Busy Weekend

One of Zane's little buddies rode his bike to daycare on Friday and it was all Zane could talk about the whole way home. He skipped his usual snack and went straight for his bike once we pulled in the driveway. I thought we were just going to go on a quick loop up the street and back, but the cyclist had different plans. It was rather chilly out and Mama was not dressed properly for the half hour trek around the block. We had to stop and listen to birds and dogs, point at pine cones, name all of our friends' houses, and periodically stop and marvel at the bike itself...so half an hour later, and only halfway around the block, we were both cold. It was our own version on the Brrr Ride! Ok, probably not as dramatically cold, but it felt like it at the time. 

His legs got tired eventually and I carried him and the bike the rest of the way home. I was glad to be moving at a faster pace, but my back was screaming at me the next day. I'm happy he's interested in his bike again and can't wait for warmer weather for rides around the park! On a side note, I couldn't find his helmet on short notice so he's wearing Papa's.

 Lots of train action this weekend.

 On Saturday we enjoyed a little friend's 2nd birthday party at Isobel's Clubhouse in the Pearl. It was like a fancy Swap n' Play! The activity for the kids was to decorate sugar cookies. I knew I would have to watch Z closely on this one for both the mess factor and the eating factor. In my head I was thinking that 2 cookies would be fine. Well, I went to the sink to get a rag to clean him up and returned to this site. I couldn't be mad since sugar cookies ARE delicious AND it was a birthday party!

 Cake time!

 After all that we needed some down time with Muno and Yo Gabba Gabba.

Mason's holiday work party was on Saturday night and we were able to get a sitter and sneak away. It was at the McMenamins in Wilsonville, which is one we hadn't been to before, and they'd rented out the entire back "old church" section. It was great to get out and be adults!

Lunch Around Here

Lunch at home is always a fun time where we sit down together and chat before nap time. Yesterday he wanted his backhoe and Henry (who's name is really "Duck" on the cartoon, but Zane insists on calling him Henry) to join us and he ended up finding a fun way to eat his grapes.

He was fading as it got closer to nap time and started to sing. This is his version of the ABC's. I love his sweet little voice. But then a big delivery truck pulled up and everyone got excited.

Morning Train Videos

You know how toddlers seem to remember everything? Well, one morning we typed in "train videos" to YouTube to entertain Zane. Now every time we're upstairs for an extended period of time Zane runs to the computer and says "watch trains." Keep in mind that to a 2-year-old, an extended period of time includes when Mama has to brush her teeth or change the roll of toilet paper. He's especially taken to the videos of real trains set to music. You'd be surprised at how many there are! I thought I had this one loud enough, but you can't hear the music that well. Enjoy!

More Snow

I have to admit that the Midwesterner in me misses snow. I love the big, white, flakes that take their time before landing...just like we had yesterday and this morning! I sat on the couch with Zane and we watched. He doesn't have much experience with snow that he remembers and he kept saying "rain", but we would correct him and he would say "ohhhh, snow." The news and weather channels are reporting a "Winter Blast" for the Pacific Northwest, and while the parts in higher elevation and farther north are experiencing much more accumulation, we are completely fine here on the valley floor. The temp is supposed to reach 48 today...I think we'll be OK.

Zane and Papa take off for daycare. Zane hasn't had the need for snow boots...ever...so he's wearing his rain boots. The snow is supposed to turn to rain later anyway. He'll be ready.

Mason said the roads were bad only because nothing is plowed. That's part of Portland's problem. The inadequate preparation. We've known this storm was coming for days and still the city acts like it's a huge surprise. One of the biggest problems is the weight of the snow on the trees. There are several reports of downed trees on houses and across roads in the higher elevations...that's probably what the national news is showing. Here at our house, we've got a pretty yard. I imagine this storm will pick up steam as it heads east. We hope your city is more prepared than ours!

And now for your enjoyment: Cowboy Zane on the drums.

Snow!

Quick! Look outside or you'll miss it!! Our big snow storm that's been in the news for days let down some flurries for about 5 min. this morning. We were on our way to the grocery store to buy some emergency Cheerios and were lucky enough to experience it. 

I think he looks adorable in his puffy coat.

Mason and I got a new mattress for Christmas and before we sold the old one on Craigslist, Zane enjoyed giving his toys (the trains and Pody the Polar Bear mostly) tours of the cave.

A New Ride

Zane has officially outgrown his stroller, so for Christmas we found him a new ride (thank you Great Grandma Lueder!). It's perfect because 1) he fits in it, 2) it folds for easy portability, and 3) it can accommodate his trains or animals or whatever else HAS to come on a walk with us. 

 He also likes to pull it himself. Note the drink cup holder...he thinks that's pretty neat.

Virgil has been more of a love sponge than usual the last few days. He insists on sitting on the couch, as close to or on us as possible when normally he's content to hang out on his bed at the foot of the couch. He is allowed on this couch, but he was being particularly selfish with the available space. When he doesn't want to do something he leans into you or goes limp...kinda like Zane.