Baby Meatball

We are going on another trip with no computers and no cell phones for several days. Here is a post to hold you over till we get back.

Back when I was on pregnancy leave Daniel and I started to take interest in Farmer's Markets. As you wander the market there is one thing that you start to notice that everyone (but you) have in common. It is a fashion show of reusable "eco-friendly" grocery bags. From the Vons woven bags to the Henry's and Trader Joes canvas bags (these are slightly cooler) to the non-branded colorful bags (these rate the absolute highest on the cool scale). Daniel and I knew we had to get some to fit in. After an ardous search we found by far the best and coolest bag ever, the Baggu. They are nylon so they fold up small enough to fit into a purse, when open are big enough to fit 3 regualr grocery bags worth of groceries, and they come in an array of awesome colors. We have had them for several months now and I say, without hyperbole, they are the best bags EVER. We use them for everything. Dayla also loves them almost as much as we do and asked if she could model one for your viewing pleasure. Here is our friend (and awesome babysitter...just a little shout out there) Kate and Dayla modeling our Baggu bags.

We just got back from a trip up to Hume Lake. I (Daniel) went to camp there back in high school. We now go as a family trip with my parents and other family friends and stay in the lodge. It's nice to get away from computers and cell phones for a while and spend time outdoors. It is especially nice since Hume Lake has tons of amenities. On this trip I played a half-dozen games of disc golf, swam and kayaked in the lake, did a couple shuttle-run bike rides, shot some hoops, and ate way too much junk food (thanks Mom).

Dayla was entertained by all the other kids and loved sharing the bike trailer with her cousin James. Despite our best efforts with tons of sunscreen Dayla managed to get even tanner.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Dayla the Cowgirl






My Girls






All the staff participated in a relay race where they had to grab a vegetable with their teeth out of a bucket of water.






The Family






A dam picture






The extended group of family, friends, and friends of friends we hung out with during the week






Ginette ready to go on her first real bike ride in 2 years. She had to use Simon's (too large) bike. She did great.






Me dominating King's Canyon






Cousins by the lake. We triend to pose them on the adirondack chair you see in the background but they wouldn't have it. Strapping them in to their strollers was the only option.






More Pictures Here

Baby signs is, like it sounds, a basic form of sign language for babies. The concept is that your baby can communicate basic things like more, all done, bath, cat, dog, hat, etc. before they actually learn to talk.

We have been trying to teach Dayla baby signs for months with no real progress. Ginette is actively reading books to Dayla and showing her how to do the signs. I have been "teaching" her by plopping her in front of the Baby Signs DVD when I get ready in the morning.

Just tonight she did her first, legitimate sign. It was truly awesome. Check out the video below.

From the desk of Dayla

I spent my entire Saturday with Dad. I was a little nervous since I usually hang out with Mom but I tried to be optimistic. Surprisingly, I had a really good time. Dad was a little rough around the edges but he gave me a lot of attention. Click the link below to see my account of the day.

My Day With Dad Slideshow

Dayla was pulling the arms and feet off her Mr. Potato Head the other day and got him down to just the eyes and mouth as you can see in the picture below. This is a kids toy? Seriously? It gives me nightmares.