Goats, Sheep and Chickens ... Oh my

Joe and I went to a play date today through my Cradles 2 Crayons group and he had the best time. There were only four of us mom's there, with 4 toddlers and 2 babies ranging in age from 4 months to three years. It turned out to be the perfect size group for the kids to get "un-shy" around each other and actually interact with one another.

Abbey has miniature goats, a sheep, and half a dozen chickens that the kids got to pet, feed and observe. It was really fun for me watch Joe start out the farthest away from the goats/sheep and slowly get close enough to actually feed them from his hand. Our last goat experience was a little traumatic for him as the goats all rushed him and grabbed his cone of food out of his hand, scaring him in the process. Today was much more mellow and I think he liked it a lot.

Plus as Abbey lives in the country they literally had acres for the kids to run around on so they really got the chance to wear themselves out.

It was nice for me because I got to have grown up conversations and hear other viewpoints on potty training and discipline. Plus I actually woke up feeling pretty good today, my pain not so high, so that I could put my energy into joyful pursuits rather than just trying to manage my pain.

All in all it was a great outing for the two of us.

March for Babies (formerly March of Dimes)

Well Saturday morning began with blue skies and lots of cars with no parking spaces. It was the day of the March for Babies at our state capitol and I swear there were thousands of folks there bright and early to participate in the festivities.

The walk route was 6 miles in length, 2 miles for the shortcut - unfortunately due to pain I wasn't really up for either. I was just praying for a close parking spot (which I did find thanks to my handicap status)so that I could make it to the registration table to turn in my money and then meet up with my team of walkers to cheer them on at the onset. There were about 10 members on our team plus several little ones and one of the mom's was creative enough to make us personalized shirts.

They had music, food, coffee, and activities for the kids. Plus of course corporate sponsors - every thing from Sacramento Magazine to Mutual Life Insurance and even Larry's employer, Delta Dental. All of them giving away cups or hats or temporary tattoos for the kids. Joe particularly enjoyed the balloons and tattoos and even though we didn't walk he had a lot of fun checking out all the people and the many pets that they brought with them. Some one even brought their Great Dane and St. Bernard - I figured they were their back up plan in case they got too tired, they could ride them to the finish line.

Anyway it was a great day and our team raised just about $1,100.00. Way to go team.

Girl Time

I had the best time today with my sister-in-law Kelli. We met up at her place and then headed out to grab a quick bite and to catch up on one another's lives. We found a wonderful eatery called the 33rd Street Bistro and split a yummy appetizer of artichoke hearts and white bean tapinade with crudites and then each had a spinach salad. We just sat and chatted and enjoyed the beautiful day.

After lunch we checked out a couple of stores and then headed back to her house. She and Chuck just bought a beautiful new sectional with four recliners - perfect for movie night. I guess you could say they're in the honeymoon nesting stage as they're trying to get their house and yard in to a style that suits them both. So far I'd say they are off to a wonderful start.

So here's hoping for much more girl time in the future.

Now it's Daddy's turn to make a splash

It has been so hot here the last few days that we've felt like we were melting. I was trying to cool off under the fan when I noticed that it was quiet... way to quiet. I got up to investigate what Joe had gotten in to, he always becomes so still and focused when he's getting into something he shouldn't be, but to my surprise this time he was getting himself into any trouble. Instead he and Daddy had decided to "cool off" in their own way, namely commandeering Joey's baby pool into their own private fantasy land. Here is a small snippet into "Daddy's World".

I can't help it but feel my heart swell every time I see them together. It amazes me how much love they have for one another, and how much fun they have together.

Splish, splash we're having a blast

Crystal, Jeff and Gracie came for a visit today and it was so much fun. Joe and Grace just played and played and seemed to enjoy one another's company so much. They've had time together in the past but it usually was with a whole group of folks so their one-on-one time was really limited. Today they were the only two little ones and you could see them connect. It was such an amazing thing to watch.

We started them out in a dry baby pool with a lot of balls and toys and such but as they heat continued to rise we decided to fill it with water and let them have at it. And boy did they. Joe as you all know loves water, and Grace loves make believe so it was fun to watch how they each approached playing, alone and together. They are both such beautiful children and I feel really blessed to have them in my life.


Every time I look at Grace I see her daddy - the way she moves, her smile, and her toes. They are Kenneth's all over again. And when I look at Joe I see a mirror image of Larry - both when he was Joe's age as well as he is presently. I can't wait to see what these two incredible little human beings grow into as the years unfold.

