I'm Walkin...

Alright, it might not be exactly all by himself, but we've made great strides in the walking department over the past week. With that in mind, here's a little themesong for the week:

We got to show off the skill a little bit when we visited Lauren and Andy Combs for dinner on Saturday.



Here's the proof for those of you that don't believe the still images.


Since the lion really makes it all possible, he and Carson have become quite tight.



Being ambulatory isn't the only thing that has us excited this week. We've also figured out how to scream (in a happy way). I'm certain it's something that's only funny to Laura and I, but we've put it on a video for the rest of you to watch anyway.

Beaches, Birthdays & Babbling

Taking a page from Uncle Ken, Laura and Carson try their hand at self photography.


Carson has made great strides in the eating and drinking department. When he's not seeing how far away he can throw it from his high chair he also occasionally drinks from his cup.


The self sufficiency in eating has definitely led to some messier meals.


Too bad Carson wasn't up late enough to dig into some birthday cake as Laura turned 29 (again!).


When he isn't stuffing his mouth with food (or at least the general area), a lot more noises are coming out of it.


With temps jumping all the way to the 90s in Playa Del Rey this week it was a must that we spend some time at the beach. Carson put on some sunglasses himself in anticipation.


It may be warm out, but the ocean is only topping out in the high 50s, so only our toes go in for now. Carson can't wait to visit his grandparents in Florida for some open water swimming.

Happy Easter

With dinner parties to host and taxes to pay I'm happy to finally get up a blog post for everybody to read. Above, our own little tax deduction is getting the party started at Easter brunch in Santa Barbara, where we spent a very busy weekend.


Saturday morning began with a trip to the South Coast Railroad Museum. Carson was unfortunately deemed too small to ride on the trains, but that didn't stop us from taking a seat in the caboose.


The Easter bunny was also making an appearance at the Railroad Museum, so Carson and his cousins paid a visit.


Later that night we celebrated Laura's birthday a little early with cupcakes.


Like every morning in Santa Barbara, Sunday started early with Easter baskets. Obviously the bunny thought highly of Carson the previous day, because he brought peeps!


Carson held his own against his cousins in the egg hunt. Total eggs found: 4. Total eggs cracked immediately after finding: 2.


As a special treat for easter breakfast Carson got french toast for the first time.


For our second breakfast we crashed a brunch hosted by Aunt Beth's friend Shelley. Shelley has a 18 month old boy who has generously passed on a number of outfits Carson's way, but more importantly also has some fabulous toys.


In addition to the toys the backyard had an okay view as well.

Ging-Ging and Pops and Aunt Colleen Oh My

After taking a week off for visitors, we're picking ourselves back up and posting again. Carson was fortunate enough to have multiple visitors from the midwest over the past two weekends. First, Pops and Ging-Ging made the trip out from Cincinnati.



Carson showed Pops his improved crawling technique...



And he helped Ging-Ging put away his dishes.


It wasn't all work though. Here he takes Ging-Ging on a spin around the living room on his lion.


Carson also led all of us on a journey up the steps.



Of course regardless of who visits, swimming comes first on Sundays.



This past weekend we celebrated the grand re-opening of the Del Rey Lagoon Park.



We also got a visit from Aunt Colleen, who plans to join the ranks of the California Jordan's when she graduates from St. Louis University next month. Resume available here for anyone amongst the blog readership looking for a hardworking communications major to start in June.



Colleen's boyfriend Scott also headed west for the weekend and took in the park opening with Carson.


The park opening had everything you could want: Antique Firetrucks,


a built in piano,


Pony Rides,


and of course slides.