Japanese Garden

We've had superb weather here lately so a couple weeks ago we took a short stroll through the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. I didn't take many pictures of the actual garden, so this is mostly a log of Steve carrying Clark on our adventure. When the garden closed we let Clark wander around in the park and play near the train tracks. We're responsible like that.

First Trip to the Zoo

Clark had his first trip to the Houston zoo last week, thanks to some friends inviting us for a playdate (thanks again!). 

Mr. Clark did what he does best and pointed at everything he saw.

In the petting area he was much more interested in digging in the dirt than looking at the goats. Boys will be boys.

One is Fun

I love having a 1 year-old. This is such a fun age. Clark is really good at walking now, loves exploring outside, likes footballs, babbling, and the playground. He's old enough now to understand some things I say and follows some instructions. He loves pointing to things and can crawl in and out of his toddler chair himself. When he wants me to read to him, he brings me his books and makes himself at home in my lap. One is fun!

"Wizard of Oz People"

Last night we took to the streets as the "Wizard of Oz people", so aptly named by our trick-or-treating comrades. Our friends invited us to their neighborhood where were 3 in a sea of goblins, ghouls, and an excess of miniature Spidermen. To say it was a popular Halloween destination would be a huge understatement.

Since we were late getting home yesterday we almost ditched our costumes. I had gone to all the trouble of making my frock, though, so we got ourselves dressed up as planned. Besides, what else was I going to do with thrifted shiny red shoes?

We had a lot of fans as we went door to door. The occupants of the house below called us back to their door so they could take another look at our costumes. 

After trick-or-treating to a handful of houses, we rejoined our friends on their porch. Clark parked himself in front of the candy bowl and began passing out candy to the costumed kids. It was the cutest thing ever and the kids loved him.

Even though Clark can't eat his candy I think he had a great time giving it to others and being part of the mayhem that was Halloween. Thanks Jason & Rachael for inviting us!

Local {Toddler} Wildlife

While at the arboretum yesterday, we came across this ferocious beast:

This king of the jungle seemed very engaged in testing the groundcover, patroling his territory, and surveying his animal kingdom.

He seemed so cute and cuddly, though, we decided to take him home! 
If you couldn't tell, Clark is a lion this year for Halloween. I was literally one click away from ordering Clark a dog costume on a few occasions, but decided to try and make his costume last-minute. A trip to Joann's and a week later, voila. Mission accomplished!
For any curious seamstresses, I used McCall's pattern M6015 (.99!) in size ½ (commercial patterns tend to run huge in baby/toddler sizes) and modified the length using some of Clark's pj's as a guide. The headpiece took the longest and I feared he would destroy at least part of it and certainly not keep it on his head, but he's worn the costume for a trunk or treat activity, a playgroup, and a photoshoot so far and doesn't seem to mind the mane. He must be aware of how cute it looks around his already adorable face!