Today I Am Three

 Song - Paw Patrol Happy Birthday to You

Wow! What a year!!! I have grown and learned so much in this last

I learned that it’s ok to move from our cozy little condo to a home of our own with a big backyard to play in......

...even if I have to help do the work!

I learned it's fun to grow vegetables in my garden and eat them

I learned to go to school and make friends with teachers and other kids

I learned to love little trains and  REAL trains with YaYa and Papa. 

Monkey and  I can even get the conductor to blow the horn for us!

I like to help daddy & Uncle TyTy work on fixing our new house

I’ve learned how to wear a face mask so I don’t get sick or make others sick

I’m learning my colors, my numbers and the alphabet. I love the color “geen” and the number 3.

My favorite people are Mommy & Daddy. YaYa & Papa & Uncle TyTy, Grandpa Party & Kiki. I’m friends with JoeJoe and Uncle Jon who has a funny dog or two.

I like to help mommy when she is working from home

I’ve learned to feed the birds at YaYa’s house and give them plenty of water too.

I like to read books but I especially like it when Papa reads to me.

I’ve learned that I like to put on my clothes and shoes all by myself and I found out that boots go with just about every outfit!

I’ve learned that I love to eat ice cream especially when it has sprinkles on top!

I've learned that I am very good at packing to go visit YaYa & Papa

I love to explore things and see how they work

I like taking long walks especially when I can splash in the rain!

Did you know that I like to drink two things at once?

I try to have good manners when I go to a restaurant

My favorite time with YaYa is in the garden!

Daddy taught me to measure twice and hammer a lot!

Watch out world here I come!

Just watch me Roar!!

Returning Friends

Song - You've Got A Friend covered by the cast of BEAUTIFUL

I know that Spring is around the corner as the Canadian Geese have been landing on our roof early in the morning doing their annual mating ritual.

 

The week started out pretty well as we had an intimate birthday dinner last weekend for Mr. B who turned 70 (yikes) and our middle son Jon who is turning 35 in a few days.  I was worried that we would have to put up two easy-ups because rain was threatening.  But all was well on Saturday morning and I was able to set up our large outdoor table with appropriate social distancing.  Of course it was on the cold side so we had a great fire in our outdoor fireplace and lots of blanket and coats were worn. And with that behind me.....

 

I moved on to enjoying the birds in our backyard!  Above is a White-breasted Nuthatch.  They really love the new suet log I place out there.  Actually it's not just tree climbers that use it but a variety of songbirds enjoy it as well.

The Downy Woodpecker comes several times each day so I try to keep the log full of suet for all of the visitors.

Early this week Mr. B read that songbirds are getting sick and dying in California.  I quickly read up on what was happening.  Apparently the Pine Siskin's are spreading salmonella across the state as they fly through from Canada.  So the recommendation has been to take down all backyard feeders and bird baths where birds are likely to congregate. Oh no....I said out loud.  They are my favorite company & entertainment during this pandemic. I then had a good talk with myself as to how selfish that is and the safety of the birds is much more important.  Apparently it will only be for a month or so until the Pine Siskin moves on to other territory.  Phew.....

There is another danger to my songbirds lurking out there.....

The Red Shouldered Hawk!  Usually he is hanging out in the big Oak trees that surround our property but lately he has been dropping in a lot closer to keep an eye on my little friends.  I'm not too sure what I can do about him other than throwing an ice cube at him occasionally. They are beautiful creatures but I love my songbirds more so I just try to make his presence around here a negative experience.

 

And when you have a happy, dedicated little helper like I do.....

 

 ....you are in it for the long haul.  I refill most of my feeders once or twice a week and I need all the help I can get.  Henry isn't even two years old yet but he loves helping me gather & fill the feeders and watching for the birds to come and eat.  He even imitates the calls they make! Then we go inside and wash our hands very carefully.....thanks Henry!

"Education begins the moment we see children 

as innately wise and capable beings. 

Only then can we play along in their world."

--Vince Gowmon

One Year of Giggles

Song - Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Guess who has had one whole year of discoveries?

My grandson Henry!

He discovered that mommy is pretty cozy....

....and that naps can be refreshing.....

He discovered his tongue....

...and that playing in the pool is great fun!

He discovered his daddy will always have his back.

And he discovered baseball and football.....

...and that Lake Tahoe can be quite cold!

He discovered that sometimes people go away.....

...and boy is it fun when they return!

He discovered that both of his grandpa's are loving and fun!

And that hair cuts don't really hurt....

...and that Pat the Bunny is the best book ever!

He discovered his love for Great-Grandma Betty...

..and how to be gentle with flowers thanks to Grandma J.

He discovered food sometimes has a funny texture.....

...and that he isn't quite ready for a girlfriend yet!!!

For right now mommy will be my girlfriend....forever!

He discovered he has a very cool and funny uncle....

...and that he has a very loving family!

But you know the most important thing he discovered this year?

He discovered what happens when you go to sleep with damp hair....it's a riot in the morning!

"Love you to the moon and back Henry"

--Grandma J