Arbor Hills

Sunday the weather was still great so we packed up the Pathfinder and headed to West Plano to walk the trails at Arbor Hills. Jack and I had been with the intentions of walking, but never made it past the playground. When we got there the wind was really strong and it was chilly, chilly. We decided to brave it as long as we could...

Jack and I on the trail.
Nick and Jack on the trail.
After our 2 mile walk we let Jack stretch his legs on the playground.
He loved, loved going down this slide. Next Summer for sure we're adding a swing set to our water/sand/pool/sprinkler backyard.
If you remember correctly this was the same swing that Jack rode with Nathan. There were few smiles that day...but I guess being with Mom and Dad makes the intimidation of all the other people disappear. I love my smiling Jack!!

It was great to get outside and enjoy such a beautiful area. What a rare find especially with it being so close to major toll roads and "city life". When we were walking it really seemed like we were somewhere far from the metroplex. Hope to go back some day and really hope to find something similar a little closer to home.

Toilet Trouble

So his middle name is clearly still TROUBLE. I was getting dressed the other day while Jack was playing with his toys in the bathroom. When I realized I didn't hear the firetruck playing its song anymore I peeked in to find this...

Doesn't he look so innocent?!? I can't get mad because I did leave him with this fun "toy" to play with and it was cute to see how much fun he was having...but let's hope it isn't now a habit at our house, other people's houses, or daycare....lock up your toilet paper when Trouble is coming over!
He played for a few more minutes while I started picking it up...
Then how sweet...he tried to help put it back on the dispenser. What a kind and caring young man.

Zoo Field Trip

Jack and I checked the weather and found out that Friday was going to be one of the prettiest days in awhile- sunny and 73 degrees so we called up the Parnell's and planned a field trip to the Zoo.

Jack's First Trip to the Zoo!
We had a rough start to our day...Jack had a run in with the butcher block (as you can see above his right eye) and was so excited that he couldn't sleep during his morning nap which meant all day nap free since he doesn't sleep in the stroller....I was still up for the challenge though.
Of course Nathan was, as usual, all smiles and not worried about naps because he is like his Mom...will sleep anywhere, at anytime.

These were the faces for the majority of the day....Jack zoned out, but not fussy and Nathan...ready to tackle the world.
Our first stop was the Children's Zoo. Jack and Nathan liked looking at the fish and pigs.
I even stepped outside my box...despite local news stories about e-coli at petting zoos...and let Jack pet (more like pat) the bunny.

Straight to the hand washing station is where we went next. Germs, Germs, Germs!
They had pony rides but I thought that Nick should be there for Jack's first pony ride and I kept envisioning the pony going wild and taking off with Jack. So we opted for the wooden, stationary pony and I think both boys had just as much fun!
Strollers are just not the best seat in the house for kiddos to view the animals at the zoo. It is too hard for them to see through the fence and bushes into the habitats.
I wanted Jack to see all the animals so I took him out of the stroller. He is quite heavy so that didn't last long...into the Bijorn he went.
This was much better but I have to admit- carrying him, walking up and down hills, while pushing a stroller full of everything under the sun...we sure worked up an appetite.

Jack must have been pretty hungry...still making up from his food strike...because he ate everything I packed with a smile on his face the whole time.
Since I've only been to the zoo on school field trips I insisted that we ride the monorail through the Wilds of Africa.
Jack had fun...not sure if it was looking at the animals/scenery, playing around with the rails on the car, joking with Ashley, or making faces at the boys in the car next to us.
Nathan on the other hand...enjoyed the ride while dreaming about everything he had seen at the zoo.
It was time to head back home after a fun filled afternoon at the zoo. Both boys were exhausted...but probably not as tired as the Moms. Can't wait to go back and to visit the Fort Worth Zoo which we hear is great too!

Babysitting O

Last night Karen asked me to keep Olivia for them while they went to the Mavrick's Game. Never turning down extra cash Jack and I loaded up and headed over the the McWilliams House.

Olivia was very supportive of Jack as he got used to Lucy. It took a few minutes of observing from afar but by the end of the night you will see...they were best buds.
We played inside for awhile.
Jack loved, loved Olivia's bouncing, spinning, music playing zebra. I'm tempted to get him one....but I am going to show restraint because I know we don't have space.
Nick showed up after work and we all went out for a wagon ride. Jack got out and helped Nick push princess Olivia too...they love that wagon.


After the wagon ride it was dinner time.
Here you see how and why Jack and Lucy became best friends. Jack would take a green bean, put it up to his mouth, then quickly reach down and feed it to Lucy. Once he did that he'd start patting her head like that was what he was doing the whole time. Sneaky little sucker...although it was nice not to have a pile of green beans on the floor after dinner.
The plan was for Jack and Olivia to play in the bath tub together. Nick took over this part since he is in charge of the night time routine at our house...but Olivia was tired so we skipped Jack's bath, rinsed her down real quick, and decided we'd try again another night.
I see Nick doing the night time thing every night....seeing him do it with all pink gear was for sure different.

Jack and Nick headed home and I cleaned up then watched reality TV...it was fun and I can't wait for them to keep Jack now :)