Weekend Adventures

Let me update you on what's been happening with us and our many adventures. (Long time, no pics or updates--sorry.) So, we're still trying to sell our house. We've had a few interested buyers, and last weekend, we had two showings. It's looking good, I think. Brendan and I can't wait to make the move-- one step at a time :).

Garrett is big, little man with lots of energy and spunk. He's saying more words and many more sounds. He takes a real interest in animal sounds and other sound fx-- he can moo, meow, bark, cock-a-doodle-doo, neigh, baa, hoo hoo, hiss, etc. Garrett is still a little book worm. He's recently had a big thing for Thomas the Tank Engine books and books with lots of pictures of different things (such as, The Golden Book of Science). The top 10 for Garrett: Thomas, trucks/cars, animals, airplanes, Elmo, bubbles, books, The Wiggles, new places, and horse play.

Garrett loves the outdoors. He loves playing in the grass, walks, bike rides, and nature, in general. Outdoor playtime is pretty much a must, rainy days are the worst. Over the past month we've been on several hikes and bike rides. Fortunately, our exercise equals thrills for Garrett.

On recent hikes, we've let Garrett do a bit of walking. He loved it! He thought he was the king of the trail. Garrett would alternate between going as fast as he could and stopping to examine rocks or plants.

Last weekend we went to the Piedmont Earth Day Fair. Garrett particularly enjoyed seeing the snakes and owl, from the wildlife preserve booth. Later we grilled out with our good friend Neil. On Sunday, we went to the NC Zoo. We had a great time. Garrett loved all the animals. A polar bear swam right up to the glass in front of Garrett; he was very impressed. Sometime this weekend, I'll post video from our zoo trip :).

Renaissance Man or should I say Toddler

Brendan and I agree, Garrett is one awesome kid. He is precious, very entertaining, and sometimes difficult to keep up with. No matter how much of a little monster (or as we like to say, "destructor") he can be, one unprovoked hug can make up for it all. I like to say to him when I'm getting frustrated, "good thing you're so cute"-- probably all moms think that at sometime or another.

Today I was so delighted with Garrett. Earlier he disappeared for a moment, and reappeared dragging a painting we had sitting out in our bedroom. Garrett brought it to show me. He's already an art-lover. Garrett is also a music lover; he enjoys all kinds of music. He also loves to dance. His dance moves are improving all the time. Garrett can really get down, if he's into a song. I love it when he bops his head in the car, or unexpectedly at store when he hears music. Busta a move Baby Boy!

Garrett is also a blossoming musician. He loves to go crazy on his xylophone or create a beat on his drum. The other day he was engrossed in his xylophone, banging away like nobody's business. He would pause occasionally to stare in awe at his mallets.

Garrett loves books-- an avid reader. Brendan says, when Garrett's quite he is either making trouble or reading. It's true. When he gets quite, sometimes I dash in to see what he's doing, and he'll be flipping through the pages of a book. He can recognize lots of animals and objects in books. Garrett is a smarty!


Garrett is one active toddler. He loves running, climbing, exploring, destroying, etc. . His favorite thing has to be having free range in a new or interesting environment, like an open trail. Recently, Garrett has really gotten into balls-- throwing, rolling, bouncing, pushing between his legs. He also enjoys bike rides in his sweeeet bike seat.

Earlier today, I was having a magazine break on the couch, and Garrett got up a on a big chair and grabbed a magazine. Here's this wild boy sitting like a big boy with his sippy cup, looking at a magazine. So adorable!





What can I say, Garrett is amazing! I think God broke the mold on this little angel. (Can you tell I'm in love with him :)? )

Weekend Walkin'

We went for a slightly rainy walk around Salem Lake this past weekend. Garrett owned the trail until he got tired, and sweetly pointed up at the backpack. The walk was refreshing and a bit damp.

Happy Birthday Vinny!

Last weekend was Vincent Stephens first birthday party! His party was at the Little Gym with a bunch of excited small children. I haven't heard so many screams of delight in a very long time :). Garrett had a great time! It was the perfect place for him-- free range in a padded environment. It was lovely party, and we had a great time!

New York, New York!

Last weekend we visited the Big Apple. We stayed with our good friend Gilana and her roomate, Laurel in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We're trying to move their by June, if all the stars properly align in our favor.

Gilana and Laurel have a lovely apartment, and Gilana was kind enough to let us stay in her room. Gilana and Laurel were fantastic hostesses! We felt at home in Park Slope b/c of the number of strollers and young families on the streets.

We also were able to see our good friends Casey, Micheal, and Mary, who also live in Brooklyn. They showed Garrett and I their 'hood, Sunset Park, while Brendan went to a Entertainment Industry Expo with G, in the city. Sunset Park has a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline; it's the secondest highest point in Brooklyn.

We hung out with B's dad, Peter and his girlfriend, Dolores. They had us over for dinner, and walked around their neighborhood. Garrett had a ball at a nearby playground. I met Brendan's cousin, Dustin for the first time. We had a lovely lunch with Dustin. Congrats to Dustin; he has a line available at Barney's!

While in NYC, we had a lot of delicious food! Thai, French, NY pizza... YUM! We're lucky to meet up with an old friend from the School of the Arts, Austin and his lovely g-friend, Melisa. Congrats to Austin; he just had a single digitally released!

Garrett was the subway greeter-- he waved and smiled at the multitudes. Garrett had a blast! We all had a lovely and informative trip. Look out New York, the Stephens are approaching!