Visiting Nonna and Poppa

Chloe loves her grandparents, and we hadn't seen them in a while. So, we took a trip out to Sedona in May. The last time we went to Sedona, it was, well, a bit of a disaster. From a sleep perspective anyway. Chloe was around 7 months and I did not realize she was in the process of getting her first tooth. Let's just say it was a sleepless week for all of us, and needless to say, this time it was much better.

Chloe did, however, awake with the sun, which was EARLY. Craig was nice enough to go lie down with her from 5:30 until a reasonable hour so I got to sleep in a bit.

We had a great time!

We visited the Out of Africa Wildlife Park which was incredible. You take a bus ride through the park and the giraffes will eat out of your hand or even your mouth. We saw zebras, antelopes, lions, you name it. The highlight was the tiger splash show. It was just incredible. The tigers basically play in the pool with these (crazy) people who work there. .




Another day we visited Tlaquepaque. Craig had been taking pictures all week, and Ghislaine had a bunch of toys there from Craig's sisters kids (who are now grown). Anyway, when we got to Tlaquepaque Chloe pretended that her viewmaster was a camera, and spent the entire time taking pictures of all the statues. She had a great time.


Chloe sizing up her next shot








We did have to make a quick stop on the way, however. .


There is a great park near my John & Ghislaine's house too. . although I think Chloe would have had more fun there if there were more children around to play with.


One thing that never gets old is watching all the birds and small animals near the house. Chloe loved helping her Nonna water the plans and put out birdseed for the birds.


Craig and I even managed to get away for a morning and did a quick hike. It was heavenly. We did the Bell Rock Courthouse Loop which is so beautiful. Craig and I had not been out hiking in a long time so it was great to get out. And Chloe didn't miss us at all, as she and Nonna spent the morning together baking a carrot cake! And then she read to her dolls and spent time with her poppa!

All about April

I got way behind on blogging so here is a month in a post! April was pretty nice in Portland, not our typically rainy time.

Decorating Easter Eggs and celebrating Easter - 4.12.09-4.13.09





4.13.2009 Having a blast with her new art easel and paint










4.19.2009 Brunch and playtime with BFF's Bea and Franny














4.25.2009-4.26.2009 Posing with her stuffed animal "Franny" and a trip to the Zoo with Mommy & Daddy

More potty talk

Craig has been the star of the potty training with Chloe. He took her to the library and got some videos on potty training and they watch them together. Yesterday, a breakthrough. Chloe put on her big girl underpants and used the potty twice. This morning, she put them on again, and used the potty again. So I asked her if she wanted to wear her big girl underwear to school, and she did.

I don't know what her teachers are in for .. but it will be fun hearing about it when I pick her up from school later on. . .and on the way home we'll buy a 2nd potty, so she can have one upstairs and another downstairs ..

We are on the potty train and I'm hoping it will be a nonstop ride!

Talking about the future

At the dinner table tonight:

Chloe: "What I do when I'm big"?

Craig/me: "Whatever you want"

Chloe: "I want to run real fast with underwear on"

But alas, she still wants diapers today ..