It's pool season!

It was hot here this morning, so we filled up the pool to use after naptime. Unfortunately, by that time it had cooled off a lot and was about to storm, but Landon still got in some playtime. He was too busy shooting hoops to smile nicely for a picture, though.


Here's Simon trying out his infant cabana for the first time. It's designed to keep UV rays off of baby. It's not huge; something much bigger than the bouncy seat wouldn't fit inside, but it's plenty big for a little baby. And folds up compactly into a backpack carrying case. They do make a larger family-sized one, but since we live nowhere near the beach, I didn't figure we needed one that big.

Outdoor play

Landon received several toys for outdoor play at his birthday party this weekend, so we've been enjoying them plenty this week, since the weather's been gorgeous. Here are some photos from yesterday (5/18).

The Fisher Price Bubble Mower has been a big hit. It's too bad doesn't really mow the lawn, because Landon's covered almost the entire yard with it. I like that you can refill it with any bubbles, rather than having to purchase special Fisher Price ones.


This sand and water activity set is a Toys R Us exclusive item, but I couldn't find it on their website to provide a link. However, it would be worth looking for in their store, as Landon's having a blast with it (plus it's a great price--only about $13!). It comes with a truck and four boats, and there are gates that raise and lower, a movable crane, and a paddle for making waves. I also like that it's small enough that we can bring it inside during cold weather if we want. In fact, it will even fit in the tub if we want to contain the mess.


Bounce, bounce, bounce! Landon now has his own mini trampoline. He's getting plenty of exercise with this item. He'll bounce for a few minutes, go do something else, then come back and bounce some more. We do plan to store it in the garage when it rains, since the online reviews mention that it doesn't hold up well when exposed to the elements.


And here's what Simon did while we were outside yesterday:

Happy Mother's Day!

Me and my boys

Hello, Spring!

Finally, spring weather has returned! We spent some time in the backyard this afternoon.

It was baby Simon's first time hanging out outdoors.


Daddy and Landon worked together to build a big mountain in the sandbox.


I don't think the nice weather's going to stay, but we're enjoying it while it lasts!

Our Easter

We added a new baby to our house this week, so our Easter celebrations were pretty low key. Here are some photos from our weekend.

Easter Egg Hunt

We went to a community Easter egg hunt this morning. We weren't there more than ten minutes--the horn blew, the kids were let loose, and it was over as quickly as it had begun--but we came home with two suckers, two fruit snack packages, and a package of Sweet Tarts. Landon got to see someone in a big chick costume, too. We could have stuck around to see the Easter bunny, but he said, "I want to go home now." So instead, we came home and enjoyed the nice weather by spending time in the backyard.

They're not spinach cookies. Really.

I made peanut butter cookies in the shape of shamrocks with my cookie press last night. I added green food coloring, and I think that it makes them look a bit like spinach cookies. They actually look more spinachy in real life than they do in this picture. But they taste great!

Here's what we did for St. Patrick's Day today:

I made banana breakfast ice cream for Landon this morning (recipe from The Sneaky Chef) and added green food coloring.

He colored a leprechaun coloring sheet from PapaJan.com with green markers and crayons.

I put St. Patrick's Day tattoos on him. They came in a package of grapes. (I know... that's a bit odd.)

We walked to the library and checked out the book Lucky Tucker, which we of course read when we got home.

For dinner we had corned beef, green mashed potatoes, Irish soda bread, green beans, and green grapes. Dessert was the green cookies.

And of course, we all wore green.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!