A Day at the Park

A couple of weeks ago, Kellan, Mommy, and Daddy took a trip to Carkeek Park.  It was late afternoon and quite chilly, but plenty of people were about.  There were people flying kites on the beach, the strange and wonderful "bubble man" telling stories and creating bubbles on the lawn, and a family shooting air rockets at the edge of the forest.  We had perfect timing, as we were lucky enough to start our visit by watching the train zoom below us while we stood on the footbridge from the park to the beach.

Here's Kellan watching the kites in the sky from the footbridge (just before the train came)

Kellan was mesmerized by the train's noise and movement below

At the park, there is a special slide in the shape of a salmon.  This is Daddy and Kellan just before heading down the slide, as viewed from the inside.

"Mischievous Kellan", making a brief facial appearance

Kellan really enjoyed this turtle bouncer at the playground

I think Kellan's really going to enjoy amusement park rides when he gets old enough to ride them - he loves bouncing up and down, spinning until he's dizzy, and as in this instance, every time we stop rocking on a ride, he says, "more...more..."

I've been accused of not sharing enough about Kellan's recent developments, so allow me to give you a brief look at what he's been up to lately:

• Kellan's vocabulary is exploding - he's learning new words all the time, and he loves to repeat words we use. Some of Mommy's favorite things to hear Kellan say - "bear" (sounds like bee-yur), "bye bye" (as he waves at inanimate objects while leaving a room), and "Daaaaaaaaaaaaa-dee!" (when he is calling for Daddy).
• His balance is still a little unsteady, but he is starting to run - a LOT.  It's fun to chase him and hear him giggle with delight as we do so.
• At night, he always asks for "1 more" book, even if he is ready to hit the crib.  It's basically become the last step of the bedtime routine.
• And speaking of bedtime, he's great about going down to sleep.  He basically points to the crib once we're done reading books, we put him down, turn out the lights, and leave the room.  He often stays awake for several minutes longer (we can see him in our video monitor), but he usually just stares at the ceiling and runs his fingers along his blankets until finally falling asleep.
• He has a crush on a girl at daycare named Abbey.  In the mornings, if Kellan refuses to cooperate with us while trying to dress him or get his shoes on, etc., we simply mention, "don't you want to see Abbey?" and the answer is always "yes".  It's been a huge motivator for him and help to us.
• He loves, loves, loves lima beans.  Yes, we're a little shocked, too.
• Kellan is still totally obsessed with balls.  One day, when we went to pick him up from daycare, he'd corraled all the balls in the gym into a corner.  Daddy has a picture of him on his cell phone, standing in front of the balls, looking very pleased at his accomplishment.

And now as a to wrap things up, a couple of random pics for your viewing pleasure.

Looks like Kellan might share Mommy's fantastic frowning ability
(wouldn't you frown too if Daddy's feet were on the side of your crib?)

Nutella Poster Boy

Kellan's Pet Rock

Tonight after dinner, the family decided to take a walk to the nearby high school.  Early along the way, Kellan found a rock that he carried to the school, then proceeded to throw it, chase after it, pick it up, and throw it again.  Repeatedly.  It never got old (at least, not to K-Man)...

Just kidding - Mommy and Daddy love to watch Kellan having fun. :-)

Here's Kellan at the beginning of the venture - he loves to watch the soccer players practice

Occasionally, Kellan gets a far-off look in his eyes, like he's daydreaming of being a famous soccer player... or maybe just thinking, "I wish I'd had more lima beans at dinner."

He loves running - especially if he's being chased (notice Daddy's feet not far behind!)

Kellan has some mad skills when he's throwing - always straight, usually a decent distance, and mostly with a bit of a sidearm.  He'd easily be a baseball pitcher... if only there were a toddler league out there somewhere.

Isn't this the best rock, Mommy?  I'm going to keep it FOREVER!

Who knows, Kellan could be telling the truth.  If we hadn't taken it away from him before bedtime, he'd probably still be clutching the rock in his hand while he slept (you know, in case he wanted to practice tosses in the middle of the night).

Today's Post Is Brought to You by the Letter K and the Number 3

Oh Sesame Street, how I love thee.  I must've watched every episode as a kid, and I love it when Kellan gets excited to watch it - even if it IS only because Elmo's there.  Right now, Kellan is "bock-bock-bock"-ing like a chicken, even flapping his arms like wings... because Elmo's doing it on TV.  I wonder if there's an episode where Elmo sits down at the dinner table and completes his meal without throwing food on the floor?

It's been quite awhile since I last posted, so there are a few things to catch up on.

Between Christmas and New Year's, Daddy had a very special "playdate" with his friend Greg... and the #1 disc golf player in the world, Dave Feldberg.  That's right; Daddy got to play disc golf with THE top player on the planet.  And here's Kellan holding the disc Daddy had Dave sign (this was taken just before we hermetically sealed it into a bulletproof glass box) ;-)

It's so great when we get together with the Freemans - Kellan really looks up to his older cousin, Finley, and it's a lot of fun to watch them interact with one another. 

