Beautiful Spring Day

Today was absolutely beautiful weather so I felt bad when Ben was fussing during his naptime, only to find him sitting on his windowsill peering outside when I went in to tell him to stay in bed. So, I caved and let him come out from his quiet time after only a few minutes and we went outside. Of course, now I am paying for this since I am utterly exhausted after running around all morning, not resting at all, and spending four hours in the sunshine. But, we had a fun time enjoying this beautiful weather so that's what matters.

Here is Ben, Mr. Outdoors himself, enjoying a snack on his picnic table (as Barney mooches Goldfish pretzels in the background!).

Ben using his CAT excavator, a Christmas gift from Grandpa G and CC. Finally, it is nice enough to take it outside! Plus, he is starting to get the hang of it and can navigate it himself. Hours of enjoyment for a three year old boy :)

Nate's up from his nap! Here he is enjoying his snack while sitting on the garden bench I put together myself as Ben played. Are you impressed? I am. Ha ha! It really only had a few screws and snap together pieces but I am glad that I tackled it without having to bother Andrew for help. It's nice to have a bench to sit on when the kids are playing and it is a toybox under the seat so we can store all of our small outdoor toys in there. Perfect, multi-functional purchase :)

Barney loves spending hours in the fresh air. He especially loves finding oversized sticks to bring to me. Does he expect me to throw these for him? Probably! But instead he and Ben run around like Lord of the Flies together until one of them (aka Ben) gets knocked down!

Nate's done eating and is now exploring all of the toys, most of which we just today got out of the basement after being away all winter. Here he is taking his brother's wheels for a spin while Ben is occupied and does not notice :). Does this little guy look guilty or what? Caught red-handed by Mom with the camera!

Finally! Nate is beginning to show some interest in wanting to walk. He uses a sturdy wooden walker in the house but all we have for outside is this flimsy one, which Ben basically only used once he was able to walk on his own, as a push toy. Surprisingly, though, this one seems to work out great for Nate because if he uses it in the grass, it doesn't go quickly and Nate can "keep up." Hopefully soon he will start to walk!

And here is Nate again, this time using the little baby trike that we have. He was basically obsessed with this thing and sat on it most of the afternoon after discovering it. How cute does he look on his own little tricycle? Of course, he cannot move it on his own yet, but he loved when I pushed him on it (after learning that he has to hold on tight to the handlebars!).

The boys and their trikes. Ben is still yet to master the whole idea of pedaling but I think he is getting very close and will soon be off on his own.

And after a long afternoon of playing, it's time for another snack. Here are the boys relaxing together on the bench eating...and one final photo of Nate reminiscing about his day in the sunshine :).