Wild Giraffe

I caught a glimpse of a wild giraffe in our backyard earlier today. Luckily, I had my camera nearby.

It was exploring.

Perhaps in search of food? Or gravel?

Then it charged me!

But when it sensed my fright, it became docile and cuddly.

Childproofing Woes

Alli must have caught wind of Dora and has become quite an explorer. She is INTO EVERTHING! Ugh! I put up all the dangerous stuff months ago, but it is the ramdom stuff that I find laying all over the house, or better yet, trying to find my travel coffee mug as we are racing to get out the door on time! I finally broke out the screw gun and installed some of those latches on the drawers and cupboards. First of all, what a pain in the neck to install. I literally have a pain in the neck trying to contort my body into the right position to screw the tiny screws into the cupboard. After just a few cupboards, I took and break and did a web search for ANYTHING out there that looks simpler to install and (the most frustrating to me) less cumbersome to open. I search unveiled NOTHING. I guess that is the point; the kid not being able to open the cupboard. But can't it be easier for the adult?

Anyone out there have any innovative childproofing techniques? Or gotten a hold of some cool products?

Colorado Cousins

Alli and I recently caught a ride to Colorado with a local friend and her 1 year old son. We stayed a week and caught up with Daddy and family. Alli got to see all her maternal first cousins who she had not visited since she was 6 weeks old. The cousins, ages 3, 7, 9 and 13, kept saying "Alli has really changed". It puzzled me. Did they think she would still be an infant? Kid logic. I am fascinated by it.

Alli had a fantastic time playing with the kids. It gave me a bit of insight to what her days must be like at daycare. Nonstop running around and just having fun.

Alli put on Rebeka's cowgirl boots and was attempting to show them off with some help from her Dad. I should have fixed the red eyes...and combed her hair.

A visit to Rory & Jace's neck of the woods

Alli and I ventured out to visit Jeremy, Amy, Rory and Jace last weekend. While there, we visited one of their favorite places...the farm. Beautiful day. Just down the road. Geared for kids. Best of all...FREE!

Jace had the best view of what was happening at the farm.

Rory lead the way around the farm.

Alli taunted this calf by rattling its pen.

She did the same to this one.

And this one.

Tender Moments

Be a know-it-all parent.

In case you live in a cave (like I do) and have no idea what is going on in the world because you are so busy you don't know what day of the week it is, there have been a whole bunch of toys recalled recently due to lead paint. Who da thunk?! I thought that stuff was only in old houses. Anyway, the only reason I heard about it is because the CSPC sends me a friendly email whenever anything kid related is recalled. You can sign up here.