tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264263602024-03-13T03:16:28.315-07:00What's Happening, Mallons?Recent photos, everyday happenings, and other Mallony stuff that is interesting to no one but us and our family and friends (and even that's a stretch).
Intrigued? Didn't think so.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-75440103473066068642010-10-02T21:58:00.011-07:002010-10-02T22:35:47.951-07:00What rolls down stairs, alone or in pairs? It's blog, blog, blog!The first four months with Sadie have gone by too quickly. With two kids, no daycare, and Darrick and I working full time, we've had a bit of difficulty keeping up the blog. Plus, all but two of you are on Facebook.<br /><br />The more time went by, the more overwhelmed I felt with just how much I needed to post. So I have decided to just start where we are.<br /><br />One of the reasons we wanted to have another baby is to give Alexander a playmate, not that there's any guarantee that they will get along, but they do seem to have taken a fancy to each other. For now, anyway. She's a particularly happy baby to begin with, but something about her brother brings out the giggles.<br /><br />(Sorry about the video quality. We lost our camera battery charger, so for the time being, our phones are the only camera we have.)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzb5t8BsraoG534pKW2OE4Uu7HPatwm_UBnRlAPxEl2UOnDlyMLLjKbc91YGKSplBNhKCjIABYqWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwndqs6jgPi4r0zt0ceb3IaKAnTBlEGmJiB0w5QmjMyUYHfBgkiwnKm8CqpliB-G3AAGrocXeD1Ej8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Oh, and she's been saying "ma ma," but only when she cries. This made it tough to get a video because I want to pick her up instead of film her. I finally decided that it's probably worth the emotional scarring.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy09I7BNsurmifea28swmDgYyb4i-7__qKGWGFAhg81rXxv1_ux_pehhgVyu8um2Xin2ap2IdWhEWE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-26294842004838461202010-05-11T15:59:00.019-07:002010-05-20T19:04:48.748-07:00Sadie Elise Mallon World PremiereAt 3:58 a.m. on May 19, 2010, Sadie Elise Mallon--9 lbs, 8 oz, 21 3/8 inches long--premiered at the UMC in Tucson, Arizona, to a VIP audience.<br /><br />Critics are hailing her as the "feel-good baby" of the season and calling her debut a "tour de force" and "a rollercoaster ride of Oscar-worthy proportions."<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/S_XmwAfDzzI/AAAAAAAAHRM/N_I9vplktDw/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/S_XmwAfDzzI/AAAAAAAAHRM/N_I9vplktDw/s320/IMG_1695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473534634577088306" /></a><br /><br />Rumors are already circulating about Academy Award nominations for Sadie as Best Actress in a Lead Role and Darrick Mallon as Best Actor in a Supporting Role.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/S_XpzSX4OPI/AAAAAAAAHRc/N0H7kLN1osI/s1600/IMG_1692-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/S_XpzSX4OPI/AAAAAAAAHRc/N0H7kLN1osI/s320/IMG_1692-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473537989453297906" /></a><br /><br />Executive producer Melanie Mallon refused to comment on Sadie's merchandising potential, although photo calendars, personalized coffee mugs, and a possible action figure are rumored to be in the works.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397151294863020663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-56240800449040843092010-02-06T19:35:00.011-07:002010-02-07T07:56:33.190-07:00Three!Alexander turned three years old about a week ago. For dinner, we took him to Joe's Crab Shack. When the music and dancing started, he couldn't stay in his seat.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNSd3tN0NBZOWKDFKVTUL8X1UdI7Lxlpu9JT-Ou3a-s71FqPANVKOMKyxdI1TBrzQVMQZjjh3oltQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Then one of the servers showed him some moves.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwU-Hq_u5FMDFOLGLozXl3GTJSuZ3hjLngkblireIiC27QscXMnVNUvzH_D66P5gz4eo2nWdxYccp8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />We're pretty sure he got some digits. We caught him later with a Fisher Price Fake ID Kit, sporting a fake mustache that looked suspiciously like the patch of hair our cat is missing from his back.<br /><br />When everyone in the restaurant sang Happy Birthday, he got to wear a cowboy hat and ride a horse head on a stick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4319207698_c2aeedbb30.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4319207698_c2aeedbb30.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4319207302_20aa88b0a2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 430px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4319207302_20aa88b0a2.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4318473459_aef792c6a8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4318473459_aef792c6a8.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />Then back home, we surprised him with a Clifford cake, which Darrick made. He drew the Clifford freehand! Alexander was obviously thrilled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4319208430_ec238ece95.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 423px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4319208430_ec238ece95.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4318474869_8f0ca51936.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4318474869_8f0ca51936.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />And he loved his gifts. It was the first birthday he seemed aware of what a birthday is, and he seemed to enjoy everything even more than we expected. Happy birthday, sweetheart!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4318475537_57881bcca8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4318475537_57881bcca8.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4319209766_46eec1a0fc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4319209766_46eec1a0fc.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4318476659_67475a8afe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4318476659_67475a8afe.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4319209624_d87e457821.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 489px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4319209624_d87e457821.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-57364180508569891552010-01-13T20:18:00.007-07:002010-01-27T20:27:16.617-07:00Christmas at the BeachOn Christmas Day,* after Darrick got home from work, Alexander opened his presents, including some cool cars from Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim (that would keep him entertained nearly the entire way to San Diego later that day). The Boy does have an issue with wanting to play with the toy he opens instead of opening the other presents, though. Wonder how long that will last?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4229529969_11efb75411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 473px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4229529969_11efb75411.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4229530383_b5ff8afe73.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4229530383_b5ff8afe73.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We'd packed the day before, so after cleaning up the forensic evidence left by Santa, we were out the door, on our way to Loews Coronado Bay Resort for the weekend (thanks to the employee discount).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4230332968_7740aecd6f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 493px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4230332968_7740aecd6f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We spent our first morning walking around the bay, looking for shells, things to throw, and missing hands.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4230397270_0288a6acef.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4230397270_0288a6acef.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4229628623_c5ae8868b1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4229628623_c5ae8868b1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4230397164_ebb918587d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4230397164_ebb918587d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4230397400_58dedc9b9a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4230397400_58dedc9b9a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As soon as Nana and Papa arrived, we opened more gifts then headed out to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It was quite the drive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4229629665_db1d1e9e77.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4229629665_db1d1e9e77.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The carousel was definitely the highlight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4230398300_d0598ce94f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4230398300_d0598ce94f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander liked it too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4229629827_4b2c1527ba.