Kids, kids everywhere

Well our trip to Folsom zoo became a bust when my mom-in-law called to let us know that the parking lot was full of school buses which in turn equalled kids everywhere. Not to be deterred, we decided to head on over to the Sacramento zoo instead. It was not near as crowded and turned out to be a very pleasant outing. There ended up being 9 of us in all... most of Larry's family - mom, dad, uncle Brian, Mary, Erik, Elsa and the three of us. We strolled through the grounds and ended the visit with a trip on the 4-car train. Joe really loved that.

After the zoo we all headed over to a local Carl's Jr.'s for a quick bite and then we all headed off in our separate directions.

Larry, Joe and I made a stop at our local pound to check out the puppies, kittens and bunnies. We fell in love with a boxer and probably would have taken him home with us except he wasn't available for adoption until this coming Wednesday. Who knows we might go back to see if anyone chose him and if not still bring him on home to join our family.

We didn't line up any sitters for today, but instead headed out as a family for a couple of parks in Folsom and had fun playing with Joe. As for the rest of the day, we've decided to just kick back, relax and watch a couple of video's after Joe goes down for the night.

Times they are a changing

Well as most of you know Larry and I are experiencing a "Staycation" meaning Larry has taken the time off work but we are NOT going to some exotic location where we sit by the beach drinking margaritas or Mai Ti's, but instead have chosen to spend our hard earned vacation hours at home, around our own town, etc. So far it's been working out pretty well. Joey's getting a lot of play time in with Daddy which they both enjoy. Mommy's getting a lot of down time which gives her the time to read uninterrupted for a couple hours at a time and just relax. It's win-win all the way across.

We did venture on down the highway to Monterey and experienced the bounty that the bay provides and had a marvelous time. Tomorrow we're going to check out the local animals from our own region at the Folsom Zoo which in reality is an animal sanctuary. Much smaller than most zoos, but a lot more hands on and much more information is available from the folks that tend to the animals on a daily basis. Plus it's located at a great park with areas for the kids to play on, and a small train is available to ride on, so it should be an awesome experience all the way around. We'll be joined by Grammy and Pop-pop and Mary and Elsa as well, so it should make for a nice family outing.

We're going to end our day with my family by attending Gracie's 1st dance recital that is being put on by her pre-school. She is so excited about it, which has gotten all of us excited, so I'm sure it will be a beautiful thing to see.

Then Saturday Larry and I are hoping to line up some sitters so that we can take a few stolen moments to ourselves and go for a motorcycle ride up into the hills - hopefully get a peak at daffodil hill (over 300,000 bulbs have been planted), and find some really good dive to have lunch at. It'll be really nice. And I'm hoping to get some nice seasonal photo's out of the journey. Plus it's a little nostalgic for me because that is one of the things Larry and I did when we were courting one another, and I want to bring that sweetness back in to our current relationship.

So while our vacation may have turned into a staycation, I'm finding there are a lot of things to see and do right here in our own neck of the woods. Who knew so much fun and adventure could be had for so little.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

Larry, Joe and I took a short trip to Monterey Bay this past Monday and had a great time. We took the scenic route on the way down, about 6 hours in all, and stopped to have a picnic at Moss Landing Beach. Joe had a ball destroying all of daddy's sand castles and digging in the sand. Larry and I had a ball watching Joe get so much enjoyment out of such a simple thing.


Then we headed over to the Visitor Center to try and find accommodations on the "cheap". Cheap we found, but it didn't come with any amenities other than HBO and pretty comfortable beds. I don't think we'd recommend it to anyone but we made the most of it.

Tuesday morning we got up at the crack of dawn thanks to Joey and headed out after breakfast to play at the Dennis the Menace Park (established by the creator of Dennis the Menace). Unfortunately we were about an hour and a half too early as the park didn't open to the public until 10:00 so we decided we'd have to put that on the agenda for another trip and on to plan B... We drove on over to the Fisherman's Wharf and decided to get some cocoa and coffee and just stroll around. Joe fell in love with the sea lions playing and lounging in the bay, and got a real kick out of their barking and rough-housing with each other. We meandered around there for a little over an hour, chatting with the locals and letting Joe play on the big anchors and small wooden boat in the area and then decided to move on the the second part of our planned trip - The Monterey Bay Aquarium.



It was perhaps a 5-minute drive from one location to the next and wouldn't you know it Joe fell asleep just as we got parked in the public garage. So we bundled him up in his stroller and decided to stop and share a fresh baked cinnamon roll with apples in it and more cocoa and coffee while Joe continued on, oblivious, with his nap. Between our snack stop and waiting in line for tickets he managed to get in about an hours nap.

