Isabel's Birthday

Ryker's best friend and amore, Isabel, just turned two. Miss Amy, the music teacher, came to the party. Isabel got a tricycle so she can now go cycling with Ryker. Chiara and her mom, Marcella, whipped up a feast of Italian treats, including a very yummy cake with chocolate brought from Italy.

After their naps, we took them for a walk in the Zoo. Ryker wanted to sit on the panda's lap. Isabel decided that looked like fun too.

Ryker's Other MaMa

Ryker calls Tia Marilu MaMa because he loves her and she cares for him so well. She likes to take him to the Building Museum to play when it is cold. When the weather is warmer, they go to the park and he rides in the firetruck. "Nee Aww Nee Aww" "Baaap Baaaap" (his sounds for the sirens and horn honking)

Weekend with DaDa

About two weeks ago, the phone was ringing early Saturday morning. I didn't hear it because I was doing the dishes, but Ryker did. He went to my bedroom, got the phone, turned it on, put it on speaker and brought it to me saying "DaDa! DaDa!" Unfortunately it wasn't DaDa...

So, Ryker was very excited when we picked Andrew up from the airport. Of course it helped that DaDa had two new little cars for him. We had a great weekend: omelets for breakfast, a new firetruck (!!!), cycling in Rock Creek, playing in the Stokke crib.

Isabel & Ryker

Even though they occasionally push each other, they really get along very well and enjoy playing together. As long as Ryker never takes "Eco" (Francesco, her doll) and she doesn't take his trucks, all is well.

Cartoon Cuts

Chiara and I actually ventured into the suburbs today, Tysons Corner Shopping Center to be exact. Ryker and Isabel both needed haircuts. I finally had to hold Ryker on my lap while he watched Thomas the Tank. He got a lollipop (yummy!) for being such a good boy.

Mama's Gym Shoes

Ryker loves to wear everyone elses shoes - boots, sneakers, slippers - and walk around the house. He's actually gotten pretty good at it and doesn't trip too much anymore...

Pizza!

It FINALLY warmed up here to take Ryker out for the day. We went to the pizza at the zoo where he crawled through the olive, climbed the cheese and walked over the onion and mushroom slices.