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4229629827_4b2c1527ba.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And the safari had its moments.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4230399392_185f48f95d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4230399392_185f48f95d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Well, OK, moment. It had its moment. But it was a great idea in theory, and at least we all got to be bored together. Nothing brings a family closer like synchronized yawning.<div><br />After Uncle Eric, Aunt Jené, and cousins Charlotte and Andrew got into town, they suggested we go out to La Jolla and check out the Seals. I gotta say, I was all for this idea. Finally a little something for the moms, am I right?<br /><br />Yeah. These weren't the seals I'd hoped to be ogling, although I do admire those abs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4309943771_a8c26ccbe5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4309943771_a8c26ccbe5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander's seal impression was uncanny. I don't know what exactly he was saying to those creatures, but I'm pretty sure there was some kind of marine mammal coup fomenting by the time we left.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4230399616_0fd8e7e71f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4230399616_0fd8e7e71f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />That evening, we had an awesome birthday dinner for Andrew and my mom at a restaurant on the bay. Alexander and Andrew were on the same frenetic wavelength, which was a mixture of hilarious and mortifying as these things usually are in restaurants.<br /><br />The next day, before we had to head home, we all met up at Legoland, which is rather incredible. To see some of the amazing structures, check out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallons/sets/72157622980811457/">full set of photos </a>we took. (If you're family, you can see the photos of the Bearse family too once you log in to Flickr. Let me know if I need to add you as a family member.)<div><br /></div><div>Alexander and I enjoyed some paleontology.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/4229722511_44b52c334e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/4229722511_44b52c334e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then Papa agreed to help Alexander fake his height so he could get on one of the rides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4230492248_cd4d88000e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4230492248_cd4d88000e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander received yet more gifts, this time from his aunt, uncle, and cousins. He is still obsessed with this robot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4229723119_2dbec9b4b5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4229723119_2dbec9b4b5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And for the first time, Alexander got to see Santa! It was quite the impressive replica. He even had a little Lego flask and a soup kitchen ticket tucked into his suit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4230491116_cde33c952c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4230491116_cde33c952c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We had a wonderful time seeing family, although we wish we could have made it a longer trip, and we're sorry we missed seeing friends while we were out there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4229722179_ecc10dd080.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4229722179_ecc10dd080.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Next time, we're definitely spending more time at the ocean, which Alexander loved.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4229631551_c45606be36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4229631551_c45606be36.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Provided the seals haven't taken over California by then.<br /><br /><br /><i>*See, I'm only a month late blogging this time. Impressive, eh</i>?<i> I thought I'd prolong the Christmas spirit for you all. You're welcome.</i></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397151294863020663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-13156453245564137702010-01-06T17:09:00.006-07:002010-01-06T17:39:58.588-07:00It's a . . . babysitterI had the 5-month ultrasound today. The baby is very active, healthy as can be, and about a week ahead in development. Here's a shot of head, foot, and bottom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um1INGYmI/AAAAAAAADaw/KYXsepQfF7E/s1600-h/5+months+head.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um1INGYmI/AAAAAAAADaw/KYXsepQfF7E/s320/5+months+head.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423784020414980706"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um1qyBPWI/AAAAAAAADa4/fJSS7VDckeY/s1600-h/5+months+foot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um1qyBPWI/AAAAAAAADa4/fJSS7VDckeY/s320/5+months+foot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423784029696638306"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um148jJRI/AAAAAAAADbA/Y3M8vlZaW2s/s1600-h/5+months+bottom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/S0Um148jJRI/AAAAAAAADbA/Y3M8vlZaW2s/s320/5+months+bottom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423784033498899730"></a><br /><br />We also found out the sex. I'll let Alexander tell you.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxu3n_rQofXPtTwIEx0dVJkRqSLaDo6fCS6OJW0VPm8G0KOQ6tiYblRzQkigBEzHTkvJf99SofS4KY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Personally, I'm relieved it will be a babysitter. We'll need all the help we can get.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-59284668000073274072009-11-14T15:36:00.004-07:002009-11-14T15:47:07.003-07:0013 weeksHere I am at 13 weeks pregnant, followed by a candid shot of the baby lazing about at 12 weeks, healthy as can be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/Sv8xs4OLs9I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/mj2JT9pYsrs/s1600-h/DSCN1552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/Sv8xs4OLs9I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/mj2JT9pYsrs/s320/DSCN1552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404092724943762386" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/Sv8x9AFAqhI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/z9WWR9biEgc/s1600-h/2nd+ultrasounds.bmp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/Sv8x9AFAqhI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/z9WWR9biEgc/s320/2nd+ultrasounds.bmp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404093001930680850" /></a><br /><br />We don't find out the sex for another month or so, but judging from those skinny legs, I'm guessing that we're having a marionette. It's too soon to tell, of course, so don't start sending us felt clothes and lemon oil.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397151294863020663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-43336467264548083712009-09-30T19:08:00.005-07:002009-09-30T20:08:06.500-07:00Mallons: The Lost Episodes, Part 2Well, now that October is upon us, I suppose I should wrap up the summer blogging.<br /><br />Darrick celebrated Fourth of July over at the Brokaws. I had to work, so I stayed home with Alexander. Apparently, little Lauren Brokaw kept asking where Alexander was, so next time we'll have to bring him along. Next time we'll have to bring <span style="font-style:italic;">me</span> along.<br /><br />It looks like they all had a great time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQTlXhO-CI/AAAAAAAAC-8/hXftsrTeCeA/s1600-h/DSCN0876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQTlXhO-CI/AAAAAAAAC-8/hXftsrTeCeA/s320/DSCN0876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387452586931451938" /></a><br /><br />Although I hope the kids were in bed before the phallic fireworks show started.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3693163558_a3f705e9d9_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3693163558_a3f705e9d9_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3692360277_4ed6f75716_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3692360277_4ed6f75716_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Alexander did end up going over to hang out with Lauren. Always the gallant gentleman, he pulled her around in her ride and let her wear his hat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3763172784_fd48a8003e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3763172784_fd48a8003e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3762373943_5d1822bc2f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3762373943_5d1822bc2f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In fact, it's safe to say that for Alexander, this summer was all about the ladies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3965166666_9b804e8499.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 485px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3965166666_9b804e8499.