This week, I hosted a Dream Dinners party – basically people got to put together a 4-6 portion meal for free! The event coordinator even provided samples for us to try. We made a mango curry chicken dish … I already cooked and ate mine. 

This weekend, we went to a ‘Food Without a Fork’ BBQ. We had ribs, corn on a cob, bread, salad (in a romaine leaf), a bunch of appetizers, and ice cream sandwiched between biscotti. Everything was delicious.

Zachary’s friend Alex (below eating corn on a cob) is going to be a big brother – CONGRATULATIONS!

Sunday was my 32nd birthday! I started the day with a sushi class at 7:45am. I met up with my friend Peter, who gave me an apron (for the class) and also a Cheesecake factory gift card.

After class, we took Zachary to Fairytale town. It was Wacky Water day … but Zachary still liked the playground best.

Zachary would climb this structure, and when he got to the top, he’d sing the ABCs. It’s like a victory song. He did it a few times (see middle picture below.) We also saw him waving his arms around. When James asked what he was doing, he said “I fly!” We do have 4 pet birds, so maybe he thinks he’d eventually learn to fly. Until he catches on, when I drop him off at daycare, instead of saying “Mom’s going to work” (how boring),  I’m going to tell him “Mom’s going to flying school.”

For dinner,  James, Zachary, Dana, and I went to Red Robin since they give a free burger and ice cream sundae to the birthday guest. Dana got us a picnic blanket! Thanks!

Hello! Last weekend, Sophie came up to visit. We shopped, played Settlers, and ate Indian food. She gave me a peach jasmine tea for my birthday. On Saturday morning, Dana and I had a spa event planned, but our reservations were changed (without notfiying us! ), so we rescheduled for the following weekend. We spent the morning eating cinnamon twists and checking out boutique shops in El Dorado Hills.

That same weekend, James’ cousin came over and bought our ’66 Dodge Charger, which was in the movie ‘Heart and Souls.’

This weekend, Dana and I went back to The Spa at La Borgata Saturday afternoon. We hung out in the jacuzzi room before our massages. Afterwards, we had dinner at my place (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn). Dana and Dave gave me ‘Settlers: Cities and Knights’ for my birthday. (My birthday is actually August 20th … I’m feeling a bit rushed.) We played two versions of Carcasonne (regular and Hunters and Gatherers) after Zach went to sleep.

Sunday, I had a small playgroup/lunch at my house. After everyone left, Zach took a nap, and I went out for a much needed pedicure. After I got home, James went to see Superman Returns at an IMAX theatre.

No more potty success. He’s interested in sitting on the potty, but I think the fact that he peed last time was just a coincidence.

Milestone day! This morning, Zach said,”Poo” after breakfast. I took him to his potty, and he peed! I was so happy – I gave him a big hug and said he was a good boy (in Chinese). He was so proud of himself. He stood up, pointed to the potty and announced, “YELLOW!” All the way to daycare, he was chattering in the backseat about “yellow.” I think it’s time to start potty training! We’re starting at 27 months … let’s see how long it takes until he’s fully potty trained…

Ah – 2 weeks have gone by. Two weeks ago, we went to Santa Rosa to visit James’ parents since her sister’s family was in town for a wedding (they are from LA, Manhattan Beach to be exact.) Zachary had fun playing with his cousin Brandon; they both loved Grandpa Graeber’s train sets! We had a nice dinner (tacos) and homemade cookies before leaving that night.

The next day, we headed to Folsom Lake for a picnic potluck and jet skiing with a few people on James’ team at work.

The week after was pretty low key (we seem to alternate between busy vs laid back!) Mostly, I shopped. I returned his Crocs – they shrink in the heat. They are beach shoes … unacceptable! I picked up 3 Leapfrog DVDs (plus lots of groceries) from Costco and also a slate blue Little Giraffe blanket for this fall/winter at my favorite baby boutique. On Sunday, my family, Bhavana’s family, and Dana hit the Galleria mall. The twins and Zach have so many of the same Gymboree outfits. I don’t think Zachary needs any siblings, he can just join the twins to make a triplet! After shopping, we went out for dinner - Thai food -Yum! My kind of weekend!