The Springs Preserve

Friday Alec and I were able to meet up with Hilary & Cat for a play-date at the Springs Preserve. There were a lot of hands-on activities to amuse the children. This first was a glassy floor with simulated water moving around under it.


After exploring the museum area, we took them to the children's play area...which was outdoors...and clearly not designed by someone who has children-there was practically no shade! There was a large train you could sit in, so Alec immediately toddled in that direction and enjoyed poking around in it.

It was so cute to watch the children interact. Alec is all boy-he's constant motion, exploring everything, afraid of little. Cat is all girl-shy, delicate and cautious. To best illustrate the dynamics, check out this photo:


When we reached the overheated point, we headed around to check out the 'trading post' (children can trade various objects from nature), then a 'recycle' exhibit. I have no idea how these orange balls fit in there, but they were a hit!


After watching me, Alec decided he'd like to try cranking the balls up the machine:

Swimming!

On Thursday, Alec got to go swimming with his Uncle Christopher and Aunties Kelsey and Joleen. He is such a little water-baby!! He especially loves splashing the water.

Splashing Uncle Christopher

Cuddling with Auntie Kelsey

Enjoying the attention if Uncle Christopher and Auntie Jo

Ahhhh...the relaxation after the swim and playing with Auntie Jo's cell phone

Videos...

I finally got the video problem sorted. Which is helpful, since Alec is so active these days! So, here's a few shorts of some of Alec's latest 'tricks'.

Here he is, telling us the sound a duck makes:

Here he is dancing to a video I was previewing for my course (meaning a horribly outdated soundtrack), then 'Franken-walking' across the room to his great-grandma!

Alec's Smile...

Well, I just love that everytime that little red light hits Alec's face he scrunches up his nose, often tilts his head back and smiles!!

Yesterday, after returning from throwing out a dirty diaper, I found that I had left the diaper bag down too low:
So, I asked Alec if he thought that was a good idea, since it dirtied up his wipes, this was his only reply:

I love being a mommy. Alec's so happy just to be alive and I love that his expressions and personality are so like Paul. It helps keep me upbeat when I miss Paul too much. Thanks goodness for video chatting!

Going...going...gone!

Well, yesterday was a rough day. Paul caught a 7am flight to Philadelphia on the first leg of his journey. We were fortunate that my aunt works for US Airways, so he was able to fly standby, saving us over $1,000 and no fear of a fee when we try and figure out what date he'll be returning. Even more wonderful, he caught the first of both flights he needed right away...no hanging around the airport. Alec, the dogs and I are missing him loads already, but we're so proud that he has this opportunity to finish up!!

Posing for the camera during Kari's bridal shower

After months of 'cruising' around the furniture and taking several cautious steps, Alec started walking today!! During Kari's family bridal shower he was taking more than 9 steps (his current record), then by the evening he was up and walking everywhere and rising to stand from sitting in the middle of the room! He just kept walking back between mom, grandma, Kelsey & I!! I'm having trouble loading videos on the blog, so if you click on the link to the left for 'Alec's Photo Website', a video is near the end.



Then he spent the evening chasing Milo all over.

Giving Milo a cuddle

Grandma's Birthday

Grandma's birthday was on Sunday, June 1st, but she flew into Vegas last night, so we planned a little birthday lunch surprise to the Olive Garden. Christopher, Joleen, Kari, Ben, Sarah, Paul, Alec & I were able to go, so it was really fun.

Alec enjoying some mangoes while we waited for a table

Sharing a laugh with Paul

Ross and Jordan's Wedding

Saturday was Ross and Jordan's wedding!!! During the ceremony, the bishop paused for a moment after saying something about 'your family will always be around to support you', so Alec immediately shouted out 'YAY!!' and clapped his hands. It was perfect timing and hopefully Ross and Jordan weren't bothered.

Three rows of family members!! What a fun reunion.

Hanging out with great-uncle Glenn in the shade. Alec was putting the bubbles in his pocket, then taking them out, then putting them in...

Ross and Jordan's first dance

Everything was beautiful and ran smoothly. Alec did okay for about 3 hours so we were pretty happy.

Softball

Thursday night, Paul and I finally got talked into playing softball with Kari & Ben's YSA friends. It was Paul's first time ever playing and he did a great job hitting and fielding, so we're hoping to have more opportunities to play with my family later.

Alec and Daddy cuddling before the game

Alec wanting his mommy. He loved cheering for players 'at bat', but tired of it eventually