California Visit, part 5---early Birthday/Christmas

Since we were not going to be in California for Josie's birthday or for Christmas this year, we did a bit of early celebrating while we were there.  Part of Josie's birthday gift from us was a visit to "Build-a-Bear" to make the stuffed animal of her choice.  And Josie picked.......

 

...a pink "Hello Kitty!"

Helping Daddy fill out the "adoption certificate."

Before we left the store we picked out a cute outfit for "Hello Kitty" complete with underpants and tennis shoes.

The night before we left we did a bit of early birthday and Christmas gift-opening. Josie opened one birthday present and the kids each opened one Christmas present. I didn't think Josie would be too excited about the birthday gift, which was clothes. Boy, was I wrong! 

Josie's reaction: "I LOVE it!!!

Josie opening her doctor kit.

Evan opening his toy alligator. 

I think we maybe should have switched those gifts around. Notice what Evan has in his hand in each picture, while looking at his toy---the syringe from Josie's doctor kit.  

And look who really loves the toy alligator!

 Cheryl is trying to get Dr. Josie's pager to work. 

Josie was happy to model her new outfit (which she LOVES) while making many laps around the couch pulling Evan's alligator, with Evan following (or leading).

This is the final installment of the California Visit. Next up will be a report on Christmas in Brookfield.

California Visit, Part 4---Fun with Josie and Evan

Of course the best part of our visit was the time we could spend with Josie and Evan.  We were able to babysit several days. On those days, Josie and Grandpa often took a walk together to the park in the morning while Evan napped.  I think they both really enjoyed their time together---Josie liked having Grandpa all to herself, and I think Grandpa felt the same way about Josie. I think they did lots of "chatting" on these outings.

So here are just some random pictures of the kids:

The first day we were there we all walked to a school playground nearby.

On Friday we got to go along and watch Josie at "Tumble Tots."

The most important part is the "Ta-Daa!"

" Hey, who locked this gate??"

 Sippy cup in one hand, drum stick in the other.

Evan really likes phones, or anything that looks like a phone.

Here he is, holding the phone to his ear and saying "Hello!"

Enjoying a french fry at Chick-fil-A

Enjoying some of Grandpa's pancakes.

Yes, they are blue. Special order. :)

We are always amazed at how gentle Amos is with both of the kids. When we play with Amos, throwing a ball or rawhide, there is no way that we can get the thing away from him once he has it. He always wants to make it a game of  "tug-of-war." But he will give it up to one of the kids every time---he just gently drops it or lets them take it from him. Notice how he is just watching Evan with the ball---doesn't even try to take it. Good dog, Amos! 

I had to get a picture with the Calvin bib. :)

Practicing "So Big" with Grandpa

I think we're almost done with the California posts---probably one more installment. And then we'll move on to Christmas!

California Visit, Part 3---Kidspace Museum

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon we went to the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena. This place is right by the Rose Bowl. We had planned to go on Saturday, but it was closed because of a football game at the Rose Bowl.  (Adam and Rachel, I think we walked over to this place with you guys when we were there looking at the floats, but didn't pay the admission to go in.) It is a really cool place, with lots of educational exhibits that are also a lot of fun.

A lot of the outdoor exhibits had to do with simple machines.

There were fun things for Evan to play with, too.

And there were some neat climbing structures.

And here is Josie the archeologist---digging for fossils and bones.

I don't remember what this exhibit was, but Josie was very interested in it!

Josie the rock climber:

She achieved her goal---she climbed high enough to ring the bell!

And we ended the day with some water play for Josie.

We commented that the water area would really be great on a hot summer day---except that it would probably be too crowded to really enjoy it.