Bubbles, Baskets, & Balls

I took Afton to a free Play & Learn class at Gymboree today. He was quite shy at first and didn't even want to walk into the play area. He wedging himself between the counter and the gate so well that I had to pry his white knuckled hands free so I could get him inside. Then he saw the balls. Shyness dissipated. He watched another boy make baskets in the small hoop near the balls. He then promptly did the same. On tippy toe and using his finger tips, he got the ball in. I'm still calling it a slam dunk.

There were also bubbles. The teacher sang a song and blew bubbles at the kids. Afton always makes this cute squinty-eyed face when bubbles are blown at him. Super cute. The bubbles collected on the mats, slides, balls, and even on the kids (and parents) hair. Afton took it upon himself to pop as many as he could. It didn't matter that the class had moved on to other activities. That boy is crazy for bubbles. He even loves saying the word.

I must say that he really enjoyed most of the class. The parts he was not so fond of include the parachute (which was always my favorite in PE, but then again I wasn't 16 months old), the slide tunnel thingy, and the balance on the rolly tube part. He would have been happy with just bubbles, baskets, and balls.

In (Cooking) Heaven

After picking up an awesome black Calvin Klein suit for Nippon at Macy's, we strolled along toward the children clothing section. On the way we passed by the cookware and kitchen appliances. We have been needing new cookware FOREVER and stopped to look as we always do. There was this beautiful 10-piece set calling our names. Oh the delicious creations I could make with such a set! The store clerk saw the yearning in our eyes and swiftly came to give his shpeel. The set came with a free 5-quart dutch oven and a 7 piece kitchen tool set. (!!!) We decide to walk over to the kids clothing to think about it. This did not take long. We are now the proud owners of a Calphalon Unison set. YAY! Unfortunately (or maybe not) they didn't have the kitchen tool set, so they told us to pick something of equal value ($50). We chose a round grill pan. Sweeeeeeet!

Now I ask....is it weird that I'm this excited about cookware? I tell you no. These pots & pans are fantabulous. The food cooks faster, tastes better, and they look amazing. This purchase is right up there with my Dyson Animal Vac. Pure heaven.