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3964393809_bb56d23d0c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 364px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3964393809_bb56d23d0c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />A high point for all of us was Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim's visit. We went to Bookman's, met cousins Tom, Em, and Brenna out at Red Rock, and hung out in our uncomfortable house, basking in the wonders of evaporative cooling in the middle of an unusually humid July.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYYo6BVOI/AAAAAAAAC_k/fUFD-RCsmtU/s1600-h/DSCN1090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYYo6BVOI/AAAAAAAAC_k/fUFD-RCsmtU/s320/DSCN1090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457865818658018" /></a><br /><br />Alexander got them to model the latest in collapsed tunnel neckwear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYYCtQdhI/AAAAAAAAC_c/yE_E2LQXezE/s1600-h/DSCN1061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYYCtQdhI/AAAAAAAAC_c/yE_E2LQXezE/s320/DSCN1061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457855564576274" /></a><br /><br />And was rewarded with much tickling and play. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYWZxW7jI/AAAAAAAAC_E/MWrC4XtLP90/s1600-h/DSCN1053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYWZxW7jI/AAAAAAAAC_E/MWrC4XtLP90/s320/DSCN1053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457827396054578" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYW5mTgkI/AAAAAAAAC_M/c-SYi-tIPIQ/s1600-h/DSCN1079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYW5mTgkI/AAAAAAAAC_M/c-SYi-tIPIQ/s320/DSCN1079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457835939627586" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYXYujKWI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Ti7Gph_ogs8/s1600-h/DSCN1080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SsQYXYujKWI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Ti7Gph_ogs8/s320/DSCN1080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457844295706978" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-63957717371865331232009-09-19T10:54:00.005-07:002009-09-19T11:10:30.543-07:00Return of Baby MallonWe interrupt the irregularly scheduled blogging to bring you this special announcement.<div><br /></div><div>Since his premiere, Alexander has brought us thrills, chills, and lots of laughs and love. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/482243378_54676ad755_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 119px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/482243378_54676ad755_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We decided that he was so much fun, we would have to make a sequel someday. Well, guess what?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/SrUcpeTFQeI/AAAAAAAAF0U/RtjGZoC_RCo/s1600-h/PregAnnounce.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_87OT-_KSA5A/SrUcpeTFQeI/AAAAAAAAF0U/RtjGZoC_RCo/s320/PregAnnounce.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383240428424610274" /></a><br /><br />That's right, Baby Mallon Part 2 is in post-production, scheduled for release on May 17, 2010. (Initial screenings will be limited to the Tucson area.)Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397151294863020663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-52935005339031410362009-08-09T08:52:00.021-07:002009-08-09T22:08:45.693-07:00Mallons: The Lost Episodes, Part 1We've been busy this summer, so here is part 1 of our adventures staying at home, making everyone come to us.<br /><br />Over Fourth of July weekend, Mom and Tom, known in certain elite circles as Nana and Papa, came to visit. There was much playing and interpretive dance. Even the dingo was at ease.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-aVmCBNlI/AAAAAAAAC1E/QJLN7cKPfW8/s1600-h/3762384773_7fe3585b04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-aVmCBNlI/AAAAAAAAC1E/QJLN7cKPfW8/s320/3762384773_7fe3585b04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368178976625866322" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-ajVjmN7I/AAAAAAAAC1M/RElDDmnQ4x8/s1600-h/3763183910_7600d72ea8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-ajVjmN7I/AAAAAAAAC1M/RElDDmnQ4x8/s320/3763183910_7600d72ea8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368179212721469362" /></a><br /><br />They came bearing gifts, like cars, a cool mat to play with them on, and some sweet shades.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bWamkFgI/AAAAAAAAC1U/sLqTfrPAjP4/s1600-h/3763182668_665282388b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bWamkFgI/AAAAAAAAC1U/sLqTfrPAjP4/s320/3763182668_665282388b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368180090249418242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-dlhYBlRI/AAAAAAAAC10/OSybxCRhTTc/s1600-h/3762383389_99bb623bea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-dlhYBlRI/AAAAAAAAC10/OSybxCRhTTc/s320/3762383389_99bb623bea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368182548788778258" /></a><br /><br />And a Cars clock that lights up, which Alexander adores.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bvxlEfRI/AAAAAAAAC1c/8gIhcfL5wWM/s1600-h/3762383831_50812bc730.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bvxlEfRI/AAAAAAAAC1c/8gIhcfL5wWM/s320/3762383831_50812bc730.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368180525913898258" /></a><br /><br />Word.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bwAu3gYI/AAAAAAAAC1k/X06k9k4US40/s1600-h/3762384415_09fb1ec380.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-bwAu3gYI/AAAAAAAAC1k/X06k9k4US40/s320/3762384415_09fb1ec380.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368180529981522306" /></a><br /><br />I'm pretty sure he feels his pad is almost complete. It needs some purple crayon on the walls, maybe, but otherwise, just right. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-cjFyPjlI/AAAAAAAAC1s/HDnn5VNMGNA/s1600-h/3763183686_6960c18691.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-cjFyPjlI/AAAAAAAAC1s/HDnn5VNMGNA/s320/3763183686_6960c18691.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368181407511187026" /></a><br /><br />We spent some time at Reid Park, where Alexander gleefully stormed the jungle gym.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmnfXWdI/AAAAAAAAC2M/o5wNjpzr8L8/s1600-h/3763191336_a4c2882b99.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmnfXWdI/AAAAAAAAC2M/o5wNjpzr8L8/s320/3763191336_a4c2882b99.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368185866144930258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmIoo-eI/AAAAAAAAC18/d1_kivf_K3g/s1600-h/3763191178_43067ea3d6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmIoo-eI/AAAAAAAAC18/d1_kivf_K3g/s320/3763191178_43067ea3d6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368185857862334946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmao31yI/AAAAAAAAC2E/etNg4GNq1e4/s1600-h/3763191238_87eb5ae9f4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sn-gmao31yI/AAAAAAAAC2E/etNg4GNq1e4/s320/3763191238_87eb5ae9f4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368185862695147298" /></a><br /><br />On Sunday, we went to Breaker's Water Park, and lo and behold! Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Linda from Georgia, and cousins Tom, Emily, and Brenna from Apache Junction just happened to be there at the same time. Look, here we are bumping into each other completely by coincidence after choosing the exact same place to stand. And someone who looked EXACTLY like my mom happened to snap a candid photo. Can you believe it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3692352705_141334e6ca.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3692352705_141334e6ca.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We had a blast. It was really nice of them to drive down to meet us there. Brenna seemed to have a good time in the water and kicking back in the shade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3692283543_06904970c5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3692283543_06904970c5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3692282687_6cbdb2cb8a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3692282687_6cbdb2cb8a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander, it seems, really likes water parks. We'll definitely be taking him back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3692283337_a124b0d2e7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3692283337_a124b0d2e7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3693086182_3d5927989a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3693086182_3d5927989a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3692283147_bc22098d3f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3692283147_bc22098d3f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Wait for it . . .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3693085826_89640c3604.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3693085826_89640c3604.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3693085726_584d3308fe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3693085726_584d3308fe.