Train and Merry-Go-Round fun

Liam's friend Noah celebrated his 2nd birthday party at Burke Lake Park here in Fairfax County. It was fun, especially because the party included rides on the train and the merry-go-round. Liam enjoyed both, and Geoff and I enjoyed Liam's sheer happiness of both rides. Despite the fact that I am the one waving at Geoff from the merry-go-round and not Liam (who is hanging on for dear life), it brought to mind this William D. Tammeus quote...

“You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.”

Fire Station Fun!

Last Saturday morning, our local firehouse hosted an Open House. Geoff, Liam, and I decided we had to take an up close and personal look at the firetrucks and ambulances. Not only did we get to see the insides of various emergency vehicles, Liam also got to operate a fire hose with Dada's help. We watched some of the older kids practice the ol' "Stop, Drop, and Roll" move as well as crawl to safety in a darkened tunnel. Liam was not keen on trying those activities, however.

It was a fun morning, and Liam was too cute in his fire hat...when we could get him to wear it!

Meeting Eliza Mae

Last Wednesday, Colin, Steph, and little Eliza made the trip over to pick up Papa. We took advantage of the visit in order to meet that sweet baby girl for the first time. When Liam and I got home from our days at school, Steph was upstairs with the baby. We could hear Eliza crying (only slightly--she was getting a diaper changed and was just a tiny bit upset over it), and Liam immediately said, "Baby." When Steph brought Eliza downstairs, Liam was interested in her. He looked at her and said her name ("Zie-zuh") a couple of times before running off to play with cars with Uncle Colin.

Then it was MY TURN with the baby. She napped on my shoulder for a good half-hour, and at first, Liam was okay with it. He came to rub her back and look at her, but as time went on and I continued to hold Eliza, he started to get jealous. At one point, he even tried to push her away while saying, "Go!" But Uncle Colin and Aunt Steph were able to distract him pretty well so I could get my Baby Eliza fix.

When Geoff got home, we had a nice family pizza dinner before taking a couple of pictures and saying good-bye. It was a short visit, but well-worth it. Eliza is a sweet, beautiful baby, and we cannot wait to see her again! Hopefully, the next time we will be able to get a good shot of the cousins together!

Sweet Eliza gazing at her Mommy!

Entranced with her Mama!

Whoa Uncle Geoff! What the heck is up with that gigantic camera?

Papa's Visit

Geoff, Liam, and I got to spend some good, quality time with Papa this week. He arrived on Saturday, the 8th, and started impressing Liam right away. First he played on the playground, allowing Liam to drive the firetruck.

Then on Monday, he accompanied us to Hollin Farms, where we intended to pick out our Halloween pumpkin. First, we had to check out the view. The leaves are just beginning to turn in the Shenandoah Mountains, so it was a GORGEOUS site.

The Liam found the bouncy castle, and was fascinated by all the stink bugs inside.

After we convinced Liam to get out of the bouncy castle, he was able to find a pumpkin that was JUST right for a little boy.

We then attempted to get some shots with Papa, but Liam was not having any of this sitting still and posing business.

After the farm visit, we stopped in Middleburg for lunch, where Mr. Cool wanted to wear Dada's hat and glasses while enjoying his chocolate milk (his first!) outside.

Papa was a good sport, and Liam was sorry to see him leave on Wednesday. It was a great visit, and we hope Papa enjoyed himself as much as we did!

Liam had learned to identify his ABCs by site. He began to do this not long ago, but still didn't know every single one until recently. I am super proud, of course, and had to show off my little smartie pants!

Liam's two selves

Most days, Liam is a happy boy, content with whatever is available to play with. Other days, he is Chuckie, unhappy with everything and seemingly wanting to say no to anything anyone suggests, even if he enjoyed it the day before. Here are video examples of Liam's two selves.

Happy Liam, cheering for Auburn


Chuckie Liam, refusing the exact same dish he ate the night before

Liam is officially two.

For Tuesday afternoon's snack at Liam's school, I left work early in order to bring cupcakes and lemonade to the two-year-old classroom. At first, Liam looked a little surprised to see me, but he soon warmed up to the idea that there were going to be cupcakes for snack. I quickly had a little fan club surround me, but Ms. Katie (the lead teacher) and I had to remind everyone that only children sitting in chairs would get a cupcake.

Once everyone was seated at their spot, "Happy Birthday" was sung and cupcakes and lemonade were distributed. The kids were really well-behaved. I was very impressed with the order in the classroom and the responsibilities they give the kids. Each child has to throw away his/her own trash and push in his/her chair when finished. It was so cute to see!

After snack, Liam and I came home for a glorious afternoon of outdoor activities like blowing bubbles with the next-door neighbors.

On Wednesday morning, Liam had his 2 year check-up. Liam is 35 1/2 inches tall, which puts him in the 75-90% for height, and he weighs 28 lbs., which puts him in the 50% for weight. He was very brave for his two shots and impressed the doctor with his knowledge of colors. Liam is growing up so quickly, that I know Geoff and I are going to simply blink and then send Liam off to college...hopefully Auburn!

Liam's not sure about Mama being at school so early!

Liam's table

Some of the other kids

Liam and Alaysia (below) enjoyed the cupcakes.

All the 2's!

The other half of Liam's classroom

A close-up of the toddler library--too cute!