Water, Water, Everywhere!

Well, summer is over...even if it is still 100 degrees out. It has been a month since I last posted. What can I say...another school year has started...and I am behind on my posting! :o)

 

Back in May Landry got a water/sand table from Nawnie and Papa for his birthday. Total side note...I still haven't sent out the thank-yous for his b-day...they are on the counter, with the gift list, but...not written or mailed. See...I'm not as organized as people think! :o)

 

Back to the point...the water table...Landry LOVES it! We spent many mornings this summer splashing away.

 

Filling up the table with nice, cool, clean water!

Getting an up close look!

"I spashing Mommy!"

 

Then something historical happened...Landry dicovered the mud he was standing in...and...he played in it!!!!!

 

Wet piggies!

 

And then...the mud met the nice, clean water!

 

I was actually so excited that Landry was playing in the dirt, getting dirty, and scooping up mud. Then it came to an end when he turned to me and said, "Mommy...water dirty...cean it!"

 

Of course, nothing is better after some water fun than a glass of "nemomade!'

 

"Cheese!"

 

Lazy summer mornings, splashing in the water, drinking "nemomade"...oh how I miss you already!

Turtle Bay

During our trip to Redding, Chad's mom, Landry, and me visited Turtle Bay.

If you are ever in the Redding area I highly recommend it. It is a great spot with all kinds of fun things for kids to do.

We started in the Paul Bunyon Camp area...it has slides, a play structure, and a lot of other outdoor attractions all geared towards kids. One of Landry's favorites was the water flume. He could splash until his heart was content!

Next up...a kookaboora!

Then we headed inside to check out the snakes and reptiles. Landry discovered an exhibit that played the noises of different types of owls. He loved it...and recreating the sounds himself!

Turtle Bay had a really cool butterfly exhibit. They had a garden area that was tented off and there were a variety of butterflies flying around. They were beautiful!

Next it was on to the Elliott Tree!

Afterwards we headed to the lorakeet exhibit. This exhibit allows you to get an up close and personal visit with beautiful lorakeets. I must admit that I was a bit nervous going in...I'm not a fan of having birds fly around and landing on me but.. Landry wanted to go see the birdies...so we went to see the birdies. :o) When you walk in you are given a cup of nectar and the birds flock to you.

They flocked to G.G. before she even had any nectar!

I was shocked that Landry stayed so calm with all of the birds squawking and flying around...here is my "brave" smile!

Next we headed inside where it was nice and cool and checked out the Sacramento River exhibit. They have a variety of fish that represent the local species.

Landry LOVED the fish...

so much so that he wanted to give the fish kisses!

I think his favorite was a little crayfish! He loved watching the crayfish swim around the tank...so cute!

His first driving lesson!

We saved the best for last...

This exhibit showcased the history of chocolate...from ancient times to the present. How cute is this giant box of chocolates...and the seats that look like little truffles!

As you can see we had lots of fun exploring, playing, and getting an up close and personal look at so many different animals. Thank you, G.G. for treating us to a fun day!!!!

G.G. and Poppie Time!

This past weekend we traveled up to Redding to visit Chad's parents...also known as G.G. and Poppie! :o) We had a great weekend hanging out, relaxing, exploring Turtle Bay...more on that tomorrow...watching the Olympics and enjoying lots of family time.

Landry quickly made himself at home...and Monkey came with him everywhere!

He was soooo comfortable that he decided to take over Poppie's chair.

 On Saturday Chad's aunt and uncle, Val and Mike, came up to visit. This was their first time meeting Landry...and it is safe to say that they loved him!

Aunt Val and Landry

It isn't G.G.'s house without ice cream before bed!

 On Sunday Landry discovered Poppie's guitar and wanted him to play a tune.

Poppie showed him how he could make his own music.

Sunday night we went to dinner at a delicious Japanese restaurant, Fuji, in Downtown Redding. After dinner we went for a walk to check out the sights. I love this picture of Chad and Landry...nothing sweeter!

G.G. and Poppie have a pet cat named Buddy that Landry quickly fell in love with. He also fell in love with other "pets" in the house. :o) Landry decided that even Killer needed a kiss!



We all know that Landry has a love of vacuums...he was in hog heaven playing with G.G.'s Dyson!



 And of course...there's nothing better than a story before bedtime...even if it is your own "biography." :o)

Thank you G.G. and Poppie for spoiling us this weekend! We had a wonderful weekend and can't wait to see you soon!!!