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Coming soon (relatively), Alexander finds love, fireworks, and Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim's visit.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-58170688883782089822009-05-15T07:01:00.015-07:002009-05-16T09:44:26.950-07:00Emergency Room Mother's Day 40th Birthday Dance Party WeekAlexander had his first trip to the emergency room last week. (Well, technically not his first trip--<a href="http://tinyurl.com/pjwjyg" target="_blank">Emergency room, parks, climbing</a>). While getting ready for bed, he was jumping around in his room and he slipped on a book, which sent him directly into the hard edge of the portable stereo on the floor. (Darrick described it to the nurse as a boom box, and she had no idea what he was talking about. "You know," he might as well have said. "A phonograph.")<br /><br />Alex wanted to run around and play, despite the blood gushing from the gash in his left eyebrow. Unfortunately, we had rushed out without putting socks and shoes on him, so we were stuck trying to keep him happy in our arms, in the chair, and on the bed (once they admitted him to the back). After he managed to break this metal bar sticking up from the bed, we tried putting surgical gloves on his feet so he could walk around, but he wasn't pleased with these new socks. Next time (and I hate to admit it, but there will probably be a next time), I'm bringing the camera to the ER.<br /><br />Because the gash was above the eye, the doctor was going to give Alexander stitches, but he debated using glue, so Darrick took that as an opening. "Are you <i>sure</i> you can't use glue?" He wasn't trying to rush the boy's care. When Darrick was Alex's age, he pulled his stitches out and had to go back in for new ones, and now he was worried that Alexander would do the same. The doctor agreed to the glue.<br /><br />So Darrick and I held the poor kid down (I felt just awful doing this, thinking he must have felt so betrayed by both of us), and he got the numbing solution, then the glue, and then the tape to help hold it closed.<br /><br />The injury has had no effect on the kid's energy level or his safety precautions:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/3532917093_330de7ffec.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/3532917093_330de7ffec.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />(Yes, Rachel. There's that dingo again.)<br /><br />He was doing fine on Mother's Day, so we all walked up to Bookmans, where we traded some magazines for books for me, a game for Darrick, and a stuffed iguana for Alexander. Thanks to Alex's kids' club membership and Bookmans' Mother's Day discount, we didn't end up paying a cent. We had lunch at the Golden Dragon, then headed home, where we collapsed after walking in the heat (upper 90s, perhaps over 100).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3523883211_f20388de03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 429px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3523883211_f20388de03.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3524690898_b8e810ccc8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3524690898_b8e810ccc8.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />And as if that wasn't enough excitement for one week, the next day, we celebrated Darrick's 40th birthday. In the morning, Alexander and I walked over to Albertson's for cake mix and frosting, and I surprised Darrick by actually baking a cake for him. A real, adult-size devil's food with chocolate fudge frosting bundt cake. And it was good, still moist yesterday, after three days. I'm more surprised by this than he is. Of course, I did forget to take it off the cooling rack before frosting it, and when I tried to move it, I broke it in half, but that was nothing a little extra frosting wouldn't fix.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3524695824_caf81df915.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 476px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3524695824_caf81df915.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />Alexander insisted on helping blow out the candle, so we relit it several times before Darrick managed to blow it out before the boy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3523888287_ac1b2ea3c5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3523888287_ac1b2ea3c5.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3523888343_867b19fbb5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 356px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3523888343_867b19fbb5.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />Then Darrick let Alexander have the candle. Until Alex started using it has a spoon to scoop up more frosting. Nice try, kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3523888617_32d81d9421.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3523888617_32d81d9421.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><br />All the Over the Hill stuff at the party store was so dumb and clichéd that I went with the blinking lips instead. This turned out to be an excellent decision.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3523888565_98f38677cd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3523888565_98f38677cd.jpg" border="0" alt=""></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3523888461_dc51b3a81c_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3523888461_dc51b3a81c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The next day, Alexander woke up early to wreak havoc on the play room, then dance among the debris. This is one boy who does not fear the apocalypse.<br /><br />Please ignore the carpet. When Alex covered himself in Vaseline, he got it all over the carpet, and that just attracted dirt that we can't get out. At least it's just a remnant.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9eKhZeyrvrE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9eKhZeyrvrE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-8995878292849399512009-05-02T17:40:00.002-07:002009-05-02T19:19:24.135-07:00What a week. <div><br /></div><div>First, Alexander got glasses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3494976671_0317bbe73d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3494976671_0317bbe73d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>Then last Friday, I was one of a very few select adults honored to sit in the back of the room at Foster's sixteenth birthday party at the Doubletree. I put on a dress. And those shoes with stilts. I'm not even a trained circus performer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3495911992_a628d841c7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3495911992_a628d841c7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>And today, we went to the family and family friends party for Fos at Agua Caliente Park, which turned out to be one of the most beautiful parks in Tucson. Very lush. It has a hot spring (hence the name) that feeds a couple (more?) ponds with seriously big fish in them. The palm trees are numerous and huge.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3495705442_dc89d26db7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3495705442_dc89d26db7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Here's the birthday girl, just hanging out, being sixteen, while Ann ponders her granddaughter's sixteenness. Then there's Troy. So anyway . . .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3494888337_b82d9c73d9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3494888337_b82d9c73d9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of people brought dogs, but Neosha was a true sweetie, patiently letting Alexander pet her, perhaps also pondering Foster's whole aura of XVI (fun fact: dogs think in roman numerals).</div><div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3494887685_b373c366a2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3494887685_b373c366a2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>Alexander loved all the ducks. They were everywhere. I'm still shaking them out of my shoes. Worse than sand from the beach. Geesh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3495705610_514835b6fa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3495705610_514835b6fa.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />But more than ducks, the boy loves water.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3495706292_4cb1caf0a3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3495706292_4cb1caf0a3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I mean, he really loves water. We pretty much spent the entire time running after him to pull him away from the water. He managed to jump in a few times. So next time, we'll come dressed for him (and us) to go into the water a little farther. I really wanted to just let him go, but I wasn't dressed to go in with him, and we weren't sure about the water depth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3495706370_f81cdfea44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3495706370_f81cdfea44.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The true mark of a good time: pure exhaustion.