At the park

I beat the boys home from work today! I was so excited that I got changed out of my dress clothes and was ready to go to the park as soon as they got home. (it was only about 15 minutes after me) But I've never beaten them home when working. Let alone with some beautiful weather and hours left of daylight! We headed down the street to one of the local elementary school playgrounds. We first headed to the back playground, but there were big kids jumping all over it and acting inappropriate. These kids were well over elementary age. They didn't even get out of the tunnel slide to let Gavin go down. One couple was snuggled in the tunnel with blankets and another was jumping crazily on the bridge shaking all the equipment. I was afraid to let Gavin near as the "suspension" bridge was jerking all around and these "kids" had no regard for a small child's safety. I was somewhat disturbed by the minors, but quickly realized that it would be better for us all if we just headed up to the front play area. This area is smaller and enclosed with a fence. Gavin ran circles around the sidewalk smiling away! This side was muuuuch better! After some running he decided to check out the slide. Sure are some steep steps there kiddo! (maybe mommy will help you up)

This next picture makes me chuckle because I can't stop thinking about how he sat at the top of the slide and then turned around the same way he goes down the steps. This is not how we use the slide Gavin...but whatever makes you comfortable:)
Yes, I let him win.
We jumped on the suspension bridge quick while the big kids stepped off. Gavin wasn't impressed with it.
Coming out...
and then going in again. Over and over and over again.
There isn't any toddler swings at the school...naturally, but someone really wanted to go for a swing.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I'm coming to get you Daddy!
He was running and running!
Run Forest Run! I won't be able to keep up soon! He has this tendency to stick his head out when he runs more often than not. Nope, can't explain it. He just does it. This picture is perfect!Peace!
My favorite of the week! Click on it. You'll love it!

Peek-a-boo!

The great outdoors!!

This past week has been unbelievably gorgeous outside! We have had temperatures in the 60s already this March!! Hip Hip Hooray. I knew it wouldn't last long so we had to take advantage of a few moments outside. It is a sign of welcoming weather soon :) There isn't much to say about some fun outside this afternoon. Our little curious boy wanted to touch the leaves, step in mud, run in the grass, and pick up sticks. What little boy wouldn't want to explore every inch of outdoors he could after a few months indoors. Summer's comin...and I can't wait!!

My favorite boys!

Couple new things

We've come upon the most amazing season to have canines. The end of winter beginning of spring season. The snow is finally melting and everything under the snow is showing. I bet you can't imagine what that is.....no...then you don't have dogs. I love our two big Labs. I also love having a husband who went outside to scoop 3 garbage bags full of, well, you know...

While Daddy was outside cleaning up, we stayed inside and cleaned up. The other best part of having dogs during this season is enjoying a muddy kitchen! If only all the raindrops really were lemondrops and gumdrops then my kitchen floor would have a chance!
So while I was mopping the muddy footprints up, Gavin thought he would play with the dog food a little bit. He likes to pick pieces up and feed them to the dogs. The dogs are very good with him.

The last few weeks we have been working very hard with picking up our toys and putting them away after we play with them. This also goes for books, socks, shoes, and sippy cups and food thrown on the floor while eating. Yes everyone, I make him pick up everything he throws now. It was quite a challenge in the beginning as he would throw himself on the ground rather than pick up the pieces of fruit or veggies under the table. However patience has been my virtue through it and now he picks things up with less of a fight AND there is less being thrown! So it was much to my dismay when he picked up the entire dog dish and scattered it ALL over the kitchen after I finished mopping. The little Stinker! Yes, I made him pick up every last piece as I stood over him. You don't think I was going to let my efforts go out of frustration at this point, do you? Especially since the broom and mop were so close at hand. Nope. This took a little more time and patience than food under the table, but we got it all cleaned up:)

This past weekend we also removed the high chair tray and he sits at the table like a big boy!! I love having dinner every night as a family. We have done our best to eat together every night at the same time. Routine does wonders for us all. Let's hope we can keep it up with all the changes potentially occuring around here over the next few weeks.

You can tell he is excited to sit up at the big table now!! My current patience activity...no feet on the table. Apparently since the high chair tray isn't blocking them from going up, they do just that. They constantly go up. It's almost like they have a mind of their own.

In case you were wondering.....

I just thought I would fill you in that I can't make up my mind on a blog layout. It really isn't that I like changing it every few days. I am in search of the perfect one. I will find it. Eventually.

StoryTime Live!!

Tonight we took Gavin to his very first show! The StoryTime Live Tour made it's way to the Stranahan in Toledo, and we were lucky enough to get some tickets! The show consisted of four mini-shows included the favorite characters from Kai-Lan, The Backyardigans, The Wonder Pets, and Dora the Explorer. Naturally, it was hosted by Moose and Zee. I had a hard time understanding Moose through quite a bit of the show, but the kids seemed to understand everything. They were yelling answers to puzzles, playing along with the characters, raising the arms, flying with Zee, and dancing in place. It was quite a sight to see. While Gavin is still a bit small, he enjoyed the show and watched intently. He was taking in everything! He even danced in his seat at the end while they all Moved to the Music.

Getting ready to go. Gavin finally wore the hat that I made him last month. It made me so happy! I think he just knew that it was the perfect occasion to sport the Rintoo cap.

I think he looks excited to be venturing out on a Monday night. What do you think?

Checking out everything and everyone in the lobby. I was glad he isn't at the age yet where he would whine and have to have the t-shirts, stuffed animals, and especially the glowing wands that ALL the kids had around him. Those items are seriously highway robbery! Fifteen bucks for a light up stick!! It was pretty cool looking though.....

We arrived at our seats about 10 minutes prior to start of show. Do you think he wanted to sit? Why of course not. He wanted to sprint down the aisles. He made several friends along the way up and down....and up and down...and up and down again.

The lights are flashing....show time! Everyone be quiet. At a kids show, are you kidding?!?! Everyone yell as loud as you can!! Jump up, scream, laugh, grin ear to ear, shove that last bit of pretzel in your mouth and get EXCITED!! (no need for the finger Gavin, thats not nice)

First up was Kai-Lan. We raised our hands and wiggled our fingers to tickle the sun to wake him up. Mr Sun rose and sent out bubbles! Sun fuzzies.

On our way to see the Monkey King.

I think the front rows got a little something extra once they arrived at the Monkey King's Palace. A couple kids down front were walked up the aisle in tears. Others were waving frantically. It's hard to say what is soooo very scary to a small child. It wasn't real smoke. They were in the clouds.

Here's our hosts. Moose A. Moose and Zee. But you can just call him Moose.

The Backyardigans had everyone singing.

During Intermission someone had a few pretzels and a glass of water. Surprisingly, he stayed seated.

It's "Puzzle Time" to find out who is coming up next. What starts with a W? Maybe if we all work as a team we can figure it out.....

You guessed correctly. The Wonder Pets were next. Ollie the bunny was there too. Ming Ming was not thrilled about this.

Dora was the final show of the evening. Do you see the castle she is trying to get to?

Everyone called for the Map to help.

Swiper, No Swiping was chanted 3 times. "Awww Maaaan", he said.

Dora made it to the castle and became Princess Dora. Dora was the hit of the night. All the kids became very excited to see this part of the show. You could just feel their energy all around.

Gavin was enthralled. Absolutely mesmerized by all the characters and activity. He was definitely taking in everything!

All the characters joined together to "Move to the Music" to end the show.

Even Gavin was dancing at the end :)

Big Yawn. This little boy was whooped while trying to get his coat on to head home.

Our first Live show was very successful! Thanks for coming to town Nickelodeon!