Today's Forecast

SUNNY with a chance of STRAWBERRIES

Flower Fields

Today was actually Will's third year in a row to the flower fields. You see, he went last year with his Great Aunt Pat and Great Uncle Tom. He also went the year before when he was still inside Mom. The big difference this year? He really enjoyed that tractor ride! In fact, he was pretty expressive when we got off the tractor to pose for some pictures.

Right, uh huh. I think he wants to get back on the tractor.

Much better. You see, Will has a new favorite word. "GO!" He yells it all. the. time. Most of the time, it's fairly cute, but, we don't think the lady loading her groceries next to us at the grocery store appreciated it when Will pointed at her and then pointed at her car and yelled "GO!" to her. At least he's cute, right?

Definitely Up to Something...

Well, what could he be up to, exactly?

Could it be turning 20 months old today and looking more and more like an almost two year old than a "baby"? Maybe it's running around his new apartment like a crazy man, giggling and roaring at Mom? Or maybe it's opening the closet door and waving, saying "hi!" and blowing a kiss at the vacuum (there's a story for his wedding day!)? Perhaps it's ever so sweetly running in from the new patio with his little fists closed tightly and his face beaming as Mom says in her cheesy Mom voice, "What did you find!?" only to drop 6 squirmy multi-legged bugs into her palms and stand back and clap at the accomplishment?

Or maybe, just maybe, it's wishing that same Mom a very happy birthday.

And then taking a shirtless nap because, after all, it was in the triple digits today.

Yes, that's what he's up to. Because, you, know, his shirt does say, "I'm definitely up to something."

Fun with Grammie and Grandpa: Part II

On Sunday morning, Grammie and Grandpa arrived early in the morning for a special day at the beach! We packed up the football, buckets, shovels and towels and headed to the beach for the morning. The boys got right to work digging and building sand castles. It was 85 degrees out, so they dipped their toes in the water, too.

Mom packed some delicious local strawberries, too, and once Will found those, there were none left for anyone else!

We had a great visit with Grammie and Grandpa, thanks for coming and helping us with the move!

Happy Birthday, Jesse!

Yesterday was Jesse's 1st birthday. It's always amazing to see how much has changed in a year. Remember last year, when Jesse was born? Here's the big birthday guy this year.

Jesse loved his cake and his presents and we loved seeing him (and Joey) again.

Will was pretty excited to be part of a birthday celebration, complete with balloons and cake and some of his favorite people. He had a blast playing catch with Jesse, swinging with Joey, and chasing Grandpa and Grammie around the house.

Grandpa wasn't quite sure what to do with Jesse's new potty.

All the Platenik men in one picture:

Fun with Grammie and Grandpa: Part I

Grammie and Grandpa have been in California for a week now, but, between the move and Will's fever, we haven't had many good photo ops. Until yesterday. Yesterday, Will got to spend the whole day with Grammie and Grandpa! After truly demonstrating he was recovered from the fever by bringing his shovels and buckets one-by-one to the front door from the garage, Mom and Will made a come back at Stroller Strides and showed up almost an hour early to play at the park. After class, Grammie and Grandpa came and played on the playground with Will. Then, it was home for lunch and more play time. When Will took a nap, Grammie and Grandpa hit up Target where they found some new blocks.

The day got even better when Dad came home from work early! Everyone hit the (heated!) pool and jacuzzi for an afternoon dip.

As if the day couldn't get better, Grammie made Dad's favorite donuts while Grandpa and Mom took Will to the tot lot. Grandpa sure got into it!

Yes, it sure was a great Friday.

And today was just as much fun...pictures to come!

Bouncing Back

Someone's feeling better! Not a day too soon, either, since today was his first class of Joyful Jumping Music Together. Grammie joined us for the first class, so, once we commandeer her camera, we will post more pictures from the class, but, until then, here's Will enjoying the tot lot at our new place.


And building block towers...

and whose feet reach the pedals now? Watch out!

Movin' On Up

Thanks to many generous and efficient helpers, our move went very smoothly. Will spent the morning with Jackson and his Mom and Dad and word on the street playground is that he had a great care-free morning including a long bike ride in the nifty bike trailer. Meanwhile, Daddy became Sgt. Efficiency, directing his crew of two buds (thanks Don and Evan!), Grammie, Grandpa, Uncle Joe and Mom. The U-haul was filled and unloaded in the new place and the truck was returned by lunch time. Uncle Joe cleaned the carpets in the old place and Grammie made a grocery store trip. Will came back to a new home in time for a long nap in his new room. Phew. What a day!

Unfortunately, Will woke up on Sunday morning with a very high fever. He hasn't fully recovered from two days of high temperature, but when he does rally, he sure enjoys all the extra living and play space.

When things get cleaned up and more organized, we will have a virtual house warming tour posted. Until then, here's a sneak peak:

Easter Egg Hunts

Will is has had a very busy week, with even more excitement to come this weekend and next week! On Wednesday and Thursday, we had Easter egg hunts at Stroller Strides. This activity is right up Will's alley, because he's a boy who loves to clean up, collect things, and put them in baskets or containers. He did not need instructions about finding Easter eggs in the grass. Furthermore, he certainly did not need to be showed twice that there were, in fact, treats, inside the eggs. Jelly beans, anyone? Please excuse the tongue hanging out; for some reason Will has developed this habit when he is concentrating on things.

Yesterday, we visited our new apartment and now we are excited to move this weekend. The new place is much bigger and more spacious than our current place, with a washer and dryer and a one car garage attached! Grammie and Grandpa arrive in California today and we should see them tomorrow before the big move on Saturday. Hopefully, we will be able to set up the internet and get back to blogging shortly after the move. Until then....

Happy Easter and stay cool...like Will.