Happy Hollow

We took Peyton back down to Happy Hollow on Monday for some fun. Thank goodness we became members in February!

Peyton has become interested in wearing sunglasses for short periods of time, so I was able to get a picture.

We started our visit with a required ride on the carousel. We usually have to ride it at least 2-3 times when we get there and another 3-4 times before we leave. He wanted to ride the tiger, but it was already taken, so we were lucky that the triceratops was available.

Next, it was off to the zoo to dig up dinosaurs. We walked past the jaguar and were excited to see that she was out in full view (this was our fifth trip to Happy Hollow and was the first time we got a close up view)! Isn't she gorgeous?

When lots of people are at the window, she can get super excited and starts pacing. We were told not to bang on the glass or make any sudden movements.

Next, it was off to dig up the dinosaurs. Happy Hollow "buried" two Allosaurus skeletons (fake, of course) and they provide brushes for the kids to unearth them. Peyton loves to dig them up, but changes the dinosaurs every time we go. This week, they were T-Rexes, of course.

We looked that the "BIG SEA TURTLE" (a tortoise) as he rested in his house to get out of the hot sun.

We had a Happy Hollow play date with Peyton's friend Dominic last month, and Peyton has been looking at those pictures. We have one of Dominic comparing his arm length to that of several birds:

So, Peyton agreed to take a picture for Dominic. :-)

Then we made our way to the petting farm. The sheep were recently sheared. They looked much happier!

James showed Peyton how to place the food in your hand to feed the animals.

Peyton figured out that if you place the food on the bottom ledge of the fence, you don't have to touch the animal and it will still eat.

Then it was off to the rides. Peyton is a total daredevil. He loves fast rides and to get butterflies in his stomach. This is the Frog Hopper ride which lifts you up about 30 feet off the ground and the gradually hops up and down until eventually bringing you back down.

You can hear Peyton's giggles. He's so funny! And then he stumbles when he gets off the ride. :-)

We went over to the roller coaster next. There was quite a line, which can be a problem with Peyton (he's not the most patient child, but what 3-year old is?). But, Peyton entertained himself by playing with James' sunglasses. He's so stylish!

And then, it was time for the roller coaster! James and Peyton are in the fourth car from the front.

Play Date with Dominic

Today, Peyton and I got to see my friend Michelle and her son, Dominic! It's been a while, but we had fun. We met for coffee, where Michelle and I were able to catch up a bit, then headed over to Mitchell Park and let the boys run around. Unfortunately, Peyton and Dominic spent most of the time on different ends of the play area, but it was fun nonetheless.

Peyton really liked this elephant statue. (Dominic was playing on the slide on the other side of the park.)



He spent quite a while looking at it and stroking it.



But, he wouldn't let me put him on it.



He also enjoyed finding leaves and other things in the sand.



Dominic chose to play with traditional toys and he actually lets Michelle put a hat on him!



Dominic had fun on the elephant!



We did manage to get them both on the little car.



Having fun!



And, Peyton also took a liking to the construction cones.



Peyton also liked the frog statues in the water area (which was turned off).



Michelle got a great video of the boys playing in the car.



Thanks for such a fun time Michelle and Dom!

Peyton's First Birthday Party

We had Peyton's birthday party at Stafford Park in Redwood City yesterday. We chose it because it's a beautiful park, not because it shares our name...

Peyton enjoyed seeing and meeting our friends. While I was talking to Sandra and Jim, Peyton was looking at Daddy.



James was the host with the most yesterday. He prepped and cooked all the food, even grilling burgers to order! My hero!



Our friends the Gumberts and Rinaldis chatting.



My Mom and Dad enjoyed themselves (there was another party in the grass next to us).



We ordered cupcakes from the Love Bites Bakeshop. I've tasted quite a few cupcakes, but these are the BEST. Better than Kara's Cupcakes and WAY better than Sprinkles. We first tasted these cupcakes at Dominic's birthday party in March and I knew that I had to get them for Peyton's. Kathryn was a dream to work with (she bakes out of her home) and is a true professional! We ordered three dozen: Carrot.

Snickerdoodle (I think these are my new favorites).

And Peanut Butter Cup (James' original favorite, he now likes the Snickerdoodle ones best). I now need an excuse to order cupcakes at least once a month. Cupcake of the Month club anyone?

Everyone grabbed a cupcake and sang Happy Birthday. (Jenni and Jim brought their dog Pico - he was a huge hit with the kids!)

Peyton wasn't sure what was going on, but he really liked all the singing!

Dominic was eyeing the cupcake boxes, waiting patiently.

The patience paid off - he got to taste a Snickerdoodle cupcake with Mom and Dad!

Peyton was pretty tired after the party (he refused to nap yesterday), so I took a picture of him with a leftover Snickerdoodle cupcake this morning. He manged to scoop some frosting off and played with it.

I kept the cupcake as far as possible on the highchair table and he tried his very best to get it.

Sadly for him, I didn't let him taste the cupcake (Mommy's breakfast!), but I figured I would let him look at it. :-)

We'll be opening presents tonight. Peyton was just too tired to open them after the party yesterday (he was asleep within an hour of getting home).

Friends

Last Thursday, Peyton and I met my friend Michelle and her 5-month old son Dominic in Los Altos for a play date. After grabbing sandwiches in downtown Los Altos, we walked to a local park where we spread a large blanket and let the boys play while we ate. It was a lot of fun.

Peyton loved being outside and he and Dominic had a fun time together. We look forward to future play dates with them!