Celebrating the Day of Love

We did a bit of celebrating this Valentine's Day. We spent a lot of quality family time together which is my goal for every day of the week. First it started on Sunday with a party at Gymboree. They hosted a Sweetheart's Carnival for the little people. So cute & fun!

We started in the crafts room by making a Valentine bag.

Then we moved onto the play floor for some games.

Searching for a ducky with a heart with Ms. Amber. Prizes!

Then back to the craft room to add more hearts to the bag.

Into the play room for a little ride on the Love Boat


"Jaxon, smile for Mama!"


Into the craft room again to make a Valentine Man

Running to show Ms. Chris is work of art

This may be an omen for his future. ... As long as he's respectful about it.

Going Fishin'

He really thought he was going to get a fish! He was so disappointed when he just got this necklace. "Where's da fish? I wanna fish!"

On Valentine's Day Frances (his babysitter) had a little party for the kids. She ordered pizza, made treats and they exchanged Valentines. I was lucky enough to be off on Monday, so I went with Jax and enjoyed watching him with his friends.

Waiting for pizza with his buddies

His best friend, Jacob

The "other" Jacob, Kobe & Lala waiting patiently.

Time for Valentines!

Lala & Butter (AKA Alex & Allyn) the only girls at Frances' and let me tell you... these girls are tough!

"Hey, that's you Jaxon!"

Larry & Tyler

His one treat for the day

And a few minutes after this there was a meltdown because we had to leave to take a nap and he wanted to stay with his friends. "You mean Mama! You mean when you tell me I have to go home." Yup, that's me! The meanest mother for making you take a nap. Happy Love Day to you to Bubba!

Lions, Tigers and Bears! Oh My!

Well, there won't any lions, but there were elephants, ponies, clowns, acrobats, jugglers, motorcyclyists and a human cannon ball! Oh yes, we went to the CIRCUS! Good times were had by all.

I have to say, that I was quite disappointed that it wasn't in a tent. I mean, shouldn't a circus be in a tent? Just sayin'. But, after I got over that little detail, we had a grand time.

Walking in. Jax would not let go of Papi. He was a little unsure of the clowns. Can't say I blame him.

Love this picture. He wouldn't get near the clown , but he couldn't stop looking at him.Iwouldn't want to get near this guy either.What an unexpected surprise... pony rides! Let me tell you a litle story. I was super excited about Jaxon going on a pony ride. He still loves horses and has never been on a horse, so what a great treat! I had my cameras ready to go. I was going to take great pictures and videos. Well, I took TWO pictures and this man said, "Can you take a picture of us?" Being the nice person I am I said, sure. thinking it was going to be real quick and I could get back to watching Jaxon ride. WRONG! The dude gave me a phone, that wasn't ready to go! It wasn't even unlocked! GRRR! It seriously took me the entire pony ride to take a flippin' picture of strangers. I tried giving it back. I said, "It's not set up. I don't know how it works." Just press the button. WHICH BUTTON?!?! Oh I was so irritated. I just spent 6 bucks on a pony ride and wasn't able to enjoy even 5 seconds of it. Well, Brian & Jax had fun. I guess Jaxon kept saying, "Dees horses go fast. Dis is so fun."

Next it was snack time! We knew we had to stock up , it was a 2 1/2 hour show

Oh yes, he ate the entire box himself! The kid loves him some popcorn.

Check out Grumpy Gertie in the background.

In addition to snacks, we had to buy a souvenir. This was more exciting to him than any of the acts!

First act, the tigers. Yeah, they were a bit dull. Not our favorite.

Then there were the obligatory high wire acts, jugglers, clowns, trapeze routing, etc etc. But I am sparing you the dozens of pictures I felt necessary to take.

Intermission... You could have your picture taken with this bear. Uh, no thank you. He may snap.

So, here's the bear...

...and here's Jaxon. Just imagine them sitting next to each other.

Intermission called for another snack, as if he hadn't had enough.

I'll leave you with my favorite... the elephants! All I could picture was the scene from Dumbo when the elephants are backstage after a performance with steaks on their eyes and slings for their trunks. Poor elephants.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I can't take credit for the GREAT idea. Ami was kind enough to share this idea she saw on a friend's blog and I thought it was too cute to pass up.

Listening to Jaxon's friends as they saw his valentine was priceless. "Jaxon! this is you! I got you in my bag!" So cute.

Snow Days... again!

This past week ABQ had record cold temperatures. It was the coldest it had been in like 20 years! We got snow on Tuesday, but the temp was so frigid and the roads super icy that schools were closed for FOUR DAYS! Holy cow! All I can think of is the make up days we have coming. No extra days off for rest of the year.

It's hard to believe that just the day before we were at Explora! playing outside without jackets on!

But I digress. We took advantage of the snow and took Jaxon "sledding". Of course, being Arizona people we don't actually own a sled or even a tube. So we went with Jaxon's boat from the summer. Classy I know. We drove (slid is more accuarate) up to the golf course and went down a hill.

Not sure if you can see this, but this was the Weather Channel's current temp. Yes, 1 degree with a "Feels Like" -23 degrees. Sweet. We didn't last long. 10 minutes tops. We were even wearing 3 layers on top, bottom and 2 pairs of socks including our big jackets, beanies, scarves & gloves.

First people out.

My attempt of being artsy

Made it to the top!

Wheee!!

I wish I would have taken the video camera. Jaxon's giggles were awesome! It made the frigid weather worth it.

Back to the top

Mama's turn to push him

A Jaxon Snow Angel

I think I said this before, but I will actually miss these snowy days.