The last couple weekends have resulted in several newly-achieved milestones. My boys, which are both growing up at super sonic speeds, have developed some new skills....and mostly in the area of transportation. They've acquired innovative ways to get around!
We'll start with Kale.
It was the weekend. I was sitting in the living room - we all were - when the thought of the walker - stored away for over two years in the depths of the basement - came to mind. We had forgotten all about it. Matt dashed downstairs to grab it. We placed it in front of an excited Kale, who immediately took off.
Like he'd been doing it all his life.
Since that day - strolling along with the walker is his favorite thing!
He's also become quite adept in the world of peek-a-boo.
The following weekend, Sage and I shared a very proud moment together. We were outside drawing with chalk, when Sage jumped to his feet and said he wanted to ride his bike....to the park. I paused. Couldn't think of a reason why not. So we packed up some essentials, then began our journey. Sage was coasting along so fast, I had to jog behind him...cheering the whole way. I couldn't believe how good he'd become on his bike (which he typically rides at school).
He followed all my instructions. Staying on the sidewalk. Stopping to look for cars. And when we finally got the park, he said "Mom, I did it! I rode my bike to the park!" My heart just about burst. I was tickled to see him be such a preschooler. He's mastered this new (and cool) way to get around town.
While at the park, Sage and I played "restaurant" for awhile. He jumped behind this stand and asked me "Do you want chocolate?" And that's all it took to pull us both into the imaginary world of food. We took turns suggesting meals and products to each other, naming prices, and then paying in wood chips.
Sage charges really fair prices. Seems everything was right around $4. He's good to his customers!
That same day we treated ourselves to some real food.
Look at our adorable Minion cookies!
Sage helped me bake them. But I had to stop him from eating the raw dough more than once....
This past Sunday, the Johnsons and the Diemers got together to celebrate Sam's 3rd birthday. We met up at the farm.
Kale made friends with, not one, but three different goats!
The tractor was a huge hit. It always is!
And then, before departing late in the afternoon, one more locomotion milestone was hit. The first pony ride!!
This had been on my bucket list for Sage all summer long.
Neither Sage nor Sam were timid about the ride. They jumped on with confidence (unlike some of the kids in line behind them....)
After the animal experience, we hopped next door to a big open park, and had a Mexican picnic together. After four hours of fresh air, we were all tuckered out. Everyone slept good that night!
The weather is starting to change every so slightly. We are seeing less 90's and more 80's. School is also back in session. (So my workload has just about quadrupled this last week.) But this is also when the garden harvest begins. And I am loving all the fresh produce. I've been cooking with lots of tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, sage, and garlic. All from the backyard.
We've never had such a successful pepper harvest before. I've got more jalapenos than I know what to do with. And we need to eat them fast. We learned that the longer you leave a pepper on the plant, the hotter it gets. Matt learned this the hard way, when he popped a raw slice in his mouth without the slightest hesitation.
We've been eating tomatoes in every way imaginable!
Below are a couple picture that I think best capture my experience of motherhood right now. Everything takes more time. Everything takes more energy. Everything is a struggle. It's work, but the most joyful kind. I'm loving "almost" every minute of it. It's all about perspective. I'm learning to laugh more. And set standards for cleanliness and organization just a touch lower. I'd rather let my kids be kids, and I'd rather be there to witness it. I'll miss these days when they're gone.
Below the kids are "helping" me unpack the groceries.
And here is me....trying to take a shower.
Can't ever get a break...ever. Not even in the bathroom!!
And here are the busy-bodies rummaging through my jewelry box, divvying up the newly discovered treasure.
If only you could see what our mornings look like! What a circus. It's a miracle I even make it to work by noon!
And while I think we've all known this for a long time....
We finally have some proof.
Kale takes after his momma.
He's the spittin' image of me.
See what I mean?!?
