Oakland Zoo

I love the Oakland Zoo. It is close to home, it is relatively small with all the animals and kids area we could need. I am excited that so many friends have passes for this summer. We went with Flat Stanley. One of my mom's cousins sent us Flat Stanley from New Jersey.

Scott has had a fever and headache on and off the last couple of days which explains why he is in the stroller. I am going to take him to the doctor on Monday if it doesn't get better. He was actually doing really well in the beginning of the day, hence the smile, but about one hour into the zoo he was sleeping in the stroller and hating the light. My poor little man. I hope it goes away soon.

Tyler LOVES his daddy lately. He goes through definite stages with mom and dad and who he prefers. When I tried to carry him at the zoo he just wanted Danny. When Scott was sleeping it was fun to have some quality Tyler time. Of course the last picture is Tyler playing in the water and dirt. That child wants to stop at any little water hole he can find to either jump, splash or throw rocks in.

Stat Counter

I signed up for this thing about a year after I started the blog and totally forgot about it. I went on, had them send me my password again and voila! Yesterdaywas packman's 30th and google did a live google packman you could play. The news said it was certain people were less productive at work. From these stats, I think we can conclude that workdays are more busy for blog views as well. I am certain facebook, blogs and emails take a % of the workday for everyone. I don't understand all these numbers, but think it would be interesting to compare years. Rats, you can't see the picture. Friday was 92 unique and Saturday was 14 to make my point. Pretty funny! Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Quarterly | Yearly

Building Blocks

I was talking with a friend the other day who has kids in school, at home and a baby. We were talking about the simplicity of not having school age kids yet. I don't think any stage will be quite as simple as this. We get to do what we want to each day. If we don't want to go anywhere and want to stay in PJ's we can. If we want to have friends over, we call them up that day. If we want to build blocks, play cars, go the park or on a bike ride, we do. It is simple and wonderful!! I know I will forever cherish this time as a mom. When life gets busier I need to remember to have moments like this. Later on Scott started building "temples" and that made me happy. Danny built a building with Scott the following day and it was so elaborate. I think I might have to buy more blocks. A friend gave these to me a while ago and they are so fun to play with. Thanks Alix!!

We went to Johnny Rockets which is down the street from UOP. Danny and I went here after his white coat ceremony and it reminds me when we just started dating. This place always makes me happy. I went with the boys right before Kira was born and had a sunday. It was a fun little outing with them while we waiting for Danny. Scott and Tyler are actually at a good age to go out to dinner. We will enjoy the window of going out until Kira gets to the stage that you avoid restaurants due to a busy one year old. You really learn to appreciate every stage of your kids when you have one who has gone through them and makes you realize their are pluses and minuses of each. The next stage isn't easier or harder, just different. There will be parts that are easier and parts that are more difficult. You realize they all go so fast and to enjoy the pluses of that stage or day. Tyler was there, he was just asleep in the stroller off the to the side.

Lafayette Reservoir

We went to the Lafayette Reservoir when we got back from San Francisco. It is a hidden treasure about 15 minutes from where we live and perfect for all. It has a man made lake, paddle boats, hiking trails, beautiful trees, a trail around the lake which runners and bikers, fishing and little park. It was a beautiful day and so much fun. Danny and Scott rode RC Cars on the trails. Tyler and I played in the dirt. I am convinced kids really don't need toys.When the battery ran out, Scott and Tyler had fun jumping from table to table. They have so much playing together which is so nice to see. Tyler follows his brother and does everything he does. Older brothers are the best therapy for any kid. Afterwards we played at the little playground and Scott found a four year old friend to play with and Danny talked with his dad. Danny has become so extraverted since I started dating him. It was a fun afternoon and I look forward to more Reservoir days this summer with paddle boats and walks with friends.

Bay Bridge Construction

It is pretty cool seeing a new bridge being built. They are making the Bay Bridge Earthquake safe. Is that possible? I am a pessimist and think that natural disasters have the power to wipe out everything if they are big enough. Anyway, little by little, you see the process of the bridge coming to be.

I remember the day of the 89 Earthquake. I remember my Grandma was shopping in the City and decided to come home early and we thought it was a miracle. I remember things falling from the shelves and running to the front door and wondering if we should go outside. Not very smart. We stayed by the door and it stopped. It was crazy and really shook. I remember not going to workout that night at Aquabears and being relieved and kind of happy to have the afternoon off.

Every time I cross the bridge I am amazed at the engineering and how people think up and execute the building of such massive things. Danny thought about being an engineer before he knew he wanted to be a dentist. He would have been good at that. I would have been horrible. My brain doesn't work that way. I am good at working with people and Danny is good at working on things. This is a picture of the construction of the new Bay Bridge from Treasure Island. There are barges everywhere with bridge supplies. I saw the process of the Benicia Bridge being built, but this is so huge in comparison.

I heard they are raising the toll from $4 to $5 and charging carpool lanes. I personally think it is ridiculous to charge a carpool lane. Doesn't govt. encourage carpools. Why strip them of the incentive and luxury of carpooling. Not happy about that because I of course always go to the City early just to make carpool. It is so enjoyable to go past all the cars, not have to pay and not wait for the metering lights. It really makes me happy. I guess I would still be kind of happy when I get to go past all the cars waiting in line.

Scott had an emergency potty stop and this is where we ended up. The picture doesn't do justice to the size of that crane. It is huge!! I still think that there is going to be a massive earthquake that will damage any bridge. I am a total pessimist when it comes to the end of the world disasters.

FHE Tithing

Every Monday we have Family Home Evening. Our church encourages every family to spend time as a family. We do a little program with a song, prayer, lesson and fun activity. We are in the stage of life that they are quick and simple, but I know bless our family. This week we did a lesson on tithing. Everybody earned 10 coins for doing various things like going to work, cleaning up toys, etc. They were than asked to give one of those coins back to Heavenly Father as a thank you. At first he wasn't so sure but decided to surrender his coin when daddy did. He wasn't so sure he made the right decision until he received added blessings for choosing to do so. It was a great lesson and he decided to repeat it with me, Danny and Tyler. He told us why we earned coins as he handed them out, made us give some to Heavenly Father and gave us more in return. It was cute! Lately, our kids like doing dance parties with us after the lesson. It is fun. Here are some pictures.