play date at Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Hmm, what's making that sound? Mom, can I pet the rooster?

Hey Conner, what's so funny?

We had a mellow outing at Oregon Ridge Nature Center this week. It was a mild day for a morning hike, plus E was ready for a change of scenery. Oregon Ridge is a HUGE nature preserve with a rustic nature center. There's always plenty to explore there, even for toddlers.

My friend and I met up and brought our babes. Not quite a year apart, both tots enjoy gazing up at the trees making sounds or waving to fellow hikers passing by. We wore our kids during the hike (so you'll notice I didn't take any pictures)...he's not as light as he used to be! I think it's safe to say I need to retire the bjorn. He'll be two in November and he's getting more solid all the time! Still, fresh air in the woods was peaceful for all of us.

A highlight for the boys was the chicken coop, complete with a rooster cock-a-doodle-dooing. There is also an old house that is used for archaeological studies, which E took a liking to.

Oregon Ridge is free for visitors, so if you're in the area, I highly recommend checking out the nature center and trails! There is a lake in the old quarry where you can go swimming, along with a playground (although there is a small fee for the lake). They are also planning natural play area, following in our footsteps at Irvine. It will be fun to visit once it's complete!

toddlers at work

You never know what you're gonna get when two toddlers mingle. They are in their own little worlds, that's for sure. E and his friend Conner had a play date this weekend, perhaps the first one where they were even aware of each other.

Conner, 13 months, and E, 20 months are finally closing their age gap. It was hilarious to watch them interact and respond to each other. E didn't seem to mind sharing toys although he was skeptical and observant. Conner was right at home and eager to check out E's digs. They even exchanged a sweet little kiss when it was time to say good-bye. Precious!



E seems to be thinking "seriously - you guys making me ride with this guy?"




"Maybe I can hop over the edge..."




Conner's daddy pulls the little princes.




This definitely sums it up!





"Hey Conner, you sure you know what you're doing with that?"







Note E eyeing the bus he was just playing with.
Conner: "Do we really have to go?"



couples night!

Nothing like a night out with friends to put the wind back in your sails! We hadn't seen our dear friends in months and we desperately needed an adults only night. It wasn't a fancy restaurant or an extravagent affair - just a nice meal with friends that know where we're coming from.

Our kids are both toddlers and share all the laughable, frustrating habits you might expect. Our shared list includes: non-compliant diaper changes, love of being outside with the wind blowing through barely there hair, dramatic tantrums when coming back inside, adorable love of story books, proud independant air when themselves, etc. It's such a wonderful time for our tots, but for us too as witnesses. And it's just so great to swap stories with other moms and dads.

I took all those couples dates for granted before E, and now I savor them! Finding time for people that also have kids is, well, it's nothing short of a scheduling nightmare. But when it happens, it's a magical thing. Thanks for a great night out, guys.

for my homegirls

Today started out as one of those hectic days. You know the kind - race to get the diaper bag together, find shoes, make coffee for the car ride, don't forget the gift, is my kid dressed warm enough? - kind of days.

There was no make up involved. I'm certain a brush never met my hair before it was whisked up in a messy bun. I grabbed the worn-a-couple-of-time jeans to be sure I was comfy. I was headed to my girlfriend's house. I knew she wouldn't mind. In fact, I could almost bet money that she was in the same state as me.

This play date was way overdue and it turned out to be just the medicine I needed, despite the hectic start. I breathed a sigh of relief when we finally arrived and I hugged my dear friend. Even if a few months pass, it doesn't matter. We pick up right where we left off. Only, instead of talking about boys and homework (like we did in high school) we talk about toys and housework.

I don't know what I would do without my confidants, but this is for you: Thank you for always being on my side AND for playing the devil's advocate when I need it. You keep me grounded and laughing. Thank you for being my constant support and sounding board. I cherish your friendship and love.