Family Field Trip with Friends

Late this afternoon, we met our friends Erika and Nate and their son, Gavin, for a stroll around the zoo and then dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant. We met Gavin in Blanden's music class when both boys were just three months old (Gavin is three weeks younger than Blanden). It's been so much fun to see them develop into little boys, and I don't think they could have possibly had a better time together today (except perhaps if Blanden were more keen on sharing his wagon. Hmm, we'll have to work on that...and quickly!).

As always, the first stop: giraffes. Well, technically we pass by the lions and the zebras (also exciting!) before the giraffe house, but naturally these are the favorite.

A baby giraffe! Born on April 14 -- at 6 feet, 4 inches tall, 170 pounds, and after 15 months of gestation.

She's a cutie! Blanden likes babies of all different kinds -- we're practicing and becoming familiar with them. (Alhough if he had his pick, he might actually choose a giraffe for a younger brother instead.) ;)

Look at how tall they are together ...

But not quite as tall as this guy!

Of course, the boys were just as taken by the peacock, who put on quite a show, ...

and the geese (another baby!) wandering around the zoo as they were with the "wild" animals.

Checking out the camels. Blanden waved and said, "Hi," to many of the animals, while Gavin asked, "How are you?" :)

So much for bringing the wagon with us so the boys could ride in it. (And, in case you are wondering, yes, Blanden is wearing his snowboots again, at his insistance. ... But at least this time we convinced him to wear some clothes along with them.)

And the last stop: the carousel. What a wonderful day! Both boys hung in there and were very well behaved for dinner. And I have to say, it was best children's meal I've ever seen in a restaurant -- grilled cheese, corn on the cob, assorted fresh veggies, including edamame and cucumbers (which Blanden likes), with ranch dressing for dipping, and fresh berries. I should have taken a picture of that; it really was quite impressive. Today was the perfect mix of family fun and with a little bit of sophistication and adult conversation thrown into the mix. We all came home tired. :)

Good Times

On Saturday we met Blanden's friend Gavin and his parents for pizza at Proto's, then headed to the Denver Children's Museum for an afternoon full of fun. We last visited the museum in November 2008, when Blanden was just five months old. We posted then about that night. As a little reminder, this was the extent of what he could enjoy: lying on a pretend lily pad while looking around at all the bugs in the pretend pond. :) Here he is back then.

And here he is now. :) There was certainly no lying around this time!

Crawling through a log tunnel.

Even at the museum, Blanden found a cozy corner in which to curl up and read -- always a favorite activity.

Heading down the slide -- a very fast one! Blanden would just crack up when he landed, then race around and climb up the steps to do it again.

Making noise on a washboard together...

And making each other (and themselves) laugh.

This was a favorite. The boys spent a long time playing in an old-fashioned log cabin complete with kitchen equipment. They had a blast pulling out all the pots and pans, setting the table, putting the pans back on the stove and in the oven and sink -- and, of course, mixing.

The little chefs hard at work. Hmm...what should we make?

According to Gavin's parents, he loves to pretend to cook at home as much as Blanden does. One of Blanden's favorite toys in his school classroom is the mini kitchen. He's a big fan of the frying pan -- perhaps so he can learn to make omelettes like his dad does for him on many mornings.

Peeking out of the old-fashioned general store window.

And back on the slide. After two solid hours of play, it was time to head home. But we'll be sure to do it again sometime soon. The boys had a blast!

Getting to Know Gavin...

Last night Blanden invited his buddy Gavin and his parents over to hang out at his "crib." The boys had a great time playing with Blanden's toys and each other; each seemed fascinated by their fellow little person. They are hoping to teach each other the skills they have most recently perfected: for Gavin, that is sitting up perfectly, steady and stable, all by himself for long periods of time, which Blanden has not yet mastered. However, Blanden was able to demonstrate for Gavin his new ability to not only roll from his front to his back, but to link the rolls together to move across the carpeting, making quick progress in small amounts of time. But otherwise, the boys are remarkably similar in size, build, and development. Needless to say, the four parents found watching their interactions to be a most enjoyable and entertaining evening, far better than watching any movie. :)

Meanwhile, we managed to enjoy a leisurely dinner. Each of the boys even took a mini catnap in their mama's arms during dessert, allowing the adults to linger over wine and conversation just a little bit longer. We savored the relaxed evening, knowing that before long our boys will be on the move and our get-togethers will not be quite so calm and contained. :)

Blanden would also like to provide an update on his eating habits: He now officially likes apples, sweet potatoes, and Cheerios. Pears aren't so bad either, and even apricots have possibilities. And today while Ed, Blanden, and I were out enjoying lunch, Blanden even got to try some tiny morsels of turkey from my sandwhich -- and he wanted more!