Running Free in the Backyard

Hello, Daddy!

Sometimes it's just fun to get out and about and run around in the afternoon.  Sometimes it's better to hold onto a rubbery yet chewable ball -- nevermind that Betsy likes that toy as well -- and run around all afternoon with it.  And sometimes it's just fun to let out a large happy scream to show how much fun you're having on a sunny spring day.

The Double Bob

Hey, give that back!

Miss Jill and Mister John are now in possession of a "double Bob" which is basically a twin stroller.  It has a much lower and closer center of gravity so it can really roll over these tree-addled sidewalks.  Curbs are not much of a problem either.  But as the picture might attest, there still is that binkie stealing problem.  Eh, not a big deal of which to worry. 

Now Mister John can use this stroller with some of his running.  Nothing quite like summer cross country practice with the "double Bob" going up and down those hills.  Quite a workout indeed.  Now just don't steal any binkies during the run.  Mister John might even try to go on a run with Cherry Bugg.  I'm sure she'd love it!

Bust a Brief Move While Walking the Car

Mary Jane loves to walk the car every day.  Never mind that it should actually be ridden (on the way back I tried but she hasn't quite mastered the foot movements for that yet), she'd rather push it down the road.  So in this video, Mary Jane powers on only to pause for a few seconds, go to the front of the music-playing car and presses a button for a tune.  A brief little clap and dance and off she goes again!

She should be do for another walk at 4:30 or so but it is a bit windy out so I'd rather not see Mary Jane and Betsy Jo flying off into the wind like wannabe nannies in Mary Poppins.

Meanwhile the bunnies are hiding in their cages today.  It's a bit too windy for them and Phillip detests wet grass.

Get Your Running Out

Not quite sure if Miss Jill was selling it upon Mister John or watching the Marathon this morning, he thought, "Heck, I could do half of that."  But in either case he might be signing up for the half-marathon in Pasadena in a few months.  At least he'll know the roads as Miss Jill lived in Pasadena for many years before finally giving in and marrying Mister John.  And if he doesn't run... oh well, back to a lazy Sunday.  Pancakes?  Or something like that...

But then again if he does, maybe he'll get a cool running t-shirt like he did last year for the Palisades 5k.  Then again what are t-shirts anyway other than remembrances of things of the past?  Better than nothing!  Besides, a t-shirt with someone running on it makes one look ten pounds lighter.  Just don't be seen on TV otherwise you'll gain those ten pounds right back.

Cherry Bugg would be happy to get Mister John out of the house.  More time for her to flop in the living room.

The DudeManBro

Standing Tall

Nothing gives a little girl more of a calming influence than a favorite stuffed animal.  In Mary Jane's case, it's Paul the Panda.  He also goes by P2theP.  Don't ask, we're all just players in his theatrical production.

Paul originally came to our family via the Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Ever since then he has jumped to the top of Mary Jane's animal list.  We often thought it might be TV Turtle or Clifford but no, it's definitely the panda.  He has a hankering for "bambuu" as he spells it.  He loves to surf and spends most of his free time chilling in the back yard and working on his tan.

During the evenings though, he is primarily in the arms of Mary Jane.  If Betsy somehow comes across the soft furry panda, Mary Jane elicits a rare bit of jealousy and takes Paul away with a frenzied grab.

Dinner with P2theP

Paul also makes his way to the dinner table.  There's no way he's not getting in on some of the food.  He's lucky though.  Mary Jane often feeds him the rest of the bottle when she's done.  He doesn't complain much although at first he thought it was a bit awkward.  There's some sort of pride one feels when they are the most wanted.  And for the DudeManBro, that's what it's all about.

Proud Product Placement

No one in this proud is too proud to do a little promotion.  In this case, Mary Jane holds up a piece of taco from Tito's Tacos, a very well-known Mexican restaurant on the Westside.  Technically it's in Culver City but that's neither here nor there.  (Well, we live in Mar Vista which is the literal here nor there as it's between Santa Monica and Culver City.)

The basic taco was truly favored by our little girl.  Not too much salsa though.  Keep it moderated.  Mommy and Daddy both enjoyed tacos.  Mommy wanted a bean burrito but Daddy forgot to write that down on the menu list.  Not to worry, the family will go back again in another month or so.  Mommy's parents are big fans of Tito's so there are often apt to allow us to get some over the weekend.

Another Day for Smiling

Can't stop a happy girl from posing for pictures.

On the Road Again

Mary Jane is taking to the road every afternoon.  While she's supposed to be riding in the musical car (seen on your right), she prefers pushing it.  But late in the day as she tires, she either collects leaves or just pulls it along.

The rabbits have no say on this matter yet although Cherry Bugg does wish to have a taxi service on order.

Nothing Quite Like Chilling on a Lawn

Betsy Jo was looking splendid for the camera this weekend while Gramma and Grampa Kendall were visiting.

Happy Weekend from Betsy

 It's time for everyone to smile their Sunday best!