Wild Animal Park... where we go to see an animated zebra

The highlight of the Wild Animal Park for Parker is Robert the Zebra, an animated, interactive zebra that chats with kids every hour. It's quite cute actually, but isn't it ironic that there are hundreds of animals to see, and my kid is drawn to the cartoon. Anyway, Parker loves how Robert will always call out, "Hey, kid in the yellow shirt..." or "Hey kid in the back, can you dance like me?" Here's some of Robert the Zebra experience from yesterday.

I look like Daddy!

It's darling the way Parker wants to be just like Pete. Lately, Pete's been working the solid white t-shirt trend (if you can call it that), so Parker found a t-shirt of his own, put it on, and then said, "ta dah! I look like daddy!"

 We love the library. Parker loves choosing books. We already completed the summer reading program, which entailed reading 10 books. Both boys got several prizes/gift certificates for reaching the goal.

 Parker still naps most of the time in the afternoon, at the same time as Austin (alleluia!), but every few days he'll put up a fight. But he's wisened up, so instead of throwing a tantrum he comes out of his room and attempts to be super charming. This time, he was telling me, "I really like your shirt. Your hair looks beautiful. I love you mama." That kid.

 In other news... my brother in-law, Dave, needed a new suit for his fellowship interviews coming up. Let me preface this by saying he is a beyond brilliant neurosurgeon who is so capable and well liked by his patients. On the other hand, he hates to wear clothes that "fit". Perhaps that's why he chose a career where he wears scrubs most days. So Denise sent me out in search of well-fit clothing and we stumbled upon the deal of the century. His size... right color... right cut.... originally $550... marked down to $89! Did I score or what? And Dave wasn't even that mad at me for making him try it on!

4th of July week

We had a fun holiday week. Heck, everyday feels like a holiday to us, but we did some fun things. First we went to another splash park closer to our home... except the "splash" aspect was broken. Bummer. Plus we had invited friends, so that was disappointing, but there is still an awesome park to play at. 

 Uncle Jeff came into town. Parker loves Uncle Jeff.

 On the fourth, there was a pancake breakfast and bike parade at church. Parker held his own on his tricycle. It was nerve wracking though because the rest of the morning he would just take off and I would lose sight of him. He's a maniac. Here are Lex and Parker. Such good friends.

 Then we went to Old Poway Park for some festivities. We go every year and except for it being so darn hot, it's always really festive. Chloe planned many of the crafts for kids, so Parker got to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

 Making a patriotic necklace.

Scott, Abbey, and Lance also came into town, so then we hung out with them. Scott and Abbey just got engaged and we are so excited for them! I'll have to get a pic of them soon.

Parker's newest sassy comeback. He told me... "AB-SO-LUTELY NOT!" Oy!

Give me a hug!

Parker and Austin are best buds. For the most part, they get along very well. Here's an attempt at a hug:) Can you feel the love????

Final fair visit...

I've lost count how many times my boys have gone to the fair this year. It's up to four or five times with Papa and/or Papa and Grammy. They are lucky kids. Every year since Parker has been going to the fair, he's "wanted" to ride a pony. In fact a summer or two ago he saddled up on a pony, only to break down into a fit of hysteria and was promptly taken off the horse. Anyway, on his final visit to the fair, he rode a pony. A pony named Candy. Each time he circled around he would tell my mom, "I'm so happy." What a cute cowboy!

I'm over giving cute titles

Looking back on early blog posts, I had cute titles for my posts... but now I just do well to get the pics uploaded and some kind of narration written. Sorry, dear readers. 

We went to the zoo with our friends the Henderson's on Saturday. They went to Michigan with us and now the husbands work at the firm together, but we rarely see each other. But when we do get together we have a blast. Parker loved hanging with their boys. 

 Then Pete and I had a firm event that night, so the boys slept at Grammy and Papa's house. The next morning, Austin helped Papa make pancakes. So cute.

 Stanley wanted a bite.... no wonder dogs like kids!

Cute cousins in poor lighting

While the lighting is annoying in these pics, the cousins stopped by for a quick visit last night and they were just so cute together.