Colored Water

Now that it has finally stopped raining, Max and I are finding all kinds of activities to do on the deck. His favorites are watering the flowers, painting and (of course) sitting down for a snack.

Little Park, Big Park

When we were house-hunting, I really wanted to find a house that was within walking distance to a park. In Chicago, we could walk to several parks, and I loved being able to venture out with Max without having to jump in the car. We found a house just down the street from Sherwood Oaks Park, just off the Jackson Creek Trail. And if we are up for a little bit of a walk (about 10 minutes), we can head out to Olcott Park, which is much bigger (and more toddler-friendly). Here's a peak of one of our almost-daily outings.

Gearing up in the double-stroller (I highly recommend the Maclaren Twin Triumph!) ...

Sherwood Oaks Park

The Trail

Olcott Park

Rollerskates

Apparently, Max was impressed by our neighbor's rollerskates. A few hours after visiting with them, I found him trying to make his own.

All Aboard the Birthday Train

We celebrated Max's birthday (and Mother's Day) with a train ride from Noblesville to Tipton for lunch. We thought this would be a special treat for Max, and while he enjoyed seeing all the trains at the station, he was a tad too young to enjoy the 45-minute ride. Still, it was nice to spend time with my parents and my brother's family, but we were all tuckered out for the ride home.

We ended the day with a casual cookout back in Bloomington, where Max enjoyed another birthday treat. (Check out more photos on Uncle Matt's blog!)

All in all, we had a nice time this weekend with family, but I am requesting a Mother's Day do-over.

Cake Face

That's what Max called Parker when they were devouring Max's birthday cupcakes. After all, birthdays are all about the cake, right? We spent the week leading up to Max's second birthday talking about birthday cake and candles, singing "Happy Birthday," and teaching Max to say "I'm two!" ("Mine two!"), and our work paid off. He especially enjoyed all the sweet treats and "prizes" at his first party at my parents' house in Carmel.

Max's favorite "prize" was his new big boy (and big league!) baseball hat.

Baby Legs

First (Real) Photos

June had her first professional photo shoot in early April by our friend and photographer Zach Dobson Photography. Here are some favorites ...