Spring!

We were pleasantly surprised to have these fun flowers come up this spring! The first three were surprises in our front yard and the rose was the first bud of the year. In a few days we are going to have tons of roses! Now if we can just keep those pesky snails from killing our spring flowers...

McKay has adopted this little 'seat' as his when we are outside grilling. He was so cute, swinging his legs and begging us to come sit on the deck box next to him.

We have been having practice Easter egg hunts so McKay will know what to do when we go to the ward Easter egg hunt next week. He caught on really quickly when he discovered M&M's inside the eggs! He'd find one and empty it, then put it in his basket and say 'hmmmm' as he looked around the room, then squeal excitedly and point when he found another egg. I am not sure who is having more fun, me or him! It will be interesting to see how he does with all the other kids at the park with him.

Today after conference we decided to take advantage of the 80 degree weather and walk to the park. After playing on the playground, we enjoyed sitting in the shade and blowing bubbles. A perfect ending to a wonderful General Conference weekend!

Things to Remember

3-30-09
I love it when I am doing something for McKay, such as washing his face after a meal or helping him brush his teeth, or changing his diaper and he looks up at me and says 'thank you!'

3-26-09
When we are reading books, if someone or something is sleeping, McKay lays down on the couch next to me or leans against me and breathes deeply, pretending to be asleep. This deep breathing always makes me yawn! (nothing to do with tax season of course!)

We were grocery shopping and I told McKay the last thing on our list was chicken and he started clucking like a chicken.

McKay always lets me know if my skin or garments show when I am leaning over looking for something by either laughing and pointing or by touching my skin.

I LOVE McKay's cheerful 'hi'! Makes my day.

McKay loves music, singing (in the car to primary songs - so so sweet) or dancing to it. When he wants me to turn on music, he moves his shoulders like he is moving to the music.

I love playing with McKay, especially when we laugh together. Yesterday he was playing in my closet (a regular occurrence) shutting the door and then calling for me to ask where he is. I went over to the closet and got down to his height. When he opened the door I startled him and he loved it, so I did too. Needless to say, this new 'game' continued till Mama was done! When McKay is looking for me in the house, he does his 'whistle' "youwho". I love to surprise him when he comes around the corner. He is such a good sport and is so fun to laugh with.

McKay likes to watch the pictures come up on the computer monitor screen saver and point out his Grandmas and 'papa', as well as Dada, Mama, and himself.

This morning I was making some orange juice, at McKay's request (no milk today please). I poured the concentrate in and started adding the water. As I poured the first cup in he said 'ooonn' - he was counting the cups for me!

McKay's job is to get the recycled pie pan out of the cupboard and load it with fish sticks or tater tots when we have them for lunch. He also LOVES to sit on the counter and watch me cook, especially breakfast. He is a good breakfast eater.

3-16-09
This morning McKay woke up at 5:30 am, which is unusual for him but not entirely unexpected since he didn't get a nap yesterday because of church. We could hear him on the monitor chattering happily. When Jordan walked in he got a cheerful 'hi'! Lucky for us, he went right back to sleep when Jordan gave him his pacifier and told him it was still time to sleep. Even in our semi-conscious state, we both got a chuckle out of his cheerful 'hi!'

Today I stepped out on the porch to check the mail and before I knew what was happening, McKay shut the door behind me. Yes, it was locked. He's too efficient!

3-15-09
We were at the store checking out the bathroom scales. We had all the display scales spread out on the floor and each of us were getting on the different scales. McKay quickly figured out which scales you pushed a button and then got on, which scales you tapped with your toe and then got on, and which scales you just got on. I must say, we all had a good time trying out scales!

McKay runs everywhere. This week he has started bending his right arm and kind of swinging it as he runs, even if it is a short distance. It is really cute.

This morning Jordan & I were talking about having grilled chicken for dinner and McKay started clucking like a chicken. Nothing we say seems to get past this kid!

Last night Jordan came in from laying McKay down and asked how we could keep him from growing up - he is such a sweet boy!

3-13-09
McKay woke up from his nap today, anxious to retrieve his pacifier on the floor. Much to his delight, another pacifier from yesterday was in the same area. 1-2-1-2 pacifiers (alternating hands up and down) McKay was careful to make sure each pacifier got equal amounts of 'sucking' time!

