A Sunday Stroll

Yesterday afternoon Bob's parents, the kids and I took a walk on a path near our home. It was a beautiful afternoon that needed to be spent outside. The path we chose to walk on is known for an Eagle's nest that is in one of the huge trees along the way. People all stop and gaze if the Eagle happens to be there. Well...lucky us! Not only was the Eagle there, the baby was in the nest and the female was not far away. Bob grabbed my camera and was able to capture some great pictures...

We have been on this path before and took the kids there last year as well. I took a picture of Bob and the kids in the same spot I knew I had taken one the year before...

now...then...

Ahhhh, time flies when you are having fun. That is what we have been doing here at the Dovenberg abode. Madison and Riley are talking up a storm! I am continually shocked at the things they know that are finally coming out in words! I think we all are thrilled we have an enhanced way to communicate! Although, a solid "no!" "self!" is part of that and it is a constant struggle when the kids are trying to exert their increased independence. They can now reach things they never could before and I really do not want to go to another level of childproofing (essentially jail!), so we are working on places that are ok to play and places that are not. We have encountered a few time outs in the process. (They last 20 seconds, but do have an impact!)

Here is the lowdown on Riley...

*He loves diggers and trucks! The cutest word he says right now is "dirt!" oh, and "gako" for pickle (which he loves!) He is happy when we can go to the park and bring our shovels and buckets. Riley has such a sweet soul. He must give a thousand hugs a day! He knows some of his numbers, although one is one, but anything more than that is two! Cute! Riley knows many of his colors already as well. Bob and I were thinking he might be a lefty for a while, but looks like he is now favoring his right hand again.

And Madison...

*can't get enough of books. She could read all day! Madison knows many of her letters as well as sounds! Yikes! When we go to the park, she heads straight for the swing and would be happy staying there the entire time! "Higher!" she says. Madison's cutest word right now is "shify" for fishy. She can be a stinker if you do not always have an eye on her, she knows what she is doing and is really beginning to test where her limits are. Keeps me on my toes!

Both kids love going to storytime at the library with Bob and I on Saturday mornings. We read stories and sing songs. They even get some playtime with other kids in the class. Before we go home, we pick some books out to take home for the week.

I could go on and on and will in the coming days. For now, some much needed sleep!