Swimming

You may recall that Colden didn't care too much for the water:

(Click here for 2/26/11 Blog entry:  "Florida")

(Click here for 7/6/11 Blog entry: "Swimming...Or Not")

In fact, he still had that same reaction 2 weeks ago when we tried to get him into a pool.

I therefore signed him up for swim lessons at our local YMCA to try to help him get over his hatred/fear of the water.

This is Colden at his 2nd swim lesson (accompanied by my mom, "Nanny"):

 Blowing bubbles

Floating on his back

 

(Click here for "Swimming" video)

I'd say we now have a little fish in our family!

A happy little fish!

Gardening

Colden the Gardener.  

Every year we plant flowers around our house.  This year, we decided to try growing some food (i.e. carrots, beets, spinach and chard) in a raised garden bed in our backyard.  

Colden's tools.  Daddy's tools.  Ready to Plant.

We planted the seeds in the early spring...

Gave them lots of love and attention over the following months...

(Not sure how much water plants actually need...)

And voila! 

(chard)

(carrot and beet) 

I think Colden liked the looks of the plants better when they were in the ground and he didn't think that he would actually have to eat them. 

Farm-to-Table eating:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you ever need help gardening, I know a boy who has tools and will travel...

Is not afraid to put his back into it...

And doesn't mind getting a little dirty...

All he asks for is, milk in hand (or at least close by)...

and a sitting break every once in a while...

Colden's 2nd Birthday

I was just looking through recent pictures and realized that I never posted any from Colden's 2nd birthday party (held on April 14th)! 

2 months late.  Better late than never.  Sorry.

How cool (and perfect) are the signs at this intersection?  Nanny and Grandpa came across this intersection not too far from where they live.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The theme for Colden's 2nd birthday party was Sesame Street.  Preparing for a party after having chased around a toddler all day is no easy task.  I therefore had to enlist the help of...

Saba and Safta:  

To make Cookie Monster, Elmo, Ernie, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird goody bags.  I think it's been a while since either of them played around with construction paper, scissors and glue - but they did an excellent job!  (Oops...I forgot to take pictures of the final products)

 

Nanny:  

To make rubber ducky shaped crayons (to put in the goody bags).  Luckily we made enough crayons before accidentally melting the mold in the oven.  :-)

Everyone:  

To make cupcakes.  Saba, Safta, Nanny and I made 48 Sesame Street cupcakes.  Assembly line style. 

The cupcakes looked AWESOME!  (Thanks for the help, everyone!)

(Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird cupcakes)

I also made a cake:

Make a wish...!

Of course there are always "Sunny Days" on Sesame Street...and luckily we had a beautiful, sunny day for Colden's party!

(Colden enjoying a nice wagon ride with his cousin, Chaya)

I think Colden had a pretty good 2nd birthday!  

Happy birthday, Little Man! (sorry again for the late post)

Colden wearing his Cookie Monster "C is for Cookie" shirt (of course C is also for Colden) and me wearing my Elmo shirt.

Colden's party was brought to you by the letter "C" and the number "2".

(No Trains), Planes and Automobiles

Colden loves trains, planes and automobiles.  (Unfortunately, no trains in this post)...but planes and automobiles galore!  Our town had a "Touch A Truck" event where there were at least 20 to 30 vehicles open for the kids to jump in and pretend to drive.  It was awesome!  Fire trucks, ambulances, garbage trucks, bulldozers...you name it, it was there!

Um, first and ONLY time Colden will be in the back of a police car!!!

Who knew running up and down tow trucks could be so much fun!

Fireman Colden wearing his firetruck shirt - he's ready for action!

Colden and daddy calling for backup

 ~~~~~~~~~

As a separate event from the "Touch A Truck" event, our town also offered free plane rides at our local airport.  I guess next year we need to show up a little earlier to actually be able to go up in the air, but at least we got to sit in a real plane on the ground.

(This looks complicated)

Not only did Colden get to sit in a plane, but he got to pilot his own plane! Up, up and away!