Brockton Fair

A highlight of the summer here in the South Shore is the Brockton Fair (can you hear my sarcasm?). Ok, so it's not really a highlight - but it IS something to do on a nice summer day. Connor and I decided to go on Saturday with our friends, Jess, Brian, Layla, Quincy, and Brady. Connor was very well behaved as we explored the typical fair sights. He even had his first taste of some fair food. As usual, fair rides are ridiculously expensive, so we went on the Merry-Go-Round and that was all. Connor had a very contemplative look on his face like he was trying to figure out what was going on. He did seem to like it, though! We also played a game where he had to pull a duck out of moving water, but Mom ended up doing that for him. The good news is she won a beach ball!


Layla in the background.


Merry-Go-Round!

Connor and the beach ball Mom won.

If there was a prize for length of time staring at the ducks, Connor would have won for sure!

Yankee Doodle Boy

For the fourth of July weekend, we traveled to Bristol (VT) for the festivities with the family. Almost everyone was going to be home, including Kari and McKenzie from Georgia, Cullen & Ki from Boston, and Chris, Tracy, Benjamin and Madeline from Virginia. It was a family of reunion of sorts, and we had a wonderful time.

When we arrived on Friday, we headed straight over to Aunt Con's where she was having her annual Kiddie Bike Brigade. Everyone decorated bikes, strollers and wagons, and Connor made a one-of-a-kind T-Shirt (unfortunately, no pictures available at this time - it's such a unique design we were afraid someone might try to copy it). We then headed out for our "parade" down to the park and back. Unfortunately, it DID rain on this parade, but we walked anyway. The kids had a great time, and Connor was very content eating his Lil' Crunchies - until pictures at the bandstand. Then it was time to throw a fit (after all - what would YOU do if someone asked you to stand still?). Connor also got to share a wagon with his cousin, Lauren - who's Mommy was VERY pregnant, but still managed to walk with us (more on that later). Later that evening we enjoyed a BBQ at Aunt Colleen's, and then off to the fireworks. Even though it rained slightly, it wasn't TOO bad, but Connor did NOT like the fireworks. He watched the first few, and then one came with a very loud BANG and he buried his head in my shoulder and didn't look back. Oh well, maybe next year!

Saturday morning we hoped would turn out nice, but with only a few patches of sun, we were in for a mix of a day. It only sprinkled during the parade, and Connor only cried at the guns being fired (of course it was right in front of us, too), but the rest he seemed to watch. He didn't seem very into it, but he was content (by the way, have I mentioned his high pitched scream made its appearance on several occassions? This is new, and boy did he use it in Vermont!). At the family BBQ at Aunt Colleen's, Connor had everyone running after him (running towards the road is fun), and he needed a little "quiet time" with Grampy inside. He eventually fell asleep on Grampy outside, which was heaven for our ears, and much needed for Mr. Grumpy Pants. There was, however, much excitement as Koran and Greg headed up to the hospital as baby Cousino was ready to come out! With the exception of my brother, every one of Greg's cousins (and for those who don't know, there's 21 of us first cousins) were all there to hear the announcement. Reed Francis Cousino is now our official Fourth of July Baby! We send our biggest congratulations and much love to Greg, Koran and big sister, Lauren! What a special day!

Sunday was the trip home and it was a beautiful day (of course). Connor was able to get a little sidewalk chalk action in before we left. We had a very nice time with everyone - it's always nice to see the family and to see how much the little kids have grown.



Grampy taking Connor for a ride in the wagon.


Connor's sidewalk art.

Connor at the Fire Station with Grampy.

Riding in the Fire Truck!

Watching the Parade with Grammy.

Connor found this old jeep and wouldn't stop playing with it.

This hat lasted about 5 seconds on his head.

Connor and Lauren in the wagon.

Date with Layla and Twins

Today, Connor had a playdate with Layla and her brothers, Quincy and Brady. Although Quincy and Brady pretty much ate and slept, Connor and Layla kept things rolling. They ate lunch and then had some fun coloring together. There were times, however, when the babies would make themselves known (pretty much with grunts and snorts - too adorable). We hope the summer brings more playdates - the kids are too cute together!

The best pic! I believe this is Brady giving Mom a nice smile.


Layla creating her masterpiece.


And I believe this is Quincy. If I'm wrong - well, Jess will tell me.

Coloring together.

Cop a Squat

In about a day, Connor has learned how to climb up on the furniture. No chair, couch, love seat or table is safe from his climbing skills. He thinks it's even more fun when Mommy comes to take him off of the chair or couch. He hides his face in the furniture hoping I won't see him. This is a whole new chapter in the Book of Connor... and it's keeping Mommy on her toes. Today, for example, Mommy was in another room and Connor took off for his bedroom. When she got there, Connor was up in his rocking chair reading a book - looking like he'd done this a thousand times. I think we're in trouble!

Almost!

As Miley Cyrus says, "It's the cliiiiimb".

Oh...hey, Mom.

A little light reading.

Capron Park Zoo

Today Connor and I decided to get away from the ordinary and take a trip to the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, MA. It's a smaller zoo perfect for little kids, and perfect for Mom and Connor.

