Summer won't quit!

Summer won't quit, so we won't quit either! As most weekends in California go, it is another gorgeous one. We had breakfast at the Waffle Barn this morning and then went for a leisurely stroll along the banks of the American River in Negro Bar State Park. Zack took a nice little nap in the Baby Bjorn while we were walking. I can't wait until he is old enough to play in the water with me. My dad has tennis elbow, so his ability to skip stones on the river was impaired.

Last days of summer...

We are enjoying the wonderful weather and try to play outside as often as possible. Aiden's new favourite shirt is his Lightning McQueen shirt he got for his birthday from Sullivan. Thanks buddy! This morning Gavin took Aiden to Folsom Dam to throw some stones into the dam. One thing led to another and after about 15 minutes Aiden was shirtless and swimming! Fortunately it is still warm enough for these type of "tricks". Zack is approaching 2 months and is cute and healthy.

Really a big boy now!

Aiden had his 2-year doctor visit on Monday. The doctor said that he is a healthy two year old, but that he should stop using his pacifier because it is starting to shape his dentures. We have been trying to wean him off his paci for the longest time but with our big move, moving him to his big boy bed and the arrival of Zack, we thought we'll give him some slack when it comes to him using his pacifier. At least we were down to having only one (and not the three pacifiers as in this photo from July) The doctor said it is best to go cold turkey, so after explaining to him on Monday that this is his last day, the moment finally arrived this morning. At dawn Gavin took him to a bridge across the American River in Folsom and he tossed it into the water. He was really good today coping without his beloved paci. When he asked for it, I would ask him where it is and he would say it is in the water and that would be the end of it. We are so proud of him! He really is no longer our little baby!

Birthday party

We had a total blast with Aiden's birthday party on Saturday. The Lightning McQueen cake and cupcakes with cars on were definitely a highlight for him. We gave Aiden a sandtable for his birthday, where you stand and play with the sand. He clearly has different ideas about how to play with it!

Aiden turns 2!

Our little big boy turns 2 years old tomorrow. The second year has really flown by and he has crept ever deeper into our hearts. We think he is the smartest two year old in the world and he continues to amaze us with the things he can say, do and remember. Just this morning he was able to name the days of the week... Monday to Sunday! We're not having a huge party for him, but will be joined by some close friends for cake and a braai (barbeque) on Saturday. Christina took Aiden to a professional photoshoot this week and he really behaved well to Dad's surprise. These photos are some of the results. Happy birthday Aiden!

First smiles

Zack will be 6 weeks old this week and he gave his first smile today! I think he has the same mischievous smile as Aiden. This season's first oranges and clementines (naartjies) made their appearance at the store and Aiden just loved peeling them and seeing how many slices he can stuff in his mouth! Aiden is really doing great as a big brother and is very patient with all the changes which a new baby brings to a family.