This picture was taken on a family trip to Cashmere in January - just look at the adoring smile on Kellan's face

From the same trip to Cashmere.  Mommy loves their expressions (and Finley's boots!).

This is Kellan showing off his "Giggle with Elmo" doll to Finley.

You see?  You shake him up and down, and he giggles!  Isn't that funny??

Kellan has also been enjoying time with Thatcher (who just turned 1 on Tuesday - yay!) .

Good times on the couch in Cashmere

Thatcher and Kellan, trying on some kid-sized Bavarian hats

See Thatcher?  You gotta put it on like this.  Good thing I'm here to help you!

I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse...

(movie reference, anyone?)

Kellan is able to entertain himself with the simplest things these days.  Are you bored?  Check out what you can do with just two chairs!

It's a party!

And what's that you say?  You've only got a box big enough for you to sit in and a length of rope?

Add Daddy to pull the rope, and you've got yourself a homemade vehicle of fun!

The past few weekends we've tried to get out of the house and check out some downtown Seattle sites.  The first place we went was Pike Place Market.  We shared a strawberry and nutella crepe, checked out old books, played with wind-up toys, and even bought some flavored dry pasta and fresh garden peas.

Daddy and Kellan, having a good time together, just like always!

You may not be able to tell right off, but it was fairly windy that day

On a separate weekend, we decided to check out Seattle Center.  There was a yo-yo competition going on in the Center House, which was pretty fun to walk through.  It was also beautiful outside, but brutally chilly.

Despite the cold, we ventured outside for a bit, where Kellan was surprised to find... a leaf!

Mommy, Daddy - do you see the leaf I found on the ground?

He was so shocked whenever the wind picked up the leaf

We took the Monorail from Westlake Center to get to Seattle Center.  Here's an almost-complete family photo inside the Monorail (sorry it cut you off, Daddy!)

Hey hey!  Check out the big boy at the back of the Monorail!  Lots to see and point to there.

Christmas, Etc - Part II

We spent Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa Gray's house.  There were lots of new things to enjoy, and Kellan and Finley were beginning to play with one another - so cute!  Can't wait for Thatcher to catch up and join the fun.

Grandma Jean had special cutters that allowed her to personalize the cookies - YUM

Here's Kellan opening his "Open Me First" gift (in case you don't already know, 'Open Me First' gifts are opened Christmas Eve and are always pajamas).

Kellan's new pajamas with the monkeys in Santa hats on them were no match for the nifty green ribbon that enclosed the gift.

Also, the crooked tie shirt was a gift from Grandma Jean.  Isn't it cool?

Um, Grandpa, I don't know if you saw me back there? But I was totally rocking that green ribbon.

Finley has the most luxurious hair for a (almost) 3 year old - look at that volume and the multitude of curls!

Hey Thatcher!

Boys' Bath!

Both nights they were there together, Kellan and Thatcher got to share their bathtime.  I'm not sure either liked it, but they didn't seem to mind too much.  Maybe if we had battleships instead of rubber duckies it would've been more entertaining for them?

Christmas morning!  This was Kellan's gift from Santa.  A mini Seahawks recliner.  He really likes it - especially since it's got the cupholder on the arm.

Kellan's got a great Uncle Sam impersonation (it's all in the pointing)

One day, these guys are going to be the best of friends!  I hope Thatcher starts to become more interested in balls soon...

beep, beep, beep, beep...!

Kellan got a ridealong dump truck from Grandma and Grandpa - he immediately jumped on and started pushing the buttons

Thatcher got a John Deere rocking tractor from Grandma and Grandpa (which Kellan coveted throughout the remainder of our stay)

Kellan's impression of a "surprise gift"

Grandma's are great, especially when they let you eat yarn

He didn't seem to mind wearing the reindeer antlers

Christmas is fun!

Kellan got two of this toy for Christmas. You squeeze its belly, and it will sing for you while opening it's mouth (the mini scrunchie) with each note. He's both fascinated by and fearful of each, though the higher pitched one doesn't seem to bother him as much.

Fun on Grandma and Grandpa's bed!!!

Grandma and her grandkids

Don't you love Thatcher's look in this one?  He is very expressive.

What a cutie!  The headband is very "Flashdance".

We bought Finley a "Rapunzel" doll with hair that she could style. She seemed to like it, as did Kellan (well, the accessories, at least).

Notice Finley's doctor coat?  Another gift from Grandma and Grandpa.  It was hilarious, as she would put it on and transform into "Dr. Walsh" (actually her doctor's name) and suggest various remedies to her diagnoses of our ailments.  She told Jared to "have some water, you'll be fine".

We all hoped we'd have a doctor in the family someday.