Paradise in the Midwest

Deken could not BE more in heaven right now....  What could possibly be better than taking a good ole nap, outside in the fresh air!  I got back from a nice long walk to find that Deken hadn't lasted as long as I did, so I decided to just let him nap in his stroller, rather than disturb him..

*Notice even while napping, he still refuses to take off the shades..

When he finally woke up he was still acting all crazy at the fact that he had SHORTS on... haha he thinks it's funny, but keeps grabbing his shins and saying "Mommy! LEGS!!"

With the weather jumping past 70 degrees today it was AWESOME to break out of the sweatpants and sweatshirts, and into the SHORTS AND TSHIRTS!!  Even Elmo and Cookie Monster got to come outside and play!

:)

DISCLAIMER: Dad I apologize for the SOX shorts.  This display today is not associated with and does not and/or solidify that we will be promoting, cheering for, or raising Deken as a SOX fan.  They are the only pair of shorts Deken has (thanks poppy!)..  Again, I apologize, and claim irresponsible parenting, for not having purchased cubby blue on and/or before today (i.e warm enough to wear shorts).  Cheers!

2 going on 22

With the first signs of spring upon us, Deken and I kind of abandoned our daily routines, to spend some quality time exploring outside!  Poor thing had gone from 80 degrees and sunny weather everyday, to 3ft of snow for 4 months...  I've never seen a kid more excited to be outside!

So everyday last week, we took stroller walks, trips the park, a walk to McDonalds for Shamrock Shakes on St. Patty's Day (a must tradition) and riding bikes around the neighborhood.  However, everyday he was a little curious about all that grass on the other side of the big glass window in the kitchen..  I was hesitant to take him in the backyard, which would be ok because it's fenced, but we have a large slope and it's been nothing but puddles and mud from all the snow melting....

But I'm a sucker for Deken's curiosity.  I always try to let Deken pursue his curious interests (with mom helping to caution) so finally, by Thursday it was dry enough to let Deken venture to the backyard to discover what was out there.  And in light of Deken's "I'm-two-and-can-do-it-myself New-Found-Independence" I let him chose a few toys and explore the yard all by himself..  Well kind of.. Mom couldn't help be peek out the kitchen window every once and a while..  Was happy to find:

First I got all my toys ready and lined up.  Making sure Buzz and Woody have a front row seat.

Then I checked out some bubbles

Hmm, then I saw some other kids playing across the street and tried to show them my toys

And finally I took a tour of the rest of the yard on my cool motorcycle

So glad my little man loves being outside, because our family def spends alot of time out there!  I'm also really glad that he's on the right road to being adventurous! No TV Drone kids in this family! :)

YEAH that S-P-R-I-N-G is FINALLY here!!