Happy Easter

Spring has sprung and the Easter Bunny did find our house. Thanks to Oma for the cute cards! And we did put together a brief Easter egg hunt and a small basket though it really just seemed like any other Sunday to Oola. Drew had the right idea to keep the hunt short and indoors (a few eggs was plenty) and I had the genius idea to fill them with fruit loops and raisins which were a big hit. Here's the hunt:

Drew was in charge of making sure all the eggs were found

Tippy-toes means someone is having fun

This is the sign for "egg" (like an egg breaking)

Then it was off to the park to enjoy the day before an afternoon nap. I like this picture because it looks like she is headed to an important meeting.

Happy Easter everyone!

Noah's Ark

There is a fantastic interactive children's exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, inspired by the story of Noah's Ark. At the beginning, everyone sits in a circle and listens as the docent tells the story and even adds sound effects with a rain stick. Then, it's off to explore a land of animals --- there are zebras and elephants and giraffes all made to move and spin.
In one room there were machines that simulated the storm -- you could make it thunder, make it rain or make the leaves fly up a tube -- which Oola liked to do.


Another room had these great whole arm animal puppets and then a minature ark with animal figurines for playing. Yet another room was for climbing and jumping and then the last room was full of musical instruments for an impromptu jam session.

We could have stayed much longer and hopefully will go back soon (it's free on Thursdays). We did take a little time to explore the grounds. Below Oola is doing the sign for 'bird' -- though probably not the best shot.


Oola's language ability has just exploded in the last month -- she is signing and speaking English and Spanish. She know her colors and is learning to recognize numbers and the alphabet (favorite letters "O" and "Y"). Drew, Claudia and I are teaching her to say her name. The family still can understand her better than strangers -- but even strangers can understand most of what she is trying to communicate. Now that she can make us understand what she wants, she seems a little more frustrated when we do not give it to her (like watching the old Sesame Street ladybug picnic video -- You Tube is now banned).


Still the talking is great fun. And she remains a good humored, spirited and curious little girl.

Happy 1st Birthday, Karlee!

My friend, Dina, had a 1st birthday party for her daughter, Karlee, a couple of weeks ago. It was a huge affair -- lots of food, family and even a bounce house! Here's the birthday girl, pretty in pink!

Posing for guests

And patiently waiting and sharing her toys while waiting for CAKE!

Oola and I really enjoyed being able to visit.

Karlee is lucky to have so many friends and family to help her celebrate. Thanks again to Dina and David for the invite and for the terrific goodie bag. It was great to see Karlee. Oola loves meeting new people and liked wearing a dress for a change.

Yes, she owns a dress

Jumping Genius

This winter, Claudia found an indoor playground they sometimes visit during the week when it is too cold to be outside.

This is one corner of the room - just imagine

There are lots of toys to ride on and play with

There is a little house with a kitchen and, of course, a bounce house


Claudia sometimes goes with her sister, Patty, as evidenced by Oola's hair do. Patty can get her to sit still long enough for these complicated braids and beautiful hair styles.

You will not see this on the weekend

And, who can resist the pit of balls

It's definitely a good time and I'm grateful to Claudia for being an explorer too.

Even More Spring Break

What would Spring Break be without a trip to the zoo and our own Meerkat Manor?

And a trip to the happiest place on Earth - Disneyland!!!!

We had a blast at the park. Everyone enjoyed the Mad Hatter's Teacups -- Oola so much so she did not quite understand why we had to leave the ride and cried "cup, cup, cup" for several more minutes. We rode the Storybook Land boat and Chelsea and her Dad went on the newly reopened "It's a Small World." And somebody got their face painted - guess who?


It was pretty hot so we decided to cool down in Toon Town and visit Mickey's house......which after a labyrithian line did finally deliver the homeowner, Mickey Mouse.

Chelsea also got to drive a car at Autotopia (no crashes reported) and ate the biggest corn dog ever made -- but we could not get picture before it was gone. The park just gets more and more fun as the kids get bigger; it was a long ride home but well worth the trip.

Spring Breaking Around the House

It was great having company and being able to goof around. As always, Oola loved the attention.

And shows she cares by bringing you your shoes (these are Chelsea's crocs)

Aunt Cathi and baby Jake getting the band together

Chelsea playing a mean recorder

Oola showing Jake how to shake your money maker

Cousins

Oola's cousins, Chelsea (4) and Jake (9 months) came from Colorado to visit during Spring Break. Chelsea was extremely sweet and patient and played with Oola the whole time. Oola showed Chelsea to appreciate the musical stylings of ABBA (esp "Mamma Mia", "Super Trouper" and "Chiquita"); and Chelsea showed Oola how to scream -- not sure that's a fair trade but it had to happen some time.

We cannot wait to see this picture in 16 years

There was a lot of rough housing, dancing, hide and seeking and pillow jumping. There was also a trip to the Kids' Space Museum in Pasadena (near the Rosebowl) which had tons to do:

The kids raced tricycles, climbed, played instruments, and explored the gardens until it started to rain and we took the fun indoors. It was a great day and something we'll definitely do again.

Too Cool

When I graduated from high s chool my mom gave me this ridiculous picture of me --naked except for this long necklace sitting on a rocking chair, wearing sunglasses. I'm glad Claudia takes pictures too because there is just to much fun going on I would miss.

Oola -- I love you and am keeping many similar pictures for your future enjoyment!!! xoxo

Elmo!

Maybe it is me who likes to go, go, go -- but Oola seems to like it too. We are pretty active on the weekends and like to see new things. In early March we headed to our old neighborhood to see an exhibit about healthy bodies hosted by Elmo at Hollywood & Highland. There was lots of stuff to touch, kick, push and pull -- it was a great experience.

Oola learned about 'organs.'

We saw a picture of Big Bird.

And then we actually met Elmo. Waiting in line is tough.....but she was really excited to meet her hero and was ready with a hug and a kiss.

Then we had a nosh on hummus and pita at CPK and explored around Hollywood Blvd - trying to avoid the creepy Dora and Tinkerbell. We walked across to the El Capitan and the Disney Soda Fountain to say hello to Mickey. And we were looking forward to Chelsea, Jake and Aunt Cathi and Uncle Jim's visit later in the month.