Running for it

I'm debating about posting this for fear it will jinx. That said, I'm going for it in hopes the opposite will occur on Tuesday (yes...they're calling for snow again).

So here's a quick shot of A. He's literally charging down the path behind our house so we can go play with the rocks and let Fella run. I love it. All kids need to get their energy out and outside is the best place for that, no doubt. But this yo-yo weather is killing us. We just need to run! 

So here's hoping the weather forecast is wrong. I literally fell on my tail last week and greatly hurt it, (DaDoc says no running for a little while) and the thought of more snow and/or ice makes me cry. 

Please, Spring. Stay. We all need to run free and bask in the warmth.

Put me in the ZOO!

One of our more favorite books is "Put me in the Zoo." Well Saturday we went with some friends to the National Zoo for A's first visit there! DC did not disappoint with its random closure of various streets and no signage, but we did at least get a some time to wander around and see the sea lion with tricks...

And the red spoonbill up close...

And the largest freshwater fish in the world...

And of course ride the carousel :)

We saw some monkeys, frogs, bears and other fun stuff too. But yeah...we can't wait for our next trip!

Happy Face

Recently a neighbor drew a happy face on the stump of a tree. Now, every day when we pass it on our walk, A asks to see the happy face. 

The happy face makes me happy. It clearly makes A happy. But more importantly, it reminds me that sometimes the littlest things can make is happy. Sometimes just smiling will make us happier. 

A has started saying "I'm happy!"It's cute and shows he is starting to put words with emotion, which is a big developmental step. I think sometimes as adults, we underuse this statement. Why not say it once in a while? I'm not saying it will change your mood completely, but a little happiness goes a long way for everyone. 

Cleanin' House

Well, we've listed our house on the market and are eagerly awaiting what lie away. We're not looking to move far, so don't worry about that! 

But one thing we've learned with this is that we sure have gathered a lot of stuff over the last 4 years, and that it feels good to make some more space around here. 

Just look how much A is enjoying having a clean and open basement!

He and Fella can play fetch

And he can push his tractor around like crazy.

Guess we'll have to find another house with a huge open area to run around on cold snowy days :) 

The Big Snow

Well we finally got our big snow this winter - 14" give or take. This gave A a real chance to try it out. 

Kyle went and picked up a sled for the occasion. 

Looks like he's having fun right? Well, unfortunately not. He wasn't a big fan and almost immediately wanted to go inside because it was cold. 

Nothin' says snow day to me like some hot chocolate :)

We tried going back out the next day (clearly it wasn't going to melt overnight, and in fact it snowed another inch or so). Luckily it was much warmer. I decided against sledding though and went to snowman action instead. 

He approved :) 

Cleaning House

In honor of our great President and President Orlande visiting Charlottesville today, we decided to clean the house. Well, not really. But A is pretty great at helping with chores, so here are a few action shots. 

I personally hate to clean, but I also think it is important that we teach our little ones how to pick up after themselves. There are all sorts of lists out there that recommend age appropriate chores. I find this kind of silly because it could be limiting. (Just be sure to remove the knives from the dishwasher!) If he wants to help, I say "bring it on!" He'll be a cranky teen soon enough :)

No Fear

I wonder where and when kids learn fear. I sincerely hope that A never truly fears for anything, though I realize that is impractical. For now at least, his fearlessness amazes me. The smallest kid in the place and yet he climbed all the way up two giant play structures last weekend. I won't lie...I wish I could have joined him (for the thrill of course)!

(Look for him in top middle of the picture...white Tshirt going into the tunnel.)

And now get ready for the big one...(in yellow)

Oh to be a kid :)