Playing in Puddles

When we headed outside with the dogs after a stormy day, it should not have surprised me that Collin made a beeline for the puddles. I snatched him, went inside for the camera, and let him go to town in the standing water on our driveway.

Splashing -

Wet face & body, happy boy -

Using the dog Chuck-it tennis ball thrower to further explore -

Trying to scoop up the tennis ball

Worried Collin was getting cold outside with wet clothes, it was an early bath that night.

We tell him that he's quite a catch for a son!

Who needs bath toys when you have Tupperware?

Not sure whether to smile or frown -

He normally chooses to smile until he hears the word "no."

Walking around the Park

Grammy Lesa and Grandpa Brownie came by early Saturday morning for a trip to the park. I tagged along to document Collin's every move. Grammy Lesa was impressed at the difference two weeks made, as the last time she, GGB and Collin went to that park, he needed to be carried everywhere. This week, he tromped up and down hills, over bridges, and knew when to reach out a hand for help with a big step.

He started on the bridge and could have spent 30 minutes here, going back and forth. The adults grew bored and strongly encouraged him towards the playground equipment.

Next up, the toddler park, where he can do everything with little to no help. Up and down the baby slide -

Sometimes being independent means dirt in the face. Collin took a gymnastics roll off the slide and into the dirt. It was a 3-inch drop, but he laid there stunned at his acrobatics until Grammy Lesa scooped him up.

Posing for a photo, then heading through the tunnel to his Grandpa Brownie -

This park has a lot of shade, which will be great in the summer. But on spring days, I'm never sure how to dress Collin, and true to my father's methodology growing up, I always overdress him rather than have my skinny little guy get chilly. On this Saturday, the park was full of children and Collin was one of two wearing long sleeves. Seeing that one other boy whose parents had him sweating made me feel much better!

Making sure he has the full attention of both grandparents -

This photo caused me to have yet another sappy, "where did my baby go" reaction.

And speaking of growing up, Collin decided at dinner last night that he was tired of being spoon fed and would like to feed himself. The dogs are rejoicing over this new burst of independence, which means significantly more scraps of food hitting the floor.

Power Tools Introduction

Collin was enthralled by the drill this week, and Cas took the opportunity to give his son his first power tools lesson -

Unfortunately for Collin, the lesson involved a discouraging end product - child locks for our cabinets. We have needed these for months!

Taking a break from learning - and unbeknown to Collin, enjoying one of his last moments of cabinet freedom -

What is going on here? I'm pulling with all of my might and it won't budge.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Collin is all smiles for St. Patrick's Day! He's such a little boy now!

He loves balls, throwing and kicking them -

Protecting the ball with arms blocking out - what a face!

Happy boy with his basketball . . . and happy Daddy with his protege!

Wishing you the luck of the Irish!

Austin Kite Festival

On our way home from Austin on Sunday, we stopped by Zilker Park. Our plan was to wear Collin out on the playground before loading him in the car for our drive home. We heard there was a kite festival happening, but had no idea that it was this big of a deal in Austin.

We were so distracted by all of the kite festivities, we skipped the playground and experienced the excitement, colors, and incredible day with the locals. Collin was more entertained by the dogs than the kites, but he was wide-eyed and full of smiles. Posing for the camera -

Watching the kites from upside down -

Flying with Daddy -

Checking out the surroundings with Mommy -

Tired of sitting around, Collin was ready to move, captured in a play-by-play:

Get up, Mommy, I'm ready to continue exploring -

As soon as we made it to the highway, Collin passed out until we pulled into our driveway. The kite festival excitement had taken its toll, and Cas and I were able to enjoy a calm drive home.