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3494889045_231c1d445f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3494889045_231c1d445f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-52137599645233148502009-04-05T20:00:00.007-07:002009-04-05T20:49:05.238-07:00MogoAlexander loves water. He calls it mogo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3406360238_9e7b516403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3406360238_9e7b516403.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3417076792_be1fc65f39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3417076792_be1fc65f39.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />No. I mean he <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> loves water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3405548497_2683158678.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3405548497_2683158678.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It makes him want to dance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3406366590_6cc6884bb5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3406366590_6cc6884bb5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If he doesn't have water, he'll imagine it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3416281927_66c9c25a75.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3416281927_66c9c25a75.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's eerie how well he imitates the way I water the rug and his dad waters the drains and the cats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3417090980_00aeb64d4a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3417090980_00aeb64d4a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3417090890_f353683992.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3417090890_f353683992.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3417090700_cbc3685373.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3417090700_cbc3685373.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-51967482747532643302009-03-04T18:02:00.010-07:002009-03-04T19:48:43.711-07:00When life gives you Mount LemmonThe weekend before last (or a few days ago in Melanie Standard Blogging Time), we spent Saturday picnicking on Mount Lemmon with friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sa89Z5lHnwI/AAAAAAAACBQ/AjGOw6x67-E/s1600-h/Mt.+Lemmon"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/Sa89Z5lHnwI/AAAAAAAACBQ/AjGOw6x67-E/s400/Mt.+Lemmon" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309530000855637762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3304767999_704a113b0d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3304767999_704a113b0d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The site was beautiful, with a great view<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3304756333_66eb25deea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 413px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3304756333_66eb25deea.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and, to Alexander's delight, a little creek.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3305670720_32b8a10996.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3305670720_32b8a10996.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Some disembodied snowman parts were scattered about despite the sun. Ben, Alexander, and Darrick attempted artificial limb procedures with minimal success.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3304768491_3107ba0e6d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3304768491_3107ba0e6d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander remembered his notebook, of course. He carries a notebook everywhere these days. He fills them with drawings (Daddy, puppy, eyes) and the letter O. The pages with scribbles are likely code for his plans and ideas regarding snacks; things to put on his head, in his mouth, or both; and world domination using an army of dogs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3304838999_877648bbdf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3304838999_877648bbdf.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We ate, drank, ran around, poked sticks in things, threw and kicked a ball around, and threw things at each other. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3304756199_5f56aa46e7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3304756199_5f56aa46e7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Alexander and Lauren experienced the customary game of pass the child.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3304841747_7f31752596.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3304841747_7f31752596.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3304763507_11bd70e8d0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3304763507_11bd70e8d0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />But I was glad to get my little guy back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3304763647_9477026f32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3304763647_9477026f32.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The older girls climbed as far as possible from the rest of us freaks, no doubt talking about electrical engineering or whatever the kids are into these days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3304839047_1f1c72d3a8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3304839047_1f1c72d3a8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-17585138704472348112009-02-19T07:51:00.008-07:002009-02-19T08:23:24.418-07:00Trees and nutsWe bought some fruit trees for our backyard. There's a little nursery next to our vet with very reasonable prices. An old German guy who got his degree in philosophy from Texas A&M runs it.<br /><br />We bought a peach tree<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8oI4oUI/AAAAAAAAByY/iDjN03P4qFQ/s1600-h/PICT9713.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8oI4oUI/AAAAAAAAByY/iDjN03P4qFQ/s320/PICT9713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304522322004713794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8aLNVDI/AAAAAAAAByQ/JnVjSvogyb4/s1600-h/PICT9712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8aLNVDI/AAAAAAAAByQ/JnVjSvogyb4/s320/PICT9712.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304522318256362546" /></a><br /><br />And a pear tree<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8E7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAByI/VLT4kPtcDmI/s1600-h/PICT9711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y8E7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAByI/VLT4kPtcDmI/s320/PICT9711.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304522312552858466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y7_hpvII/AAAAAAAAByA/yxGC-a_bcpk/s1600-h/PICT9710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ1y7_hpvII/AAAAAAAAByA/yxGC-a_bcpk/s320/PICT9710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304522311102741634" /></a><br /><br />And an apple:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ10iIfvGpI/AAAAAAAAByw/1deQIoXzeMU/s1600-h/PICT9714.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ10iIfvGpI/AAAAAAAAByw/1deQIoXzeMU/s320/PICT9714.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304524065857280658" /></a><br /><br />After helping his dad plant the trees, Alexander celebrated. He's got this weird thing with putting objects on his head: buckets, lampshades, various articles of clothing that have one thing in common: they aren't hats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13kNXucVI/AAAAAAAABzA/Tz-U4WNeqY4/s1600-h/PICT9721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13kNXucVI/AAAAAAAABzA/Tz-U4WNeqY4/s320/PICT9721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304527400060481874" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13kb285JI/AAAAAAAABzI/OVZlyR2V7ek/s1600-h/PICT9723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13kb285JI/AAAAAAAABzI/OVZlyR2V7ek/s320/PICT9723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304527403949548690" /></a><br /><br />Then he spent some time using the sink for his workout. He's getting buff.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13jxpexAI/AAAAAAAABy4/-ik0zl8Ctyc/s1600-h/PICT9717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZ13jxpexAI/AAAAAAAABy4/-ik0zl8Ctyc/s320/PICT9717.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304527392618759170" /></a><br /><br />Yes, lamest blog ever. After the armpit entry, I figured I could phone this one in and it would still be an improvement.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-28132491235668634842009-02-12T16:47:00.017-07:002009-02-12T18:25:53.251-07:00Hair of the Blog ContestThose of you with weak stomachs or simply a smidgen of class, please turn away. Read no further. Look no further.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Seriously, stop scrolling unless you are truly prepared for the big hairy monster at the end of this blog. Do you need a warning from Grover?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Fine. It's your choice. But my lawyers insist on a disclaimer: <br /><br />I cannot be held responsible for any nightmares, psychotic breaks, projectile vomiting, compulsive shaving of strangers, or complete loss of respect for me that may ensue after you see the following graphic images.