Sun-sational Summer

This summer has been really busy, unlike most.  I'm taking a class, which means Ethan is going to daycare twice a week, for the full day.  It's so good for him to be there - it keeps him in his September - June routine, he gets lots of playtime with his toddler friends, he's learning a ton (right now he's learning to count to twenty, he's almost there!), does lots of art projects, continues to bond with his fabulous teacher, Ms. Alicia, and still maintain independence.  I know he's only 2 1/2, but I think becoming independent is so important for him.  He's turning out to be a pretty assertive, brave, and people-person kind of kid. Ethan going to daycare all day twice a week is not only great for him, but gives me a chance to get my homework done, and maybe even have some me-time, which for this mama, is extremely important for my wellness.  It's a big shift to go from working 5 days a week - having my own separate life at work - to the summer, where it's all about Ethan.  Don't get me wrong, I look forward to summer and the time I get to spend with Ethan, one-on-one, but I still really benefit from me-time.

On the other three days a week when Ethan and I are together all day, we have gone on lots of adventures.  The weather has been SOOOOO amazing the last few weeks - sunny and mid 70s with no humidity!  Perfect weather, in my book.  I feel like it's my duty to take him outside, everyday, as much as I can, because once 80s/90s weather hits with humidity, we will be spending a lot more time in the AC.

Our sun-sational adventures, in no particular order...

A stop at Moonlight Creamery, which happens to be located conveniently next to the library.  Ethan hasn't quite gotten the hang of picking out books and being quiet at the library.  A library visit for us consists of Ethan running around like a crazy-man, me trying to catch him, while I randomly pick books off the shelf without looking at the titles.  I think Mommy deserves a treat after a library visit, more than Ethan!

A visit to Wickham Farms.  Wickham Farms was hosting a story hour themed around beans.  The kids were read a few stories about beans, including Jack and the Beanstalk, right in the field next to the bean plants. Then the kids all had a chance to pick their own beans to take home.  Ethan took bean picking very seriously.  He was my cute farmer that day!  Unfortunately, my phone ran out of batteries so I didn't get pictures of Ethan in the field, but we did get one on the tractor.

Ethan got a cozy coupe!!!  Everyday we go for walks in the neighborhood, Ethan pushing his car like Fred Flintstone, and me walking next to him making sure he doesn't get hit by a car.  Right now we're working on stamina; after about 3 houses down our street, Ethan puts his feet up and says, "Mama push me!"  Once we get home, like many men whose car is their baby, it's time for a wash.

I try to meet up with my sister at least once a week so Ethan can play with his cousin, Baby Adam, who's really not a baby anymore, but a little toddler.  Last week we checked out the playground at Henrietta Town Park, which I hadn't been to in twenty years.  I was a little kid when the playground at the Town Park was built, and then it was pretty awesome, but the town has recently rebuilt the playground and it's even cooler now than it was when I was a kid.  We'll definitely be visiting this playground a few more times this summer.

It can't be all play and no work!  We have some landscaping projects at home and have been trying to let Ethan help as much as possible.  Look what Ethan found when he was using his hoe!