sick day

so maybe i didn't have food poisoning because matt came down with something similar on thursday night and stayed home from work on friday to rest.  he was feeling better by afternoon so i suggested that we check out a local park for some fresh air.  i like to have matt join me on my first trip places so that i can evaluate whether i can manage all the kids on my own without actually having to try it on my own.  i am on the fence about this park on my own (it was pretty crowded and it was hard to keep spotting mason while keeping maddux and the stroller within arms reach), but we had a fun visit and will definitely go back as a family.

madelyn trying to 'help' mason up the ladder.

mason really liked how high he could climb.  i don't think he has been on an outdoor playset so tall and it did make me a little nervous.  especially when there would be an opening as a much larger kid went running past him - one of the reasons i don't think i will go by myself with them this summer.

it was so cute how excited and happy they were to be running around at a park.  madelyn just told us "thank you so much for bringing us here!" as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.

even maddux was excited to be outside.  he couldn't quite see all the action (we just left him in the carrier because we were planning on it being a relatively short stop) but was enjoying the breeze and sounds.  if you look close, you can see his two little teeth.

one of the biggest surprises for me was that madelyn could swing all on her own!  she was pumping her legs to get moving and never asked to be pushed.  this is a major change from last year.  and even mason tried some leg pumping.  he still needed a push though.  i was please with how well he held on though.  and he was able to get off on his own quite gracefully.  this kid really does have an unusual knack for controlling his body (at least more so than madelyn did at this age).

my heart attack of the day came when mason followed madelyn up this 'ladder'.  obviously, i didn't take any pictures because i was spotting him in case he fell.  he amazed me.  my heart was beating out of my chest as soon as i couldn't reach him any more, but he is so careful and sure of his movements.  i was very proud of him and he was quite proud of himself once he got to the top.

we had a nice time and i look forward to going back for a longer visit once this rain moves out.  at least it is starting to show some signs of spring around here so i am hopeful.  love.