Well we have had a really great day.  It actually started yesterday - we enjoyed a gorgeous day at the park, came home for a bit, and then headed downtown for dinner at that cool place that overlooks the falls.  It was so nice out and we just enjoyed some wine and dinner.  Grady had a blast because we sat outside and he could see everyone at the park, dogs (which he will point at and say "woo woo" - can't get the "f" out yet), other diners.  There was a 19 month old at the next table that kept flipping out, they had to take her out of the highchair many times, etc.  I felt very lucky that G loves hanging in the highchair!

Last night we sat out on the screen porch talking and relaxing.

This morning G got up around 7:30 and we let him have his Easter basket right away.  He actually pulled things out one by one and checked them out.  He got a ton of toys from the ILs - a few books, a couple puzzles, a dancing Easter bunny, and a whole bunch of clothes.

Then we did his Easter egg hunt.  He didn't REALLY get the concept, but once he realized there were fruit chews inside, he just wanted to eat them all!  He would find one, open it, and just stand there eating all the chews - so funny.

While G took a nice long nap we made brunch - fruit salad (mango, canteloupe, strawberries), fritatta, glazed ham, cheesy baked grits, and mimosas.  When he got up we all ate - he had fruit and ham.

After brunch we went to the zoo, where we had a great time.  The funniest part had to be when G saw this little girl (she happened to be just his age) and ran over to her, all smiley.  He then proceeded to hug her again and again and AGAIN.  It was hilarious and they drew a crowd :)

Tonight we had the cake I made and are just relaxing.  The ILs leave tomorrow evening and Eric doesn't have to work, so we may go to the outlet mall. 

I have a ton of great photos so I'll post them soon!

travel: looks like E and I may be heading to Puerto Rico.  I know, we were going to do this last fall, but that fell through when I couldn't bear to leave G.  I am feeling like this summer would be a good time.  There are some gorgeous resorts, it is in this country (so phone calls home would be easier), there are beautiful beaches and rainforest, and it is a really romantic place.  We could stay at my good friend's condo for free (it's their second home so they wouldn't be there).  It is beachfront, but I think I would rather try a resort.  We could always leave that as an option with G in the future.  We are thinking og late June/early July, when they get very little rain.  I just need to run it by my mom before we book anything, since she will be watching G.

word of the day: I am going to try to keep up with the new things G is saying by writing them in here.  Yesterday we were at Target, and we went by an Elmo Easter basket.  Grady started pointing wildly, doing the sign for "more" (which he basically uses as "I want") and saying "Elmo, Elmo"  This went on every time we passed something Elmo (and there is lots of Elmo).  Luckily, I had already gotten him a little Elmo doll who is dressed as a bunny to go in his basket.

Easter: I am excited to have company!  My menu for Easter brunch is complete.  Here it is:

spiral ham
pepper and cheese fritatta
fresh bagels and cream cheese
cheesy grits
fruit salad
mimosas
lime icebox cake (for dessert - very time consuming, but it is my specialty and E chose it since his B-day is in a few days)

The nice thing is that G can eat a lot of those things right along with us (but no mimosas for him!).

I am all excited about giving him his basket.  I have the PBK basket with his name embroidered on it from last year.  Inside I will put: water shoes for the summer, Elmo doll, plastic eggs with fruit chews inside, Crayola washable markers and tub crayons, a FP Little People Easter boy, an Easter lift-the flap book. I think there may be more, but I forget.