<br /><br /><br />OK, let me begin with the backstory. Rachel decided to have a little contest. See the full description and rules <a href="http://areservationforsix.blogspot.com/2009/01/hair-of-blog-09.html" target="_blank">here.</a> <br /><br />Participants chose a body part to enter, removed the hair completely from said body part, then proceeded to let hair grow unhampered, wild, and free for the next three weeks. We were to provide weekly updates on our blogs or send our photos to Rachel. I opted for the latter because I knew I wouldn't have time to blog on it as required. Actually, I realized that if I managed to blog about my hair growth every week, you all might expect me to blog about Alexander that frequently. I just couldn't risk setting the bar that high. I've got work to do (on Facebook).<br /><br />Anyway, I did promise to blog at the end of the contest, which is tomorrow, so here, for your viewing disgust and dismay, is my entry in the Hair of the Blog contest, starting with week 1.<br /><br />I call it Chia Pit.<br /><br />My first photo:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oDUGqCI/AAAAAAAABwE/CoNTl1OUmlM/s1600-h/ChiaPit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oDUGqCI/AAAAAAAABwE/CoNTl1OUmlM/s320/ChiaPit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302071157103962146" /></a><br /><br />After a week, I was a bit worried. How could I compete with the sasquatches that had entered this contest? No offense, ladies (and Rachel).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oFJYu9I/AAAAAAAABwM/3B7ql8rA50c/s1600-h/PICT9541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oFJYu9I/AAAAAAAABwM/3B7ql8rA50c/s320/PICT9541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302071157595880402" /></a><br /><br />(Yes, he had a nose job during that first week. He's kind of sensitive about it, so please keep your comments to yourself.)<br /><br />By week two, I realized I needed to do something to coax more hair out. I tried a drip irrigation system, fertilizer, Rogaine, a snake charmer, and I even considered applying a hairpiece:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZTJF3p2PII/AAAAAAAABwc/YDjHgnnEW3E/s1600-h/PICT9699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZTJF3p2PII/AAAAAAAABwc/YDjHgnnEW3E/s320/PICT9699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302083763997916290" /></a><br /><br />And now, after three weeks, I can actually see enough to tie in a knot. If I had really small fingers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oWjuM-I/AAAAAAAABwU/EjMpAJO9aRI/s1600-h/PICT9707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/SZS9oWjuM-I/AAAAAAAABwU/EjMpAJO9aRI/s320/PICT9707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302071162269742050" /></a><br /><br />Now I know what you're thinking (if you are not too stunned by this inanity to think): I don't stand a chance. My hair growth is paltry. Most of you probably had babies born with more hair than this. I am, in fact, eating a peach at this very moment that sports more growth than my poor, sparse pit. To win this contest, I would need to somehow convince everyone that they do indeed see, in my pit, something like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3275637508_76f4e8b0b0_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3275637508_76f4e8b0b0_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />But here's the thing: The contest winner is the one who gets the most VOTES. There will be no official data collection, no measurement of hair, no shave-and-weigh. All I need to do to win is convince all of you (and by extension, everyone you know who has a strong stomach) to vote for me.<br /><br />So, tomorrow or over the weekend, please go to Rachel's <a href="http://areservationforsix.blogspot.com" target="_blank">blog</a> and vote for me and my Chia Pit.<br /><br />A vote for me is a vote for the underdog. And the underarm. Really, you just can't go wrong. Except that I shouldn't win. Really. I mean, go look at the Cousin Its in this contest. Then vote for me anyway.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-37240749282201022422009-02-08T10:38:00.003-07:002009-02-08T11:22:27.582-07:00PartayWe finally had a party for Alexander's second birthday. First, we had to get the swingset built ("we" meaning Darrick):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3262943683_0c99dd102f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3262943683_0c99dd102f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3262944191_495735b3a6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3262944191_495735b3a6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3262944523_7ca6652e50.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3262944523_7ca6652e50.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3263993562_0806b27024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3263993562_0806b27024.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then on Saturday, everyone came over to celebrate with us. We played outside and then had Alexander's favorite food: spaghetti from Tony's deli!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3263011499_75a7a269c0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3263011499_75a7a269c0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3263011959_8002f725f4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3263011959_8002f725f4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Darrick and I made an Elmo cake. He ended up baking it while I fixed our Internet connection, then I tinted the icing and frosted the cake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3263837934_2107ac2c68.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3263837934_2107ac2c68.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3263838654_bc83744b64.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3263838654_bc83744b64.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3263838814_a8cca61699.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3263838814_a8cca61699.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then Alexander opened his awesome presents and the kids ran around like maniacs while the adults had beer, then espresso, then second dessert: cannoli from Tony's. If you don't leave bloated, it's not a good party, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3263839278_b92bc42bd7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3263839278_b92bc42bd7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3263839206_aa9eb4af8e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3263839206_aa9eb4af8e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-90423049363146995362009-01-30T20:35:00.005-07:002009-01-30T21:14:47.170-07:00Alexander rides into his second birthdayAlexander's birthday was Thursday. We spent the day making age jokes and reminiscing about his youth.<br /><br />His birthday this year is really more of a collection of days related to his birthday. Darrick is building a swing set this week, so we're planning to celebrate once that's up, next Saturday. It's a little late, February and all, but we have to take advantage of Alexander being calendrically challenged while we still can. (He's still stuck on the switch from Julian to Gregorian. Phht. Babies.)<br /><br />I'm even going to bake a cake.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />Just thought I'd give you time to let that sink in.<br /><br />And Alexander's birthday celebration began a couple of weeks before his birthday. He got a sweet Yo Gabba Gabba coloring book with crayons from the Bearse family. He LOVES it. And this was his expression when he first saw Nana and Papa's gift for him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3184472991_5e16f25757.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3184472991_5e16f25757.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He approached it cautiously, as he should approach any horse. Especially one on skis.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3184473107_d322137cd4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3184473107_d322137cd4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />But once he was on, he couldn't stop smiling:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3184473873_1735a00466.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3184473873_1735a00466.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />And for those of you who were thinking our boy might be retarded because he hadn't talked yet (you know who you are--I found the online pool), well, he has started talking up a storm.