Four-leaf clover craft project at daycare’s St Patrick’s Day party, preceded by green grapes, kiwi and green jello for snacks. When Ms. Kristen asked Desmond if he wanted to paint, Des enthusiastically shook his head yes and ran over to the cupboard where the paints are stored. Don’t have to ask this kid twice if he wants to get messy 🙂
Des learns the joys of the drivers seat in ma and pa’s new truck- lots of buttons to play with
Is there any doubt who the new favorite bedtime pal is?
What’s a good way to end busy day at work? A trip to the park before dinner
Unfortunately mom was not feeling well this morning, so Des, dad and grandma ventured down to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Des actually stayed awake this year and was surprisingly agreeable to wearing the ear muffs during fire truck sirens and motorcycles.
About 45 minutes into the parade though, a light mist turned to a steady rain and we started back to the car. What’s better than a bowl of soup on a drab, drizzly day? Some authentic ramen and a bite of ice cream at the food hall hit the spot.
The highlight of the day though was the gift package Des received from great-grandma Jane, including a Winnie the Pooh plush, books and a movie. Des has already befriended his new pal Pooh and read one particular book numerous times.
The good weather continues, reminding everyone how enjoyable is it to be outside in the evenings. At Memorial Park, Des runs towards the ball diamond, but then quickly jogs back to the family. Perhaps he realized it wasn’t a giant sandbox mirage?
Playground for all ages
Stories and bedtime bear
Another warm, near-spring day perfect for the zoo. Des began by running alongside the penguins.
Mom rubbing the penguin’s belly
Up close and personal with the unusually active sea turtle
“Hi fishies!”
Grandma photographing the gorillas
After lunch when it was usually time for a nap, Des still had energy in him for a lap around the jungle to see all the monkeys. He kept signing “more” 🙂
All the toys, all lined up. And dad answering endless “and dis??” quizzing by reciting names of each animal.
When you ask Des a question, his new new thing is shaking his head in the affirmative or saying “yeah.” But when we asked him if he wanted to go to the dog park to see a lot of doggies, he didn’t know what he was in for. The sheer look of elation settled over him as we walked up to the fence with dozens of dogs just beyond.
Even with so many new dogs to meet, these two friends stuck close by as well
A great afternoon
Afterwards it’s pints for the parents and wikki stix for the kids. Hummus for all.
Followed up with a walk over to the slides at the Gene Leahy park.
Just the boys in the morning, so we sent out on a search for some ducks. Without much luck at either of two lakes, we made our way over to the playground at Big Lake near dad’s old house in Council Bluffs
Slides and rocks?! Super duper fun
What’s a trip to Big Lake without a stop for a (veggie) burger and oreo super shake at Christy Creme?
After nap time, it was the perfect 70° February afternoon to walk around Heartland of America Park.
And there were ducks!
It was also just breezy enough for some decent kite flying
A quick look across the river before walking over to the old market for dinner
Des’ first piggyback ride
After dinner at Trini’s, we walked over to see the horse-drawn carriages
Time for a bath after a long day. Des now prefers laying down in the tub up to, and past, when all the water has drained. “Towel? No thanks, just going to chill here for a bit longer.”