3-6-09
McKay LOVES to play with the computer mouse. Usually I try to remember to put it up on top of the printer, out of reach (for now it is out of reach anyway). It has turned into a game. When he sees the mouse is on the desk, within reach, he grins at me and races to beat me to the desk.

We try to keep the toilet paper roll up on the back of the toilet, rather than on the dispenser to avoid having the roll, unrolled. It is more convenient to have it on the dispenser so I'll slip it on after he goes to bed or even during naps sometimes. I can always tell when he has unrolled the toilet paper because he comes to find me and looks at me with a guilty/gotcha look on his face and I immediately know what he has done.

Yum Yum

McKay loved the lasagna I made a few days ago with whole wheat lasagna noodles. I never noticed whole wheat noodles in the store before; I probably never looked. I liked them much better than regular noodles. I was gone to mutual but Jordan said McKay just kept eating and eating! Goodbye enriched white lasagna noodles!

Laundry Day

McKay LOVES to help me with the laundry. He likes to sit on the washer and help me put the clothes into the washer. Once the clothes are done, he helps me by putting the wet clothes I put on the dryer door into the dryer. By the way, he picked out his hat, I just helped him put it on... :)

His job is to close the dryer & to push start. Once the clothes are dry, he is really good at helping me put them in the basket.

His job is to push the basket into my room, or the livingroom, depending on whether I am prepared to have him help me fold the clothes or not. He loves this part of his job.

He even goes the extra mile by making sure the clothes stay in the basket and by pushing them down so they will stay in place. Our basket is a little tall for him so I have always had to help him get into the basket. Well, last week when I did laundry he figured out how to climb in on his own, head first. It looked so funny I got a good laugh at it. He had fun sitting in the basket, handing me clothes... that is when he wasn't throwing clothes on the floor just so he could get out of the basket and put the clothes back in to climb in and start over. This little man even makes laundry fun to do!

We Love Daddy, Yesiree

Jordan was gone to a training in Colorado Tuesday through Friday (March 3-6) last week. McKay and I were so excited to have him home. McKay noticed right when he woke up Saturday morning that Daddy's phone was within his reach and that his suit case was in the livingroom. He kept pointing to the bedroom, where Jordan was trying to catch up on some sleep - he knew Daddy was home! When Jordan got up he was greeted with a 'hi' and a hug from McKay. McKay was right at Jordan's heels all day long. He isn't much of a cuddler but he sat on Jordan's lap for a long time while Jordan used the computer.

Lots of hugs and kisses for Daddy!

The day was so beautiful we decided to walk to the park. McKay found some 'flowers' growing in the grass (dandelions & clover flowers) we all got to smell. I've trained him well!

McKay just couldn't get enough of his Daddy! Jordan was using his massage pillow he got early from his parents for his birthday so McKay climbed up with a couple of books for Jordan to read to him before naptime.

McKay loves to sit on things that are 'just his size'. Daddy's foot is just right!

Jordan really got spoiled for his birthday this year. We had been thinking about getting a grill but couldn't seem to justify it yet. The one we had been watching at Home Depot was another $10 cheaper so we decided it was time to buy one. Here Jordan is grilling some delicious t-bone steaks for his birthday dinner. We have already used it a lot and are lovin it!

Jordan got 12 gauge heavy duty extension cord with a 3-way splitter for running his power tools from my Mom & Dad. In addition to the grill, McKay & I gave him some 'tools' for making healthy treats, including an olive oil sprayer and a microwave popcorn bowl which pops popcorn like an air popper.

Jordan was happy to recieve this massage pillow from his parents for his birthday. It has already been put to good use!

Jordan is actually 26 this year but we are not big cake fans and between not having anyone to help us eat another dessert and the Moser biggest loser competition, Jordan got to blow out a candle in a cupcake I got from church. (Hey, it was a good cupcake!) Saturday night we went to PF Changs for dinner, which was great, and got a birthday cheesecake dessert - literally 2 bites for each of us. The cheesecake wasn't quite enough so we decided to try out a frozen yogurt shop we have been eying since we noticed it a few months ago. It too was great!

Happy Birthday Jordan! We love you!

Another Visit

This past weekend, Jordan's parents came from Idaho to visit us. They got here Friday February 27 and left Tuesday morning, March 3. Sounds like a long visit, but it was only 3 1/2 days. ;) Unfortunately, McKay woke up Saturday morning with a fever of 102 and a rash. We just thought we'd be healthy! Maybe next time.

