Matthew and I went to get coffee and play at Bella Terra for a little while, before it started raining. While we were playing, Matthew spotted a little girl with a balloon. The girl was kind enough to give her balloon to Matthew. We didn't beat the rain, but it didn't stop us from having a great time. We just put our hoodies on and kept on playing!
One of Matthew's latest fascinations is "change". He has a bear "piggy bank", and everytime Grandpa comes over, Matthew gets his "change". It's gotten so bad, that now, whoever comes over, they literally get frisked. Watch your pockets and your purses, Matthew is on the lookout for "change". So, the other day we were hanging out at Bella Terra. Matthew discovered that there was "change" in the fountain. Now, he asks me every day if we can go "make a wish", since I told him it's not "change" but rather "pennies left over from people making wishes in the fountain". Now, I save every penny, because I know where they're going to end up!
Matthew and his Cousin Valerie, playing with Thomas & Percy
Mattie & Grammie
My cousin Sue & I
Mattie with Cousin Cathy
The Girls!
My bubba!
Cousin Cecilia with her grand daughter Valerie
Balloons!
Desiree and I were neighbors when we were in high school, and the beginning of college. Of course, we became good friends, not just neighbors. Her bridal shower was a few weekends ago. It was very lovely to catch up with and see many people who I have not seen in a very long time. 
Our lovely physicians hosted an amazing dinner for us at The Orange County Mining Company. After all of our hard work, the Orthopaedic Clinic has become an "institute", which means more hard work. Nonetheless, we all had a great time!
As you can see by the many very "active" photos of Matthew, he's a "helper". Weather it's doing laundry, watering, feeding the birds, or vacuuming, Matthew is always right there to help. Washing mommy's car is also another chore Matthew loves to help with. Gotta love it!
One of the funniest things we have seen in a while is Matthew's application of Pauli's collar onto his head. He always helps me by putting Pauli's collar on her in the morning, and taking it off in the evening. Well, he figured it would be better if he put the collar on himself, rather than Pauli. He thinks he is very "cool", maybe reminscent of "Rambo" or some other cool action figure. Not that he knows "Rambo", but we call him that, and he laughs his you know what off. Seriously histerical!
Our house really is a "small zoo". I am almost tempted to start charging admission, as I could probably make some extra cash. Our recent addition to our home are two bettas named "Ach" and "Norman". You're going to have to ask my husband where he came up with "Norman", but "Ach" was actually Matthew's first word, so that's where that name originated from. "Norman", I have no idea. "Ach" is on the right, and "Norman" is on the left. And, don't think for one second that Matthew won't correct you if you get it mixed up. He will. And, he is very good about feeding "Ach" and "Norman" as well. Good thing the lid on the food jar screws on tight, because Matthew insists of feeding the fish at least 20 times a day.
Matthew's newest word is "dove". Matthew, like his mommy, loves birds. I have always fed the birds outside becaue I love to have them in the backyard. Well, last week, Matthew took notice of all the "doves" lined up on the fence out back. Now, every morning, he runs to the sliding glass door and yells "doves". And, we go outside to greet the doves with their morning seed. Such a little nature boy.
Mattie's Daddy turned 31 on Saturday. We granted Daddy's wish and had a relaxing family day. Matthew picked out daddy a very cute, talking Cookie Monster card. He is giving it to daddy....So precious!This is a video of Matthew playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Of course, all kids love "Grandma and Grandpa's", but Matthew is obsessed. It's so funny. He's such a "mommy's boy", but when we are at "Grandma and Grandpa's", I pretty much don't even exist. I have so much fun watchin him play with all of his toys. There are so many new things to see and do, and it's sure a blast for all of us to sit back and watch. I think Matthew's most favorite thing to do with Grandpa right now is to gather pine cones from the trees outside. We have quite the pinecone collection at home, I must say.
Matthew got this "dancing reindeer" for Christmas. He has not parted with it since, and has formed a new dance called the "Reindeer Dance".
