We went to the Zoo

Earlier this week my two sister-in-laws and I took Colton to the zoo.  This was his first trip to the zoo, and I have to say it was amazing!!!  

I don't think he really had any idea what we were doing until we got there.  I tried to explain to him that we were going to the zoo, and what animals we would see, and we even read a zoo book the day before we left.  But that morning at breakfast he told me he was going to "hug and hold" a giraffe.  It makes sense if you think about it...his only experience with "zoo" animals is in books, and toys.  He can't possibly comprehend just how large (or small) some of these animals are until he sees them.

It was great, to see the zoo through the eyes of a child.  I swear, he makes almost every activity more fun.  He just gets so excited about everything, and he's such a good boy! 

His two favorite animals were the flamingos (I think just because the are pink, and they were making a bunch of noise), and the giraffe.  He got to feed a giraffe which was a pretty cool experience.  We also got to see them run and play!  Seriously!  I've never seen anything like it, they were running around and chasing each other like you see horses do.  It was the most majestic and amazing thing to see.

I can not wait to take him back, we had an amazing time.  I feel like I've said this at every age, but really, two is my favorite so far!!!

Pickin' Blueberries

The absolute best thing about being a teacher is that for 2 months of the summer you get to pretend you are a stay-at-home mom.  I love spending everyday with Colton, the good and the bad LOL.

We try to get out and do something as often as possible.  Sometimes that is as simple as taking a walk around the block, and sometimes....we go blueberry picking!

It's been a really long time since I've been to a "pick your own" farm, and I had never taken Colton. 

Some friends invited us out to go picking with them, and Colton loved it.  I think he eat more than he put in the bucket, but it was a good time.....a HOT time, but good :)

Summa Summa Summa-time!

I am so excited that summer is here! (Actually its been here for a while, but I've been busy).  Being a teacher, I get the chance to experience stay-at-home life with my little buddy for a few weeks in the summer.  And we LOVE it!!!

We've been to the beach once already, and we are going back

 next week.  We plan on taking a few "field trips" this summer to the zoo, the ice-cream factory, and maybe the aquarium.  But as far as daily, we usually take our time getting up and moving in the morning, have breakfast, take a walk, and sit by the baby pool before lunch. 

It's been so relaxing and I am loving spending all this time with my boy.  He is growing so fast, and I have to say, this is my FAVORITE age so far!

Easter

When you have a huge family holiday's last weeks.  Colton loves it!  However, I think he keeps thinking it's his birthday because he sings Happy Birthday every time we get together for a holiday, and it doesn't help that he keeps getting gifts.  The boy is so spoiled.  Christmas, Valentines Day, his Birthday, St. Patty's Day, and Easter all in a few months.

xoxo - Rachel

Family Hike

It's so nice when I have a break from school, and I get to just be "Mommy" for a few days.  Sometimes our family time gets replaced by all the other things in our life.  The to-do list just keeps getting longer, and the things that are "wants" and not "needs" just get pushed lower and lower.  I make sure to spend time with Colton, and Chris spends tons of time with him, but we don't always spend time together as a family.

Chris and Colton will often go to the local hiking spot when I'm at work, and I've been wanting to do this as a family for weeks.  Finally, we had the day off, the beautiful weather, and the time to do it.

There is something to be said for getting a little exercise, lots of fresh air, sunshine, and some much needed family time all together.  It's just good for the soul.  We hiked for almost 3 hours, and all three of us loved every minute.  We let Colton walk the trail when it was wide and flat.  He loves to pick up every rock he can get his little hands on, and point out every bird he sees.  He wants to name everything he can, and when he doesn't know the word for it, he wants you to tell him.  

I think a couple people thought we were crazy when we took the stroller on some of these trails.  (In fact there were a few spots where I carried Colton, and Chris carried the stroller)  But really, for the most part all you need is a good stroller.  We have put ours through the ringer, and let me tell you, it - is - AWESOME!  We have taken it hiking, and really, serious hiking.  We have taken it on the beach through the deepest of sand.  We have even used in the ocean, seriously.  It's a fantastic stroller!

Rant about the stroller over :) Really, I am just happy to have been able to spend this time with my family.  And I'm even happier to have this time off school to recharge and get in some much needed cuddles with my favorite guy.

xoxo - Rachel