Zoo

We were so excited when Carrie, Molly and Oliver invited us to the zoo. After watching the monkeys overhead...

And this elephant getting a bath...

...it started to rain so we decided to watch the pandas in a covered area.
This gave Rock a chance to introduce Molly to the animal we brought with us to the zoo. That would be Brandon Bernard.

Rock really enjoyed playing with Molly.

So he gave her a kiss.

Which made things a little awkward.

When Molly and Oliver (wisely) choose to go home and avoid the rain, we explored the reptile house.

Rock loved walking alongside the different animals.

In the Small Mammal House, I found myself relaying many of the rhymes from the Sandra Boynton books. "But not the armadillo."

Rock, Brandon Bernard, and the meerkat taking a stroll together.

Cranberries

Sometimes we have a tough time getting going in the morning.

Then Rock reminds us that eating a healthy snack can give you a big boost of energy. His favorite choice these days? Cranberries. He calls them "Beh-bees."

After shoving a few in his mouth...

Rock is always a little happier.

JMU Reunion

Kristina, Kirsten, Zinah and I FINALLY got our act together and organized a reunion to relive the fun of our days at JMU. Kris and Kir were my roommates my Sophomore year of college and Zinah slept on our futon enough to be counted as an honorary roommate.
Rock loved meeting the ladies...

And I loved meeting Sofia, Kristina's daughter. She is TOO precious!

Zinah instructed the little ones in the joys of the iPhone.

Thanks Kris and Tim for hosting an awesome weekend. It made us smile to see you all!

Uncle Jason

A few weeks ago, we gathered to celebrate Uncle Jason's maturing into a mature age of maturity.

It's always fun to be with Uncle Jason and his lovely bride Heather.

We neglected to give him candles in his dessert so we sang to him later with two tapered candles. Happy Belated Birthday Uncle Jason. We love you.

Brandon Bernard

Someone has a new best friend.

Papa John and Nana Kerry gave Rock this puppet for Christmas and he has enjoyed him from the beginning.
But lately, Brandon and Rock are inseparable.

Regarding the name, Papa John's Peoplemals (his collection of puppets) all have three names that start with the same letter, i.e. Hugo Horatio Hound. We thought it was fitting that Rock's puppet also have an alliterative name and since he is a Saint Bernard, we named him after our friend from Seminary, Brandon Bernard. We're still accepting submissions for his middle name.

Nose

We are so grateful that Rock is feeling better, but while he was sick, he woke up with some pretty crusty noses. To see the full effect, open this picture in a separate tab/window.

One Week Apart

What a difference a week makes!
3/2/09: Rock's snow-covered car.

3/9/09: Pushing his car to the park.

3/2/09: Begging us to let him run free.

3/9/09: Running free.

3/2/09: Shoveling fun with Daddy.

3/2/09: Park fun with Daddy.

3/2/09: Frustration over not being able to use the real shovel.

3/9/09: Delight over crawling through the playground.

3/2/09: Eating snow from Mom's hand.

3/9/09: Running away from Mom's hands.

3/2/09: Sporting some Winter gear.

3/9/09: Sporting a Spring smile.

3/2/09: So cold the snot is flowing freely from Rock's nose.

3/9/09: So warm Rock can hardly believe it.
3/2/09: Cute shot of the boys.
3/9/09: Artsy shot of the girl.

3/2/09: An accidental camera run-in causes us to go inside early to tend Rock's busted lip.

3/9/09: A sweet boy keeps us at the park all morning long!