My 2 1/2 Year Old Fish

I'm so excited for Kariana! This week at swimming lessons her instructor had her swimming from the step to the platform all by herself. A few of the other parents even commented and asked "how old is she?" This week Kariana is officially 2 1/2 years old and she is swimming like a fish.

This is a video I took of Kariana swimming with Grandma on Easter. I'm posting it to compare her progress at the end of the summer. It's April and we've been swimming in the pool for over a month but I can't wait to see how she's doing at the end of the summer. I'll post another video in August. Maybe swimming lessons are paying off after all!

Easter 2011

Kariana had a fun filled Easter. We dyed Easter eggs for the first time. A bit of a challenge with a two year old but we managed to dye some colorful eggs. Saturday night after bath and before bed we went downstairs to put Kariana's Easter basket out for the Easter Bunny. Kariana decided to hang it on the front door. The Easter Bunny surely wouldn't miss it there. The Easter Bunny came through with a pink scooter for Kariana. She'd been asking for a pink scooter, but right before Easter weekend seemed to have changed her mind and wanted a puppy. I'm not sure who is the culprit, but no puppy this year. Despite being a little groggy on Easter morning, Kariana quickly woke up and jumped to see what the Easter Bunny brought her. We all cleaned up pretty nicely and went to Easter service. Afterwards, the kids had another Easter egg hunt at the church and we spent the afternoon swimming in the pool.

Don't let this picture fool you. Dad does not get credit for dying Easter eggs.

Look what the Easter bunny left for Kariana!

Trying to wake up.

What did Grandma Carlson send?

Say "Cheese!" Aunt Kari knows we love the Berenstain Bears.

A Paddington Bear just like Daddy's when he was little.

Grandma & Pop Pop

Family shot!

Kariana with her hot pink scooter and sunglasses!

Practicing swimming with Grandma!

Rough weekend!

Good Friday and the Houston Zoo

Kariana and I spent the morning at the Houston Zoo. This kid never ceases to amaze me. She knew everything she wanted to do and almost knew where to find it. She's been to the zoo a few times but it's not like she goes all of the time. When we first arrived, she told me she wanted to ride the "red train" but that she wanted to do that "last." Mom followed orders and we rode the red train at the end. As we first entered the zoo and casually walked by the reptile house on our way to the African Safari, she pointed and asked "are there snakes in there?" I think she was telling me and not really asking. As soon as she saw the elephant exhibit, she started running and pointing her finger shouted "where's baby Baylor." Last time we were at the zoo we watched the zoo keepers give baby Baylor his morning shower with the hoses. Kariana spotted the carousal from a distance and wanted to ride. I hadn't even noticed it yet and was more focused on the giraffes. At times I think Kariana was more interested in climbing on, under, over and around things than seeing the animals, but she enjoyed brushing the goats in the petting zoo.

Annual BPMOYC Easter Egg Hunt

Kariana seemed eager to meet the Easter Bunny this year! She keeps telling us she wants the Easter Bunny to bring her a scooter. We'll see.

Kariana and her friend Sophie pose for a picture.

Surveying her loot!

Kariana and her friend Arie with the Easter Bunny.

Kariana, Sophie and Sophie take a break.

Houston Fire Museum

On Saturday, Kariana was invited to a birthday party at the Houston Fire Museum and I have to report that it was a great place for a birthday party. The kids dressed up in miniature bunker coats and helmets. There is a mock Fire Engine cab with working emergency lights and an authentic fireman's slide pole. I also noticed the Museum did a great job of promoting fire safety and fire planning, but I'm afraid it went over most of the kids' heads as they were too busy screaming "Fire . . . Fire . . ." to hear anything that was said. All in all the kids had a blast and I would highly recommend it.

Fire Chief Carlson receives a call and descends the pole to don her fire fighting gear.

Fire Chief Carlson boards the Fire Engine suited in her gear.

Fire Chief Carlson giving orders to the driver. Does this remind you of anyone?

Taking a well-deserved break for some birthday cake.