Back in the backyard

This week the sun finally returned to our little corner of the world. That meant that we could return to the backyard.  And thanks to the camera that Nan has loaned us, you can see how my little people felt about that...

Hooray for being outside!

John David discovered the shopping cart a few weeks ago, and he toddles around with it like a pro.  He doesn't seem much interested in walking yet, but he does love pushing a cart.  Taking the cart into the backyard was a double treat for him, because he loves being outside.  The kid's an escape artist -- he sees a door to the outside and he makes a beeline for it.  Front door, back door, whatever.  The kid just wants to be outside.  

Since he's not much interested in walking and very interested in being outside, I've finally given in and let John David crawl around, as long as he's got long pants to protect his little knees and sturdy sneakers to protect his sweet toes.  And does he crawl!  Through the lawn, into the playhouse, even down the concrete step. 

Surveying the step, sliding over the edge, and safely down!  Easy as 1, 2, 3!

While John David spent the afternoon crawling around and getting dirty, Kathleen set about cooling off.  We gave the girls spray bottles to water the wheat grass they grew for Easter; these have turned out to be favorite toys. They use them to water all the plants in the backyard (and some in the house).  And they've come up with some other pretty creative uses for them, too.

Watching the water.

Enjoying the water.  (Check out those shoes!  They're actually mine, but she insisted on wearing them.)

John David thought that looked like fun and wanted to try it out himself.  He was none too pleased at the prospect of someone taking the spray bottle from him.

"Don't you even try to take this bottle, Mama!"

And in case you were wondering about the rest of the crew, Miss Madeline woke up late from her afternoon nap and needed some extra snuggling.  And I was happy to oblige.

Sweet and slightly goofy self-portrait.