Birthday Party!

Fletcher's birthday party was a couple of weeks ago. His actual birthday is the 22nd, but we had family & friends in town, and decided to have the party early.

The party was at Sara's parents' house. Wes, Nick & Sara stayed up late creating the cake. The finishing touches were attached after transportation to the party destination. It was fun & easy. If anyone wishes to recreate it, just let us know and we will provide instructions! :)

Fletcher trying to chat up Giada.
They shared bags of unhealthy Cheetos & Doritos.

Unca Nick demonstrating his rocket balloons.
Fletch loves these! The pump is easy for kids to use too.

(From left) Amy, Jamie, Christine & Bryan.
Only two are dutifully wearing their conductor hats.

Outside in Grammy's playground.
(From left) Grammy, Aunt Ellen, Aunt Mary,
Cousins Natalie & Lauren.

Unca Sam & Aunt Mary.

Remote-control dump truck from Unca Nick.

Cousins, minus one (Daniel).

"Rody" from Amy! This picture taken right after Fletch *tried*
to dismount. Gotta work on that dismount.

Enchanted Rock

Hello, all! Here are some photos from our recent trek to
Enchanted Rock: Fredericksburg, Texas.
The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome,
rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level,
and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths
(underground rock formation uncovered by erosion)
in the United States.
(quoted from TX Parks & Wildlife website)

It is a little less than 2 hours outside Austin.
Our traveling companions: Amy, Jamie, Bryan & Christine.
(all friends from the DC area)
Our camera died just before reaching the top of the dome,
so I will eventually get more pics from everyone else.

Jamie outside the loo, right before "the climb."

Amy, Christine & Bryan getting ready.
Bryan creating satchel within which to carry his gigantic water bottles.

"The climb." They left us in the dust.
No compassion for a couple with a 2 year-old. :)

We were very proud of our little guy.
He mostly rode on Wes' shoulders,
but there were times that he refused our help.

"Reach out to me! I will pull you up!! We'll never leave you!"

Birthday Month

Hard to believe its been almost two years since the little fella joined our lives. Or changed our lives. Completely and forever!

No bitterness! He continues to thrive, surprising us every day with his acute intellect. And I'm not just saying that because I'm his mother... Seriously, this kid is smart. Numbers, letters, social interaction. I think he's accelerated. You guys just wait- you'll think your kid is a genius too!

Anyway, as the title declares, it's birthday month. We are having a small family party this Sunday (March 9). I do not know how some parents have parties every year for their multiple kids. Last year wore me out. This year we're making a train cake! Yeah! Pictures soon!

Lunch at P. Terry's Burger Stand, before heading over to the Zilker Nature Center. Wes & Fletcher eat at P. Terry's once a week. EEeesh.

Fascinated at the animals in the nature center. The main reason we go to this nature center is because Fletcher is in love with the owls. Unfortunately, most, if not all of the animals are injured and cannot live on their own in the wild. Therefore, most of Fletcher's beloved owls have eyes or wings (or both) missing. Sad.

Horned owls, as featured in "Gus & Sam Light Up The Night." This is an interactive book that Fletcher adores. But he calls it "owl choo-choo book."


Barred Owls, as featured in Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin." Oh, I know ALL my owl books!

Ooh, so excited!

Undressing at 8:30 AM. I probably had JUST gotten him into that shirt...

Temp tattoo from a kids' meal. He wanted me to take it off after I put it on. Sorry, kid. Tattoos are for life!

Batman! Pajamas purchased at a children's resale shop
USED TO HAVE A CAPE... but don't anymore... wah!