Lucky for them, they came during another storm! So, we went to San Francisco the day there was the least chance of rain and it was a beautiful day. We didn't even wear jackets part of the day, and that is saying something for San Francisco. We started out at the huge farmers market they have every Saturday morning. Lots to see, smell, hear (street musicians) and taste. The atmosphere was quite enjoyable.

I think I enjoy Pier 39 more each time we visit. McKay loved watching the sea lions, who were very entertaining this time. They were barking and making a lot of noise. McKay was pretty good at mimicking their barks. Of course I was too slow to catch him on video doing it. :( When we were home looking at the pictures on the computer, one of the sea lions came up he started barking again. The tulips & daffodils were so beautiful!

Here we are at Ghirardelli Square. Man that chocolate is good! Each time we went through the door into the store, where they give out the samples, the person with McKay got 2 squares. He didn't want his but it didn't get wasted!

We parked the car in cheap parking (only $8 for the day!) by the farmers market and bought bus tickets for the day, which also worked on the street cars. After we got our chocolate fix, we found the bus that took us to Chinatown. Ever since we moved here we've been hearing from Jordan's parents about this wonderful restaurant in San Francisco called Cathay's House. We were all tired from walking up and down those streets and ready to eat. Unfortunately, all of us were disappointed; the food wasn't as good as remembered. So, we are still in search of a good chinese restaurant. I think it is safe to say we ALL slept well that night!

Monday, we went to Big Basin. Gotta see the old-growth redwoods! Those trees are amazing! McKay and I stayed in the car since it was a cold and rainy day... believe me, I had to fight to get to stay in with him! :) He enjoyed going from one door to the other in the back seat, trying out the locks and rolling down the window.

No visit would be complete without a trip to the Mystery Spot. As Kathy said, 'the pictures don't do it justice.'

Try as he might, Kent couldn't explain it!

Poor McKay is rubbing his head from when I adjusted him on my hip and he didn't go straight up... he went straight into my chin! I tried to set him down to give my arms a rest but he couldn't stand up and was anxious to get out of there. Poor kid. He is such a good sport.

Kent & Kathy are standing on a tee. According to the level our guide happen to have in her pocket, Kathy's side is slightly higher than the side Kent is standing on.

Explain that one!

We really enjoyed having visitors again. Our calendars are free again... no more scheduled visits. Yes, that is an invitation!

Things to Remember

2-26-09
Yesterday McKay & I played hide-and-seek. He is getting faster and faster and I really have to hustle and be sneaky to hide. I was hiding in the livingroom 'behind' the speakers and could watch him looking for me. I am flattered at some of the places he thinks I could fit! One example is under the cushion on the rocking chair. He spotted me pretty quick after that one... I was laughing so hard!

It started with hide and seek and has evolved to anytime we need someone's attention or are looking for someone. Jordan & I whistle (yoo hoo) and McKay says 'woohoo' in the same pitch. He knows that whistle is for him and he does it when he is looking for me in the house.

This morning I got McKay up and started to dress him. I put his BYU onesie on. He got super excited (insert excited sound) and wouldn't let me cover it with his long sleeved shirt.

2-18-09
I was looking for the lid to a pan and said so out loud. McKay got a plastic lid out of the lid drawer and brought to me. He found a lid for me!

The faucet in our kitchen has been dripping a lot lately. One morning it was dripping into a cup or something and making the drip... drip sound. McKay started to mimic that sound with his tongue. I had a hard time distinguishing between him and the real thing!

McKay puts his lips together and sort of hums to 'whistle' the Andy Griffith Show theme with us. He dances to the music too. We no longer skip the intro!

McKay has this idea that he needs help up every time he falls. One evening he tripped on his way into the kitchen and wanted me to help him up. I was washing the dishes and told him I couldn't help him right now, he'd have to just get up on his own. So he got up and went in to where Jordan was in the bedroom, got down on the floor and put his hand up for Jordan to help him get up. This kid keeps us laughing!

