Special Report – Big Bear Firsts!

We spent a week with Mima and Papi in Big Bear last month. It was a lot of fun. You love your Mima so much and you really were in seventh heaven getting to hang out with her that much. We had a little one bedroom condo that we all shared, so it was cozy but kind of nice to be so close together. After you went to bed in the evenings Mima, Papi, Daddy and Momma all crammed on the hide-a-bed to watch episodes of Alias together, hehe. And of course we all did plenty of cuddling with you in the room too.

We did all kinds of things to keep you entertained. I love these pics of you wearing Mima’s glasses. You look so smart. And I brought along your baby stroller which you pushed all around the tiny living room, giving rides to Elmo, Cindy Lou (your My Little Pony Baby) and Merilee (you’re Cabbage Patch doll). And we took that stroller all over the grounds too.

They had these carved wooden creatures all over the grounds that you totally loved. Hugs and kisses for everyone, all the time. You have such a sweet, affectionate heart.

We were right on the water so we spent a lot of time going for walks around the grounds and looking at the water and all the ducks. I mentioned in my last post that you started “quacking” when you’d see them, and also learned to say “duh-ee.” 🙂

You would get so excited when we would get close to the water. You throw your shoulders back when you’re excited and can’t seem to walk fast enough. It’s cute. There was a little playground right on the water just a couple minute walk from our room. You swam, and slid, and swung, and put your feet in the water.

We had all kinds of first times with you during our trip. You fed the ducks for the first time. But you had a little bit of a hard time getting the hang of it at first. See, that bread was soooo tasty you had to sample quite a bit of it yourself before you learned to share.

At one point, you were holding your baby while we were practicing throwing rocks into the water and you got a little confused and threw Merilee in instead. 😀

You also had your first ride in a boat! And actually, it was also Momma’s first time in Mima and Papi’s boat, something we’ve been trying to get together and do for years. It was absolutely wonderful. I love being on the water. It took you a little bit of time to warm up to it. The first time you were a little frightened and kept your head buried in Mima’s shoulder the whole time we were out. But after a week of boating you were running around fearless with your newly developed sea legs. Papi even let you drive and honk the horn.

One afternoon we took a break from boating and visited the local petting zoo where you met your first goats. You loved it! Hugs and Kisses and Pets for all. I thought you’d be afraid (afterall, they were aggressive enough over the food in our hands that even *I* was actually a little nervous), but you were a total champ. You thought they were sweet and funny and you ran around and made friends with all of them.

It’s so fun to take you out on the town. Downtown Big Bear was no exception. You love running around and you’re really well-behaved. You hold our hands when we’re near the street and you will stay close to us when we remind you not to wander too far. You have pretty much learned to be gentle with the flowers outside (you rarely still pick them), and when we’re indoors you are usually gentle with all the store goods. You touch everything, but usually in a way that I can let you. You’re amazingly respectful for a 21 month old. You still pose for me which is super adorable, and you copy everything I do. The photo below where you’re kneeling is my favorite one of you right now. You got down like that because I got down like that to take your pictures. And you’re looking at me with those soulful eyes to make sure you’re doing it right. So sweet. You can see yourself patiently waiting and posing for Momma while Daddy and Mima checked out the listings on the window of one of the real estate offices downtown. It’s one of mine (and Mima’s) favorite passtimes to watch you explore. You are always the bell of the ball. So many people comment on how cute you are. It’s more than your physical appearance. I’ve said it before. You are VIBRANT. It’s so much more than just cuteness. Your cuteness comes from inside of you. You’re special, a stand out. And people take note.

We spent one afternoon checking out the local farmer’s market where you had your first snow cone. Yum. You shared with Daddy.

And another afternoon we drove out to Lake Arrowhead. Papi was a good babysitter so the rest of us could shop. Yes, even Daddy. He likes to shop as much as Momma does. And when we were done shopping, you got to go on your first train ride, your first carousel ride, and licked your first unicorn lollipop. And you fed more ducks with Daddy’s help too.

You were soooo serious about the rides, but no tears. I was so proud of you! That little train was something you had to do on your own. And you kept your hands firmly gripping the sides and didn’t crack a smile the entire ride. hehe. But you did like ringing the bell when the train stopped. I  love you for trying new things and being so brave. You always surprise me.

Here we are together while on one of our walks around the condo grounds. I love you so much baby girl! And in a couple weeks we’re going to the Ocean. Nothing was as fun or interesting before there was you. You make everything better. We are so, so blessed.