me. Even though I had to stitch it all by hand (my sewing machine was on the fritz), it was so totally worth it. Although, you can hardly see it already, with all the presents we have under the tree!!

Which brings us to our tree! Our landlady and her husband own a U-cut Christmas Tree farm. A couple years ago, we cut down a tree in the wild and it was so fun, we decided to do the farm! Of course, I'm a ditz and forgot my camera, but it was soooo much fun and we got the most beautiful tree! Nothing smells as good as a live tree!

More pictures to come soon - my parents are driving up from SoCal tommorow (YAY!), so we are looking forward to a busy and FUN holiday!!!!

Thankful

So the other day, I woke up in a really bad mood. I mean REALLY BAD! I was a grumpy gills. Nothing seemed to be going right. But then I realized that the next day was Thanksgiving, and I really had a lot I needed to be thankful for - a lot I needed to simply take a step back and get some perspective.

I was upset with Chris for being messy and not cleaning up after himself...but then I remembered that many people will not be able to spend the holidays with their spouses because of military service, or even more permanent situations like loss.

I was frustrated at having to vacuum my house, but then I remember how blessed I am to have a house, a safe roof over my head. So many people do not have a home to go to, with a warm bed and a dishwasher.

I was irritated at the morning sickness that is still persisting...but I am so grateful to be pregnant and have a healthy, growing child in my belly.

I was sad that I would not be spending Thanksgiving with my side of our family...but I am thankful that they are safe and happy and that we'll see them soon.

I was annoyed at having to trek to Klamath Falls for work...but I am grateful that I have some sort of job, with good friends and coworkers.

I have so much to be thankful for. What a great opportunity to remember all of my blessings, especially amid the frustrations of everyday life!

More Belly Pics!

Whoooey...check out my baby belly!!!! It's getting bigger... and bigger... and bigger!!!!

I got to go for another ultrasound, this time to determine if there was any risk for spina bifida or Down's syndrome. Everything looked great!!! The heartbeat was perfect, the size was right on, and the tech could even make out some things she normally wouldn't be able to for a few weeks. We could see the four chambers of the heart, the umbilical cord - we could even make out the baby swallowing! And best of all, we got a sneaky peek at the gender of the baby!!!!!! It was cooperating in just the right position to see "the goods"... but I'm not telling yet! :) We still have family to tell all the news to... then we'll share! Any guesses?

33 Days till Christmas!

YES!!!! I LOVE Christmas. It is my favorite holiday by far. I love everything about it - snow, Christmas trees, giving, Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, Christmas cookies, PRESENTS!, parades... you name it, I love it!

This year we've been especially thinking about our Christmas traditions and how important they are to us - especially next year, when we'll have an adorable little 7-month old to share in the joy and fun of the season! So, here's a fun little survey I filled out about our Christmas favorites and traditions!

1. Favorite Christmas movie?

Can't pick just one. "White Christmas", "A Miracle on 34th St." (the original black and white with Natalie Wood), and "It's a Wonderful Life". Although I also love the Home Alones and the Santa Clauses. I know, corny. I just love Christmas!

2. Favorite Christmas carol?

Nope, can't pick just one. The music is my favorite part of the holiday season! I do love "Carol of the Bells" and "Mary Did You Know", but also "Some Children See Him" and "The First Noel".

3. Favorite Christmas gift ever?

Probably my Nikon camera, from Chris, in 2006. But Chloe was a good gift too (our second dog)!

4. Favorite Christmas tradition?

Decorating! Baking! Presents! Family! Food! Music! Shopping! Wrapping! I love them all!

5. Favorite Christmas cookie?

Biscotti, definitely. Unless it's sugar cookies (my sister makes the best!). Or peanut brittle. Hmm... they're all so good!

6. Real or fake tree?

Real. I'm ok with either, but Chris LOVES a real tree. And there's nothing like the smell! :)

7. Favorite gift ever given?

I love it when I make something and give it to someone - a cross stitch project, a quilt, a sewing project. I made my mom a set of placemats one year that I worked really hard on and I :think: she liked them.

8. Favorite tree ornament?

The one my sister gave us our first Christmas we were married. It's a snowflake (my favorite!) with a space for our photo and says, "Our First Christmas Together". It's so ME! It's always the last to go on the tree. But a close second is all the ornaments my grandparents painted for us over the years.

