New Toy: The Alphabet Puzzle

Simon got a new toy that is a letter game. Each letter is matched with an animal/thing that starts with that letter and they interlock as a unique little 2 piece puzzle so each letter only fits with it's matching thing. There are lots of ways of playing the game, but Alan's version has them both laying down on the ground looking at 6 or so letters. Then they choose a thing that Simon identifies (pumpkin!) and then he says the first letter of pumpkin (which is pictured and written on the card. You have to point to it for him, this step often needs help), then Simon identifies which of the letters out in front is the matching letter. He is a rock star at finding the right letter. Then they payoff - Simon puts the puzzle pieces together and then both he and Alan yell BAM! when they fit. He is always really proud and when I was watching he brought the matching pieces to me to show off and for me to hold safely.

Which one?

Which one?

Think think....

This one!

Fitting pieces together

Oops, gotta lie down... fitting pieces together

Solved it!

2 days with mama

Jenn moved on May 1st so asked for both the 1st and 2nd off so she could have some time to get settled. As a result, Simon had 2 days with mama. Here are some photos, most after the jump...

Bagel breakfast at Einstein's because Safari Cup is closed. :( 

A sad discovery about Safari Cup

I'm home with Simon today and is my custom we headed off first thing to Safari Cup to have breakfast with Sharon and Dave.

Imagine my shock when I walked up to the storefront and it was EMPTY. Nothing there at all. No sign, no window dressings, no furniture at all - the entire space was simply empty.

I honestly looked around to see if I took a wrong turn somewhere since we had just driven by on Sunday and saw Dave and Sharon (owners) getting out of the car and walking in. But it was the right place, they had just disappeared.

Looking into it we found out that Sunday was their last day in business. I so wish we had gone but there were no signs or notice. Starbucks had purchased the three (yes, 3) stores next to them and started construction this spring to merge them into one very large location. I guess they just didn't think they could complete.

Safari Cup has been our favorite local hang outs for years. We have more pictures than I can count of Simon and almost every person who has visited us on those black couches with the elephant pillows. It was the first place I walked to after I had Simon and he spent so many hours sleeping on me in the wrap while I read and drank iced herbal tea. I will so miss it.

Beautiful evening.

Last night was such a beautiful evening, our first really warm day.  When I got home Simon and I went to the grocery store to pick up chicken and asparagus for Alan and my dinner and while we there we also got grapes. They were perfectly ripe and juicy and the sun was hot. So we snacked on them the walk home and then ate more of them in the back yard since I just couldn't stand to go inside yet. Simon learned to pull them off the stem and generally ran around like the almost-two-year-old that he is. Little video at the end, but you can get the idea from the pictures. 

ABC's and pop quiz

This video is from last week. Simon says most of the alphabet and answers questions!!

I might have already posted this but I will do it again because it is SO cute! He is repeating 'cool dude' over and over!!

Day at the park

Friday funday!!