A New Backyard

Most of you know I live in a townhome, which means my parents and I like the idea of a low-maintenance home. Well, when we purchased our home we thought it was great that it came with a very small backyard. What we didn't realize is that grass doesn't grow well back there and because the yard doesn't get any sun, it was almost always muddy. So, my parents decided to have turf put in. Yep, fake grass. It's great because it looks like grass and feels soft like grass, but it's never going to need water or fertilizer and we were even able to get rid of the lawn mower. We love it!
Mom was able to find some really great deals on fun toys for the backyard. Gotta love craigslist!

Dad thought these next few pictures were pretty funny because a) I'm using a plastic mower to mow plastic grass b) I just happened to get my shirt all wet while playing with my water table right before this picture was taken. Thus, the shots of me mowing the lawn with no shirt.

I thought there must be something wrong with my mower. Kates' blows bubbles, so why doesn't mine?

I really liked my uncle Bill's sunglasses!

Do you think I like being outdoors?

YES!!!!

I have had some fun recently enjoying what sunshine we've had these past few weeks (it hasn't been much). Here are a few photos of our going-ons.

I attended the Gateway 'Fun-o-rama' parade which goes right by Kate's neighborhood. It was my first parade and I love that they throw out candy to the parade watchers!




I loved the train car the best!

Isn't this a weird car?!

I also went to the zoo with Kate and Bodhi and had a ton of fun watching the animals. My favorite to watch were the sea lions. I realize you can't see any in this next photo, but you can see my new favorite facial expression.

I also went to Laurelhurst park again with Kate because I just can't get enough of those silly ducks!

Here's me saying, 'Wow!' because of all the ducks right in front of us! Oh, and you may notice I have a 'boo-boo' as Kate says, or 'Ouchy' as I say, on my nose. I took a face plant on the pavement while playing outside at Kate's house one day. It didn't stop me from wanting to continue playing outside!

A new schedule and my love for the outdoors

Mom's been talking with Dad and me about going back to work for awhile now and finally decided to take the plunge. She is just working one day a week at Family Solutions and is also watching my friend, Meadow, one day while her mom works.


While Mom is at work, I go to Bonnie's house and get to play with my new buddy, Jacob. Bonnie is a friend of Nana and Papa and she also watches her grandson, Jacob, who is a year older than me. We have all gotten along really well so now I ask to see 'BonnieJacob' all the time.
Whenever there's been a chance to get outside, we've taken advantage of it. Last weekend I met my friend, Bodhi, at a park near his house and we got to feed some ducks. I love ducks! Don't tell Brian and Marisa though, 'cause they are pretty big beaver fans. hee hee.


Dad and Mom also took me to the zoo on Sunday and I had a great time. I didn't want to leave and kept asking to see all the animals again.

Then today it actually turned out to be pretty nice out, so Mom and I went on a walk to our neighborhood park where we met up with Sara and Kate. I got to see the ducks swimming in Johnson Creek while we walked around the trails and I played on all the equipment. You'd think I never get outside! Oh wait, I don't. I sure hope this sunny weather is here to stay!

Rain, rain, go away

We did have a few bouts of sunshine a few weeks back but it must've been just a teaser because now it's just raining... and hailing... and occasionally snowing. I want to see some sun!
Okay, enough venting about that. I've still been having some fun despite our crummy weather. Last week I went to a park near Nana and Papa's house and had fun playing outside, even though it was not the best day for it. The park I visited is actually the one my mom played at all the time while growing up. It is always fun to visit a new park! I've also had lots of fun playing with Kate, even though it's needed to be indoors.

The highlight of my week was going to Kate's birthday party this past weekend. All my closest friends were there and there were balloons, bubbles and cake so I had a great time! I think my favorite part of the party was helping Kate open her presents. Kate had this great idea to make a 'wish list' on Amazon.com. It worked out pretty well for her as she got some great stuff! So, I thought I better make one too since my second birthday is just around the corner. ;)

Happy Birthday Kate!

