Mommimird

We have a hummingbird that comes to eat nearly every time we do. We see it when we sit down for breakfast and we can count on another showing around dinner time. Yesterday morning at breakfast I said, "Brooks, look at the hummingbird." They converstation followed somthing like this:

Brooks: mommimird?

Erin: hummingbird.

Brooks: mommimird?

Erin: hummingbird.

Brooks, defiantly: mommimird!!!

So, mommimird it is, for today anyway.

P.S. Papa Ray, I hope you appreciate this as much as I think you will.

What a Gas, At the Zoo!

"Someone told me its all happening at the zoo.

I do believe it, I do believe its true."

I have sung that Simon and Garfunkel song as long as I can remember and cannot make a trip to the zoo without singing it secretly in my head, or sometimes loud for all to hear (only if you're lucky.) So ever since we visited the Portland zoo last Friday, that song has been running circles in my mind.

It was all happening at the zoo. We went with fun friends and it was great. Unfortunately it wasn't Brooks's best effort. I think he had been sprouting some teeth all week and was still a bit off his game. However, every so often I would hear a little roar coming up from the stroller right below me that let me know he was paying attention to the bears and tigers and such.

Unfortunately, in my frenzy to get out the door, I forgot my camera. Luckily Kristen brought hers and was kind enough to snap some shots. I think next time I'll leave it home on purpose. Thanks for the pics Kristen, I love them.

Kristen, Moses, Olivia and Bella. Jen, Max and Molly, and Brooks and I round out the bunch.

The highlight of the zoo for Brooks was the saloon-like section, sounds weird, I know, but it was a big old house with ducks and chickens around it, goats and sheep to pet and best of all, a huge porch that the kids could run on. Brooks loved it and the kids could have stayed there all day. They just giggled and giggled and when the zoo train went by, squeals galore! Then we were into a chugga-chugga choo-choo fit. It was darling. Brooks has been really into choo-chooing ever since. Who knew that's what we would learn at the zoo?

I think this is pretty darn sweet. Thanks again Kristen.

Just Bummin Around

So somehow Brooks got the worst diaper rash of his little 20-month life. It was breaking our hearts. He started sitting sideways on his hip to avoid having to sit on his bottom, and his walk had become more like a waddle, tippy toes too. It was really the saddest thing you've ever seen.

We had tried what seemed like everything to make his bottom better, but no cream, no amount of walking around the house naked, even three baking soda baths yesterday still wouldn't take care of it. At last, one suggestion we hadn't tried seemed to do the trick, and lift the spirits of a sad little boy (thank you, mom.) We went outside buck naked. Well, Brooks was naked, I just watched and laughed a little. I set up the kiddie pool on the deck and he spent time in the water and a lot of time just feeling the breeze!


He was hilarious and seemed to love every minute. He kept running around the deck, smelling the flowers and playing with his truck. I made some birdseed (Grandma Morgan's famous trail mix) and he loved it. He also loved the green popsicle, which is evidenced below. He was so disappointed when it was time to come inside. I think the sun did wonders for more than just his sore bottom. He seemed to forget all about it and had a great time in the backyard. I took some pictures just to remember our naked romp in the yard. Hopefully it will be the last. Or, at least the last time we have to.

Exactly why are you hiding behind those flowers?

Nice bum, where ya from?

Just stopping to smell the roses.

Brooks, we love you and your bottom. Glad you're feeling better.

It's a bird. It's a plane...

No. It's my husband trying to hurt himself.

We had a great day at the lake on Saturday. It was a surprise birthday party for our friend, Nancy who is turning 30, yikes! It's hard to believe we actually have friends that old. Anyway, after a wonderful lunch, a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and some great gag gifts, a diving contest ensued. Not sure if Bryan was the winner, but we must applaud a fantastic effort. Have you ever seen such form? Don't worry, no one was hurt.

Brooks loves to run on the docks, so we do too!

Little known fact, Nancy's arms are taller than she is. This monkey seemed appropriate.

Happy Birthday Nancy, thanks for a great day.