The Great Outdoors

Miss V has a lot of people in her life who love being outside so its no surprise that she does too (when no snow is present).  Mom grew up on the Peshtigo River in the Northwoods and actually enjoyed raking leaves as a kid. Dad played baseball/kickball and whatever other sports little boys play all summer at daycare. Now we both find ourselves extremely satisfied doing yardwork on the hidden gem of a yard we didn't know we were buying since we first saw our house in February four years ago.

Miss V did not walk until November last year so there really wasn't any "playing" outside last summer except for sitting in her baby pool and walking/running in the stroller.  We took her out in the snow a few times this winter and she pretty much disliked it greatly. BUT on the warmish days this spring we have been out exploring new toys, the yard, the deck, the park and the neighborhood behind our house.

She loves this ball!

That girl in the window looks just like me...

Miss V is very funny about steps; especially the ones on our deck. She reverts back to getting on all fours to go up and down unless Mom or Dad is there to hold hands. 

V has really enjoyed grilling (and the food that comes with it!) so far this spring. She wants to be grown up and sit in Mom and Dad's chairs for 20 seconds before she decides something else looks like more fun...like bubbles!

Ooops! One popped on my chin!

Miss V has a little tykes slide that she has slowly warmed up to. If we are out several days in a row she is a champ at it and climbs up and slides down no problem. If there are a few cold days (or say one with 6 inches of snow...) and we don't get out, then it is like she starts all over again. She will get to the top and then not want to slide down and reach to cling on to me like its a scary cliff dive!

Once V realized that the grass would not jump up and bite her, she has loved just marching around the yard following us. Her favorite word outside is "WALK!" She even walks on our rock path.

We only lasted one full summer in stroller mode. V now wants to "WALK!" herself unless I am running; the jogging stroller at a fast(ish) pace is more acceptable. 

I am very curious about this thing Mom...

She is really interested in her shadow too!

We are hoping to get lots of practice in this summer on Miss V's stroller/tricycle combo and in her crazy coupe car. So far she just sits in it and pushes her feet down very hard on the ground anytime we try to show her how to make it move :)

And...this blog would not be complete without a shot of Miss V when we drag her inside LOL

I don't wanna come in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!