Today when we were walking out to the car, McKay ran the opposite direction with the keys. He wouldn't come when I called him so I went and picked him up. He immediately put his head on my shoulder and rubbed my back. I am a bit embarrassed to say he didn't get into too much trouble. :)

McKay likes to make sure the TV is always on unless there is music on. Today after his nap, he turned the TV on and found the Spanish version of CMT. Of course he had to move with the music! He laughed with me when I laughed at what we were listening to.

2-6-09
McKay knows he is not supposed to play with the remotes but he loves to so when he sees them within his reach (or close enough to make it his reach) he takes advantage of the situation. This afternoon he had the tv remote and looked at me with a very guilty look. I asked him for it and he buried his face in the ottoman. I told him I could still see him, please hand me the remote. Keeping his face hidden, he lifted his arm with the remote for me to take it. It was all I could do to not laugh.

Tonight McKay came into the kitchen with my empty water bottle saying 'big mess'. Sure enough he had spilled the last few drops of my water on the desk. He was happy to use a napkin to clean it up.

2-2-09
In church yesterday Jordan was trying to get my attention to get some of McKay's goldfish (ahem...) and he kept tapping my arm. McKay noticed and started doing the same thing. We laughed and thought nothing more of it. Well, now he has realized that it is a way to get our attention so this morning he kept hitting me with the bag of raisins, chips, crackers etc he wanted to eat. I loved it when he did it to Jordan for dinner. His arm was convenient so when McKay needed more milk or something he tapped, tapped, tapped on Jordan's arm. Serves him right for teaching it to him!

2-1-09
This morning before church we were listening to the primary songs. McKay recognized 'I Am a Child of God' and we listened to it a dozen times, at his request. McKay was 'singing' with the music and Jordan and I loved listening to him. Super sweet.

Favorite Things

When I went to get McKay up from his nap, he had two pacifiers. He only gets his pacifier when he is sleeping and we only give him one. Apparently, he found the pacifier from last night on the side of his crib or something and was trading off between the two pacifiers. Even after he is awake, sometimes McKay likes to just sit in his crib for awhile. So, I got the camera. Sorry it is sideways... I'll have to pay more attention to that next time!

One of McKay's favorite things is his pacifier. Very appropriately, we usually put his pacifier in the cupboard next to his vitamins, another favorite thing.

I think both Jordan & McKay enjoy the time when Jordan gets home from work. McKay loves to 'wrestle' and play with Daddy, which is very different than playing with Mommy. McKay's cheerful 'Hi' when Jordan opens the door always brings a smile. Daddy coming home is one of our favorite times of the day.

I couldn't resist getting out the camera when I noticed how beautiful the flowers looked as the sun filtered through the window onto them. Another favorite thing.

What a Weekend!

While we were waiting for Mom, Dad & Chris to get here, McKay enjoyed climbing on the Blu-Ray/DVD player box (our TV is too old...) and kicking his legs against the box. Simple, pure enjoyment.

We enjoyed a delicious Chocolate Lush birthday cake. Thanks to my brothers leaving and coming home from their missions in February, I have gotten to have my family here for my birthday quite a bit the last few years. Jordan's first day back to work was my birthday so it wasn't until everyone got here that it really felt like my birthday. I received several phone calls, e-mails and cards that helped make my day more special. Thank you everyone!

I got spoiled!

McKay enjoyed singing songs with everyone and made sure everyone was doing all the actions. 'Can't Caatch Meee!'

My Dad's sister Nancy happened to be in town on Thursday with her husband Jim for his work. She was able to come visit us and then we all met Jordan for lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. It was so nice to visit with her and we all enjoyed lunch. Afterward we decided we needed to go show Mom, Dad, and Chris (Elder McCleve technically) the redwoods. It was dark by the time we got to Big Basin but we decided to stop anyway, especially since we accidentally went the back way getting there and all NEEDED to get out of the van, if you know what I mean. Even in the dark those trees are amazing!

We went to the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz on Friday while Jordan stayed home with sick little McKay. We got a little wet but it was well worth the visit. The board we are standing on is level (they happen to have a level there so you can check it). Chris is 6', Dad is 5' 10" (when he isn't cold) and Mom & I are the same height.

Jordan surprised me with a dozen red roses for Valentines day from 'my boys'. They are so fragrant and I am thoroughly enjoying them. I really do have the best husband!

Saturday was our Day in San Francisco. We had a lot of fun showing them around. Of course we only scratched the surface, but they got a good taste of the city. We started out by going to Alcatraz.

