Picnics and Playdates

On Thursday we had a fabulous post-nap picnic on the porch.
Mmmm.
Then we hit the trampoline.
Eli was not a fan of the staticky hairdo.
Today we had one of our Sunday Playdates with Eve and Miles. We took a lovely picnic to the Botanical Gardens.
Miles was born for these photo ops. He's so cooperative and cute! Unlike Eli, who I'm basically wrestling to get him near the hole.
Miles had to settle for a shot with me.
The boys had a grand time wandering the gardens together.
Cutie Miles!
Such good friends.
Super sweet.
Good buddies exchanging a fistbump to end a lovely outing.

Playdates and Snow Days

Sunday we had a fabulous playdate with Eli's buddy Miles. Miles and Eli have been pals since they were 4 weeks old. They go way back. This is Miles' "Fat Chance Getting This Camera Back" face.Miles is hilarious and makes the most fabulous faces! Here something musta been really funny.
Miles and Mama Eve. She made us yummy pancakes!
Eli's making the same gesture his shirt monkey is making.
Doing the Elmo dance...
Which apparently involves toe pointing.
Magical Miles has one blue eye and one brown. He's mystical and cute!
Eli as rugged mountain toddler.
Today it snowed. Ten inches so far. We got bundled up and headed out to explore. Eli wore his fabulous bear snow boots! They served him well and kept his little feet all dry. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
He actually enjoyed the snow a bit this time.
There was a 10" high snow cake on the picnic table. Yum!
Eli made it into a snow angel.
And I made a big one on the porch. I can't get enough of making snow angels. Once I was sitting it a drive through line during a big snow and I got out and made a snow angel right there.
He actually seems to be enjoying himself. FUN!
Sweet Snow Pea.


He got a kick out of me making it snow. Until he laughed so hard he faceplanted in the snow.And now we're all warmed up by the fire. Eli is wearing an outfit Eric would put in the "Your Mother Dresses You Funny" Category.

Some fun...

We have had the most fun two days! Friday at swimming a friend made Eli a cake and another friend made him birthday banana bread. So there was singing and candle blowing and yummy goodies. Here's Eli in a cake haze.
Here's Eli after swimming, all clean and wearing his new convict outfit (which I didn't realize it resembled until I put it on, long after buying it).
Today my calendar was marked "Miles and Eve Day O' Fun!" We had a full day of activities planned with Eli's bff, Miles. We started out the day introducing Miles to the breakfast food play area and Eve to gymboree. We shopped, played, and ate lunch. Miles was a dashing dinosaur.
Eli's head was a bit large for the dino hat, but he was a good sport about it.
"Trade jya"
Miles on the waffle.
Taking a walk with his Mama, Eve, on the banana balance beam.
Then we went back to Miles' house for rest and play for the kiddos (with a babysitter) while the Mama's had a cook-for-your-toddler lesson by the baby chef, Chelsea (www.babychef.net). She was incredible! She brings ingredients for the four meals you've chosen to prepare. And together you prepare a months worth of those four foods which you can freeze and serve easily. We made veggie bites (potato, zucini, carrots), protein patties (brown rice, beans, veggies, seasoning, etc), blueberry and flax pancakes, and turkey apple patties (for Miles, a carnivore). I learned so much! She's Denver based, so for all you Denver moms, I highly recommend it!
The boys had a big time exploring. They are such good friends!
What a doll!
After our cooking session we took the boys on a beautiful autumn walk. They both crashed from the excitement of a full day of fun.

Happy Birthday Miles, We Miss You William, and Go Mama!

Last night we celebrated the 1st birthday of one of Eli's best friends, the marvelous Miles! Miles ate up the scores of admirers, and his yummy cake!His sweet Mama, Eve threw such a lovely 1st party for Miles. She beamed with love and pride for her little guy.
Eli enjoyed an electric blue cupcake...
very much.
We also partied with Eli's friend William. William and his family are moving to Idaho and we're so sad! We're going to miss them like crazy!
William is the synthesizer maestro, and you should see him dance to his tunes. It's something to behold!
He and Eli had such a fun first year together. We wish them all the best!
Hangin' in Daddy's Jeep.
Newly named, "Yellow Jeep."
Now, be impressed. Today Eli and I ran a 5K together. We joined Eric and a bunch of his youth for the run supporting "Second Wind," which works to prevent teen suicide. Here we are at the finish. I REALLY wanted to walk at this point, but couldn't let the camera catch that. Eli enjoyed the ride...
And the throngs of Eric's youth who showered him with constant attention. It's good to be the youth director's kid.


After being in the car seat or stroller all day, Eli was euphoric to come home and get his wiggle on. Hear the squeals of delight as I chase him up the stairs. And nothing beats a little naked time to help one relax after a long day. I've finished Eli's invitations and here's what they look like. A lovely friend (Mama V) suggested this necklace to me because of my recent bird obsession (see the rub-on entries, and Eli's mural). Lisa Leonard is the artist and you can find her designs at http://lisaleonardonline.com/. I loved Mama V's suggestion, it was so me, so I ordered it. Here is the final customized piece. It is beautiful and will be my new nearly daily choice of accessory. Thanks Mama V!

Off to sleep and lounge, post-race.