Out and About

We have had a very busy weekend already spending it mostly outdoors as the weather has permitted. We started the weekend off with a family walk down to the market on Saturday morning. We picked up some local soap and coconut bread. Saturday afternoon, Maggie and I (Zac) went to Virgil Phillip Farm County Park for some lunch, bird watching and a hike.

On Sunday morning, Maggie and I hitched up the bike buggy and rode over to the Rotary park to play while Melissa went grocery shopping for the upcoming week. The rotary park is located at the fairgrounds and possibly has the nicest play equipment in town.

Tomorrow afternoon, we are all going to the Hackers' (a co-worker of mine)house for a Memorial Day cookout that we're really looking forward to.

Here are some photos from the weekends events:

Maggie posing for a pic at the market. She wore her apron around town all morning.

"Standing up and putting my arms out. In a school bus." - Maggie

"Just hiking." - Maggie

"A frog." - Maggie

Rotary Park riding the horsey!

Concerned about the other kids arriving at the park.

She scaled the entire climbing wall. I was impressed!

Real Play!

Cuddling with their blankets and laughing hysterically!

Playdough! They took turns making each other something to eat.

And to my great surprise the one pair of playdough scissors were shared without any challenges!

Maggie had asked if her and Isabelle could go on a wagon ride to Coop Kids, but it was pouring rain when we left, so when the rain took a break they hoped in the wagon for a quick wagon ride to the library. I didn't realize this was such a fun thing to do, until hearing them squeal and laugh over every bump.

When we got back from the wagon ride the girls wanted to explore outside. They each picked a flower to bring in and place on the table for lunch, then they did some chalk art.

It's so interesting to watch the play of children together, versus the play of child and adult. Although Maggie and I have a fantastic time playing together each day, I'm just simply not a child any more, and that makes having friends invaluable. Isabelle joined Maggie and I Tuesday for a morning full of fun and play. The girls laughed, they chatted up a storm, they took turns using coveted toys, they negotiated play (Maggie wanted to play babies and Isabelle wanted to cook, so Isabelle made coffee and muffins for Maggie's baby), they explored together, and much, much more!

Absolutely LOVE Warm Moscow Weather

searching for ladybugs on our walks around town

playing at friendship square

sand and water play out on the patio,

and much, much more!

Matched!

First thing when I woke Maggie up and told her we had to get ready for coop kids, she got this big smile and said, "And I'll see my friend Isabelle!"

These girls adore each other! They are full of smiles and giggles upon seeing each other, they have to sit right next to each other, and it's incredibly entertaining to listen to them carry on their little conversations.

Here Isabelle entertains Maggie as she completes her coop kids activity.

They are a perfect match!

Here Isabelle attempts to teach Maggie her interesting new sound...Maggie's still working on it!

I had to share a picture of this puzzle that Maggie completed...She called me into her playroom saying "Look Mommy! I matched Mommy and Maggie, and Daddy and Brother." Every detail is matched, even down to the facial expressions. She preceded to complete the puzzle two more times, with again, exactly matching outfits and faces. Sometimes I'm struck by her attention to detail, but then I remember all those evenings of looking for that teeny tiny mouse on every page of Goodnight Moon, or how she'll instantly recall something she overheard or saw that I had no idea about. It's quite amazing, and wonderful, watching the little characteristics that develop in your child.

Yay Baby, Nay Baby

Yesterday Maggie was laughing so hard when both her and baby brother or sister had hiccups at the same time. She just sat next to me with her little hand on my pregnant belly, laughing (making her hiccups worse), every time my belly would jump. She then bent over and gave my belly a kiss...which she does often.

A few hours later...

When I mentioned baby brother or sister, out came the words "I don't like babies!!!!" I know, shocking! She then preceded to glare at my belly and then started this roll around tantrum, flinging her little body at my pregnant belly.

This could be interesting.

Trip to the Fire Station

Yesterday morning we joined a few other families with the Moscow Parent Toddler Cooperative on a field trip to the fire station. Maggie was a little unsure about Fire Fighter Joe and his really big trucks, but she did climb into one all by herself! We learned that the Moscow fire department is a volunteer department, with 100 volunteers, saving the city a considerable amount of money. The Fire department also houses volunteer U of I students providing very nice room and board. The students work one day out of five---what a great option for students!

Here's some pictures from the field trip...

Maggie next to one of the fire trucks.

She did it! She climbed into a big fire truck!

Maggie's friend, Morgan, graciously volunteered to try on fire fighter Joe's jacket and helmet.

Catch Up Post-Maggie's Airplane Ride

Here's a video I took for Zac that I hadn't gotten posted yet...

Maggie's second time on an airplane during our trip to Boise. She did fantastic. She wasn't scared at all!