Protective son

The other evening we were enjoying dinner at a local restaurant with my grandmother. Daniel was with us and, as usual, he was a big hit with the waiters and waitresses. He had them laughing and smiling with all his talking and questions for them.

Our waitress in particular was really entertained by him, and the two of them got along well all night. She’d come by and ask us questions and Daniel would repeat them, say hi, etc. Everything was going well until our waitress crossed a line with Daniel…she cleared my empty plate. Daniel’s response:

(Screaming at the top of his lungs) “NOOOOOO!!! DADDY’S PLATE!!!!!”

Yes, everyone stared.

Apparently Daniel fiercely defends dinnerware.

Pretend

We've had a few new "firsts" take place in the past few days/weeks--climbing out of the crib and opening doorknobs being the more stressful ones, but my favorite new thing that Daniel is doing now is....playing pretend! Right now he's walking around with a cup and spoon, stirring the air inside the cup saying "mmm...coffee!" He also pretends that the plastic post-thing from a stacking ring toy is a lotion bottle, and he wanders around the house pouring lotion on things. Outside, he has a rock that is round and flat that he carries in his plastic shovel saying "hamburger's ready!" Pretend games are so much fun to watch!

Hot Weather Craziness

We had quite a few adventures during the insanely hot weather last week. Here are some of the highlights.

Daniel's preferred method of cooling off--standing in front of the fan, wearing nearly nothing, trying to choose which flavor of ice cream to make.

Getting some much-coveted phone time in Mommy and Daddy's bed, wearing his hot weather pajamas.

Practicing his back-stroke in the pool at the hotel where Great-Grandma Eva was staying.

Posing? There were a couple of cute little girls there...

Daniel and Daddy

Ahh...a refreshing orange popsicle.

Another favorite hot-day activity: the sprinkler!

In the sprinkler with Matteo and Auntie Julie.

Finally, Daniel decides this is the best way to stay cool. Thanks for the well-placed milk cup, Daddy!

Our Little Viking

We have a little Viking that lives in our backyard. He bravely protects the family...as long as his sippy-cup stays filled with milk, and he gets to play in his kiddie pool.

And through the magic of Hollywood...