Autumn in California

There's nothing like being pushed in a swing to put a grin on Nico's face (well, except for maybe ice cream). We were all delighted to be outdoors on such a beautiful day in Southern California. It feels like summer has returned even though according to the calendar, it's November.


One of the great features of this park is the backhoe. Spencer has always liked using this tool to dig in the sand. Having his Grandpa to assist him in his efforts made the whole experience even more fun.

Later Grandpa took Spencer over to greet the construction crew working nearby. One of the workers let Spencer sit in the cab of the concrete mixer and blow the horn. Honk!


Grandpa plays at the park with his two favorite grandsons.

Setting Traps

Spencer's latest obsession is setting traps, the more elaborate the better. Since Grandma arrived for a visit, she has become entangled in more than a few traps. Luckily she had a book and Nico for company.

Brother Helping Brother

When I was growing up, my parents would dress my sister and me in matching outfits once in a blue moon. I wasn't a fan at the time but now that I'm a parent, I understand the appeal. The boys received these shirts and shorts from a family friend. Don't they look adorable?


Spencer shows what a caring big brother he is by feeding Nico breakfast. Moments like these make my heart melt.

Happy Halloween 2010

Spencer and Nico went trick-or-treating with some neighbors this year. By the time Spencer made it around the block, his little pumpkin was filled to the brim with candy.

Take Me Down to Pumpkin City

Time for our annual visit to Pumpkin City! Nico was not interested in posing for the camera, not when there were so many pumpkins to touch.


Spencer made a beeline for the tractors. After figuring out which direction he was supposed to be going, he had fun navigating the small course.


Spencer also enjoyed conducting the miniature train as that meant he was in charge of ringing the bell.


Aunt Bobbi happened to be in town from New York and came along for our outing. Nico felt a little shy at first but he soon came around. He wasn't quite tall enough for the rides this time but next year, watch out!


One thing Nico could do was ride the hay-bale-horses. Yee haw!

A Preschool Halloween Party

The zookeeper and the gorilla from "Goodnight, Gorilla."


Spencer carefully decorates his Halloween cupcake.


Time to eat! Yum!

Pumpkin Carving

"Pumpkin," Nico announced as he waddled off to immerse himself in another activity. Spencer meanwhile carefully designed our jack-o-lantern on paper which Mommy drew onto the face of the pumpkin and Daddy carved. Our group effort yielded terrific results.


The finished product! Happy Halloween!

Fever, Fever

There's nothing like being sick to make one long for mama. That certainly was the case today for Nico. He woke up this morning feeling especially warm. Then just as we were changing his diaper, he vomited. Luckily for us, Nico was already in the bathroom. Mike had the presence of mind to guide him to the toilet so there was minimal mess involved.

Although he did manage to eat some breakfast, Nico spent the rest of the day snuggling in my lap and snoozing for long stretches. It's so hard to explain to a toddler that his body is fighting an infection but that eventually, he will feel better. All I could do was hold him close, rub his back and try to make him feel as comfortable as possible.

It was nice in a way to have this day to cuddle with Nico as I did when he was a baby. Now that he's an active toddler, these moments are few and far between so I treasure each opportunity to hold him close.

It's beginning to look a lot like Halloween

We opted to keep our Halloween decor simple and toddler-friendly this year.


This spider web glows orange at night.


Bags of candy will be purchased at the last possible moment to avoid the inevitable snacking that ensues. Still to come this week: picking and carving of the pumpkin. Stay tuned...

Backwards and Forwards on 20-10-2010

Today seemed like the perfect day for a relaunch of our blog complete with a new look and new title. With two bambinos in the house, every day has been an adventure. I haven't been taking many photos recently but will do my best to capture more moments moving forward.

But first, a few photos from the last six months.


Nico turned one in March!


Spencer participated once again in an Easter Egg hunt at our local park.


A lovely day for feeding ducks! The ducks by the way were not at all shy. I don't know what concerned me more - that the ducks would bite the hand that was feeding them (in this case Spencer's) or that Nico would fall in the pond.


Spencer looks so happy to be on his backyard swing.


At the beginning of the summer, the local galleries open up their doors for a day-long artwalk. We try to take in as much as we can before the boys go into art-overload. Stopping by this bridge has become our annual tradition.


What a great visit we had to Wisconsin for the fourth of July!


Great-Grandmother Harriet holds hands with her handsome, young escort.


One last family photo before we head back to California.


Summer Sounds at the Hollywood Bowl features music performances and art workshops designed especially for kids. Performances ranged from West African drums to Latin-American songs to klezmer music.


Spencer has mastered jumping in the pool, blowing bubbles and floating. He's very comfortable in the water now. By next summer, he may be ready to swim.