Here we are going into the 'Cellhouse' to listen to the audio tour. The wind from the bay was cold (and we picked the best possible day to visit San Francisco... the driest anyway!) so it was nice that most of what we saw was inside and out of the cold air.

We all enjoyed learning about what happened at Alcatraz and wonder if the current system is making men 'honest'. Just looking at those cells makes you appreciate your freedom! Love the blue eyes!

Dad measured the van before we left so we would not get stuck somewhere trying to park. 6'6" would clear. Clearance for this garage was 6'8" but we were all ducking until we parked.
For Christmas Mom & Dad got a GPS, affectionately named Judy. On a lot of our other trips, we used Mapquest or our own knowledge instead of Judy. But she sure came in handy in San Francisco, especially after dark. Judy Judy Judy!

Chris took this picture (pay him if you want to make a copy) when we stopped at the intersection of Green & Montgomery. Yes, we had to take them to the opening shot on Monk. :) This isn't the shot of course but what a view!

McKay loves when we watch the Andy Griffith show so of course we had to watch one Sunday night while my family was here. He 'whistles' right along with us and even dances to the music. Of course everything was toned down with such an audience but I think they got the idea. Here he is mimicking Barney Fife practicing his karate chops in one of the episodes where he is learning Judo.

After McKay's prayers he made the rounds and everyone got hugs and kisses. Good thing they got some love that night because the next morning when he got up, he was not feeling well and I think they might have gotten knuckles or a 'five' but definitely no kisses!

It was a bummer that we were all feeling sick and even passed some of it on to my Mom. Of all weeks to be sick! Oh well. Between that and all the rain we got, we still had a wonderful time. Dad made us lots of homemade yogurt (we're going to have to get a yogurt maker I think) and we found out homemade frozen yogurt is delicious. Mom did all my dishes for me while they were here and we didn't make half the meals for them I wanted to. The time just flew and I was not ready for them to go when the time came. Elder McCleve needed to get home to be released and get on with life though and I feel lucky to have gotten to see him & my parents. Hopefully the next visit will be during the summer and we will all be healthy!

Repair Job & a Trip to Urgent Care

Since our duplex is only about 900 sq ft, we use every inch, including the garage. We have shelves along the sides and have utilized some storage space in the rafters of the garage. We also have a little home gym out there with an elliptical, weights & a bench. We pay almost $1,600/month. That is why we will make it work as long as possible. Anyway, the other night, Jordan came in from working out and wanted me to go look at something. Much to our dismay, one of the 2x4s holding up our storage in the rafters was split. If everything were to fall... yikes! So yesterday Jordan finally got to use some of his great tools and now our things will definitely stay put.

He got to use his saw...

his saws-all

and his air compressor.

And through it all he even managed a smile for the camera. Did I mention that a couple hours after he finished we took him to the Urgent Care and found out he has pneumonia? He started feeling really awful Friday at work and by Saturday night we needed to do something to get him some relief. He is taking it easy and hopefully the antibiotic does its trick so he feels better by the time my parents and Elder McCleve get here on Wednesday (yes, on my birthday!!!) It's been a rough couple of weeks at the Moser house. Things are getting better though and we are really excited for our first visitors!

McKay - 18 Months

McKay turned 18 months recently and I need to brag on my boy a little. He truly is our joy and happiness. He makes us smile and laugh when we really don't feel like it - so then we feel like it! Jordan gave me my birthday present (a new camera) early so I even have a few pictures of my boy.

McKay LOVES to sing songs, especially if they have actions. He knows all the actions to Popcorn Popping, 5 little monkeys swinging in the tree, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Head Shoulders Knees & Toes, to name a few. He loves music and notices when I have something playing and asks me to turn the music on if it is off. He will cock his head to listen, bob his head, and dance (bending at the knees) to the beat. It is so fun to watch him and Jordan and I end up dancing right a long with him. I can always calm McKay down by singing to him. He recognizes several primary songs when a recording of them is playing and asks me to play it again ('more'). He always perks up in church when it is time to sing and likes to have me help him point to the words as we sing. When the primary kids sing, he wants them to keep singing. I am so glad he loves music.

