Play date and lunch at Big City Bread

Isaac and I met up with friends at Big City Bread on Friday morning for play and lunch. I'd talk to other moms who go and take their toddlers with them. We are tired of going to Chick Fil A for lunch and play and needed new scenery. Donavan and I had lunch at BCB when we first moved to Athens. This was my first visit with Isaac in tow. Isaac was off the wall. He

didn't listen to directions and would NOT sit down for lunch. He was obsessed with playing in the water dish (intended for dogs) and there was an abundance of rocks on the patio which is always a draw for him these days. The staff was very accomodating and didn't say a word that we dirtied the water dish and our children (mostly Isaac) were running amuck around the patio. My salad was delicious and Isaac's grilled cheese was good too.

First Day of Spring Celebration

Isaac and I met Melissa, Ella and Nora at Rita's Frozen Custard Friday afternoon. They were celebrating the first day of spring with free italian ice. I'm not sure what's italian about the ice--it just has flavored sugar water on top. What's not to love? Isaac and Ella had cherry. He was stained in red dye the rest of the evening.

Play time at Bishop Park

We went to play at Bishop Park today with some friends. We met Julee, Ryan, Connor, Melissa, Ella and Nora there. Isaac loved running around, climbing in the trees and venturing over to the baseball fields. We had a picnic lunch and Julee brought the very popular snoopy snow cone machine. He was exhausted by the end of the play date. It was a beautiful day (low 80s) and sunny. I think we're supposed to get rain for the next few days so we enjoyed the nice sunny weather while it lasts.

Baby Recycle Playdate

Isaac and I went to a recycle baby shower for Melissa, AJ, Sebastian and Baby #3 who's due in June. They moved to Fargo last summer and we miss them in our playgroup. It's good to have other little boys for Isaac to play with. Isaac loved playing with his friends and of course enjoyed all the goodies. Our friend Erinn always has the best parties at her house.

After the shower we stopped by Donavan's office and Isaac had more treats from his best buddy at SJS Miss Tina--who spoils him rotten:). I didn't know you could buy donut holes with jelly inside. Are you kidding me???? They are Isaac's new favorite treat. I gave up sweets for Lent, but couldn't convince Isaac to do the same.

After our trip to the doctor this morning we learned Isaac's ears are free of infection. We are so excited. I hope they can stay clear until spring. He has this nagging cough which is caused by post nasal drip.

Now, we're going to do some painting on the easel. Isaac found the crayola paints Gigi gave him for Christmas and he's going to work on a master piece.

Swimming at the Y

We went to the Y this morning for some swim time. We met up with a few friends that also belong to the Y (Emily, Beth, Zach, Julee, Connor, Melissa, Ella and Nora). Isaac had a great time swimming in the pool, but especially enjoyed jumping in off the side. He wore his life vest most of the time, but at the end I took it off and he did really well swimming freely. The water was only 2 feet so he could definitely touch. He loves being in the water and we enjoyed some company there--that's always a plus! After an hour and a half he was ready for lunch and it was time to come home.

Isaac is starting the process of potty training and do really well so far. He's been wearing big boy underwear when we're at home and told me a few times that he needs to go. I have been asking him about every 15 minutes if he needs to go and so far we've only had one accident. I need to stop asking/reminding him so frequently and let him tell me more often. I know this will likely lead to "accidents" but I think that's part of the process. He's definitely no where near completion of this process, but I'm excited that he's wanting to start. He's very proud of his Thomas the Train and Elmo underwear.

Mall of Georgia

Isaac and I went to the Mall of Georgia today with Ella, Nora (Melissa) and Alexis, Isabelle (Mary). We all carpooled in Mary's bus (Suburban) and Isaac was thrilled to be traveling in the same car with his buddies.

The kids had a great time riding on the carousel and train, playing in kiddieland. The highlight of our trip to Mall of Georgia for Isaac was the train ride. Isaac kept screaming that he was riding on Thomas. I reminded him that the green engine is Percy, but he could care less. He can't wait to go back and have Donavan ride the train with him. He was not interested in riding one of the animals on the carousel so just sat on a bench.

As we passed "Picture People" we were lured in by a salesperson. She promised a free 10 X 13 for us to help train a new photographer. This was our first experience in one of these type of studios. Isaac did so well and smiled intently for the camera. Our free photo is a beautiful close-up of Isaac. I was pleased that we weren't pressured to buy and I was impressed that I didn't buy:)

By the time we left to head back to Athens, all of the kids had reached the end of their ropes, but had behaved so well during our outing. We had a wonderful trip out of Athens with some of our friends.

Sandy Creek Nature Center Playdate

We went to the Sandy Creek Nature Center earlier this week. We met up with Melissa (Ella and Nora) and Erinn (Jade and Max). We had not been in ages and Isaac was really excited about the snakes and turtles. After about an hour and a quarter I could tell it was time to move on. Isaac kept running into the lobby to play with the drinking fountain. Anyway, we were saying goodbye and I noticed Isaac at the end of the hallway playing with a little red box on the wall. I immediately yelled "don't touch" but was too late the fire alarm started going off. Isaac had the look of death in his eyes as he ran into my arms.

As we were driving home I started analyzing why a child friendly place would have that alarm so low to the ground. Perhaps for handicapped persons? I know from my expieriences in college as a resident assistant there are plastic boxes that can go on top of alarms to provide cover. Anyway, I'm just coming up with excuses. I do believe Isaac was frightened enough not to ever play with one again.

At one point during our playdate I turned around and snapped this photo. It seems so innocent, at this age...and appears to be the only photo I took.

Halloween Cookie Playdate

We held a small play date at our place this week. This kids decorated Halloween cookie and Isaac worked on sharing his toys with his friends.

September 18 Circus

We rarely make spur of the moment plans in our house. Today we did. Tonight we went to the Cole Bros. Circus in Watkinsville. We met our friends, Melissa, Richard, Ella and Nora there and had a blast. Camels, elephants, ponies, clowns, trapeze artists, motorcycles--it was a family fun event. I didn't know what to expect and found Isaac mesmorized by the entire scene. Ella hopped on the camel AND pony for a ride, but Isaac was a bit more timid. He did insist on having his face painted before we left. ROAR. Donavan enjoyed the fair food--funnel cake was his favorite. I've decided that we live a very low risk life.