We toured the aquarium, delighting in the otters and colorful fish. Taking in the feeding show of the big predators - sharks, ahi tuna, blue tuna's, etc. And watching in amazement the different varieties of jelly fish (my personal favorite). After a couple of hours and a couple of meltdowns we decided to take a break and get some lunch.









We checked out several restaurants on Cannery Row and decided on Bullwhackers - a British pub and eatery. Again... can't say we'd give a good recommendation for this place either as the food turned out to be mediocre at best, with the exception of their artichoke small plate. Now that was yummy.

After eating we headed back over to the aquarium stopping to check out several stores en route. Joe picked out a stuffed otter that he didn't want to let loose of for the rest of the day. It's his new best friend. When we got to the aquarium we checked out a couple of exhibits we hadn't seen in the morning and then headed back to the Splash Zone - an area especially for kids where they got a hands on experience. Joe got to play with other kids, explore different exhibits on his own level and by himself, and basically just have a ball. We ended the day touching live starfishes, sea slugs, sponges and the like. It was really cool for Joe, Larry and I all to experience.

We can't wait to make another trip to Monterey when Joe's a little older so that he can experience the next level up in the Splash Zone and learn about how waves affect boats, how different movement of the sand creates different currents, and all about sea life in general. Plus we want to have an opportunity to play at the Dennis the Menace park as well as experiencing the MY Museum which is an interactive museum especially created for kids.

I also want to give special thinks to my in-laws, Bonnie and Larry, as they gave us a nice cash gift at Easter that allowed us to take this trip during Larry's "Staycation". We love you and appreciate you're helping us to give Joe this experience of a lifetime.

Yes... she lives!!!

Seems like forever since I last entered the blogging zone. What can I say except this last cold/flu/allergie thing really kicked me in the butt, and then decided to kick me a little more. I'm finally starting to gain some ground (knock on wood) and feel like my normal self again.


Today we celebrated Easter with my in-laws, Bonnie and Larry Sr., Uncle Brian, Mary and little Elsa. And of course we were there - Mom, Me, Larry and little Joe. We had the traditional sprial cut ham, 23-Hour Fruit Salad (otherwise known as FLUFF), homemade scalloped potatoes (thanks mom they were delicious), and baked carrots. For dessert I'd bought these all natural chocolate cupcakes that looked like the had grass on top with eggs hidden in it. Really cute.

Elsa and Joe loved getting easter baskets from everyone and big chocolate bunnies for Uncle Chuck and Aunt Kelli. Now if Larry and I can just stay out of Joe's goodies, we'll be doing a good job.



It was fun to watch Joe and Elsa play and steal trinkets from one anothers baskets. Basically they had idential goodies, just in different colors. It was too funny.

Yesterday we went to the RMA Easter Egg Hunt and had a lot of fun. It was interesting to watch the kids techniques while gathering eggs. Elsa could really care less. Joe wanted to get them, but he had to pause and open up each one first before daddy could convince him to pick another one.




We also got to go into a small betting zoo where Joe got to pet and feed baby goats and a llama. We also got to pet bunnies, chickens, and little chickadees. It was fun. I had goats trying to climb up my back. Joe freaked out a little when they charged him to get his cone filled with pellet food (you know Joe - he thought they were giving him the treat to eat) and Larry was off to the side making out with the llama. All I want to know is if kissing a llama cause for concern because that llama had a thing for my husband and nuzzled him on the mouth and cheecks at least two or three times. Obviously she hadn't her that I don't take kindly to members of the female population hitting on my man (lol).


All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a relaxing weekend with those that we love.

To sick to ... anything

It's been a while since I posted any info on the Monson clan and that is because Joe and I have been pretty sick since mid-last week and it's showing no signs of letting up. So yes we're still alive, but that's about it. We haven't had any energy to go to playdates, wander down to our local parks, wrestle or anything like that. If it takes more energy than say is required to flip pages in a book, well then it's been put off to another day.

You don't even want to ask me what state our house is in. Does TORNADO bring anything to mind? Thank god for mom - she's been picking up the clothes we've been dropping everywhere in the house and doing her best to stay on top of the laundry for us. Larry bless his heart has been trying as well, but by the time he gets home from work, takes over with Joe so I can rest... well that leaves very little time to get much of anything else done.

Hopefully this cold will blow over soon, I'll be able to breathe easier, Joe will get less cranky, and we can go back to being our normal cheerful selves. Let's hope so anyway as I'm not sure how much more of my crankiness Larry can take.