Y3 - 280/365: Apple....Tree

It's very clear the apple doesn't fall far...because this boy is a complete nut sometimes! (HE did this...put it on his head and walked across the room...goofball.)

Y3 - 279/365: The Boy With It All

I have now learned, as anyone with a child/children know, it's the simplest things that will actually entertain your child. He may have a variety of colourful toys with all the bells and whistles...but as you can see, a plain box can provide SO much entertainment! I think sitting in this box was the highlight of his morning!

Of course, Daddy arrived home in the late afternoon and jumping was his new favourite...

...as was following Daddy as he played with the kitty.

Then there's this! Nothing better than a patient and compliant Daddy to hold super-still while you stack things on his head.

Y3 - 278/365: Copy-Cat

Ryan LOVES to copy what Mommy & Daddy do...especially anything Daddy does...so tonight when Matt spun the hanger on the doorknob, it wasn't long until Ryan was repeating the same thing and squealing with delight each time it would actually spin! He would clap his hands, giggle, and do it all over again. All the while you could see how pleased he was with himself!

Y3 - 277/365: Pee-Po! I See You!

Where's Ryan?!

Oh! THERE he is!!

He was so tickled with himself at his clever hiding spot behind the curtain playing Pee-po this afternoon. The only thing is that he would say, "Boo," while the curtain was still covering him!

We headed down to the Sure Start centre first thing this morning to register for the coach trip to Weston Super Mare in a few weeks. After turning in the paperwork and paying at the counter, we were invited to hang around for the current 'Play N Stay' session. I hadn't been to one yet so decided to see what it was all about. Ryan had loads of fun playing with the cars, making the noises, and going in and out of the swinging doors in the dramatic play area. He enjoyed a snack of toast and fruit before each child got to pick a favourite song at home time to sing and shake a rain stick.

I think we will try to attend a few more of these sessions throughout the coming weeks and the summer since they only cost £1 and he seems to enjoy playing with the toys and interacting with the other children. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the end of the month and our trip to the seaside!!

Y3 - 276/365: Walk a Little Slower...

Although today is not actually Independence Day in America, I decided Ryan would wear his only item of clothing at the moment that is red, white and blue. I don't know what the weather will be like tomorrow and for all I know it will be too cold for short sleeves outside, knowing this country, so I seized the day and had him wear it simply so I could get some photos. Plus, I got it off the bargain table at Primark for just £1 and although it's a size 18-24 month tee, you can tell he will outgrow it in a matter of weeks.

Gotta love Primark.

Matt did Sunday dinner so Em, Daz and Amy were at ours and Grandad Mick came to visit as well after we ate. I had taken the kids for some fresh air in the garden right around the time he showed up.

One of the final photos I had taken before we headed back in reminded me of a poem that was inside Matt's recent card for Father's Day, so I'll share the photo and the poem here. (I found both to be very sweet and I can't wait to have it printed and framed with the poem.)

"Walk a little slower, Daddy,"
said a child so small,
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
for you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
you're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
and know that I was true;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
for I must follow you."

Y3 - 275/365: No Worries

They weren't intended for this purpose, but it seems Ryan has decided his amber necklace beads are his little "worry beads." When he is focused on something that he is watching, or if he is upset and trying to calm down he will rub on them vigorously. It's sweet to watch.

Y3 - 274/365: My "Silly Sausage"

Yeah...so not quite sure why he finds THIS position so comfortable?

Uneventful day anyway. Ryan was off to the childminder first thing this morning so it left me wide open to get lots done without him freaking every time I left the room or without coming downstairs to find him somewhere he shouldn't be, as I now need to watch him like a hawk!

I managed to finish sorting and clear out boxes of baby clothes from both our room and Ryan's and get them into the closet neatly -- with room to spare!! I hoovered both rooms (even under our bed and his cot) as well as the hallway and landing. I then headed downstairs to hoover the front room and tidy and I got a few loads of washing finished. I was just about to start on dishes when the boys walked through the door, so I got my kiss from the big one and chased the little one around for my other kiss.

While Daddy got changed out of his work clothes, and subsequently fell asleep rested his eyes, Ryan and I had a bit of a gander in the garden. He's really sure of himself now and doesn't reach up to hold my hand as much as before. He's learning to march, taking BIG steps off the ground and even managing some small hops.

After dinner he was up for bath & bed and I didn't even have to sit next to his cot tonight. He finished his milk, wiped his own face and clung to my shoulder clutching his monkey and sheep while I picked him up placed him in his cot awake and gave him a small kiss. He then rolled over on his belly while I covered him with a blanket and his eyes immediately shut. I lingered for a moment to guage whether or not I should take a seat, but then made my way slowly out the door and shut it behind me all the while thinking, "Nice!"