Daddy took a day off!

A much needed one, at that. He slept in, had a big breakfast, went swimming with me and Riley, took a nap, played with Riley, had sushi, went out for a drink with Marcus and Kristie, and will be home soon. Now, I'd call that a good day off! Riley and I really enjoyed it, too. Thanks, dad!

Here is a little video of some of those new Riley antics I mentioned in previous blogs. Enjoy!



Also, welcome back from Hawaii, Jen and Coral (and Chris)! Here are my two favorite photos from your collection, although there are TONS of good ones (yes, I did enjoy going through all 293 photos!!):




Yesterday, Riley and I went for a long walk through GG park. On our way home, we passed by three older gentlemen in roller skates, sweeping off a parking lot to do some skate dancing. They were good, and Riley loved watching them! Check out that fog rolling in... these guys don't need any fake props!




She was captivated...





Yesterday, Russell came home early from work and met us at the beach. He has some photos up on his blog, but I'll have a really great video later this week. Stay tuned....

Food, glorious food

Riley gave herself a great oatmeal-do during breakfast yesterday.



And today, she tried raisins.



She did a little dance:





And got a bitter one:




But all in all, the raisins were a hit!



That is all I have right now... too tired. Nitey-nite!

More funny antics... and more catching up

She got a new purse! It's Hello Kitty, and she loves it. Carries it everywhere. She got so excited when I showed her that her monkey (or anything else) could go inside.




Before we wnet to see daddy in his new office the other day, we went to the playground. She loves playing in the sand and watching the other kids.




Riley's been super-busy learning stuff. On her own. Check out these funny behaviors:





What else? Well...
• say the words 'peek-a-boo', even in a book, and she'll cover her eyes with her hands
• ask where her tongue is, and she sticks it out and laughs
• ask where my tongue is, and she sticks her finger in my mouth
• ask where her belly button is, and she puts her finger in it
• ask her where my belly button is, and she gives it a zerbert
• tell her to kiss anything, and she will
• tell her to find her ball and kick it, and she will (daddy taught her that trick!)

I'm sure there's more that I'm just not thinking of right now.

She has a little bit of a diaper rash, so after her bath tonite, we let her run around sans-diaper. She LOVED it. We did too... what a cutie-pie! Check out this Solid Gold dancer... Darlene would be proud!!





More catching up...
Here are some funny photos of Riley and her friends from the Riley/Russell birthday bash. This camera was one of Russell's gifts from me and Riley, and he has gotten some good use out of it so far. Check his blog for more fun shots.



Riley with Rohan, one of her many boyfriends:


Grammy:


Grandpa:


Chelsea:


Gina and Emilia:


Ramona:


Mason:


Isaac:


Sebastian:


Mommy and friends:



And to end with, here she is, figuring more stuff out, I'm sure:



I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...

Lots to report... the Bongards are here!

We have been hanging out for the last few days with Grandma and Duke, the Toronto contingency of Riley's elders. We've been having a great time, shopping and eating... nothing better! We've had amazing dinner at Boulevard (I highly recommend this restaurant for any special occasion), and Plumpjack (not so much, but was still very good). Here is one of Riley's birthday presents from the Bongards. She LOVES this chair for reading:




There are some nice photos of Grandma and Duke with Riley, but I'll have to steal them from Russell (I haven't been taking any), but for now, check his blog. Skip the Barbie photos at the top... that was a totally crazy art exhibit we viewed in Hayes Valley today. It was one of the nuttiest things I've ever seen, for sure...

Riley has decided she likes sunglasses, like her daddy does. She kept carrying them around, trying to put them on. She was very happy when I helped her out.




Then, she ate her little ducky.



The next day, we went for a walk around the neighborhood. I love our hood for that. It's so safe for a new walker. Except for the fact that she kept trying to taste the concrete. She's so aware of everything. She stoops down to feel every different texture on the ground. And then eat it. Yoy. Here is Riley, enjoying the day.





Now, to backtrack a little. Back to grammy/gramps visit. The day after they arrived, Riley had her big opening at Hang Gallery. She was a huge hit... the gallery was packed, and everyone wanted to meet the star of the show. It was amazing. The paintings were so well recieved, and Riley had the time of her life. It was, after all, All About Riley-Belle!!!

Here we are in front of the painting we bought:



And here are lots of other photos:








And thanks so much to Jen and Coral for making the trek... Riley was SO thrilled to have you two there! Riley had THE FUNNIEST fit of laughter I've ever seen... she was falling over with tears running down her face... I wish it was caught on tape, but we JUST missed it. Anyhow, here are the gals. What shit-disturbers. For real.




In case you're interested, the show is up until the end of August. Hurry to see it! I promise, you won't be disappointed.

I still have some catching up to do, but hopefully this will hold you until then.
xo