Our first stop was the Kangaroo's. They were basking themselves in the lack of sun, but I did manage to get a few of them up and around. This was the first time using my 70-300 mm lens, so a few pics are on the blurry side, but I'm not a professional so I'm not too bothered by it.

Next were the lions, which were by far Connor's favorite. I wish I could have gotten a picture of his face. All excited, and arms flapping in the air. I think they were the easiest animals to see up close - all others were hiding behind things. But these lions were BIG and close to us. Connor did have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a snake (which MOM even touched) but he had other plans.

We saw tons of other animals like the Sloth Bear, Snow Leopard, Wart Hogs, etc. The part that Connor loved was being able to walk around by himself (with Mom as an appendage, of course). He led us right to the llamas and goats which we could have fed if Mom had a quarter. Connor thought the goat was funny because they were the same height - he was literally eye to eye with him.

Another one of Connor's most favorite parts of the day was the bubble machine. The zoo had this random box, which looked like an old bird's perch, that kept producing bubbles. He LOVED it and stayed there for quite some time, (which his very odd for him - usually he likes to just RUN). After the bubbles we had some lunch and then explored the meerkats, orange monkey's and other fun animals.

On our way out of the park we had to hit the playground for a swing or two and a ride down the slides. Our day was topped off with a free ice cream at Friendly's when we got home. I'd say we had a VERY fun day! Check out all of the zoo pictures in the slideshow to the right.


Sleepy Snow Leopards.


Kangaroo Jack?


I think this lioness was posing for us.



Sloth bears playing.



Connor and his bubbles.

I forget the name of this cat, but it's a cat.

This Lemur was sunning himself just before this was taken.

It's a tough life, being the King of the Jungle and all.

I forget the name of this animal, too. But if you're truly interested I'm sure you could look it up. Starts with a B, I believe.

Swing time!

Up and Art 'Em

The past few weeks Connor has decided two things:

1) Climbing on everything is loads of fun.
2) Coloring on everything is loads of fun.

So needless to say we have been watching him a little more closely lately. In hopes of channeling some of his 'artistic' energy, Mom bought him a "new" easel at the second hand shop on Monday and he absolutely loves it. Luckily, Mom knows where to find free chalk, so he's been having a blast coloring the chalkboard that's on the easel. And the furniture. And the toys. And the cabinets. Pretty much any surface is getting a little piece of Connor art left on it. Thankfully it's only chalk and washes away in a flash, but it's very interesting to see the trail of chalk left by my little artist.

His other passion lately has been climbing on everything. Dog food bags, toys, things with wheels, foot stools, etc. He stands up tall and reaches out his arms (I'm sure this is baby sign for "look Mom, no hands!"). We have many outdoor toys he can climb on, but he insists on climbing the inside toys, too. Luckily his sense of adventure hasn't gotten him hurt yet...only his own two feet. In a few of these pictures you'll see a little chin injury - he tripped over his own feet the other day onto the kitchen floor, and that was the result. All I heard was a little "eh" and then he was back up and running. We had to bandage it up tonight because after his bath it started bleeding. He loves his superman band-aids, though!

Stay tuned for more adventures tomorrow - if it's nice out we're heading to the zoo (thanks for the recommendation, Megan!). I plan to take lots of pictures, so get those reading glasses ready, Grampy!


He's multi-tasking. Taking out a toy from the toybox while watching Miss Spider. The kid's talented, what can I say?


A little outside inspiration was needed.


Notice he's standing on the controls to his video game.


Check out his battle wound!


How big is Connor? Sooooo big!



Look Mom, no hands!

He can't decide if he's a lefty or righty. This day he was a lefty.

Memorial Day fun at Mimi and Papa's.

Standing on the bag of dog food to reach the CD player. Hey, at least he's resourceful!

Bubble time with Mairead. I love her face - she's SOOOO excited!

Taking after his uncles.

Mommy's Been Slacking...

Ok, so it's been about a month since my last post, but it's been a very busy month, so you'll have to forgive me. Connor has had a lot of fun this spring. The "playroom" (i.e. 3 season porch) is now open, so there's more room for him to play, and we purchased a new wagon for him to ride around in. He LOVES the wagon! It has seats and belts so he is secured while we ride around the cul-de-sac. He and Daddy were quite the pair as they rode around the neighborhood the first day we got it.

I am noticing a few "words" come out of Connor every now and then. Just this morning I heard him say "Duck" after they said the word on Blue's Clues. He also says "I did it" and ... of course, when he sees me, he says "Dada!". Go figure! He does say "Mum" when he REALLY wants something (like food). He mostly just motions for what he wants, though (for example, he just walked into the office, pulled on my sleeve and had me follow him into the living room where his "O's" were all gone... he wanted more!). I'm sure by the time he's 16 he'll be able to verbalize what he wants. :)

I posted some other random pictures that were taken this past month as well - enjoy!


It doesn't take long - learning to use the remote. Don't mind the leftover dinner all over his face!


Hmmm...guilty look! Notice all the books on the floor in the background.


Connor has learned to get on and off his fire truck all by himself!


And the dismount.

Sitting in a big boy chair all by himself.

Just relaxing...

Wrestling with Daddy. A few seconds after this was taken, Connor (in this same position) reached over and grabbed the pacifier that's on Joey's chest, and put it right in his mouth. All while upside down! It was too cute.

Riding fast in the wagon.