McCarthys in Oz: May 2009

26 May 2009

Rain Boots

Nana has some rain boots that she wears around the yard for gardening, and ever since we arrived, Julia has been saying she wants some too. When it started raining and the yard filled with some great puddles, we decided it was high time to fulfill that request. Julia and I went on a shopping excursion to find the perfect rain boots, and about 6 pairs and much debating later we left with a very cute pair with flowers on them for Julia and (on Julia's recommendation) frog boots for Liam. Back at my parents' house, we had a rare moment of happy sibling playtime, stomping around in their boots and playing catch (or rather throw-and-find)!

Liam had to abandon his boots for the walk down the long driveway since he's still not too steady on his feet

Hattiesburg, MS

Our first weekend back in Mississippi, we drove down to Hattiesburg. We always like visiting Grandma, and it was a treat this time to also get to see my Aunt Carol, Aunt Cathy & Uncle Vance. The children enjoyed our outing to Camper Park Zoo and lots of playtime in the backyard.

24 May 2009

Colorado Girls' Trip

At the LA airport, we all parted ways. Nana, G-Da, & Liam headed back to Mississippi while Julia & I hopped on a plane to Boulder, Colorado. Liam looked slightly stunned, and my parents looked way too comfortable with this arrangement (they had not yet had the pleasure of flying with Sir Squirms-A-Lot). After flying with both children, our short flight to Denver with just Julia was an absolute breeze!

The mountains were still covered in snow when we first arrived, and Julia was thrilled to find that there was some still left on the ground in the parking lot even for her to stomp through (pretty much just sludge, but she didn't mind). We had perfect weather though cause the next day it was sunny and just warm enough to be out without coats.

It was so great to be back in Boulder! I told Matt it was lucky my parents had taken Liam with them or else I probably would've just told Matt that we were staying in Colorado for good and for him to just hurry up and join us! In addition to just soaking up the wonderful mountain air and showing Julia around my favorite city, I got to catch up with some good friends and meet their children. Julia was in heaven-- time as an only child again and lots of playmates too!!

Julia & Fiona at Chatauqua Park

Eamonn & Sarah's daughter, Fiona -- she was so precious, and once she and Julia had gotten over their initial shyness, they had a ball playing together!

Flying child!

This is why I love Boulder, CO... not many places have a playground right at the base of the mountains!

Emily and two of her children, Rosie & Lily

Lily and Julia are only a couple of months apart, and Rosie (a bit older than Liam) worked hard to keep up with the big girls!

Playing tag

Hide-n-seek

Queens of the Mountain

Julia loved their playhouse and told me very matter-of-factly, "Mama, we have to get one of these"

Tulips in full bloom on Pearl Street....have I mentioned how much I love Boulder?

More from Pearl Street (for those of you who don't know Boulder, it's a great pedestrian street with cute shops and restaurants. Plus there are all these little child-friendly features, like the animal statues to climb on and a water play area in the summer)....