Fishin'

Last week Dave took Sophia to get a fishing pole. After lots of practicing how to cast in the backyard, she got her first real fishing experience on Sunday.

We spent about five hours at Lake Isabella, but Dave and Sophia only caught a few sticks and trees, no fish.

The whole time we were there we only saw two fish caught. I guess that is why they call it 'fishing' and not 'catching'.

Even though they didn't catch any fish, it was still a good day.

Weekend Happenings

We had no plans for this weekend and it was glorious. The temperature dropped and it actually felt like fall.

I asked Sophia what she wanted to do on Saturday and her response was "Wear my doggy dress and walk across the shark bridge." Done. (I am not sure why she thinks this is a doggy dress...maybe cheetah print looks like dalmation spots to her.)

We have never been to the aquarium on the weekend and we will never go again. Way too crowded and impossible to see anything in the tanks. Sophia did enjoy touching the starfish, horseshoe crabs, and sea anemones. We watched scuba divers and clean tanks and then she got to walk across the shark bridge. I would have gone with her, but everyone who crosses has to be able to walk independently, and they won't let you carry or wear a baby across. Fortunately, Sophia has crossed a few times with Dave and has no fear, so I knew she would be fine on her own.

Stepping off the shark bridge.

The rest of our day was pretty low-key. We baked a gluten free version of smitten kitchen's pumpkin muffins, played in the leaves, and hung out at home.

love this shot by the three year old

Dave was off on Sunday and we crossed some things off of our to-do list. Luckily his football team didn't play until the evening game so plenty of time to get things done. The highlights of the day were when I had a mini vacation at the grocery store without kids and even found time for a nap. Dinner was successful too. After numerous failed attempts, and with assistance from the chef, I finally made a pork loin that did not dry out.

Maybe we will get around to bagging up some of the leaves this week.

HallZOOween 2014

Sunday we made our second trip of the season to HallZOOween.

Sophia was thrilled to wear her Hello Kitty outfit, but had a mini meltdown because I would not let her wear her new clunky snow boots. Once we got to to the zoo and she ate a few treats, she was much happier to be at the zoo, trick-or-treating, and seeing the animals.

I think Sophia had the most fun peeking through the observation window in the bat-eared fox exhibit. She got to see the foxes up close, but she had more fun looking for me.

Books by the Banks

After celebrating with our neighbor, Sophia and I headed downtown to our favorite books festival: Books by the Banks. We had such a fun time last year and I was looking forward to the event. It was rather crowded when we arrived and the toddler was going through a sugar crash and in need of a nap.

I was looking forward to meeting Marc Brown, but unfortunately things didn't work out. We arrived in time for his talk, but Sophia had little patience to sit for a half hour. The line at his book signing table was quite long so we missed out on that too. She did enjoying dancing and singing during one of the performances.

Sophia did select two new books and loved meeting all of the mascots. She gave each one she saw a hug and a high five.

We will be attending next year if we can!

Books by the Banks 2013

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Our Weekend

Friday evening we picked up Nana and Grandpop from the airport. Weather caused some delays and made for a bumpy flight. We had a low key night at the house spending time with each other...and the few pictures I took are blurry.

Saturday we headed to gym class where Sophia showed off her skills. She loves her classes and has so much fun working with her instructors and the equipment.

After gym class we ventured to the zoo for HallZOOween. It was the first cold and windy day that we have had this fall, but we still managed to have fun. Sophia was dressed as Minnie Mouse and thoroughly enjoyed getting treats in between visiting with animals. I am hoping we get the opportunity to visit the zoo another weekend this month.

Grandpop and Nana entertained Sophia by playing Safari, Post Office, and Mermaids when we got home. I loved listening to them interact and it is safe to say that Grandpop and Nana will play almost game that Sophia asks them to.

We woke up to a very chilly Sunday morning. We bundled up, left for breakfast and went out shopping for some cold weather attire for the little one. 

After watching the Eagles game we enjoyed a meal at The Capital Grille. We also took the family couch photo. The toddler enjoyed having a remote for the camera so she could play camera director.

Early this morning we headed back to the airport to say goodbye. I think Sophia said it best "get back on airplane soon". 

It was a quick visit, but a much needed time with family. It stinks living in states that border each other, but still being almost ten hours apart. Can't wait for them to visit again.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This was a great weekend - mostly nice weather, trips to the zoo, playground, Trader Joes, and family time. My favorite part of the weekend was when Sophia proved her mascot/character obsession is still thriving.
 

Saturday we visited a local bookstore - blue manatee - and Sophia listened to The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

via

I can't believe the caterpillar is celebrating 45 years!

After the story, the caterpillar came out to meet the children and pose for a few pictures.

Sophia colored a picture and then decided to become best friends with the caterpillar. Any time no children were near the caterpillar, Sophia was right there.

After all of the children had a turn, the caterpillar took a walk down the street. Sophia was a great escort and had a major meltdown when we had to leave.

Here are a few other pictures from our weekend.