Run, Run, Run, Woosh, or . . . how we take walks.

I talked a little about how Zoe and I enjoy walking back from taking the boys to school in the afternoons.  I've invented a little game with her that she just adores called, "run, run, run, woosh."  I will run about 20 feet or so ahead of her and she will come running after me and I lift her up into the air (WOOSH) and then hug her, put her down and repeat.  Here are some pictures of that.  Our camera is starting to go and every once in a while, just shakes violently, not sure why or how to fix it.  So some of these pictures reflect that but I just had to share her adorable face during this special time.

before we started playing the game. . . about 1/3 of the way through our walk.

also before the game she found these huge sticks (about halfway through our walk.)

No thanks darling, I'd rather not poke my eyes out. 

This was when I tried to get her to pose on the tree by standing with her back against the tree and her foot on the tree (the inverse of what she is doing).  She thought it was hilarious.

Run

Run

(although blurry, I love it because you can see the motion)

Run

and WOOSH!!!

Unfortunately I was not coordinated enough to get woosh photos.

Hope you enjoyed our walk back home. (well 3/4 of the way home)

Enjoying Walks & a Zoe update

For the last couple of days when it has been nice outside, I get Zoe ready before I walk the boys back to school at lunch time.  She rides in the stroller on the way there, everyone says their hellos, she does lots of "flirting" and then we go back home after checking the mail.

I insist she stays in the stroller until we get across the roads.  Once we get about 2/3 of the way back, I allow her to escape her "cell"  er stroller, and walk the rest of the way back.  The first time I did this, she enjoyed it so much that I did a mini scavenger hunt for her.  We found leaves, sticks and acorns.  She brought them back to show daddy her treasures.  Her face beamed with pride.  She has done this again every day since.  It's been so wonderful to take an extra 10-15 minutes to get home just to allow her some time to explore outdoors.

I really like winter, but I'm so thankful spring is on its way.  If only summer weren't so hot, I would enjoy the outdoors so much more.  I wish I had pictures I could share.  My goal is to take my camera next time.  I've taken pictures on my phone.  She has enjoyed these walks so very much.  Yesterday we played run run run run WHOOSH.  Which means, mom would run ahead, Zoe would run to catch up, and I'd pretend to do the Dirty Dancing lift with her above my head.  We did that about 6 times before she decided running was too tiring and she'd rather go play on the ice.  I let her do that for a little while but also knew I needed to be getting back.

Words can't begin to describe what a blessing she is.  She has a new found love for Curious George and asks to watch him somewhat often.  She still ADORES puppies.  She is often heard saying "watch puppies, mama (or dada)."  She attempts to use sentences almost all the time.  I still can't always understand those sentences but they are becoming clearer.  She really enjoys tickle time, she often times at bedtime she will say, "more tickle da da."  She also LOVES roaring at us and making us "scared."  Oh the joys she brings.

I will write more later.