May: More Pix, Fewer Words

Stories are overrated. Pictures rule the TJ blog for May 2010...

TJ assists Ra during weeding of the front yard beds.

Dallas Stars rain gear and umbrella are more than a match for light Oregon drizzle.




It's no secret that TJ already has a girlfriend, but it's a touch early to know how serious things will get. For now, Ra and Dorothy are closely watching the budding relationship, taking the kids out for some platonic activities, primarily the mommy/baby workout sessions, Stroller Strides.



TJ proves to be a hands-on boyfriend, and Sydney is all smiles at the attention.




His technique may be flawed, but we're glad TJ is already getting into books at such an early age.




The highlight of the month was clearly a visit from Grandma Kathy and Great Aunt Jane.



G-ma can't get enough TJ time...



...and TJ appreciates having yet another teething option.



Jane and TJ work on their Vaudeville routine.



Sunday brunch with a gathering of Deans was highlighted by an excellent example of sharing. Until every couple had their first child, nobody went for seconds.



Ra and TJ take time out from their tour guide duties at Multnomah Falls for a quick self-portrait.




TJ, JT and pups relax on the front porch.



Yup, these guys get along pretty darn well.

Seven Seconds Weekly Premiere

TJ's "Seven Seconds Weekly" premiere for months 1-4...



I plan to update this vid every 2-3 months for a while.

Enjoy!

Camera Phone Collection

Just a quickie this week. I've pulled pictures from my phone to share. We'll hopfully have some time this weekend to work with the video we've collected from Sayulita and around the house. Until then, enjoy this random assortment...

TJ's first week. Note the tiny.



We have a fair number of camera phone shots from our favorite dog park...

Many include sleeping...

or being sleepy...

...but a few are quite serious.
We're exercising the dogs here, people!
Very serious stuff.




TJ has started to experiment with alternatives to pacifier.
This instance was not a good example of eating in moderation.




And finally, a shot from sushi dinner last weekend for Matty's B-Day.
TJ decided to play the zombie.
These brains were not a sufficient meal.

Sayulita

Relaxing on the Pacific coast of Mexico was a heck of a way to spend the last week before Ra returned to work and we starting the tag-team parenting we will be doing for the rest of the year. Most of our days were spent laying around reading, eating and playing with TJ before taking walks into town for more produce and fresh fish. We have piles of pictures, but these are a pretty good capture of the highlights of our time in Sayulita...

There's nothing better to start your morning than some light reading and a bit of baby flying.



Eventually, we motivated to dress and get ready to have a day.



Breakfast and a view.



Navigating down the driveway was never trivial.



TJ and Ra ready for adventure.



The hike into town took us past Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), named for the adjacent cemetery.



A favorite mausoleum decoration.



Sayulita is in sight!



A variety of protein options were considered.



We settled on smoked marlin burritos at Burrito Revolucion.



While waiting for our burritos, we did a photo shoot of TJ's sweet natural mohawk.



The reward for finishing the hike home via dusty dirt back roads and crazy-steep driveway was a quick shower and more gazing at the amazing view.



View through our open-air bathroom exterior glass walls.



La leche y la cerveza.



Ra cooking dinner in the main house.



White fish under a mango/lime "chutney" with rice and Greek salad.



Sunset view from our dining table.



Mid-day reading siesta overlooking our beach.



FYI - Babies hate sunbathing, even in paradise.



TJ and JT enjoy some time on the outdoor bed.



Uh oh, I sense a flying baby attack...








Babies sure like flying. :)



Chelesa and Carrie work on their sand surfing form before hitting the water.



Ra and Chelesa at Playa de los Muertos prepare to attack their pineapple-mango-cucumber-jicama treat (with chili pepper and lime flavoring).



TJ is strapped in and ready for a dusk jungle hike down to the beach.



Playa Carricitos (the beach below our house)



TJ napping at dusk.



Family photo at Playa Carricitos



TJ and Chelesa prepare for our final evening in Sayulita.
(FYI - the shirt says "Mysterio predicts I will be a: Romance Novelist)



Fancy final night dinner.

Toasting a perfect vacation.