Saturday

Saturday found us at the Wild Animal Park. We almost didn't make it, what with errands and a little girl in desperate need of a nap. Instead of getting there early (as originally planned) Lily fell asleep in the car after our run around town, so we headed home and all rested and then went in the afternoon. My sister and her family met up with us there and we enjoyed the lovely San Diego winter. It was too seriously too hot for long sleeves.

Lily and I...both smiling...not blurry...miracle.

Miss grumpy face with her Dad.

 

Love this little prim pose. Maybe holding her own hand gave her comfort? She was definitely nervous in the petting zoo.

 

  

 

Can't believe how big she is getting. Almost 18 months old. Lily had a blast just running around, especially when we met up with her cousin Isaac. She could care less about wild animals, unless you mean her cousins and other little kids - they're way more interesting. Honestly, I have to agree.

The good life. Riding in style with my buddy by my side.

 

Gotta include adorable miss Audrey. Lily's littlest cousin, can't believe only a year ago Lily was this age!

 

Gorgeous sunset.

 

Pretending to sleep on the way home. Fun times.

You make bath time so much fun...

I love this picture. Yes, I know it is blurry, and I am sitting next to a toilet, but I don't care. It has a nice quality to it anyway, and Mike took it - all his own idea. Plus my baby girl is so dang cute.

Lily loves her bath time (even though my inclination is all business). I resist the urge to just wash and drag her out and try to make it fun by singing songs and just letting her splash and play. Don't want her to stop liking it! Here's a shot with her favorite bath time pal...

Mr. Squeakums is his official title. He's actually been in the family longer than Lily.

He was originally purchased to appear in Mike's paintings...

...and was also the inspiration for Mike's Window Washing business Squeaky Clean.

He even became the theme for Lily's first birthday party.

Nowadays he just enjoys splashing around with Lily in the tub, though I'm not certain how he feels about hanging by his beak from her teeth... And that was not the first time. Poor ol' duck.

Kodak moment

Sometimes I wish I had a photographer following me around to capture some of those awesome 'mom moments' that happen all the time. Instead, I actually have few pictures of Lily and I, because I'm more of the picture taker in the family. I've tons of daddy daughter photos caught when the moment was just too cute not to run for the camera, but Mike does not think the same way even when he's around. And I usually don't like to ask for my picture to be taken. So I'll just write it down so I won't forget it.

Today it was just Lily and I in the backyard. I was raking up the little debris that was still left from our pine tree that fell, and Lily ran over and hugged my legs because she always gets nervous when our neighbors dog starts barking. Both of us were covered in colored chalk.

Those leg hugging episodes are pretty typical...sometimes it is frustrating when you're trying to get something done, but I know someday I will miss it terribly.

I drew a slice of watermelon on the sidewalk for Lily. My art degree is not totally unused. It must have been good because she said, "I like it!" swiped her fingers through the chalk and licked them. Then she went back for more.

Lily has been saying more and more, and forming longer sentences. She told Mike 'I love you' last night for the first time with absolutely no prompting. She cracks us up with her timing sometimes, and her serious way of saying yes lately. I love her sweet little voice...especially when she says 'kiss, kiss' while coming at me when I'm putting her to bed at night. She's my little cuddle monster. Seriously monster... I've gotta watch it or we'll be head banging. Love my girl.

Backyard Shenanigans

Lily and her cousin Evie with Grandpa as the host.

So far SO good.

So far the new year has been lovely for me. Nothing particularly spectacular has happened. No major change has occurred. I'm actually still getting over a cold I've had since Christmas. Yet, for some reason I just feel happier. You know how sometimes you just have one of those lovely days where it just feels like a good combination of getting things done and just enjoying yourself? It's been like that. I've just been enjoying my time, spending more quality time with Mike and Lily and not feeling so much pressure to get things done. Maybe being a little sick is a good thing because I feel like I should just relax a little more until I get over it, and I definitely needed that. If this feeling lasts it's going to be a very good year.

Here's some fun pictures from the other day at the park.

 

Isn't my darling gorgeous!?

 

Rockin' her new sunglasses.

 

My two favorite people.

 

 

 

 

Lily wanted to play with the big boys.

But they all made way when she stepped on board.

 

 Wouldn't you - if you saw this cool creature coming through?

 

Mike decided to climb a tree.

 

 

Lily had never seen anything like it.

 

I love my little family.