Holiday Weekend at Home

Well, it's memorial day weekend and Jeff and I are both sick. We had discussed going out of town, but alas...guess we'll have to relax at home all weekend. Already I've managed to take about 3 hours worth of naps, so we're doing a good job of relaxing so far!

This afternoon we went over to Grammy's to let Quinn have some fun outside in the yard. As always, the water was a huge hit!

Merlin likes to keep an eye on things

For an extra bonus Jeff turned on the sprinkler! Quinn thought it was a pretty fun toy.

The little Jedi warming up.

Quinn has never been much of a snuggler, but just recently he's gotten a bit more cuddly. He now will walk over to us if we're on the floor and fall into our arms with his arms outstretched. This morning he walked over to where Jeff was lying on the couch and asked to be picked up. He crawled up on top of Jeff and layed his head down on his chest. It was very sweet.

We'll take any cuddles he wants to dish out. Happy day! :)

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Baby's favorite things

These are some of Quinn's current favorites. He loves taking baths and reading books (especially about dogs). He also enjoys his wooden frog for chewing, the blocks for throwing, the cow for singing, Charly the teddybear for cuddling, and the paci and soft froggy for sleeping.

We've been a bit lax about taking Quinn photos lately, but here are a couple of recent videos to share. He's now finally saying mama (although not with any frequency). Seems to be in a real daddy phase right now. :)

And he's now full on walking...he rarely gets down on all fours at all anymore. This was from a week or so ago.

Wildlife Macro

Just a few photos from bird banding yesterday. This is a female Common Yellowthroat.

Wing detail

This is NOT a female Yellowthroat. It's a young western toad

A day at the office

Mobility

Well, it's happened. He's figured out bipedal locomotion.

Here's the proof:

And th0se 1970's jammies with the button up flap just kill me (They were either mine or my brothers)

And now from the front side:

I know you wish you could wear your christmas finest with teal, orange and white horizontal stripes!

Balboa Park Afternoon

Today seemed like a nice day to head outside, so we took a trip to Balboa Park. Quinn, once freed from the confines of the stroller, tried to escape mom and dad.

Ach, but his plans of escape were foiled - and a good thing too, because the swings ended up being pretty fun.

And he even met a cute girl.

And the highlight of our day at the park? The flowers? The sunshine? The art? Nah, the HOOPTIES we encountered as we were loading up the car:

Bye Bye Monstrosity

I completed a project today that I'd intended to complete months ago. The crazy huge vegetated archway that dwarfed our tiny house finally went away.

This was no small undertaking. We found at least 3 bird nests hidden inside. (Don't worry, they were all old...I waited for the mockingbirds that were nesting in there this spring to finish up before the saw came out).

Wow, we actually have a window!

This is the pile that the beast has been reduced to....all with a hand saw and loppers. A good day. My arm is sore.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year! You've come a long way, Baby! We celebrated Quinny's big day and Mother's Day with Jeff's mom, Jaime, John, Cousin Kyan and Uncle Bruce.

Quinn's first birthday cake! It was a semi-healthy banana cake made with very little sugar and whole wheat flour, but it was pretty good if I do say so myself! And he seemed to enjoy it too!

After cake time the sun came out so the babies decided to get naked and play in the garden.

The "pool table" came out for the occasion

Qbert enjoyed it

Presents! He wasn't sure what to do with them

He actually didn't unwrap any of them...

...but he enjoyed playing with the packages.

Which one to choose?

And to close a little video of the boy wonder in action

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. We had a nice relaxing day with the family. Thought a lot about all of you (family and friends) who couldn't be here for this day. Missed you all.

Quinn has been learning lots of stuff lately including:

The meaning of "no"

How to feed himself mushy foods


This episode ended a nearly week long veggie strike. I was about to give up after multiple attempts to get him to eat some carrots were met with screams of horror, when he grabbed the food off the spoon with his hand and shoved it in his mouth...okay. Whatever it takes!

San Diego River Birds

This afternoon we took Merlin down to Ocean Beach for a romp at the dog park. Off the path along the river there were a few waterbirds hanging out just begging to have their photos taken. It felt good to crawl around in the muck for a few minutes taking pictures of birds...my favorite hobby that I have no time for anymore...

A Little Blue Heron

Quite the contortionist

Whimbrel taking a bath

Dowitchers

Probing

This is what happened when we decided to let Quinn feed himself with a spoon...he sure loves his doggie.