A Mother's Day Eve Outing

When the weather is nice, but not too nice, and the sun is getting low in the sky the four of us will often take a quick trip to the arboretum. Most places we travel theses days a stroller accompanies us. With two toddlers and many distractions it's often easier that way. I really would like to leave it at home more and I'm always looking for an opportunity to work on M's endurance. So, the 4 of us make the trip around Meadow Lake sans stroller at least once a week. It's a little over 1/2 a mile which is a perfect distance for the girls right now. In the evening and especially if the weather isn't perfect the arboretum is less busy-- which is just how we like it.

This past Saturday it was cool and overcast most of the day so we practically had the place to ourselves that evening. It seems as though the girls are more aware of the nature around them when the people watching opportunities are slim. And I've noticed that when we are quiet and refrain from over directing their attention, our kids find some of the coolest stuff to explore all on their own and they seem even more engaged to boot. I just love that. So, we take our time letting them wander off the trail to check out different plants, signs, animals, and sounds. Yes, it may take us 45 minutes to an hour to walk that .6 mile path (which does frustrate Mike a little -- but he's getting better), but it's such a fun time. Sometimes it's my most treasured hour from the entire week. That was certainly the case this Saturday.

BabyLegs for Baby Arms

Sometimes I throw a pair of BabyLegs on the girls' arms. It's especially nice on a chilly morning when they are headed to Ms. Jo's and I know it will be much warmer in a couple of hours. As it warms up they come off and get stuffed into their daycare bag. Easy and less bulk to lug around when we pick them up. For the most part they actually keep them on until you pull them off.

In the Car

They enjoyed sitting in the front seat while in our driveway as dad SLOWLY pulled the car into the garage.

Easter in Chicago

The girls spent part of Easter Sunday at their uncle J & aunt B's place. J &B live in the city and have access to this great outdoor space. The girls had so much fun with all the back yard accessories.

nice puppy

opps, that swing missed the ball

mama watching from a distance and taking some pictures too

time to get off the top of the picnic table kiddo

what's going on out front?

heading back home 

bye bye Chicago

Saturday Morning w/ Grandma Jo

Almost Perfect

Mike's eyes are closed, but I didn't really notice when I shot this because I was in a hurry and the his cap was shading his face. Shooting ball caps without a flash is still a bit tricky for me. But, it is one of the few shots lately where both girls are happy and facing the same direction at once which happens to be toward the camera. So-- it needed to be posted.