A Daddy Day

My dad's pretty busy these days with work and school so Mom and I have tried our best to let him do his thing so that he can finish the term and graduate with his MPA in June. Today, however, I think Dad needed a break from work so he suggested we get out and do something outside. I have been pretty into animals lately so Mom suggested we head to Laurelhurst park so I could see the ducks. We saw lots of ducks and even a blue heron up close. It was sweet! Here are a few photos of us from our trip out.





We also went to OMSI last Sunday so we could finally see the dinosaur exhibit and found out they were having a $2 day (fyi: the first Sunday of every month from now on is going to be a $2 day). I got in for free so our total cost for the outing was only $4. Score! My favorite things to look at were, of course, the lifesize mechanical dinosaurs and the live animals they had throughout the other exhibits.

Old friends and New, My Trains and Politics

We've had some crazy weather this past week here in Portland. Last week there were several days where we got snow. Mom and I still wanted to have fun so we went to the Sip 'n Play with Bodhi and Marisa one day and we also had Guthrie and his dad, Matt, over one night for dinner. I also got to meet a new friend, Andrew. Andrew is Isaac's younger brother and he was born 12 days ago. I thought he was pretty cute and gave him a couple kisses, but I sure didn't like it when Mom tried to hold him. I thought he was better off with his own Mom. In the photo below, he is being held by Aunt Mary, which was okay too.


This week has become much nicer with temps in the 60's, so we were able to go outside for a walk and went to the park a couple times as well. Today, while at the park with Kate, I was able to see some ducks swimming! I had so much fun watching them that I didn't want to leave. :(

By now you all know about my obsession with trains. Well, Mom found a good deal on craigslist for a used train table. Can you imagine my excitement when Dad brought that up the stairs?! I've been playing with it non-stop ever since. Happy early birthday to me! It's a good bet that the three words I use most are 'Thomas,' 'Percy,' and 'James.' :)

On a more serious note: I've been really trying to keep up on all that's happening with the presidential primaries and often ask to see the conventional wisdom page in our newsweek. In the video below, you will see for yourself how much I've learned by watching the debates, reading the newsweek, etc.

I've been tagged

Mom actually got 'tagged' but since I do all the blogging around here, I thought I'd take care of this one for her.

A- Attached or single: attached to Mom most of the time, but if I had my choice, it'd be Kate
B- Best Friend: Hmmm... that'd be Kate too
C-Cake or Pie: Cake for sure. My first three-word sentence was 'I like cake.'
D- Day of Choice: Saturday because I get to see Dad after a long week of missing him.
E- Essential Items: Trains, trains, and more trains
F- Favorite Color: I wear lots of blue because I'm a boy, but I also look exceptionally handsome in orange.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: I like bears so let's go with that answer.
H- Hometown: Portland, OR/Gresham, OR
I- Indulgence(s): My dinosaur fruit snacks, candy (chocolate especially), and cake if there's any around
J- January or July: I like being outside, so I'll say July.
K-Kids: none to my knowledge
L-Life is incomplete without: family, friends and trains
M- Marriage Date: Kate and I have yet to set a date.
N- Number of Siblings: 0, but Mom and I are hoping that won't be the answer forever.
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples
P- Phobias or Fears: Sometimes dogs (if they bark or growl), sometimes cats, and right now being held by anybody besides Mom.
Q- Quote(s): 'Trains, trains, trains!'
R- Reason To Smile: All my needs are met and I've hardly done a thing to make that possible.
S- Season: Spring because I can finally go outside and play!
T- Tag Six: I don't have any friends my age that blog. How lame is that?
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I love the movie 'Happy Feet.'
V- Veggies or Fruit: Fruit!
W- Worst Habit: Screaming when I don't get my way (Mom's chosen to ignore this behavior in hopes that it will go away and in case you are wondering, it's not working so well for her).
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Neither, please. I don't like doctors.
Y- Your Favorite food: I like refried beans a great deal. Also olives.
Z: Zodiac: Gemini: Geminis are bright, witty, entertaining and rarely get deeply absorbed in any one task, unless it involves trains.

An added bonus: one very cute picture of me and Kate.