The Gleason's: September 2011

The zoo and the park

Mommy took me to the zoo and the park today. I got to see all the animals, even the tiger, who is usually sleeping or hiding when we go.

I saw a parrot who was making a really cool sound.

I looked really hard for the turtle, but I didn't see him.

Then we got to play at the park. I am really good at climbing and I almost went down the big slide...

...but decided to go down the ladder instead.

Unfortunately we couldn't go in the baby swings. Mommy said they were too hot 'cause they had been in the sun all afternoon. But Mommy knows how much I like swinging...so she let me go on the big kid swings. I held on really tight and got to swing for a long time. I still like the baby swings better, 'cause I don't have to concentrate so hard and I can go higher...but it's good to know I can swing on any swing if I put my mind to it!

Play dough!

Nana made us some play dough using the not-so-secret hippy preschool teacher recipe. Bix thoroughly enjoyed.

"I want to wear the _____ shirt!"

Bix is very into expressing which shirt he wants to wear in the morning...and beware if the chosen shirt is dirty...the top 3...and usually the only ones requested are the monkey shirt (shown below), his tie dyed shirt from live oak (the absolute favorite), and the rhino shirt.

A visit with GiGi and PopPop

GiGi and PopPop made their way into town for Dada and PopPop's birthday. We made it to the concert int eh park on Saturday for some relaxation and Bix, as always, enjoyed his swing time.We were able to relax and play and even made it to the Atascadero Zoo for some fun and excitement (the fire engine parked outside being one of the most exciting things to see). Bix even learned a new social cue...after one sings "Happy Birthday", cake usually follows...so to this day, if you sing or say happy birthday, Bix replies with "more cake?". He's such a fast learner!

Midstate fair time

So, While Arlo and Jack were still in California, we decided to all mosey over top the Midstate Fair for some good old fashioned fun. The trip started out with a bang as we got to ride a school bus to the main gates....Bix is obsessed with school buses to this day and wants to desperately ride one whenever he sees one. We toured the grounds and Bix had a good nap in the stroller. Arlo was up for some mutton bustin' but he was too old and too big...so he got to run after a sheep and try and capture the flag off of his rump. The other kid was a pro (and had obviously been practicing) but Arlo had a blast trying and we all cheered him on. But the fun did not stop there....onto the rides...Now Nana was the designated rider....she handled the carousel well with Bix...but the faster, jerkier roller coasters were not really her thing. The things Nanas do for their grandkids!

The super cool bus ride

A pony ride - YAY!...or not...Bix was a little uncertain...they looked more fun from afar I guess.

Arlo and Jack having a shaved ice.

Bix and Nana on the carousal.

The boys watching the world go by and waiting for Bix and Nana to finish their ride.

Nana, Jack, and Arlo's wild ride...notice all the smiles before the ride really starts...

...no more smiles...hold on guys!

You know who sleeping in the stroller.

Arlo trying to catch a sheep...here's to new experiences!

The Farmer Family Reunion

So let's catch up on the summer....in July, we hosted the farmer Family reunion in Cambria. It was a glorious long weekend filled with family of all ages playing, eating, and exploring the central coast together. It was also the first time that all the great grandkids were together, and boy did they have a lot of fun. Bix still talks about Arlo, Jack, Samantha, Aubrey, and Logan. The Davis house turned out to be a great place to hang out and share in some good meals. The rest of the time was spent at local beaches, watching the elephant seals, and walking along the boardwalk.

Nana and her grandsons reading on the deck