Lazy Sunday, new tooth Monday

John had a golf tournament of sorts yesterday so C and I got to hang out in the gorgeous cool weather and go shopping!  Daiane donated a bright yellow ball to the play space, so we brought it outside.  Caroline was super happy about this big bright toy.  She barely noticed that she was walking on grass.

After probably four minutes, she got bored, so we attempted a sidewalk stroll.  Caroline really only wanted to look at her reflection in car hubcaps and touch tires.  I cannot believe how great of a walker she has become in just one month.  She is already attempting a run, which is scary.  Her face and body have a few bumps, scrapes and bruises from all of the learning, but we've been able to keep her safe otherwise.

Little walking lady.  Of course there was a nice short stone wall.  Photo op!

On another note, tooth five arrived today on her top left side and number six isn't far behind.  I feel like she is perpetually teething.

Sweet summer sun

A few more artistic shots from our orchard adventure today!

So sad :(

So glad.  My sweet fam.

Fresh fall fun

This morning we headed to Butler's Orchard to pick our own raspberries, apples and potatoes!  We met up with James, Amanda and O and got right to work in the raspberry bushes.  These are by far Caroline's favorite fruit.

There was a lot of sitting on her part.  And a lot of carrying on ours.  She is still too small to enjoy it.  But luckily her dad is awesome at picking the fruits.  See?

Cousin O got right down to business, marching right up to the lot and getting to work.

I call that one my celebrity paparazzi shot.

After berries, we did apples, which was pretty cool.  We attempted some photo shoots in the apple orchard.  As you will see, the other Nichols family = success.  Me and C = not great.

Then came potatoes.  Potatoes was beyond awesome.  John and O got to dig, and James and I picked out some other varieties from the rows that had been tilled.

Despite the heat and sun, it was a great way to spend the morning!  

Joining O's adventures, and eating

This weekend we had many adventures as O would say.  She actually did say, since Caroline, John and I tagged along on some of the weekend's events.  On Sunday morning, we went to the National Zoo.  It was my first time going in years (I haven't been since I used the zoo as a shortcut to my friend Marisa's house back when I lived in Adams Morgan).  We went pretty early and scored great parking and got to see most of the animals including the new baby cheetahs!

They were running and playing all around.  We also saw gorillas, tortoises, and experienced the new "American Trail" exhibit that included the seals and sea lions, eagles and otters.

John was the driver.

This adventure totally wore out my gigantic baby.

On our holiday Monday, we joined cousin O and cousin Genny at the Rockville spurting fountains.  Caroline had no interest in the water.  She did have interest in her berries.

Those big cheeks can hold a lot you know.  The big girls had a blast in the water and got balloon animal bracelets.

C just wandered around on the astroturf with her bowl of berries.  Then her crunchy snacks.  Girl loves herself some snacks.

After the outdoor fun, Caroline napped at the Nanas' and we went home to meet dad after his round of golf.  John tried to enjoy his pizza...

At least he is a good sharer.  Dad what are you doing that looks interesting!

But not that interesting.

Yum yum!

Attempting sensory play

I am trying to give Caroline more opportunities to touch and experience new things, so I've taken a page out of the book of Mrs. Chapman and developed some sensory play activities.  Yesterday, we just did a normal ol' water table.  She enjoyed it, though not as much as when we had colored ice.

It just didn't keep her occupied for very long, so then we tried to walk in the back yard around to the front of the house.  We didn't get far.

Mom.  I am not walking on this grass.  Please just carry me.

Today we tried some gelatin play.  I made three colors of it last night, and today got it all ready then stripped her down and stuck her outside in her high chair.  I think she was confused and thought it was food because of how the gelatin was presented.  I probably should have used a bucket or bin.

I tried adding water.  But that did not help much.  We got a lot of this face:

And she was distracted by the noise cause by these:

But that's okay.  We took her out of the chair and let her wander around the deck.

I'll keep presenting sensory and other play "invitations" and see how it goes! P.S. how cute is her high side pony?