Mischief managed

Have a look at some of the trouble* the little bear has been getting into lately...

* Trouble, as in meaningful exploring.  I think kids sometimes need to break the "rules" in order to learn, and work things out in their little minds, and I totally agree with Uncle Travis and Aunt Bekah in this post of theirs.   

She has discovered this little corner on the far side of the dining room table. She likes to go back there to hide things, or just sit and play with them. In this case, Momma's sandals (which are worn over the wrists, of course) (and no, she's not wearing a diaper).

She magically got underneath the same table, even with all the chairs pushed in.

And of course, she's been back into her cabinet on a few occasions.

She's a climber!

This is her old nemesis, the rear-facing carseat. Apparently they made up, after we switched to the forward-facing seat. We have kept it out because she loves climbing on it, and even sitting in it! Go figure.

I have no explanation for this one. Found her one morning curled up under the pillow. The cold weather's over, so that's ruled out. Maybe she's just a little goofy.

Two things to note here in this next one:

1. Lunch on the floor

2. Sippy cup upside-down (but in the cup holder, nonetheless)

Last but not least, and probably my favorite...

(that's my sling she's put on all by herself)

Love it

Just wanted to quickly link back this post that I just read and fell in love with, over at Heather of the Extraordinary Ordinary. 

Mommybloggers are Mary Kay ladies of the Internet

"It's as if she's doing something that's only cute and silly, most likely because she can't do anything else, when the reality is that maybe she's doing exactly what she'd like to be doing and that is enough."

"Sprucing" up [pt. 1]

So, our yard was a mess. When we moved in, back in December, it was in bad shape, but we didn't do anything with it because it was going to spend the next few months under the snow anyway.

But these last few weeks as the weather has warmed up, we've been able to see just how bad it is...the grass is patchy at best, covered with dandelions (which, to be honest, were kind of pretty), and the little spot under the front window has a few flowers but mostly just looks neglected.

Finally, it was time. We bought our first ever lawnmower, as well as some various weed killers and grass seed and other stuff like that.

Dad pretty much took care of all of this, while Hollie and I watched from the windows. What would we do without him?

A little wave!

This video was taken in the dining room, while he was going up and down the side yard. I love the little wave at the end!

Well, the yard looks a million times better than it did, despite becoming a jungle of dead dandelions (not kidding. it's crazy!). We have plans in the works, so as always, we'll keep you posted...

To be continued...

Bubbles!

Easter presents from the (paternal) grandparents included bubbles!  Let me tell you -- it is impossible not easy trying to...

1. Blow bubbles
2. Take pictures
3. Fight off toddler who wants desperately to drink the bottle of bubble solution.

...all at once.  Take my word for it.

 Thank you Abuelita and Pepere!  We had so much fun!!

Camping * **

* in a cabin (does that count?)

** in a cabin without bathroom or kitchen (better?)

This was a much needed mini-vacation for the three of us.  There's a little state park about a half-hour (which turned into over an hour...long story) away where we rented a one-room "sleeper" cabin and spent the weekend chasing after the "feral child", as we now call her.  Seriously, in two days, she's lost all resemblance to other humans that she had going in.  

The trip started with a stop at Walmart for a cheap fishing pole for Dad, Oreos for Mom, and a little something for Hollie to dig in the dirt with, since we had left all her toys at home.

   

We arrived just in time to start dinner: steak and veggie kabobs....yummmm!  Have I mentioned we like food around here?  More on that later.

Somebody conked out pretty quick.  Good night! 

Also, don't you love our Hawaiian flower sheets?  Had to bring our own linens.

Sunrise - Day 2.

The camp chef at work...

That, ladies and gentlemen, is a wood gasifier (or something). A homemade stove.  You'll have to ask Daniel about that.  I have no idea.

Doesn't she look happy?

Exploring, trusty flashlight in hand.

I can eat these, right, Mom?

Honestly, who in their right mind dresses their toddler in white on a camping trip??

Takin' a breather...

After a quick nap...

And a quick pita-pizza lunch...

...we headed to the lake for some fishing.

 

And stick collecting.

And goose chasing.

We didn't catch any fish (or geese).

Believe it or not, there were some sandy beaches, too!  However, we suspect the sand was not native to the area.  But sand that's been trucked in tastes just as good as the real thing, right?

Back at the cabin, splitting a banana with Dad.

The quintessential campfire dinner: hotdogs and smores!

Make my marshmellow extra crispy, please.

So, we had planned to stay Friday and Saturday nights and leave Sunday morning, but considering the short drive home, and the fact that none of us sleep well when Hollie sleeps in bed with us (especially on a not-quite-full-size camp bed)...we decided to just pack up on Saturday night after dinner and be home before Hollie's bed time.  Very, very glad we did that.  We had a wonderful time, but I think this is one of those instances when you've gotta quit while you're ahead.

Hollie helped us load the car, with the backdrop of this gorgeous sunset!

Good bye, cabin #5!

Somebody's got a drinking problem...

[Sorry, bad joke?]  Lately, we have been practicing drinking from a cup.  Mostly in the bathtub...

...but occasionally from Mom's cup, too...

And sometimes playing with the ice is the best part!  See on her cheek and forehead where she was pressing the glass into her face?   

For the most part it's going well, except for when she gets a little too excited and tips the cup too far up, sending a deluge down her throat.  It catches her off guard every time, and she looks so surprised and disappointed as she looks up all teary-eyed and sputtering.  It breaks my heart, but she's gotta learn.  And boy, does she want to!  The sight of a glass being filled is enough to make her reach up and just beg to have a try.  Drinking from a cup is one of those little things that is making her more child and less baby everyday! 

*gulp*