9. How early do you get up Christmas morning?

Ha ha. If it were up to me, it would be 5 am! However, out of respect for my poor husband who is not so much of a morning person, I usually hold in my excitement until 7 or sometimes even 8. But, all bets are off when the kids get old enough!

10. Christmas card or Christmas letter?

Both! We usually do a photo card and a letter. It's Brown family tradition!

11. Eggnog or cider?

Eggnog! Yum!

12. Christmas colors?

Blue and silver...although I love some green thrown in too...

13. Favorite Christmas dinner?

Anything my mom and dad make - yum!

I'd love to see what your answers are - what are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Decisions, decisions

You know, I've always felt extremely prepared for motherhood. I've gotten "Parents" magazine since I was fifteen. I done research. I've talked to friends. I've checked Consumer Reports for the best in baby gear. I've searched yard sales high and low for the best and cheapest clothes and necessities. I have a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, for goodness' sake.

But, I was not prepared for all the DECISIONS that have to be made! It's crazy! Things I didn't even know you had a choice about! And so many of them could be so IMPORTANT! What if I make the wrong decision? Like, do we want Chris to cut the cord, or the doctor to do it? Now, it seems like a not so big deal right now, but maybe ten years from now there will be a research project that concludes that babies whose fathers don't cut the cord have lower IQ or become serial killers or something.

So of course, this trickles down to even the smallest decisions I make becoming a big deal. Oops, I ate a brownie - uh oh, does that mean the baby will never eat vegetables and only eat brownies it's whole life? Oh crap, I was standing in front of the microwave while it was on - did I accidentally zap the baby? Am I drinking enough milk so the baby doesn't develop osteoporosis later in life? And don't get me started on all the dog hair I'm sure I ingest on a daily basis (no, not on purpose, silly. It's just everywhere cause I hate vacuuming). Maybe that will mean the baby will be allergic to dogs.

And then getting down to baby gear. Which car seat is safest? Which one comes with a travel system? What kind of high chair - one that reclines or one that doesn't (which, by the way, why would anyone want a reclining high chair? wouldn't that make it more likely for the baby to choke?)? Organic or not? Cloth diaper or disposable? Crib or co-sleeper? Binky or thumb? THE DECISIONS ARE ENDLESS, PEOPLE!!! And the poor kid is still in vitro - what if I screw up every decision before the poor unsuspecting bugger is even born?

I guess the only thing to do is to not stress about every little decision. To trust in my own insticts as a parent, and to know that kids are generally pretty resilient little things. Or I could just ask Chris to make all the decisions. And then blame it on him when the kid comes out allergic to dogs.

Dear Baby,

Dear Baby,

I love you so much already! I am so excited to meet you - I know you are going to be the most beautiful baby in the world. I've been working for four years to get you the best of everything - crib, sheets, clothes, you name it. So, I have just one teeny little favor to ask of you. Could you please stop making me throw up? I know morning sickness is one sign of higher IQ later in life, but it's really making me miserable. And, we're out of our first trimester - isn't that when things are supposed to start clearning up? I'm just sayin', I think you'd get a bit more nutrition if you'd stop the whole puking thing. Thanks. Just something to consider.

Love,
Mama

Last Day of Trimester 1

It's already the last day of my first trimester! Holy cow, I can't believe we only have six months till this baby comes... There's so much to do! We are getting more and more excited as everything starts to become more real! So here's a 12 week picture of my belly to keep you all updated: (Chris is super excited about taking belly pics every week!)

So, we are busy thinking of baby names (I still think it's a girl!) and picking out ideas for the baby items we still need. It's so much fun! Just think about how much fun we'll have when we actually have the baby here! We can't wait!

Erin's 40th!

Yup, we use any excuse to party - this time, it was for my friend Erin's big 4-0 birthday. We rented a building with a bar (of course!) and had a blast!! Of course, I was the DD for people - and I have to admit, I really didn't miss it too much! Everyone else was just so entertaining that I didn't feel like I was missing out at all!

The theme was Woodstock - no, we don't dress up like this every day!

I just love these ladies!

Whoo, check out my baby belly - getting bigger! :)

Baby Nursery

Ok, so I know we've got a loooonnnngggg time before I need to be worrying about anything nursery (especially since we'll be moving right after the baby's born), but you know me, I like to be prepared. And I have very specific (read: picky) ideas of exactly what I want for everything baby-related. Yes, I have been preparing for this for a very long time, thankyouverymuch. It doesn't help that I've had dozens of close friends have kids already, so I have learned through their experiences about what are the must-haves. But nursery stuff has thus far taken a back seat - but not for long! :)

So, I've got some general ideas I like for a nursery. I've always LOVED Noah's Ark themed stuff, and of course have a lot of knick knacks and stuff with Noah's Ark, but I don't really want a "themed" matchy matchy nursery. Too much of a good thing. Like check this one out:

Wow. Looks like Noah threw up his ark on this room. Yuck.

And then this one. Maybe just a little overdone?

I think we'll do something just a touch more subtle. I'm more about color coordinating. I'm thinking green, blue, and brown (with maybe a touch of pink thrown in if it's a girl). I want a simple room that's not too frou-frou and overbearing - the poor kid's got to be able to sleep in the room, right? I'm thinking something calm and classic. I like some parts of this one:

What do you think? More posts coming soon on various other nursery decor!

Honey, We're Having a... Prune?

So I found this awesome website that shows the size of the baby compared to various fruits and vegetables. For ten weeks, it's a prune. A PRUNE, people. You'd think they could come up with something slightly cuter than a stinkin' prune. Good thing I'm on week eleven - now it's a lime! It's still so mind blowing that there is a little lime-sized person inside of me...WOW.

Last night I was getting undressed for bed and caught sight of my belly in the mirror...can we say HOLY COW???? I'm already looking PREGNANT and I'm not done with my first trimester! I'm reading people's blogs about how some skinny little pregnant ladies are 20 weeks and still able to use just a rubber band to fasten their pants! Hell-o?! I've been in those awesome stretchy waist pants now for a month! This may not bode well for the next six months... At the very least, I've had an ultrasound and I can stop worrying that I've got twins in there! Yup, only one baby... whew!

In other baby news, I broke down and did it. What, you ask? This:

Yup, a gender predictor pee test. Not real sure how it works, but it's something like crazy 89% accurate! Don't worry, I'm not going to go paint the nursery or anything (it actually has a warning label on the box not to paint the nursery and they are not responsible for inaccurate results!), but I thought it might be fun. I think it's a girl. Chris thinks it's a boy. Well, as my mom says, one of us right! :) (we hope...that might be a little awkward...).

Ultrasound!

So, yesterday I got to do the coolest thing I've ever done... see our baby on an ultrasound!! How amazing is this?! It is by far the most fabulous feeling, watching our little peanut (or prune) squirming around in there. Modern technology is so wonderful - we could even see it moving its little fingers all around and turning somersaults!

It's been hard to really believe that I'm pregnant, since I've had hardly any morning sickness and not much for other classic pregnancy symptoms. Seeing our baby makes it all so real!

Big Announcement!

Ok people... the big announcement you've all been waiting for... drumroll please... I got my teaching license!!!!!!!!!!!! (LOL - maybe not quite the big announcement you were expecting?)

No, ok. I'm just pulling your leg. Although I did get my teaching license and I'm really excited about it - but not NEARLY as excited as this:

IT'S POSITIVE!!!!!!!! We are really and truly pregnant. Words cannot describe how thrilled, excited, nervous, elated, and blessed we are feeling right now. You know when you were a little kid and it's Christmas Eve, and you have been waiting and waiting for so long with so much anticipation, that when Christmas actually comes, it's hard to believe it's actually here? That's how we're feeling right now!! I've been waiting and waiting for this day - I almost think I'm dreaming!

Our official due date is May 28 - a perfect date! I love spring babies! Plus, I never wanted a summer baby - I always feel bad for those school-age kids with summer birthdays who couldn't celebrate them with their classes (the things you think about as a teacher). And I never wanted a September baby, since it's the most popular birthday month (our baby will be an individual!) Although, I have to admit, we are so excited about being pregnant it really wouldn't matter when I'm due!!

Here's some belly pictures: This one is the week we found, so about 5 weeks. Obviously not showing yet.

Then there's this one. We took this one at 10 weeks - holy cow, I can't believe I'm almost through my first trimester! (yeah, I know... you didn't think my boobs could get any bigger...unfortunately, yes they can.)

We are so unbelievably excited to be on this amazing journey together. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers - we'll be sure to keep everyone updated on all the details!

More Baby Projects

So, with fall football season in full swing, I've been busy working on various sewing and craft projects - here's what I've finished the past week:

A diaper wipes container!! How cute, huh? I know it's dorky, but I just love it!

I wavered between using a paper flower here, or the metal tag, but decided to go with the tag for a couple of reasons. I thought the flower might get messed up floating around in a diaper bag, and even though it was adorable, it was a little more girly. The tag describes how I feel perfectly and looks great! :)

Next, I made this mini diaper bag. You know how when you are in a hurry and you have a squirmy baby who needs a diaper quick? And then you can never find the diaper in the bag? Or if you are me, the diapers are messy and crummy in the bottom of the bag. So, this cute little bag holds the diapers so you can always find them.

Ok, so then I had some scraps of fabric, so I made a crinkly toy. Babies love things that crinkle and make noise, so I stitched in a popcorn wrapper between the fabric. Didn't turn out super cute or anything, but it's ok. At least babies aren't picky, right?

Of course, all of these really aren't necessary, but they sure are cute and fun to make! What do you think? Any other ideas of stuff I absolutely have to make?

New Haircut!

Got a new haircut the other day - I think it may actually make my face look skinnier! I love my hairstylist - she rocks. It's a bit shorter than I'm used to, but I like it. What do you think?

Football Season (And Bear Season)

Why hello, everyone. Somehow, I've found a niche in my busy schedule ::sarcastic tone::, to return to blogging. And yes, it's that time of year again... leaves are falling, the colors are changing, a brisk breeze... and FOOTBALL!!

Anyone who knows my family knows that I am a black sheep. I do not love football. I don't even like it. Don't know the rules, don't know the players, don't know the teams. Nothin'. But, my parents, my sister, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins... you name it, they LOVE football. And, of course, my husband, to say the least. So, around this time of year, I become a football widow. Every Sunday, my hubby will be glued to the TV, watching the game, while I (quite happily) find projects to do.

And boy, have I found projects! One of my favorites is this: Greyson's Gift. It's a beautiful, but incredibly sad charity for preemie or stillborn babies. When tiny babies are born, hospitals have a hard time finding blankets that are small enough for wee ones, without overwhelming them or causing a distraction for grieving parents. So, they are in need of small blankets, sewn or crocheted/knitted, in sizes 12" by 12" or 24" by 24". I have so many scraps of fabric and small balls of yarn that will be perfect for blanket. I can't imagine having to go through something as difficult as a stillborn birth, but if there's any way to help make it a little easier for someone, count me in! To learn more about Greyson's Gift and where to send blankets, click here.

But, when I get searching for projects, I invariably find tons that I am dying to do - so right now, I have about a hundred projects going at the same time. As soon as one of them is finished, I'll post pictures. I'm working on a bunch of baby stuff - I found my felt stash, so thought I'd make a couple of "quiet time" books - we'll see how they turn out. And then, once I got going on that, I remembered how much I enjoyed felt stories on a flannel board when I was in school, so I thought Alexander might enjoy some of his favorite stories on flannel board - so far, I've done "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

In other news, we have had an eventful day or two here. I went for my usual walk today on the bike path behind our house, only to find that it was blocked off by the police. Not necessarily unusual in our area (we live in the GHETTO!), but still interesting. But then, Chris came home and informed me that there was a bear loose in Hawthorne Park. Yes, Hawthorne Park - the park that's RIGHT BEHIND OUR HOUSE!!!! Literally, I go out our backdoor and there's only a flimsy little fence that separates our property from Hawthorne Park. And yes, a BEAR in the park. So, that would be why the police were blocking the path... which freaks me out a little. As if it isn't scary enough with all the homeless and gangs, now we've got bears too! Yay! Just can't wait to happen across one of those on my walk - my pepper spray will really help me out with that!

Creative vs. Crafty

I'm not really a very creative person. Yes, I guess I would consider myself crafty, but I'm not the type of person who can be spontaneously create art. I am a copy cat. I see something and, I'm not ashamed to say, I blatently copy it. So, here's my newest copy adventures:

My father-in-law cut the wood pieces for this caterpillar alphabet puzzle when Chris was in preschool, and my mother-in-law found it when cleaning out her shed last weekend. A quick coat of paint, and voila! a super cute alphabet puzzle!!! I LOVE wood toys, and a handmade one is even better.

Next up:

I saw these at gap.com (I'm not ashamed, I love Gap!), but at $42.50 for three, a LOT out of my budget. So, I picked up a few canvases at Micheal's, some paint, and about five hundred erasers (used them all) and made my own. And added an elephant. What do you think? Does it seem like it works with the others? I think they'll be adorable in a baby nursery.

I'm thinking I'll try a lion and maybe a whale next. Or should I just leave it with the four? Let me know what you think!

I Heart Yard Sales

I LOVE yard sales. Any given Friday or Saturday morning, you can bet that I'll be driving around town in desperate search of yard sales. Nothing makes me more happy than to score an awesome deal or bargain someone down. Chris doesn't like to go with me because he gets so embarassed when I offer less - he'll say, "Are you going to offer less?" and go sit in the car.

If you come to house, the majority of any items in my house are yard sale purchases. The entertainment center? $30 at an awesome mid-winter yard sale (originally $40, bargained her down and she even threw in all three "Terminator" DVDs - great deal!). The DVD holders? Yup, one was $5, one was $3. The bed? $50. The Pottery Barn lamps in the living room? Both for $2 (that was an awesome deal). And, of course, my favorite things to buy at yard sales are various baby items. Our children are going to be the most decked out kids on the block before they are even born! Check out these babies I got last weekend:

These are $38.95 on the website (Robeez) - I got 'em for a dollar!! Love it.

However, there are some things you just don't get at a yard sale. Like underwear. Any kind of underwear. I went to a yard sale once that had a whole box of used underwear - including a Christmas thong with a jingle bell on it. A real ringing jingle bell. Not joking. I was like, does anyone actually buy stuff like this?? The second weirdest item I've ever seen at a yard sale? A set of penis dishes. Looking back, I guess they were probably for a bridal shower or something - but why would someone BUY a set of penis dishes? Is it like an investment or something? "Oh look honey, the in-laws are coming to dinner. Let's be sure to put out the penis dishes for them!" Anybody out there ever find something crazy at a yard sale?

Well, off to cuddle with my crazy dogs. Happy Friday, everyone.

Dancing in the Park

Yesterday was the annual dancing in the park at Bear Creek Park here in Medford. Can you believe the last one was one year ago?? I can't - crazy how fast things change! Last year, we met at the Dance Arts studio in Medford and went to the park to dance - little did we know, that one tiny year later we would be living in the house next to that same studio, walking the dogs at the park we danced at. Just goes to show you, you never know where you'll end up, right?

So, Chris danced his modern piece and looked fabulous doing it. He even got a couple catcalls! Ow ow! He amazes me.

So, while Chris was rehearsing and setting up for dance, I had the much easier (insert sarcasm here) yet much more fun (no sarcasm here) job of watching Alexander. We had a blast checking out the way cool "wooden" playground at Bear Creek (with a sand pit! and a maze! and secret passageways! and...) and spending a crazy amount of time checking out this 'scrution truck (construction truck) which was sitting idle at the park. Of course, we needed to get a picture. Can't you just see the joy in his face in this pic? Alex knows every single kind of construction truck and equipment there is - and one of his favorite things for us to do is for me to tell him stories with various kinds of "struction trucks" as the main characters.

This kind of 'struction truck, Alex informed me, is a.... oops, I forgot. How I could forget, when we took a guided tour all around it three times while he pointed out various "interesting features" - how cute is that? I think I should frame this picture for him.

So then, after wearing him out considerably, Alex and I found a good spot to watch the dancing show, during which he was incredibly well behaved. The show was at least two hours long, plus half an hour before and after - I was impressed. I think part of the reason he was so good was because I let him use my camera to take pictures of the dancers - thank goodness for digital, though, because he took 497 pictures (mostly because he just held the button down continuosly for several seconds - as a result, we can practically watch the whole dances again as a flip book if we want!) in the span of two hours - including many of such fascinating things like grass and his sippy cup:

He was having a blast! And, I should probably mention that the two pictures of Chris were taken by Alex too! I think we need to get this kid a digital camera!

Oh, I should also mention a funny story - a young lady next to us had her pet ferret on a leash watching the dance show, so I told Alex, "Look at that ferret over there!" So Alex turned to my friend Kadance and said "Hey, look at that carrot over there!" It was hysterical!

So, yet another fun but busy weekend comes to a close - anybody else out there feel like their weekends are as crazy as ours? Crazy, but fun!