Just Beachy

We played at the beach this morning and it was a little like having our own private island. (Minus the corresponding billions of dollars.) The only ones there, we camped out near the playground and pavilion picnic tables, and then built sandcastles and waded in the water. Harper slept most of the time, but was happy and cooing when she was awake. Beckett wanted to get in the water and splash, so we got about ankle deep. After a picnic lunch, we headed home and he almost fell asleep on the 3-minute drive. 

Dinoland

Janis found a dinosaur habitat in a kids' gardening book, so she and Beckett made one while I was at work.  Here are the pictures and descriptions she sent me. 

Step 1... Washing the tire and rocks...and shoes and sidewalk...

Step 3...(step 2 was painting the tire). This step is rock painting!

Steps 4 and 5... Planting the "trees and shrubs" and watering them.

 I stopped at Dollar Tree for some dinosaurs on my way home. The new tenants seem to like the place! Luckily, they are all herbivores. 

Treva & GG

We had a busy, fun day today! (In honor of my mom's birthday...she is on vacation with dad in Florida!)

 This morning, we went to Treva's house to play. She has lots and lots of fun toys, puzzles, and books! We even had lunch with her. 

Cars on a mat Treva made:

Snuggle time:

Treva has LOTS of books!

Then we went to Tuscola to get some last minute surprises for Baby Braham. While there, we played at the playground. Today was the first time I've ever seen Beckett push another child! I couldn't believe it. I pulled him aside and talked to him about it. I know it's a normal part of development, but I was so surprised! 

We left Tuscola and went to visit GG, who recently took a tumble and had to visit Carle overnight! We had a wonderful visit and ordered pizza for dinner. While we were eating, Beckett said, "GG's gorgeous," Grandma asked him if he knew what that meant and he said, "You're really pretty."  (As my mom said, that credited hitting about 5 times. Haha!)

Grandma smiled really big, looked at me and said, "Oh, Mommy, you're in trouble!" It was so sweet. 

The Great Outdoors

Here are a couple pictures from the first time we met mom and dad out at Bo Woods with their camper. Both kids love being outside! 

Turtle in a Turtle

Papa brought over a turtle for Beckett to see! We put him in the turtle toy box because Beckett said they would "be friends". 

Water Baby

Yesterday afternoon after library, Beckett had a blast with the hose! 

Zoofari!

Harper, Beckett, and I met some friends at Scovill Zoo today. It was a beautiful morning and a lot of fun to play and visit the animals. 

Jayme and Braylon met at our house so we could drive over together. We got there about 9:30 so the boys had a half hour to play on the playground before going into the zoo.  Here they are having fun with the playground equipment and each other.

Braylon peeks through the tunnel to say hi.

The boys played chase on all of the up and down ramps.

They climbed up stairs and down dinosaurs.

Miss Ava arrived!  Kristin and Lindsay (with Ava and Vivienne) arrived around 9:45, so we all played together. I think Ava was the bravest of the bunch!

Also brave? Beckett!  He wanted to touch the snake the zookeeper had out for people to see.

Braylon took a turn, too.  Beckett described the snake as "Soft and slippery."

Next up: Crocodiles!

Beckett: She's taking forever. Kristin and I joked that this could be the story of his life...

The boys were ready to move on and visit the groundhogs and meerkats (Timone).

Our sleeping beauties: Vivenne and Harper.  They are two months apart, almost exactly like Beckett and Ava are.

Beckett is telling Ava he will protect her in the snake house. Haha!  They are good buddies. :)

Braylon, Jayme, Kristin, and Ava ride the train!  ALL ABOARD!  Beckett didn't want to ride - he wanted to push the stroller around and chase peacocks instead.  

Here, I imagine Beckett trying to save Ava from the wolves.  "Don't worry! I'll protect you!" Look at the wolf - he's checking them out... 

Time to go BYE BYE...Beckett gives Ava a hug and she pats his back.  

Beckett told me he was a kangaroo in his cage when I took this picture. :)

Harper was peaceful and content the whole time. 

 After the zoo, Kristin, Lindsay, and I took our kids to Steak and Shake. We had lunch and ice cream and then headed home...

Beckett played himself OUT!

What a fun morning.  Next week, I think we are meeting at the park.