En Fuego

No, that's not a mushroom cloud - but it's pretty intimidating nonetheless. It's the smoke from the Station Fire - the first big forest fire they've had in this part of the San Gabriel mountains for almost 50 years. The fire is a 15 minute drive from our house and the air can get pretty smoky depending on which way the wind is blowing. The fire, coupled with the 100 degree temps, has forced us indoors the last few days.





There should be a 6,000 foot mountain visible in this picture taken in front of our house - instead, it's a huge billowing cloud of smoke. At night, it looks like a volcano.


The view from daddy's office on Friday.



-- Post From My iPhone

Riding Girl

Madeleine went to Griffith Park today for her first pony ride! She wasn't afraid of the horses and was quite content on her two laps around the riding circuit.

Saddle up!


Getting ready to mosey along.


Faster, daddy, faster!


Whoa, Nellie!


Before and after her pony ride, Madeleine had a blast riding the miniature train with Mommy and Daddy.


She loved feeling the wind in her hair and now understands why sunglasses come in handy.


Last stop - time to go home! It was only 85 when we finished at the park but it's on the way to 100 today - the afternoon activity will have to be indoors......


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Pool Party

Madeleine went to a pool party this afternoon for her friend Campbell, and she went "all in" with the theme of the afternoon. It was a tired and wet little girl who came home with mommy and daddy tonight!





Here's something you don't see every day - on our way to the party, we saw a peacock in the middle of the street.


And earlier today, at the Pasadena farmers market, Madeleine showed off her drumming skills with a very entrepreneurial musician who brings kid sized instruments and encourages the little ones to play along.


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First Haircut

Madeleine got her first haircut today at the baby gym, where they also do hair - who knew? Can't imagine our trainer cutting our hair at our gym.

Anyway, Mommy reports that she tolerated about 80% of it and didn't go completely postal for the rest, so we consider that to be a victory.

The big lock of curly hair in the front, which we assumed to be her bangs and which was the primary motivation for getting the haircut, still remains. The hair lady said the lock actually starts on the side and that it's a little too early to really trim the sides - so it's almost like Madeleine has a combover just like grandpa. Apparently the bangs haven't really grown in yet - again, who knew?

Otherwise, she trimmed up the rest and got rid of some split ends and tangles - took just a tiny bit off the big curl in the front - and now our girl looks even more beautiful!





-- Post From My iPhone

California Girl

Our girl has officially completed the last phase of becoming a Californian - the cool shades phase.

I'm cool, Mommy.


Let's roll, Mom, I've got to get to a party.


Just cruisin' in my hopped up ride.


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Unnatural Disaster

Madeleine's increasing independence includes a desire to feed herself more and more often. And when she is done with a particular portion of her meal, she lets us know by dropping or throwing it on the floor next to her high chair.

This is what happens when those two factors are mixed with yogurt.


The "hired help" aka Mommy trying to put the kitchen back together after Madeleine uses her yogurt as a discus in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.


The old apple never falls too far from the tree, and the yogurt goatee never gets too far either. Much like her mother before her, Madeleine really enjoys fully experiencing not only the taste and smell but also the touch of her food.


No remorse while Mommy cleans. Perfectly content to observe and no sense of cause and effect whatsoever. What a life!


-- Post From My iPhone

Busy Busy Busy

Here's how you spend your day when you are 19 months old. First, you do some shopping with your shopping cart.





Then, after a #2 that, scientifically speaking, was so big that only a 7 foot man should have been able to produce it, it was time for a wardrobe change. After the hazmat team finished up, it was time to read stories and rock in the rocking chair.


Then, after a too-short nap, it was time for lunch.


Like most American families, we of course followed lunch with the hallowed tradition of walking around with the newspaper on our head.





And parading around using a snorkel tube as a trumpet. Daddy thinks keeping up with this is even more of a workout than he gets from the personal trainer at the gym.





-- Post From My iPhone