Cameron's B-Day Party

Given that Cameron's birthday falls exactly 1 week after the baby will arrive we figured we should have her party before. The day before to be exact. Yes, some people have said that I am crazy but I feel fine and I want her to have a party with her friends.

Several of Cameron's classmates have birthdays in the same week so we got together and threw a joint party at PumpItUp Jr for the three of them. AJ, David, and Cameron have been together since they were 3 months old. They always hang out and play together.

Cameron loved the party. The first hour she ran the obstacle course, went down the huge slide, jumped in the bouncy house, rode the car, played basketball, raced around, over and over again. She got everyone in on the action too including Sonya, David, Tim, Turtle, and Uncle Nicho. I think the adults had just as much fun although they almost all ended up with brush burns. I'm not sure how the kids didn't.

The playtime was followed by a Pizza party and snacks. All the kids got balloons and goody-bags along with their very own cupcake. Cameron's was chocolate, and she loved it!!! (to see more pictures from the party click on Picasa)

A baby shower

Only 1 week to go, so Elisabeth and Lisa threw us a baby shower. We had a BBQ with all our friends and neighbors. It was a nice cool day and it was fun to entertain in our renovated spaces. Everyone wanted to check out the Zoom Room and see the nursery. I'm very thankful to have so many great friends (Thank you Cookie and Lisa!!!)

We got lots of presents, including things we didn't even know we needed, including Pee-Pee Tee-Pees!! Cameron also got lots of presents. I think everyone was concerned she was going to feel left out. She got books, a handmade doll, a Curious George stuffed animal (wow!), and a t-shirt that said Big Sister. We are almost ready!!!

Nesting: Phase II and III...IV??

The backyard is finally done. We love it way more than we thought we would. Because we added the screen to the arbor its like having another room. We bought the fountain and it makes a great centerpiece for the garden. But the very,very best part is our contractor did it UNDER BUDGET!!! To see more of the photos, check Picasa.

But my nesting is far from over. I finally convinced Jeff to give up his office for the nursery. The new nursery will have a space theme and we are having a muralist paint the room. We are also putting in custom closets and used EasyClosets again. I love their application and then its so easy to install (for Jeff). For the mural we had to do the base coat, and it was so dark we were worried it wasn't going to turn out well. Its like walking into a cave but she said to be patient and let her finish. (See finished photos on Picasa).

Jeff was very sad to give up his old office. It was the biggest room and he didn't want to also get rid of the spare room. I decided to give him a gift (bribe whatever). I told him as part of the move I would have a contractor build him a new office and we could remove the closet which would make his office larger and we could put a sofa bed or something for guests. Jeff then found ZoomRoom, and we decided to have the cabinet maker put one of those into the room. I think we'll have contractors here until the baby is born.... If I have time, I'm going to also replace the shower in the master, but Jeff thinks I'm crazy. (Update, see new office on Picasa link)

Happy Hallow with Hannah

We went to Happy Hallow this week with Hannah and her parents Sonya and David. Cameron and Hannah rode all the rides including the Cars-go-round, the Bug-go-round, and the children's carousel. After Gilroy Gardens, Cameron thought she was a pro and so she shared her expertise with Hannah.

Cameron helped Daddy drive the boats and enjoyed exploring the fun house and other exhibits in the amusement park. We then went to the zoo side of the park and introduced Cameron to the meercats (its so cute when she says "MeerCat!").

The meercat exhibit was really cool. You could see them at eye level (adults) on top of the mounds and there were plexi walls for kids on the ground level. There was also a tunnel to see them underground which we thought Cameron would not go into because it was dark, but she really liked "MeerCats!" and went right in. She also liked the lemurs and of course the monkeys.

At the petting zoo we fed the goats and the donkeys. We didn't feed the sheep because they were very aggressive and pushy even through the fence. Before we left we all played on the playground including going down the slide with Daddy and playing on the four-way see-saw, Yea!

Lady Bugs in Carmel

Grandma Cindy invited us to Bug Day at the organic farm in Carmel Valley. This is a monthly release of lady bugs in the fields. The farmers give us a tour and explain the different techniques to organic farming and then hand out lady bugs for the kids and visitors to release.

Cameron paid attention to what everyone what everyone was saying and then went out into the fields with Grandma. Grandma Cindy pointed out the black aphids on the Fava Bean plants and then a lady dressed as a big Lady Bug handed out the bugs for release.

Cameron was a little unsure at first but after watching Grandma and Mommy release the bugs she took several handfuls and put them on the plants. The tour guides showed Cameron what lady bug eggs and larvae looked like.

After the release Cameron stayed in the fields and played in the dirt. She gathered lots of rocks which is her new favorite thing to do while hiking. Afterwards she ate her free snack and then played in the Kids Garden and climbed a tree. We finished the day by having lunch at a local restaurant and exploring a succulent nursery and garden store. Cameron loved exploring the gardens and picking out plants and pots. Mommy got a few things for the house and backyard (which is almost done).