Around Here.

I've been trying to find fun things to do locally with Harper.  It's been challenging to say the least, mostly because of her age.  There are plenty of things to do for kids that are about 4 or 5 and up, but for toddlers there's not a whole lot going on.  But I've managed to find a few interesting things to do:

Strawberry Festival (we go to this every year, though)

Family Day at Saint Mary of the Woods College

Alpacas!

In a helicopter.

Learning to compost.

We have things planned just about every week (visiting Dobbs Park and the Native American Museum there, camping at some of the parks, arts and crafts and story time at the library and book store, and some community band concerts).  Plus we have a three week vacation to Vermont and California planned (and we're riding the train to California!) so we have a lot going on!  If you read this and you're local, let me know of anything that's going on!  I know some of you are always out doing things!

Fishing.

Last week a new park opened nearby that has a pond (small lake?) for fishing.  The park itself isn't spectacular right now as they haven't finished the landscaping and whatnot, but Wade is excited.  We went the second day it was open he was so excited.  We had bought Harper a fishing pole a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of going fishing so we seized the moment and went fishing.  Unfortunately, the weather turned a bit chilly and windy and Harper was due for a nap.  I think she lasted roughly 10 minutes before the crankiness won over her and we walked around the park until she passed out.  But I definitely feel we will be back shortly.

Last Week.

:: Say hello to Stanley ::

:: Curious about chickens ::

:: Things are sprouting in the garden ::

:: Playing ::

Memorial Day Weekend (through iPhone pictures)

our weekend included: 

breakfast at Starbucks (yum!):: going to the park with momma and daddy :: momma in her hat :: harper in momma's hat :: spending time with papa :: swimming for the first time this year :: strawberry shortcakes for dessert :: more poolside time

Happy Friday.

It's been pretty quiet around here lately.  We've been spending most of our time outdoors playing, gardening, planting, caring for the chickens, and just enjoying the warm weather. I've been enjoying the break from school (although that's coming to an end soon).  I've caught up on some reading (I'm belated, but I have finally read The Hunger Games and am almost through Catching Fire), laundry, cleaning, and relaxing.  Harper is just growing and developing at an astonishing rate.  Her vocabulary has exploded over the past couple of weeks and she's talking in (almost) complete sentences.  She, as always, absolutely loves being outside as much as possible.  She's in a clingy, shy stage and a "mine" phase that we're working on.  We've had some trying days lately as she's testing her boundaries more and more, but as stressful as those days are, they're still the best days for me.  I've been doing a bit of part-time work at my aunt's business and helping her out by watching my 4 year-old cousin, Laila, so I'm still able to keep Harper with me.  Plus, she's getting some socializing in with someone more her age.  We have plans for camping, visiting the zoo and museums, and swimming as much as possible this summer.  I'm hoping my paper writing goes smoothly so that I am able to get as much out of this warm weather!

"No, you hold it, Momma."

Playing with Macie.

At the park.

Celebration.

We recently helped celebrate a friend of ours little boy's second birthday.  It was held at the park on a chilly, breezy day.  It was a fun-filled afternoon playing, and eating, and smashing a piñata.  

I find this picture hilarious.

My Girl.

Just starting off the week sharing some adorableness.  Hope you have a great week!

She wanted a big girl cup at Starbucks.

Reading with Daddy.  Be still my heart.

Showing off Daddy's glasses.

Harper's Chickens.

Harper is all about The Ladies.  She wakes us up in the morning begging us to see the chickens.  We can't go two hours without her pleading to "hold kickens," as she calls them.

 Last week we let them out in their tractor for the first time and Harper (like the chickens) was in heaven.  She sat in the tractor with them for a long time.  She fed them and petted them and let them run all run her.  It was free babysitting for me!  Ha!  But seriously, I got to do the dishes quickly and sweep the kitchen floor!  I'd forgotten that those are simple chores that can be completed in less than 10 minutes without a little helper.  Unfortunately, I did these chores instead of taking pictures of her in the tractor, but I'm sure that once the weather stays warm I'll snap some of her in there.

Everyone loves The Ladies.

Spring Time.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Some Randomness.

After yesterday's serious tone, I thought today could be a calmer, happier post.  Completely random and with less words.  Enjoy your weekend.

Cuddling with Charlie the day we got her back.

Quality time with daddy.

Just too cute for words.

Easter.

Easter Sunday was a really lovely day.  The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and Harper had a great time looking for (lots of) eggs.  I would have posted a video but I get distracted easily and forget to watch what I'm filming instead of watching Harper.  So the videos are bumpy and a bit nauseating.  But got all dressed up to take pictures, hunt eggs, and eat.  I hope your Easter was just a blissful.