<br /><br />Witness his new favorite phrase:<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=67090" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=0a978ce253&photo_id=3185324742"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=67090"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=67090" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=0a978ce253&photo_id=3185324742" height="300" width="400"></embed></object>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-65715671829655630842009-01-11T18:57:00.013-07:002009-01-13T10:43:34.221-07:00December ShenanigansA lot happened in December. We went to Minnesota, where Darrick's sister, Dawn, and her husband, Joe, took us in off the cold, cold streets. We were there for two storms, one that closed down 94 from Alexandria to Fargo, as well as some record-breaking cold days. On the way to Christine and Jim's wedding, we did a 180 in the rental car, actually ending up in the same lane, just facing the car behind us. (Yes, I was driving.)<br /><br />Grandpa and Grandma Mallon came down to visit, and later in the week, we braved the trip up to Alexandria, where Alexander got his first pair of snowpants and went out to play in the snow. We forgot our camera on that trip, so we'll have to wait to post the photos they send us from one of those antique cameras that hold film.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3135955975_f76bd1ce48.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3135955975_f76bd1ce48.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3136525733_60eb3e1926_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3136525733_60eb3e1926_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3136520985_f784dd54ac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3136520985_f784dd54ac.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/3136526473_02fb09b0c3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/3136526473_02fb09b0c3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3136530671_f26253edbc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3136530671_f26253edbc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/3137359302_205b2ce0b7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/3137359302_205b2ce0b7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We visited with all kinds of Bearses: Grandpa and Grandma, and Alexander's Uncle Eric and Aunt Jené, and his cousins Charlotte and Andrew. Plus, we saw Uncle Greg and Aunt Jeannie and cousin Randi among many others when we celebrated Christmas. Grandpa took the kids for a sleigh ride around the backyard. (Yes, that's a plastic storage lid with a rope tied to it.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3137332506_69cd53632f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3137332506_69cd53632f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3136500937_db7a94a50d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3136500937_db7a94a50d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/3137328714_cb5b7a877a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/3137328714_cb5b7a877a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We met up with various friends throughout our stay, for pizza, beer, wild animal rides. The usual.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3137364184_a13c3ef41e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3137364184_a13c3ef41e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3136793154_5750cee2b4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3136793154_5750cee2b4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Near the end of our stay, after not napping for most of the trip, Alexander experienced the effects of sleep deprivation on his mood.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3136032585_3967d087c0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3136032585_3967d087c0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />But he had a good time at the rehearsal dinner, entertaining folks with his beat boxing and general hamming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3136845558_d3648a2578.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3136845558_d3648a2578.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3136843020_2f6b516a07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3136843020_2f6b516a07.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He cried throughout Jim and Christine's wedding, which was beautiful, so I don't blame him. I got a little weepy myself. Look at my beautiful sister. Just look at her. Go on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3194776934_394c7a6bc4_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3194776934_394c7a6bc4_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Too bad Darrick missed most of it. He spent the entire ceremony holding Alexander out in the foyer. But the boy got a second wind at the reception and danced the night away. Yes, that's a twenty-dollar bill he's holding. My brother Joe lent it to him to play with. Uncle Joe's sense of age-appropriate toys is uncanny.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3136850238_f223be7149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3136850238_f223be7149.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3136850768_2ae39b45dc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3136850768_2ae39b45dc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3136848720_ff48ba041c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3136848720_ff48ba041c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After we got home to 70-degree Tucson, we had yet another Christmas. Alexander opened gifts from us (Jeep Big Wheel and Spiderman punching bag) and from Nana and Papa.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3189061923_8006516ba0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3189061923_8006516ba0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3189905282_1b432a07cd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3189905282_1b432a07cd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3189061759_719a80de9d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3189061759_719a80de9d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-80851186960999680762008-12-09T20:01:00.002-07:002008-12-09T20:08:16.411-07:00ThanksgivingDon't act surprised. You know we are on a delayed posting schedule. Busy getting ready for Christine's wedding and Christmas, so once again, the photo blog extravaganza! Alexander had fun with Brenna (and Brenna's awesome toys). And we all had a great time catching up with Tom and Emily, Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Linda, and Nana and Papa.<br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xLmNRPGI/AAAAAAAABNk/GxSbc1DVFpU/s1600-h/PICT8558.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xLmNRPGI/AAAAAAAABNk/GxSbc1DVFpU/s320/PICT8558.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xLiIRC6I/AAAAAAAABNs/4AaghnnlKzM/s1600-h/PICT8560.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xLiIRC6I/AAAAAAAABNs/4AaghnnlKzM/s320/PICT8560.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xL0GMS2I/AAAAAAAABN0/wVFXPGCKbOg/s1600-h/PICT8561.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xL0GMS2I/AAAAAAAABN0/wVFXPGCKbOg/s320/PICT8561.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xMIlX_gI/AAAAAAAABN8/7B-3t22TIGk/s1600-h/PICT8564.JPG'><img src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyeFNRTCgRU/ST8xMIlX_gI/AAAAAAAABN8/7B-3t22TIGk/s320/PICT8564.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3097121928_300ab8fb11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3097121928_300ab8fb11.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/3096281151_1cebfbfb7f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/3096281151_1cebfbfb7f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-84049291149069695032008-11-01T13:09:00.002-07:002008-11-01T13:26:06.242-07:00Alexander's First Time Trick-or-TreatingThe evening began at the Brokaws, where Alexander played with Elmo,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2990203377_f1d33b95d4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2990203377_f1d33b95d4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and Lauren.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2990203625_c9b8dab188.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2990203625_c9b8dab188.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then the kids got into their costumes and scared the candy out of the neighbors. No one wanted to make the Hulk angry or get stung by the menacing bee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2991058966_95d3aa10c4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2991058966_95d3aa10c4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2991058842_e95630b122.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2991058842_e95630b122.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2991062426_fa924eeea1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2991062426_fa924eeea1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2990208259_e3e3238363.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2990208259_e3e3238363.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2991062714_42dcd25f39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2991062714_42dcd25f39.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2990208087_3dbf3aaab9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2990208087_3dbf3aaab9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2991059862_0f62e5b640.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2991059862_0f62e5b640.