More Zach In The Box

Zach and Ty play in Zach's new sandbox Tuesday evening. Our neighbor Paul, who is a master wood worker and Zach's good buddy, made it. It fits nicely on our front porch. Zach likes to play in it when it's cool outside. Come fall, he'll be spending a lot of time in his sandbox.

Photo Finish

Zach's last day of swim lessons was today. He passed with flying colors.

His instructor, Miss Haily (above), said Zach can either advance to the next level of Pike (from Pike A to Pike B), or if he starts swimming real good with his arms and his legs in the next coupla weeks, he'll be ready to swim with the Eels.

Miss Haily says she liked Zach's class so much that she's going to see about teaching the Pike B class.

Zach really likes Miss Haily.

Something tells Mommy that Zach's gonna be in the Pike B class.

Stay tuned. We'll know in a few weeks, when swim classes resume at the Y.

Babe Ruth, Meet Baby Zach

Since the age of 2, Zachary has enjoyed stepping up to the (chalk-drawn on the driveway) plate and swinging the bat.

Mommy and daddy encourage batting practice as a less-destructive alternative to hitting other things, like mommy and daddy, with a stick.

He’s a line-drive hitter who goes to all fields.

He does jack the occasional long ball over the neighbors’ fence, however, and gets the biggest kick from doing so. Even at his young age, he seems to realize that chicks dig the long ball.

Here’s a video of a recent BP session. Note daddy bravely pitching without a protective screen (Zach enjoys nailing daddy with a frozen rope almost as much as he enjoys depositing a dinger in the right field stands) and the home run trot around make believe bases after his last swing.

No Jacket Required

Zach is doing really well with his swimming lessons.

He's starting to swim without his life vest.

Michael Phelps, watch out!

Check him out:

"The Zach Attack" Turns 1 Today

All together now:

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear "The Zach Attack."

Happy birthday to you.

Mommy can hardly believe it's been one year since she launched "The Zach Attack.''

A lot has been documented during that year.

Let's look back at some of the highlights:

1. Zach got his tonsils out and developed a taste for pricey Starbucks vanilla bean Frapuccinos , fueled by a $50 gift card from Grandma Natalie.

2. Zach celebrated his 3rd birthday with a party attended by all of his good friends.

3. "Drake and Josh" has been edged out by "ICarly" as Zach's favorite TV show.

4. "Shrek 2" continues to be Zach's movie of choice.

5. Zach still likes to rock out to "We Will Rock You."

6. The "Hannah Montana" soundtrack has been replaced by Kidzbop.

7. The county fair came to town, where Zach rode the mechanical bull, both times without falling, and had a blast on the bungee trampoline.

8. There was also a family trip where Zach battered Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck (all in good fun, of course). Check out the videos, if you haven't seen them.

9. Zach learned how to ride a tricycle.

10. Zach caught his first fish. (If you squint, you can see it in the picture).

One thing for sure, Zach will continue to provide fodder for this blog and we hope you will continue reading.

Here's to another year of "The Zach Attack."

Zach In The Box

Yeah, yeah. Not the clearest of photos, but Mommy couldn't resist the pun.

Go Daddy, Go!

Not to be outdone by Zach, 3, Daddy gives the scooter a whirl -- with less than stellar results.

Check out this video and see for yourself.

Scootin'

Check out Zach riding a Razor Powerwing scooter for the first time.

Out With The Bang

Zach went with Mommy and Daddy to the annual Fourth of July parade downtown this morning.

We ended up leaving soon after the parade started.

The reason: Zach is terrified of loud noises.

So when the Army veterans started shooting blanks as they passed by in their military vehicles, Zach got scared and urged us to take him home.

"No more shoot," he cried, cupping his hands over his ears.

He also didn't like the Shriners in their little cars and loud horns.

The little guy was having a miserable time, so we left.

The experience wasn't all that bad, though.

Zach got to hang out with his friend Sean for a little bit, talk to clowns, eat candy and show his patriotic spirit.

Spongebob Bigpants

Zach has been wanting to wear his new Spongebob swim trunks ever since Mommy bought them for him several weeks ago.

Mommy got them a size too big, thinking he'd grow into them later in the year.

Unfortunately, Zach's waistline has sprouted faster than his little legs, thanks to his affinity for candy, cookies and all of the rest of the junk food group.