What's in a Name?

Mateo loves to hear stories (composed by mom & dad), especially about animals. Sea Animals are his favorite subject and he often contributes to the story line with characters and plot elements. Lately, he has offered new names for all of the characters, which are very inventive (and necessitate the story tellers writing them down so we can keep them all straight). The latest story about sea life starting preschool included the following cast of characters, all chosen and named by Mateo:

Pacific Sea Nettle Jelly (0ne of his favorite animals): Glappy
Moon Jelly: Hinkclue
Sea Horse: Sammy (mommy was allowed to name this one)
Dolphin: Applecumpicker
Octopus: Gunnihear
Horseshoe Crab: Goppigoppicanya

So... impressively creative, but we're not sure if we are going to ask him to name his little brother. :)

Yosemite 2010

Since February (when the reservations open) we have been planning a summer trip to Yosemite National Park with the Darcy crew.
It definitely lived up to the expectations,
and was very fun first "real" camping trip for Mateo.






Mateo pretty much spent the entire time enjoying nature, playing with his buddy Maya, and getting dirty. One of the popular activities was "fishing" in the small stream that ran behind the campground.
Another activity: Running around with as little clothes on as possible.

It was also Keira's first camping trip. Here she is test driving Maya's tricycle.

And baby makes 2 1/2. This pregnancy is not as well documented as the first, but you can see mommy with her big boy and another on the way.
A rare moment with Mateo sitting down.All of the Yosemite Kiddos: Keira (10 months), Lily (4 months), Mateo (2 1/2 years) & Maya (2 1/2 years). Note the coordinating outfits.

Babies: In Various Stages of Development (and their resting parents): Anita with "Pineapple", Casey with Lily, Jim with iphone, and Jen with Keira.Mateo & Maya, Holding Hands on the Way to Ice Cream. Par for the course. Those two really love each other.