Family Time at the Zoo & Safari Park

The family came to visit for the weekend and we took full advantage of our zoo membership.

Hello Again Sweet Blog

Where do we even beginning?  February went by in a blur.  Here is a mini recap for all of you:

Kalista got an early birthday present in the form of an egg chair.  She absolutely loves this swivel chair from IKEA and enjoys closing the cover on us whenever she gets the chance.

Kali had a home spa day with Jen. Her bathtub toys ended up teething items since a few of her teeth are still coming in.

This was her "diva" face for immediate attention. "Help Me NOW!!!"  Just kidding...she was actually upset that her toy fell on the ground. (** notice her little finger)

With sad news, Joey was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in his mouth and found out that it had quickly metastasized along his tonsils at the beginning of February.  After many visits to the vet, we decided to spare him from extensive chemotherapy and radiation.  Because he is almost 14 years old, we are making him as comfortable as possible at home. Luckily, he doesn't seem to be bothered very much and is still eating well.

On another pet note, Bella injured her little short toe a week ago and had to have the abscessed area lanced and cleaned out.  Oh yes...we had to find her "Cone of Shame" so she wouldn't pick at her wrapped tootsie.  Since then, we had the wrapping removed and have been soaking her foot daily in a disinfectant bath.  She is pretty much back to her normal self.  Our poor furry babies!!!!

In between the dog madness, the Lam and Martinez families came to spend a long weekend with us. Kali loved showing off her kitchen and playing house with all our guests.  It looks like Mrs. Potato Head might be on the menu for dinner. Oh no!

Matt and his mom were surprised with a belated/early birthday cake.

It was a tough set of candles. It took a few extra lips to blow them out.

Kali and her cousins enjoying a fantastic day in Balboa Park. We walked through some of the International Houses, since we have honestly never visited that part of the park.  Each little bungalow highlights a particular country and their traditions.  We had some yummy ethnic nibbles and enjoyed a great Irish jig. We also discovered that hot dogs represent the food item of the United States.

Besides working on our feeding trials and tribulations (which seem to be improving by the way), we have been working on potty training while we can.  Don't think Kali is ready quite yet, but every little step helps.

Matt finally made it to one of our weekly zoo-ventures.  Kali got to enjoy a better view in the backpack since Matt is a good 12 inches taller.  We even took our first ride in the Skyfari sky tram with Kalista to see the polar bears.

When we got home, we asked Kali if she had a good time at the zoo and she showed us this beautiful smile.  The answer must have been ...YES!!!!

In our toddler group yesterday, the theme was "crafts" and letting your child explore without worrying about what the end product looks like.  Kalista skipped finger painting and gravitated to  her two favorite things - coloring with crayons and playing with stickers.  At the end, she made this beautiful sticker-clad vase. It's now our Happy Leap Day vase!

Full House

Whew...this week is dragging.

On the bright side, we have guests in town....again. Yes....Hotel Lam is in full service! The Lam and Martinez clan have graced us with their presence. It is definitely a full house at the moment.

Kalista is super thrilled to have guests her size to hang out with and play for hours on end.

Wonder what the main event is tomorrow while everyone is in town?