He can say yellow and points it out whenever he sees it. He also knows other colors and brings me the right color when I ask for it. He loves to read books and likes to point to the details - count the flowers, etc. He understands most, if not all of what we say and is good at following directions (please go get the diaper bag, go put your cup on the table, bring me a diaper, wipes, pjs, etc), even if what we need is in the other room. He loves to throw things away in the bathroom trash can and usually it is what is supposed to be in there.

McKay has a fun sense of humor. If something strikes him as funny, he laughs. Yesterday we were playing and I was laughing to tears at what he was doing. He soon was laughing too, which made it even more fun. He is very generous with his kisses and never wants to be left out when Daddy & Mommy kiss. He likes to show us how fast he can run through the kitchen, into the bedrooms and back, walk sideways, and backward. He LOVES to talk on the phone and is never ready to hang up when the person on the other end of the line is finished talking. He holds the phone to his ear, cocks his head back and laughs every time he gets to talk on the phone. I don't know if the people he talks to can hear it or not but I love to see & hear him enjoying himself so much. He has even started having imaginary conversations on his play phone from Grandma Cardon (given to him after McKay accidentally called her twice one day before I realized someone was on the other end!)

Before we got the child latches installed in the kitchen (thank heaven for those!) McKay made sure EVERY cupboard was emptied daily and that the doors were closed after he emptied them. No drawers or doors open... you just couldn't walk across the room due to all the pans, bowls, lids, etc etc on the floor. When McKay sees a mess, including his tray & hands after dinner, he 'says' 'what a mess!' His way of saying it is not actually saying the words but using the tones... sounds strange but it is actually quite clear what he is saying, especially when he is pointing at the mess. We no longer stock the diaper drawer due to too many piles of diapers on the floors (kitchen, livingroom, bedroom, you name it!)

McKay loves to be videoed but we have to be discrete or he stops what he is doing so he can come to where we are and have us turn the screen around so he can see himself. He also likes to see the pictures we take on the digital camera. Both Jordan & I love to put McKay to bed (I get naps, Jordan gets bedtime) because it means extra kisses & hugs from McKay. While we are signing to him he lifts his head off our shoulder, pulls out his pacifier, and gives us a kiss or gives us his cheek to kiss. So sweet.

We can hardly believe that McKay is 18 months old and have loved every second of being his parents. He is a special gift from our Heavenly Father and we feel so lucky to have him in our family. This is how I found McKay when I went to check on him. I had just laid him down and he had been calling to me, which usually means he needs a diaper change. I was too slow though and he fell asleep. He didn't stay asleep very long and his leg had a big red mark on it when he woke up.

Things to Remember

1-29-09
This morning I was just going to put socks on so I took them with me into McKay's room and sat on the banana chair to put them on. He saw what I was doing and went into my room, opened my closet door and brought me my shoes, one at a time. Two matching shoes even. Too cute.

We were reading a book this morning with lots of hats in it so McKay went over to the bottom drawer of his dresser and took out his hat and put it on. He knows to run to his room and get his hat when we are going outside.

Today at the library program for young ones, McKay was standing between my legs in front of me and he reached his little arm and draped it around my neck and gave me a little squeeze. He liked it so much he did it a few more times with a grin on his face. It totally melted my heart, as this kid often does. He enjoyed some of the songs so much he kept signing 'more' to me. Unfortunately, I don't have control over how many times we sing the song or hear the story!

1-24-09
Today McKay discovered a new game to play with the rings. He and I were playing together - I would put the rings on his head, continuously telling him in a playing voice to 'hold still... hold still...' until I would get them all on his head and then he'd shake his head to make them fall off and laugh like it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen. We increased the fun by moving into the hall in front of the mirror. Then, McKay started putting the rings on my head. When I saw in the mirror how precariously they were perched, I was very impressed he got them to stay! His little arms aren't quite long enough so I had to bend over a little for him to reach. His face was right next to mine so I'd kiss him every now and again, winning another grin & laugh. He started offering his cheek for a kiss. So much fun.

1-18-09
McKay likes to put his bib on. He throws it over his head so it is on backward and then walks around very carefully so that it doesn't fall off.

McKay has been getting into my cupboards and making a huge mess so I put plastic garbage bags on the handles so he can't open them until I can get child latches installed. He walks around to each cupboard and points to the bag and laughs like it is the silliest thing he has ever seen.

