In Your Own Backyard

Elizabeth is one lucky girl. Her dad spent Saturday afternoon putting together a little play structure in our backyard just for her, and as you can see from the pictures below, it was a big hit. Now that the weather is warm, we can spend lots of time in our backyard.

It all started here...


Afternoon of fun:















I gotta take a break from all of the fun!

Under the Weather

We had plans for this weekend. Big plans. Plans to meet friends at the zoo and plans to pick out a play structure for the backyard. Unfortunately, Elizabeth came down with a stomach bug and that was the end of our plans. We spent most of the weekend playing and napping (and doing laundry - ick) inside the house. The important thing is that Elizabeth is feeling better today, although it works out well that my office is closed tomorrow because I think she needs one more day at home.

Although we had a few smiles....






We also had a lot of this.....



If there's a positive side to this story, John was freed up this weekend to accomplish a house project that has been on our list for awhile - painting the garage doors. They look great!

Hello, Spring!

Finally, it seems like winter is over and spring is here. We spent much of our weekend outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Today, Elizabeth and I headed to the playground and then to a girls-only lunch while John went into the office for a bit. After her nap, we all headed back out to the park for a mini-picnic and more outdoor fun. We are so glad that the cold weather is going away so we can spend more time outside.* We all get a little bored playing inside all day.

Snack-time picnic:


Want some goldfish?


Hmm, where do I go next?


*Remind me I said this in August.

Speaking of picnics, Elizabeth will be celebrating Valentine's Day with a Teddy Bear Picnic at school tomorrow. As a special treat, all of the kids in Elizabeth's class will bring a favorite stuffed animal from home for snack time, story time, and a special art project. After much deliberation, Elizabeth has selected her Gund polar bear (thanks, Aunt Susie!) to participate in this event. I'm hoping to be able to sneak out of work early tomorrow to get a few photos of what promises to be a completely adorable event.

Our Baby's Growing Up

This week was Elizabeth's first week in the toddler room at school, and she did great. Differences from the infant room include napping on cots, eating meals and snacks using plates and utensils, and a much more structured day. I have to admit to getting a little teared up when I left her in the new classroom on Monday morning. I am so proud of how grown up she is.

At the teachers' request, we have been practicing using a fork at home. Elizabeth knows what she is supposed to do with it, but the actual execution is going to take some work.






This weekend, Grammy and Grandpa stopped to see us (and by "us," I mean "Elizabeth") on their way down to Florida. Although I somehow managed to let the visit go by without taking one single picture of Elizabeth with her grandparents, we had a great time with them, as always, and Elizabeth misses them already.

After a week of seriously crappy weather, we had a beautiful day today, so we headed to the playground for some exercise and fresh air. The slide is Elizabeth's favorite piece of playground equipment, and she quickly determined that the toddler slide was not sufficiently thrilling. She took off for the "big kid" side of the playground and insisted that John take her up to the big slide. I was terrified that she would flip over the side, but she did great. Unlike her mother, that child has no fear.

Here are some photos from our fun weekend.

Tower of toys:


Playing with her drum:


Checking cell phone messages:


Posing with her sunglasses:


Playground fun:






At the top of the slide... "here I come!"


A little static and a big smile: