This, hopefully, won't be my defining moment

O-k, I am so embarrassed that I have succumbed to the "theme" party. I am now among the ranks of uber-soccer moms that plan intricate theme filled parties. The thing is that I tried to leave the planning for Kate's 3rd birthday as a backyard BBQ, nice and easy. But Kate has been on me for weeks now, as she attends her friends’ parties and begins to see the theme element to a party, to have a Peter Pan Pirate Party. Now, I know, perhaps in partly in disbelief and part in sadness, that my girl, Kate, is not interested in pink fairies, tutus, princesses, baby dolls, or even ponies. (I have a sneaky suspicion she is just being contrary for my sake-you know a prequel to those teenage years-I mean what little girl would rather dress as a pirate than a fairy?) She's more turned on to snakes, lizards, and pirates. But for some reason, I just can't bring myself to plan a pirate-themed party for my 3-year-old girl. I know I shouldn't succumb to those gender stereotypes, but come on-a pirate? So, I made up basic invites and had them addressed and ready to go, when I heard her tell her Mamoo(Grandma)-that she, "really wanted a Peter Pan Pirate Party but Mommy said it just was too difficult to do." I heard it as a direct challenge. Damn it, the things that you find yourself doing for your child.....

This is probably why you don't see many children flying kites anymore

Please note that this is filmed in double speed. The whole ordeal probably took close to an hour. I thought it was funny, and I have been playing with some new editing software...

The Jungle

It may not be evident by the picture, but she really did have a great time at The Jungle. The main reason being two-fold 1) the monkeys and 2) she was able to eat chicken fingers like for seven days straight (thank goodness that chicken is international cuisine)!!

We're back from a terrific week in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Here is a highlight video from our week. The full-length feature will be coming out this May:) Sorry to say, the video quality doesn't do a justice to the real thing.

And here are some random shots...Again, our photographic skills can not match the beauty of this paradise, so I won't bore you with any of the 5 zillion shots we have of monkeys, sloths, birds, lizards, iquanas, sunsets, rain forest canopies, ocean views, quaint Central American towns, sparce infrastructure, the astounding view from our bungalow, etc., etc.

The Gods are Aligning

Well, we leave for the jungle tomorrow. And it seems as if the Gods are aligning to make getting to Costa Rica quite difficult. But we are unshaken, as she coughs, sniffles, and sneezes all at once. Kate has come down with a double ear infection with which there is assuredly great fun in flying in store for us. I have awoken several nights this week with the cold sweats as I think back to our last flight with Kate. Kate got so bad, screaming hysterically, that a 6 year old in front of her told her to "get a hold of herself." It was such a terrible flight that Pete and I have still yet to talk about it. So, if you hear anything in the news about a flight being diverted due to an almost 3 year old's screaming, you'll know that our flight didn't go so well. Secondly, I have been quite resilient, able to withstand the influx of viruses that have entered our home, but I did not get away this time. I am miserable with some sort of horrible, flu-like virus. How fun-I really feel like lying on the beach and traveling with an afflicted toddler. And lastly, we're flying American Airlines. We'll just leave it at that. Hope to post pictures of our "dream get away" in a week.....

The Birthday Song

This past weekend, I was invited to two birthday parties: my friend Sofia's 3rd birthday and my friend Maddie's 3rd birthday. Both of them were at very cool places. Sofia's was at a puppet show. Her whole party was like a jungle. Here is a picture of me with my zebra hat watching the puppet show.

Maddie's party was at jumping beans. I always love jumping in those inflatable rooms. The only bummer of the whole weekend was that I had to sing the Birthday Song. I really do not like the Birthday Song, but Mommy said if we are to go to our friends' parties we have to wish them a Happy Birthday. I guess she's right.

Take a Picture of Me- I'll Hold the Road

Mommy has finally rearranged her to do list to include updating this BLOG. I am a real big girl now-just a little under 2 months until I become 3!!! And you should see all of the things I can do. The biggest and best accomplishment has been the potty. I am getting real good at going on the potty. I don't especially like it, but I do it anyhow just to get a sticker on my chart.

Right now I am into snakes. We had a big, black snake on our deck last week, and since then, I am ga-ga over snakes. All kinds of snakes. Mommy even gave me some pretend rubber snakes (6 of them) and I take them everywhere and show everyone them. I even sleep with them. Anyhow, here is a video of me, in case you haven't seen me in a while. I only wish I could have had my snakes in the picture...

Another highlight came at Easter when we went to Atlanta to visit Uncle Pat and Aunt Traci. We went to the Aquarium and I LOVED the penguins and sea lions. We also went to a surprise party for John's 40th birthday, but I missed out on the surprise. I don't like it when everyone sings and shouts "surprise" so I hid in the bathroom with Mommy. Here are a few pics. from the road trip!

Atlanta or Bust!

Check out these fish!

The Easter Bunny came to visit me in Atlanta, but I was very concerned about him. See, I saw him in the mall. I didn't want to go and talk to him, so I just waved at him. But after we left, I got to wondering if that big bunny talks? I mean, I have seen bunnies before and they don't talk, but that big Easter Bunny looked like he was talking to the kids. That really freaked me out. I didn't want to go to sleep because I did not want that big, talking bunny to come up to my room. Mommy and Daddy promised that he would not come to our room, and sure enough he didn't-he just left me a basket full of treats! I just don't know what to make of this big, bunny fellow. It's kind of wierd.