Damien Visits Maga and AyeAyeAye

D had the opportunity to return to LA to see Maga and AyeAyeAye and Aunts Candy and Pam. He arrived to quite the toddler paradise created by Grandma Linda (Maga). There were Elmo and Thomas balloons, books, toys, dolls. There was a new swing, TWO easels, a sand box, chairs, a playhouse, ride on toys, pull toys, push toys, balls, books, cars. It looked like a preschool. D was thrilled (thank you Maga). He had a blast with all the stuff, but mostly with his beloved extended family - who all squeal and scream and clap with everything he does! He is king of the castle in LA, and loves it. Thankfully, he slept very well in his own room. Auntie Pam slept on a blow-up bed in the living room so he could have his own room and Momma and Papa could have Aunt Pam's room (Thank you Pam). It was such a fun trip, despite the little rain on the last day (which caused snow on the Grapevine and shut it down, almost stranding the Craigs). Thank you Kleins.

The side yard play area.

D's custom play rocket ship, with pictures, elmo doll and elmo balloon, you outdid yourself Maga.

Lovin his new swing!

And sand is always a winner.

Our little Picasso.

Who didn't love (surprisingly) to be so messy. But, luckily, water play was at his finger tips.

Enjoying the beautiful LA weather and Maga's company.

Yay! Outdoor play in the sun is fun.

Fascinated by the mini watering can.

A short moment with Papa (who doesn't get a lot of face time with D at the Kleins!)

Dinner with AyeAyeAye

Somebody loves his Grandpa and Oranges (in that order)!

I'm so grown up now. Lovin a park in Beverly Hills.

How most photos turn out these days! Give me -- "Mine."

Deconstructing Momma's wallet on the long drive home from Beverly Hills, darn LA traffic.

Watching over the Klein household.

Hmmm, what kind of trouble could I get into.


What, who me? Hahhahha (in evil laugh tone).

Damien Rings in the New Year in LA

Well, Damien has been up to a lot - but Mommy's been busy. Hopefully she'll have time to go back and update the last few months, but instead of waiting for that ... we are marching on.

The Craigs made a last minute decision to spend New Year's weekend in Los Angeles to go see the Oregon Ducks play in the Rose Bowl and spend time with family and friends. Thanks to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Richard, and Aunties Pam, Candy and Crystal, Mommy and Daddy were able to have a night away for New Year's Eve and spend a glorious day watching the Ducks WIN the Rose Bowl - thank you Grandma Collete for making the game a possibility.

Damien had a blast with his extended family. He was particularly in love with Grandpa Richard, and followed him around like a lost puppy. It was adorable. Damien also enjoyed the wide open spaces, grass, play structure, dirt, and MANY toys and balls grandma got him. All that running around - we kept this active little monster outside as much as possible - made him exhausted, so he napped and slept well! It was a terrific way to ring in the new year. THANKS KLEIN FAMILY!

Pensive (and tired) boy.

Those eyes!

All smiles during lunch.

Somebody loves to give kisses.

Water play in January!!!

Somebody loves water.

Basking in the warm sun.

Our nature boy!

Damien Has His First Weekend at His Grandparents

Damien jetted off to LA again. Mommy had a bachelorette party to attend in San Diego over labor day weekend. Unfortunately, Momma back was not in good shape, and Papa was away for a week at Burning Man, so Momma took Damien down earlier than scheduled (Wednesday night) to get some help from the Klein crew. Damien received a King's welcome by his fan club. He didn't sleep a wink on the plane (it was an 8:30 flight) and was so excited to see everyone, he didn't get to bed till 11pm! It was a rough night as well, as D does not like to share a room! After the first night, aunt Pam made him a CD of rainfall to drown out the dogs and Klein family noise, and Momma slept in the living room - he slept like a champ every night after the first!

Damien LOVED the pool, and went for daily swims with various members of the Klein crew. He also loved playing with his grandparents and aunts in the toy pit Grandma Linda created (with a TON of new toys). Grandma Linda also took him on a few walks up and down the looong driveway (not really a neighborhood with sidewalks to walk on). He had a blast, and didn't seem to really notice when Momma left him for 2 nights. Momma had a much harder time! Thanks Klein family for taking such good care of Little D.

Another new "car" - this one plays lots of music. D loved it.

D also loved these stacking cups and especially silly Grandma when she would put them on her head, or her face.

Grandma found D's same bath tub - so he got to enjoy his baths outside in the warm weather!

Having a BLAST swimming with Grandpa.

Giggles galore.

Snuggling with Crystal (celebrating her birthday) and loving the dogs.

More water play - Damien splashes Grandma!

We have a water baby for sure!

I love Grandma and Grandpa's house! (D took a tumble on the carpet under Momma's care, and had a little boo boo on his nose).

This caterpillar rocker is fun! Grandma gets the best toys.

Damien Hangs with the Kleins

Way back in early August, the Kleins came to visit their favorite little boy. Grandma and Grandpa let Momma and Papa go away for their first night away - a night in the Napa Valley. Momma and Papa enjoyed champagne, oysters and sleep! While Damien got to enjoy Grandma Linda, Grandpa Richard, Aunt Pamela and ALL the new toys Grandma Linda brought (they had to tie a big bag to the roof rack!). A great time was had by all.

Enjoying his new "car" and silly Grandma

Enjoying new bowls and a smitten Grandpa

Damien loves balloons.

Up to some mischief with his monkey and another new "car"

Lookin dapper boys

The proud grandparents with their angel

Showing Grandma his favorite sandbox

Snuggles with Auntie Pam

Damien loves to give open mouth kisses!

Damien Richard and Grandpa Richard

Grandpa Richard came back to visit Damien Richard for a work/play weekend. He had to go to a Arthritis Foundation walk in Sacramento, so he flew up on Friday afternoon and left on Sunday afternoon. Damien was delighted to spend special time with his grandpa. Momma was so happy to have all her boys together. Grandma Linda hijacked Grandpa's suitcase and brought up many new clothes and toys (thank you Grandma Linda)! Damien is a lucky boy.

Grandpa was on baby duty Friday afternoon, bottle is a good way to start!

Reading Thomas the Tank Engine Book Grandma bought him.

Loving the swing in the park.

Damien sure loves his swing.

Checking out the kids at the park.

Lots and lots of smiles.