Smart Dog

Merlin has discovered the best place in the house -- directly underneath Quinn at mealtime. This was today's new game.

Bedhead

Chubawubba

Monkey shirt from Aunt Colleen

Exploring

Weekend of Hiking

This weekend Jeff and I made a last minute decision to get out of town. Our first stop was the San Bernardino National Forest in the San Jacinto Mountains. Jeff planned a nice little 4-5 mile hike in the mountains and we set off with the mutt and Quinn for a quick little adventure.

Quinn got his first taste of snow

Desert vegetation and snow

Taking a break up top

with the regal mutt

Q & A

Got in a bit of dirt time

Handsome pup

On the way back down the trail we came upon this critter, ready to fire. Luckily Jeff spotted him before Merlin did.

Some fun with my macro lens

Joshua Tree National Park

Our next stop was Joshua Tree National Park. We spent two days in the area exploring as much as we could. We had a great time and even got a chance to do a wee bit of birding.

Joshua trees

Anna's Hummingbird

On the Barker Damn nature trail

A rare family portrait

We did a late afternoon/evening hike to 49 Palms Oasis. We were racing with the sunset and weren't sure we would be able to complete the hike, but once we came up over the ridge and saw the oasis below we decided we had to go for it. Have I mentioned yet how much Quinny enjoyed hiking??? He was all smiles the whole weekend...flirting with everyone we passed on the trail and full of giggles for mama.

Here's a view of the oasis nestled in the desert

The oasis was FILLED with birds. I got so excited trying to photograph them all that I lost track of time. Here's a nice view of a Cactus Wren.

And a Phainopepla (a first for me!)

Sock Lovin'

9 Months Old

Quinn has discovered his legs! He's finally up on all fours and has also started pulling himself up onto anything that will support his weight.

We've had some challenges over the past month or so: Sleep (or the lack of it) has been a bit of a problem. (Those of you who recall my boasting about how great our 2 month old slept can say, "I told you so" now!) I'm hoping that teething has been the primary issue, as he's gotten 6 teeth in the past month (working on # 8), but whatever it is, I'm hoping to find a solution soon. We've had a great day today, so fingers crossed that the good luck continues. :)

Other news is that he seems to really enjoy saying mamamama over and over again. I'm not sure whether it's actually directed at me, but he says it a LOT. He also says dadadadada and naynaynay (which makes him laugh if you repeat it to him).

He loves to make clicking sounds with his tongue and do his "blub blub blub". His favorite game is taking Merlin's toys out of his mouth. So far Merlin has been a fairly good sport. He's also learned a trick from Merlin...running around with a sock in his mouth. He stuffs his socks in his mouth and goes about his business. It's pretty funny (at least we think so...)

Finally, he sleeps...

Until yesterday we weren't sure whether Quinn could get down from a standing position in his crib. Now we know he can.