Frost and Friends

Anyone who read the Christmas post knows that Rhys received a most-excellent homemade pull-along dinosaur from Auntie Megan.  We realized when we got home that he had also received  a pull-along alligator from Uncle Ron.  (Note that Rhys later received the same alligator from Grandpa and Grandma Adams.  Given the duplication, they supported our desire to donate it, but we think of the alligator as being from all three people).  Given Rhys' love of these toys, we knew they'd be around for awhile and thus needed names.  We've been less than creative in naming Rhys' things - his lamb lovey is "Lamby", his stuffed raccoon is "Rocky", his Pooh bear is "Pooh" - you get the idea, so we wanted to step up our game.

After several days of brainstorming and debates, we landed on Vern for the dinosaur and Pete for the alligator.  I have no idea why it took several days of brainstorming and debates to come up with those...just our style I guess.

Anyway, why am I telling you all of this?  Well, today both Vern and Pete got to go on outdoor adventures.  This morning (while Mama got to sleep in until 9am!!) Brian took Rhys to Seattle U for some outdoor playtime.  We've found SU to be a great place for Rhys to run around, meet dogs and people, climb stairs, play in the reflection pool (not recommended) and generally have a fun time.   Today, Pete went along for the ride.

The first few seconds of this video are of Rhys struggling to get his hat off.  Despite it barely being 30 degrees out, he was, as usual, not a fan of the hat.  It's very surprising it ended up staying on. 

  

This afternoon, I took Rhys out for a walk with Vern.  There is no video of this because 1) I do not have a fancy phone and 2) Rhys was not walking Vern, I was.  So typical...beg for a dinosaur and then refuse to walk it. 

Alright, time to sign off.  It's Saturday night, so you know what that means.  Uh-huh, that's right, Brian needs the computer so he can work.

Reservations for Two

Brian and I went to Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie Falls for the night.  Rhys did not.  Our nanny graciously agreed to an overnight shift so Brian and I could get away.  It was our Christmas gift to each other and also an opportunity to celebrate our "dating" anniversary. 

On Jan 3, 2004 we also headed to Snoqualmie, that time for our first date.  That trip itself wasn't particularly successful as it resulted in a totaled Ford Explorer, but the date was a grand success as here we are today, nine years later...
   

About that fort...

As I began to tell you last time...we built our first fort.  We were trying to get some chores done, but Rhys thought playing sounded like a lot more fun.   

Pulling the cushions off the couch (to vacuum) made it just the right height for Rhys to practice his budding climbing skills.

"Hey guys, I'm not getting off of this couch until we do some playin'!"

 

Rhys had a grand time running in and out of the fort.  I just hung out in there, taking a cleaning break.

Yeah, it's too bad Rhys didn't enjoy himself.

I am the architect behind the creation.  Pretty impressive, eh?

After play-time and nap-time we headed to Seattle Children's Hospital where Rhys performed his first act of charity.  It wasn't exactly conscious/voluntary, but we're crediting him nonetheless.  

The close proximity of Rhys' birthday and Christmas combined with extremely generous family and friends provided the opportunity to donate some of Rhys' toys.  We gave in the hopes of brightening a child's day and as an act of gratitude for Rhys' health and vibrancy.  We know how lucky we are, and we're very grateful.     

Visitors

Post-Christmas, we had visits from both Uncle Carl and Grandma and Grandpa Adams.  Uncle Carl was here for about three hours and the grandparents were here for two days, yet we have several pictures of Carl's visit and none from Grandma and Grandpa's.  Not sure what happened there...

Uncle Carl, I'm happy to see you, but I hate hats.  So don't even try it.

Seriously, don't put that thing on my head.

Uh, hello?!?  I said no hats!

Ahh, much better...it looks better on you anyway (that beard needs an accessory).

We had a really fun time with Grandma and Grandpa. A highlight for Rhys was getting to play with Grandpa's camera.  (I did not recognize the man letting our little one put his fingers all over the lens.)  We also had a fun lunch at the Elysian Brewery and a great time playing at the Seattle Children's Museum.

Speaking of good times, today we built our first fort!  It was great and I'd love to tell you more about it, but Brian needs the computer so he can work.  Yes, he needs to work at 7:40 on Saturday night.  Try not to be jealous of our insanely exciting lives.  More on the fort (and Rhys' first act of charity) tomorrow...