I Love You, California!

We got out this morning for a little walk. We had originally planned to do a short hike this morning, but Adeline wasn't feeling well and Will had to work, so we had a slower start than we wanted and only had time for a little walk around the neighborhood. We explored the college campus next door while Adeline tried out the hiking backpack we received from some friends of ours. She loved it so now we can start going on some hikes again! Hooray!

Today our friend Penny had off of daycare so her mom and I took the girls to the new Wild Child exhibit at the Junior Center of Art and Science near Lake Merritt. The girls had fun morning exploring lots of hands-on activities and fun lit rooms! Answering the phone - so busy! Fun lights and a ball pit! Entering the reading nook! Showing off her dance moves in the play house. Back through the tunnel! Back in again! Not too sure about the ball pit, but loving the light up balls.

Adeline's got some new dance moves and her new favorite song is officially "Ice, Ice, Baby." She goes around the house saying "ice, ice" requesting the song. How long will this phase last?!

It was a beautiful morning so we headed over to the park. The rain is on the way so it might be the last visit for a little while. Also, Adeline picked out her own outfit this morning and is clearly all about the "kitty" theme.

We spend a lot of time after nap reading books and cuddling these days!

Our babysitter taught Adeline how to sneak and it's pretty darn cute!

Larson Family Winery was having a Friends and Family sale this weekend so we thought what better occasion to pick up our November shipment, grab a few extras, and spend time with good friends?! I hadn't seen Joe, Paola and their kids since they've returned from traveling the world. Will helped them with their move back in June but Adeline and I had to stay back. It was so fun to see the kids all together! Picnic time! I love how happy they are in this picture! Adeline loved seeing all the dogs and at one point was running around saying "Doggie, doggie, doggie!" She also loved the sheep and goats and left that day with two new words in her vocabulary: sheep and goat!

Today Adeline wasn't feeling that great with a combo of teething, runny/stuffy nose, and a cough, so we took a day to rest and relax. The weather outside matched our mood perfectly, too. We're not big on TV watching around here but I let her watch a couple of shows. We put on Arthur and while the show was going she went to her room and got out an Arthur book! So smart!!

Technically she turned 21 months yesterday, but close enough! Today we had a quick little afternoon at Dracena park before the sun went down before 5pm - so early!

Adeline learned a new trick at Gymboree this morning!

Adeline helped get Koala ready for a nap this morning.

It was a gorgeous Fall day so we spent the morning at the zoo. It also happened to be the Bison Festival day so we got to see the bison up close! In the past when we've visited the grizzly bears were always on dry land, but today some of them went swimming! Can you spot the cheetah? Gondola ride back down. Look at those camels! Checking out something, I don't remember what, but I like the lighting of this picture! Adeline wanted to see how she stacks up to the cows.

Even though last year was technically Adeline's first Halloween, this year felt like the first true Halloween because we got to go out and enjoy the festivities! The Temescal Business District hosted a Trick-or-Treating event for the kids and had fun activities along the way like free books from the library, story time, a dance party at the yoga studio, costume contests, and more I'm sure but we only made it a few blocks! We had a great time and the businesses were so generous and kind to the kids. Our little ladybug! She would only wear the wings from her costume, but she held on to the wand and headband. There was a fun skirt, too but she didn't want anything to do with it. Oh well. People still thought she was cute! Getting some raisins. Still trying to understand the concept of Trick-or-Treating! Dance party at the yoga studio. Aunt Mary's Cafe made fresh baked "Witches Fingers." Adeline loved hers but we got stuck in the B...