A New Zoo

One day Jill, Evan, Alexis and Grandma went to a new zoo! Evan told me his favorite thing was watching the porcupine climb up its cage. Alexis took in the goats, sheep, and bison and had a great time too.

Early Egg Hunt

It's too early for an egg hunt but since we were at Grandma's we figured why not. Grandma hid eggs all around the house and the kids ran around finding them. It was a definite hit.

Another game of hide-and-go-seek

This seemed to be a pretty popular game during the trip.  Evan and Uncle Jeff played a round hiding Peep and Turkey all over the house.  Here was one of the better hiding spots.

The Giant Playground

During our visit we returned to a gigantic playground we found when we were in town last time.  Evan and Alexis loved running around and burning off some energy. Evan and Grandpa even played a game of hide-and-go-seek (after Grandpa got to the game on Evan's train).

Evan on a train

The family headed out to Philadelphia for the week to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nansteel while I was at work most of the week in Virginia.  During the week Jill found a bunch of fun activities for the kids to do.  When I talked to Evan this was his favorite.  Jill and him hopped on a train, went down a few stops, got a snack, and headed back the other way.

Grandpa and the kids

We're in Philadelphia now visiting the grandparents.  We took Evan, Alexis and Grandpa for a walk.  They loved walking over the bridges and looking at the geese, ducks and fish.  Here are the three of them taking a rest on a bench.

Evan and the fire truck

Jill grabbed this picture recently of Evan (and his preschool friends) playing on the Magnolia fire truck.  Word on the street is that he loved driving the truck.

Airport symphony show

The Seattle airport was treated to Evan's show this morning while we were waiting for our flight to Philadelphia.  The least I can do is share the experience with you.

At the park

Spring just arrived and we were treated with a pretty dry day.  Evan, Alexis and I went to one of our favorite close by parks (known to Evan as either "bark park" or the "airplane park").  The kids had a great time wandering around and getting out there energy.  Alexis kept to her recent trend of taking walks and loving it.  Here's a video for you.

Preschool carnival

Evan's preschool had a carnival tonight.  There were sack races, lollipop trees, and Evan's favorite, the doughnut eating contest.  Here he is eating a Krispy Kreme off a fishing pole.

My birthday

Jill and the kids threw me a fantastic party for my birthday this year.  There were hand drawn cards, painted wrapping paper, great presents, a relaxing meal at home and a cake specifically designed by Evan for me. Evan even aided me in blowing out my trick re-lighting birthday candles. Thanks to the three of you for making my birthday so special!

Evan's hat

Evan made this hat at preschool this week.  It was a three day project.  If you ask me it looks pretty good.  It's now sitting on top of his piggy bank in his room.  To me it looks like a comically big sombrero for a pig.

Meet Cousin Leo

Evan and Alexis finally have a cousin.  Leo Brian Baker was born March 12 to proud parents Aunt Kara and Uncle Jack.  He was 21 inches and 8 lbs 3 ounces.  It looks like big healthy babies run in the family.  We are looking forward to meeting Leo at the end of April.

Evan's [half] birthday

To Evan, his birthday is very special, as it should be.  But somewhere along the way he picked up on the existence of half birthdays and personally believes they should get the same amount of attention.  He's been talking about it since early February.  He kept calling it his birthday.  Today he was going around telling everyone it was his birthday (leaving out the half part).  The main thing that Evan wanted was "more attention than Alexis".  I sense a little sibling rivalry here.  We did cupcakes at home and he was pretty happy.  Here he is ready for his treat.

Wet baby

Alexis loves walking.  She loves going outside.  Nothing can stop her.  It was pouring the other day and she kept going out the back door onto the porch.  She didn't seem deterred by the rain so I put on our rain coats and we took a walk around the block.  She absolutely loved it.  She was soaked.  She walked through every puddle we came across.  She was mad when we went back inside but we were soggy and it was cold.  Very cute.

Evan looking cute

As the years go by it's harder and harder for us to get Evan to look at the camera when he takes pictures.  Here's a rare authentic smile from Evan that we managed to capture.

Buck for a cluck

Church had an interesting charity drive this week.  They gave Easter eggs to people to fill with dollar bills.  Those dollars will be used to buy chicks (peeps) to give to people in Ethiopia.  Evan emptied his piggy bank and worked with Jill (the bank) to count out dollars.  She exchanged them for bills and he put them in the eggs.  Evan has been looking for an opportunity to empty his bank and help out people who "don't have lots of things".  This was a great experience that gave to him and to others.  Bravo Jill and Evan.

Big hug

Alexis really likes Evan.  A lot.  I'm glad I was able to capture this moment.  She started to lean towards Evan, he bent down, and she gave him a gigantic hug.

At the science center

We went to the science center one rainy day and did our usual rounds.  Alexis took up residence in this large guitar and stayed there for a while.  Even even played it for a while with her inside.  She loved it.

Evan and the peacock

It was a reasonably nice day so we took a trip to the zoo.  Anyone who knows Evan knows he loves peacocks.  In fact, he often refers to himself as "the famous great peacock".  He got to spend a lot of time with one of his friends today.  They stood next to each other, showed each other their feathers and walked around a bit.  He was absolutely beside himself.  Here's a bit of the experience for you.

Alexis's new favorite snack

Alexis has a new favorite snack.  She loves eating raisins out of the little box.  Here she is on a snack break.