Animals

Mom and Zach met Mom's friend Dusti and her boys Owen and Baby Luke for an improptu play date at the Wild Animal Park after naps.  On the way to the park, Zach kept telling me we were going to see animals and when I asked which one  he wanted to see in particular, he would reply "elephants." 

The boys had a great time seeing the elephants and gorillas, although I think running around after each other was even more fun for them.  :)  And even better, mom had fun catching up and spending time with her friend. 

Mom and Zach with the elephants

These boys had so much energy!

Checking out some birds

The baby gorilla

Zach and Owen learning about owls

Sea World!

We took Zach to SeaWorld for the first time this past weekend. We went for just a couple of hours after Zach woke up from his nap. Zach really enjoyed the time we spent looking at the sharks, penguins and feeding the sea lions. He wasn't that intested in the sea turtles but LOVED the Shamu show- he sat there mesmorized the entire time! We will definitely be returning soon! (And with it being only 15 minutes away and having season passes I know it will be often)

With mom on Elmo's flying fish (Zach was very apprehensive and not that big of a fan)  Elmo was also in the area taking pictures with kids, but Zach wanted nothing to do with him.  He preferred to stand and observe Elmo from far far away!!

Telling us he wanted ice cream (He is OBSESSED with ice cream cones, although he has never eaten one!)

Checking out the penguins

Dancing!  There was piped music at the park and Zach would all the sudden bust out his dance moves.

He loves music and dancing!! 

Holidays 2011

December is a busy time in our house! Zach is so lucky in that he gets to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas every year. Plus, Dad's birthday is three days before Christmas, so lots of celebrating to do! This year, unlike last year, Zach was much more into the holidays and especially the presents! After opening a present, he immediately looked up and said, "more." (Ahhh, the spirit of the holidays!)

We lit candles each night of Hanukkah and after saying the prayers, Zach would always ask for more singing. We also let him open at least one present each night. He loved it. We celebrated with Mom's family on the first night of Hanukkah. Auntie Valerie, Uncle Greg, Cousins Kate and Blake, and Mema and Gramps all came over to Zach's house. Plus, cousins Pete, Wendy and little Estee were visiting from Pasadena as well, so we had quite the celebration. Zach loved playing with all his cousins. Unfortunately mom was so busy cooking and hosting that she forgot to take pictures. :(

We celebrated Dad's birthday at home as well. Zach had been practicing singing "dada" the "Happy Birthday" song for a couple of months, and on the actual day, he didn't disappoint. He loves singing and he walked into our room in the morning (after I got Zach out of the crib) singing loudly to his Dada.

As is the tradition, we spent Christmas Eve at Auntie Gina and Uncle Greg's house. We all had a great time seeing family and eating lots of good food. Mema and Gramps came too and Zach had all his favorite people to entertain him. Luckily, mom did get some pictures on Christmas Eve:

Eating Apples With Great Grandma

Playing with cousin Natalie and Mema

Zach with Mema and Mommi

We stayed at Auntie Gina and Uncle Greg's overnight and in the morning we were all there to open Christmas presents. 

Zach was spoiled by all his grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins and had a really special holiday.