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-59691246429222289202008-10-26T11:11:00.002-07:002008-10-26T11:35:30.896-07:00Well, I don't have much for you today, just a video of interest only to grandparents, probably. The artist at work. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1CgO3PCNGrzRj-DolBBojs2vv6HuDprrZH_wDzkiL0ZmpsBySs0_WEjxnlfQar1d16PHh6OBDZuc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />We've been busy with work, being sick (again), backs going out, etc. I've also discovered Facebook, and guess what, it's not just for 14-year-old girls and the middle-aged men who love them. Who knew? So I'm spending a little too much time on that site lately, neglecting the old blog.<br /><br />We've managed to take some photos. He's putting on some sunscreen, then fretting over his tattoo, thinking maybe if he'd gone with the "I heart Mom" tat I would have dressed him for once. (In my defense, we have no A/C.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2974591465_874936ba0c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2974591465_874936ba0c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2975445120_e64a8e1b2d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2975445120_e64a8e1b2d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2975445040_e0cac642b6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2975445040_e0cac642b6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-88734850012353987872008-09-29T20:59:00.005-07:002008-09-29T21:40:43.126-07:00On Saturday mornings, Darrick and I take Alexander to a Parks and Rec class called Little Movers and Shakers. It's in a gymnastics room with lots of different kinds of mats (including tunnel mats), balance beams, springboards, and so on. We do some group activities, stretching, pretending to be bears, hopping, playing with the parachute, and singing songs, but much of the time, he just bounces around like a pinball, there's so much to see and do, especially during toy-and-ball free-for-all. Last Saturday, this was pretty much his demeanor the whole time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2894129638_9ecc1e409b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2894129638_9ecc1e409b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He sampled the stuffed fish:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2893288741_afe3b12c21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2893288741_afe3b12c21.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2894129688_4cf973b0b6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2894129688_4cf973b0b6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Demonstrated his gymnastics skills for the ladies:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2893288593_08911de3aa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2893288593_08911de3aa.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Showed random people his tongue:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2893289253_72e1c04bbe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2893289253_72e1c04bbe.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Commanded bubbles to pop: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2893289193_b4f77627c7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2893289193_b4f77627c7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And exhausted himself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2894129890_bc9d653be9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2894129890_bc9d653be9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It was a good time.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-49123547573346618862008-09-27T19:44:00.003-07:002008-09-27T19:57:27.803-07:00Tunnel VisionA series of quick movies (our camera doesn't take more than 30 seconds at a time) of Alexander dancing to his little drum set's beats and scratching, then playing in his tunnel. Sorry these are so dark. <br /><br />In at least one, I'm clearly pressuring the boy to dance, but only because I started taking the photos when Alexander was dancing his fool head off. Once I started filming, of course, he pretty much lost interest in dancing.<br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-8010675450174867318&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=8055969309852726803&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-7432415574847616297&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=8062501709079605557&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br />And yet another attempt to catch him in the act dancing. Yes, a tornado did hit the room.<br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-6072817615410526314&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br />And Darrick taught him to blow a kiss:<br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=4156666024939502419&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br />We also have some photos from the Parks and Rec class we take him to, so I'll have those up tomorrow, maybe.Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-42678941417607885372008-08-20T15:53:00.003-07:002008-08-20T16:32:35.756-07:00Random AlexanderAlexander loves playing with CD players, VCRs (yes, we still have one of these relics--a couple, actually), DVD players, radios, microwaves, and clocks. In our bedroom, we have old VHS tapes with movies taped off cable years ago. He likes to put these tapes in the VCR and start them. The TV isn't on, so they don't really "play," but sometimes at night I'll wake up to the sound of the tape rewinding after playing for 8 hours.<br /><br />In his room, we have no closet door, so we put up a baby gate to keep him from pulling the CD player on top of him. Well, he didn't take long to figure out how to climb it so he can perch on top and mess with the CD player. It's an old-style gate that probably isn't made anymore because it's obviously easy to climb (lots of little holes for little toes). Anyway, the other night while we were getting him ready for bed, we put on a CD with mostly slow songs. He proceeded to climb the gate and actually switch that CD for another one (switching, closing the top, and hitting play), a mixed CD I made for mornings. The first song is "Rock Around the Clock." <br /><br />I think he was trying to tell us something about bedtime.<br /><br />He's also been exploring his artistic side. He loves to color. It's crazy how into it he gets.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2782758126_e3944480f5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2782758126_e3944480f5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here, he seems to be lamenting the temporary loss of his muse. Drama queen.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2781900003_0193ec1ef2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2781900003_0193ec1ef2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2781900075_0e9bba9879.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2781900075_0e9bba9879.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And last Friday, he charmed the hell out of the firefighters at the park. They were there playing soccer. We run into them occasionally because they go to play games, exercise, and test their equipment using the hydrant. One week, they tested the hose from the top of the ladder, power spraying the whole park. It was so cool. Anyway, last Friday, they suggested we come by on Saturday (the station is right behind our house), because they pull all the trucks out of the garage and test the ladder. So we headed over. Alexander didn't care for sitting in the truck, but he loved splashing in the puddles created from washing the trucks, and he really enjoyed looking at the enormous tires.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2781902001_88ea58b534.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2781902001_88ea58b534.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26426360.post-1598074443227376562008-08-02T09:05:00.004-07:002008-08-02T20:19:44.759-07:00New Bedtime Routine<div>The boy has started a new bedtime routine. He takes every book off his shelf, every toy in his room, every scrap of paper, and bit by bit, puts it all in his crib. He gives us a few books for us to read to him, but the rest goes into the crib. Then we read until he falls asleep, and we quietly take everything out of the crib and put him down. He's very serious about this routine. We've tried blocking him with our bodies to see if he'd give up because it's too difficult, but he scales us with his books. Determined and very weird.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2724811209_ab7f46a59a.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2724811209_ab7f46a59a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2725634660_6c3ec43aa2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2725634660_6c3ec43aa2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2725634586_02763d31e3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2725634586_02763d31e3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2725634426_1366f76d7b.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2725634426_1366f76d7b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Darrick & Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16199193092719013738noreply@blogger.com2