He can also open my pantry doors. The handles are at least 6 inches above his head. He likes to get in and find something to eat. Sigh!

Sometimes when I am really tired in the morning, I will go into McKay's room with him and sit/lay on the banana chair with his fleece sport blanket over me while McKay plays. A couple of days ago I was laying on the couch with my blanket on me and McKay brought me about 4 of his blankets. So sweet!

McKay loves to 'blow' bubbles. I took him outside one day and he started blowing, asking me to get the bubbles. Of course we got them and had fun with them outside. He likes to help blow them, though he doesn't quite blow hard enough to actually get any bubbles.

1-11-09
Today in church, a child across the chapel screamed and McKay mimicked the scream exactly. He is such a mocking bird, he mimics everything we do or say. For the rest of the meeting, whenever I would hear another child scream or make a loud noise, I quickly reminded McKay he didn't have to do it too. Some friends of ours who were sitting a couple of rows behind us noticed McKay's mocking scream too & commented on how much it sounded like the 'original'.

1-9-09
McKay has a knack of pinching the back of my arm just right. I know he doesn't mean to pinch me by the look on his face when I react.

Conversation last night at dinner:"McKay if you eat your carrot I will give you more peas." Yes, McKay LOVES peas. They are the first thing gone from his plate.

1-6-09
McKay likes to watch himself in the mirror. He runs past the mirror in the hall (a full length mirror) yelling and taking a glimpse at himself in the mirror. He watches himself in the mirror and laughs like it is 'so funny!'. That is the first place he goes when he has a hat on or when he combs his hair.

Today I was putting away clothes and I could tell McKay was looking for me so I came up behind him as quietly as I could and scared him when he turned around. We both started laughing. I love laughing with my boy.

Guide me, O Lord, in all the changes and varieties of this world; that in all things that shall happen, I may have an evenness and tranquility of spirit; that my soul may be wholly resigned to Thy divine will and pleasure.
-Jeremy Taylor

Nursery

Today was McKay's first Sunday in nursery. My baby is 18 months old! I think Jordan was the most excited out of the three of us. They have a junior nursery and a senior nursery. There were about 5-7 kids there today. We hung out in there for the first 45 minutes or so. McKay seemed to enjoy himself and has been playing with a lot of the kids in our little 'pre-nursery' in the gym for the last few months or so. The nursery shares a wall with my young women classroom so even though it is a little distracting and noisy sometimes now that my boy is in there it is kind of nice. I heard some crying once today and listened carefully... nope, not McKay. Now I guess we have to start going to sunday school again. Wonder where they hold it... just kidding. ;)

Rancho San Antonio

Yesterday we went to Rancho San Antonio County Park. After all, it is January and it was about 70 degrees outside... we couldn't pass up the beautiful day! With the exception of when I did my winter internship in Phoenix, neither Jordan nor I have ever experienced such lovely weather in January. We love it! We had heard about San Antonio before and that there are lots of great family hikes and it is only about 15 minutes away from us. We printed a map of the park, grabbed the hiking backpacks, picked up a Subway and headed out. Not too surprisingly, lots of other Californians had the same idea. People were circling the several not-big-enough parking lots in hopes of happening upon someone who was leaving at the right time so they could flip on their blinker and snatch the spot. We were about ready to give up when a lady waved to me that she was leaving. Yay!!

We decided to walk to Deer Hollow Farm, which is a historic farm that has been restored and is still used to raise animals people can see. We got a kick out of people taking pictures of the jersey cow like they have never seen a cow before. Crazy city people! :) McKay wasn't too sure what to think of the roosters who were having a crowing competition. I am not sure if he made the connection from his toy animals to the real thing or not but he seemed to enjoy seeing them and did a good job making the animal sounds. They had one cow, several sheep with a couple of baby lambs, goats, a couple of huge pigs, lots of chickens and a couple of roosters, geese, and ducks. They sell eggs and milk as well as baby animals, such as the lambs born last week, to help pay for the place. It was a fun destination for our hike.

We all enjoyed being outside. Between bites of his sandwich McKay would 'explore'. When people would jog by, he'd run after them - SO happy to be outside. It was a perfect day and we were amazed at how much it felt (and sounded) like we were miles and miles away from anything - yet the freeway was right around the 'corner'. When we were walking back we saw a couple of deer across the meadow. Definitely a park we will visit again.