Lions and Tigers and Bears...

Yesterday Russ and I took Josie to the Zoo for the first time. It was Russ' first time to the Boise Zoo too and I think he had way more fun than Josie. His favorite part was watching the Tiger walk around. Josie really enjoyed the monkeys and penguins and I liked the giraffes. The zoo is quite impressive these days, as Russ would say "it's pretty legit."

Random Pics from the last few weeks:

Russell and Josie enjoying the last days of nice weather.
Josie knows she's not supposed to get into the wipes but she does it anyway.

One of her new favorite things, wearing her blocks around her neck. (Yes I know she looks like a boy here)

New York

Russ and I had a great time in New York City. We walked A LOT, so much that every part of our bodies ached. We went through Times Square many times. Russ' brother Dan works in a building near Times Square. On Friday evening we ate dinner at his office and enjoyed a great view of the Empire State Building. On Saturday we spent the afternoon in the Ironbound distict in New Jersey, where the Brazilian neighborhood is, we ate lunch and Russ got a much needed brazilian fix. Sunday was our last day in the city. We spent some time in Central park and then went to check out the view of the city at Liberty State Park. It was a great trip, we missed Josie a lot, but it was great to get away. Here are some pics from our trip.

Anxiously awaiting the Subway.

In front of the Statue of Liberty... it's that tiny thing to the left.

Wall StreetOur first of many times in Times Square.

Wasington Square Park

The ESPN Zone, an obvious must for Russ.

Next to me and Josie (I hope), Russell's favorite person.

Rockafeller Plaza

Russ looking like a cancer patient in the only Pacers memorbilia in the NBA store.

The Manhattan Temple

This is the gift we bought Josie at FAO Schwartz on her birthday. Not sure if she likes it.

Russ found some much wanted Brazilian items.

The Brazilian areaish

Waiting for the train to the City.

Trying out my new sunglasses.

Russ trying out my new sunglasses.

Brazil day in New York City... insane.

Central Park

Park Avenue

Russ and Owen (our nephew)

Russ and his brother Dan

Dan, Laura, and Owen. Thank you so much for letting us stay with you and for all your help.

Liberty State Park

Josie's I love New York onesie.

Happy Birthday Josie!

I am in New York without Josie and I miss her so much. Today is her birthday and I thought I would reminisce. Here are some pictures from the day she came into the world and changed my life forever. I love you Josie... Happy Birthday!

Josie's Birthday Party

We celebrated Josie's 1st birthday this last Saturday. Why a week before her birthday you ask? Because Russ and I will not be with on her on her actual birthday, we will be in New York. I'm a horrible mother I know, believe me, I've stressed about this a lot. Anyway, for her party we went to the park and had pizza, cake and ice cream. Josie got some great gifts. Russ and I got her a telephone that makes a lot of noise, which I am now regretting. After opening presents, I stripped her down to her diaper so she could attack her birthday cake. She did quite the opposite. She was not interested in the cake at all. She obviously doesn't take after her mother.

Josie has been changing a lot this last month. She is waving all the time, she says 'hi dad', she gives kisses and as of Friday, she walks! She is getting more and more fun all the time. I'm convinced that she's the best baby ever, but I may be a little biased.

River, Cabin, and 'Our Twins'

A week ago Russ took a cataraft down the river for the first time. Josie and I drove along the river and stopped to watch where we could. Both Josie and I really wanted to go on the boat but I told her she's too young, and that maybe she can go in a couple years. Anyway, Russ did awesome, at least I think he did, because he made it down the river alive and we had a fun time watching him.

This last weekend we headed to the cabin in Stanley with some of the fam. We had a fun time, we roasted lots of marshmallows, and relaxed on the beach at Redfish. I think Josie's favorite part of the trip was playing in the water with Dad. She loves the water, even if it's freezing.

This last week I've been helping watch my sister's baby, Lincoln. He's two weeks younger than Josie and the easiest baby ever. However, even though he's super easy, two babies are much harder than one. It's probably just because Josie gets more high maitenance when another baby is trying to get my attention. When Josie gets upset Russ likes to tell her "Mom's trying to take care of your brother". I've definately decided that I do not want twins and I have a lot of respect for my two sisters and mom who have been lucky enough to have them.