Toasty

The warm, crackling fire aside, last night left us all feeling warm and toasty.  It's been fall-ish around here this week.  The furnace has been turned on to ward off the morning chill.  A new wreath has joined the fall floral display gracing the front entry.  With daytime temps in the mid-50s, summer has definitely bid us a fond farewell.

This was Friday's nap time activity for me.  

Late-fall birthdays for little ones can be difficult.  It is often too early for winter related outdoor toys, sleds and the like.  Similarly, it is too late for summer toys.  That season has definitely passed us by.  When Channing recently and quickly took to riding his already too small but with pedals tricycle, it was easy to justify the purchase of a big guy bike with training wheels.  Why not get it now when he has the rest of September and most of October to enjoy it, rather than wait until his birthday when it would sit, all boxed up, in the garage until spring.  

 Channing and I had just finished the bike assembly when WM rolled into the driveway, done with yet another long but rewarding week at work.  (Yes, that sounds cheesy, but he really and truly does like his job.  Really.)  He helped us make a few minor adjustments.  Yes, I'd put on the training wheels, but I'd neglected to adjust the height so the back tire actually touched the ground when Channing pedaled.  

Helmet donned, Channing was off, floating like a Cadillac and stinging like a Beemer (watch Cars much anyone?), as he cruised up and down the sidewalk in front of our house.  WM was not far behind.  Channing had yet to master the brakes on the new bike and occasionally got 'stuck' when he tried to pedal backwards.  It was a little frustrating for him at first.  Despite that, he was almost all smiles.

With the evening air getting cooler and cooler, the portable fire pit was pulled out of the garage.  A warming up spot was established in the middle of our driveway.  WM poked his head in the front door as I was putting dinner on the stove.  Any chance we could have our dinner outdoors?  Absolutely!  Fresh air was not on the original ingredient list for my chicken and dumpling recipe, but it certainly was the one that made it taste a little better than usual.

Ha.  We were pretending to be, as Channing puts it, 'all shivery.'

Our neighbors, Jim, Kelli & Megan, arrived home as we were indulging in our last bites.  Channing excitedly yelled to them, 'Do you want a marshmallow with me?'  They hastily added extra layers of clothing and joined us.  They stayed just long enough for a marshmallow or two, Megan's bedtime calling them home once more.  

We lingered, enjoying our evening as darkness wrapped around us like a thick, cozy blanket.   It was thoroughly enjoyable, this bike build turned picnic turned marshmallow roast.  When we finally turned off the light and kissed each other goodnight, we agreed.  It was a bliss-filled evening, one that left us satisfied.  Our bellies and our hearts were full.  

Up-Down, 'Round and 'Round

Wednesday this week, we found ourselves at Como Park with Kendra and Libby.  There was a flurry of text messages just prior.  A 'what day are you free this week?' followed by a confirmation of time, date and place.  Zoo photos never turn out the way they do in my head.  They're noisy and taken from bad angles and do little to convey the awe and wonder on little faces as big, big, giant animals mostly just sit and stare back.  

However, if you give this kid a foot-long corn dog.  Well, you can see for yourself.  It's pure pleasure with extra ketchup making for one very blog worthy photo.

Our impromptu picnic wrapped up with a mini facial mid-Gogurt for Kendra and was followed by a ride on the carousel.  

Channing excitedly held onto his ticket while waiting his turn in line.  Once he got up on his horse though, his excitement wavered a little.  As he went up-down and round and round, he reached his little arms around my neck, trying to climb down once or twice.  

Of course, as soon as the ride was over he asked to do it again.  As usual, my answer was, 'we will little buddy.  we will.'

Two Thumbs Up

Before the last kernel popped or the popcorn was generously buttered and salted, Channing gave tonight's special treat a definitive two thumbs up.  About six times, that is.  As the machine whirred to a start, he declared, 'This is so exciting.'  He wasn't disappointed.

Either was Grinchy.  He's graduated from being lugged around in the Baby Bjorn to being honored picnic party attendee.  He sat with perfect posture and manners on his designated pillow, eating the snack and wiping his little, green, furry hands on the napkin placed carefully on his lap.  

I sat back and smiled to myself as the party unfolded.  It actually started in the living room armchair, Channing timid as he first asked permission to eat somewhere other than at the dining room table and then asked again to sit in the chair.  That perch was soon abandoned for a pillow picnic on the floor, each guest on his or her assigned pillow.  As the snack progressed, the popcorn bowl migrated closer and closer to Channing until it was finally abandoned for the couch and Despicable Me on TV.  

Bedtime is drawing near, obvious by the glassy eyed look on Channing's face and the tired tilt to his head.  That being said, we wish you all the sweetest of dreams.  Good night.