Swings in Easton

So while we were in Easton, Joey had a little fun on the swings. I think it definitely helped that Shaezi wanted to swing, too.

They both spent some time in the kiddie swings. Back and forth, trying to figure out the feet kicks.

See? Joey had fun!

The big swings were more fun. At least that's what his smile tells me. Maybe Aunt Rachel was pretending there was a bird on her head? I don't remember. That smile, though, I don't ever want to forget.

Wordless Wednesday: Just Smile

Family Time

Thanks to a great e-fare from United, we were able to sneak away for the weekend to visit the family in Easton. Joey had so much fun with his cousins. In an attempt to not steal all the pics from my sister's blog, I'm only posting a few that I took on my own camera. (Since she had hers out, I deferred to her most of the time.)

Joey had fun taking his cousin Makayla for a walk. He couldn't wait to push the stroller!

Makayla had some fun of her own on the walk. I think she loved being outside in the fresh air. (Not to mention it's infinitely quieter outside than inside, even if we're still loud outside.)

Needless to say, Joey and Shae took no naps. So when bed time rolled around, they both crashed. I decided to try putting Joey in the pack and play, but I think this was the last time he'll be able to do it. He's getting so big!

Hanging out with Danielle and John

So I'm completely cheating on this post. But since Danielle took some cool, pictures, and already posted them, I figured I'd share them. Click here to see some of our fun - enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday: Raking the Leaves

Swings (Take 2)

Apparently, I just needed to put Joey on the big boy swings. It was a beautiful day yesterday, so we spent some time at the park. (After doing some yard work first, hence the green garden gloves that he did not want to take off.) I was trying to encourage him to get on the swings by showing him how I do it, and he wanted to get on the one next to Mommy. Spent a good ten minutes on them, with a smile almost the whole time. Definitely an improvement from the baby swings a few days ago. Now if only Mommy could stop imaging him falling off backwards and splitting his head open, we could all enjoy the swings.

The Music Man

They had another kids' concert at the Blues Bar on Sunday. Joey's favorite part is helping Daddy. Too cute!

Choo-choo!

When we went for our walk to the park yesterday, there were two trains! The first one was headed westbound, and then next thing we knew there was another headed eastbound past the park. Joey didn't really want to turn around, but I managed to snap this one.

Look at how well his Blackhawks jacket fits him. It's not even big anymore! I know that's the point of growing up, but it's still amazing to see cloths that we used to have to roll or cuff fit perfectly.

Swings!

We had some fun at the park on Friday night. OK, we've had fun just about every day for the last two weeks, but Friday I actually took some pictures with my phone.

Joey absolutely didn't want to get on the swings. But once he got in, he had fun!

Unfortunately it only lasted about two minutes. This face doesn't look too bad, but he definitely was on the verge of tears at this point. Oh well, one day he'll be swinging as high as possible and then jumping off. I'll just enjoy these tamer days while they last.

Cutting the Grass

During all this wonderful weather, Joey decided the grass needed to be cut. So while Mommy worked in the garden, Joey got busy.

He could push that little push mower around the backyard forever.

Unless, of course, we get the riding mower out. Then forget about it. That's all he wants. He has gotten a lot better at steering, with all the practice. He still needs a little help once in a while, but by the end of the summer, he'll probably be able to keep up with Daddy.

Special Report: Happy St Patty's Day from Clearwater

Nana and Pop-pop send their best from Phillies Spring Training!

Some of My Favorite Things for Spring

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in Chicagoland. Not sure if it quite reached 60 degrees, but it was plenty warm for us, and there was lots of sunshine. In honor of the glorious day, I present some of my favorite things for spring.

Tulips making their way through the ground.

Lilac buds promising fragrant blooms.

And everyone helping out in the garden.

Of course, there's still some snow on the ground in our backyard. (There are some spots that I don't think get sun until April due to the houses and trees that surround us.) It's still March, so I'm sure there will be plenty of cold days and maybe even some snow before we get to summer, but it sure is nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Joey Loves Babies

We spent time today with some of our Ignatius "cousins." Grace and Cara stopped by Nicole's for a playdate! Joey and Grace had fun playing together, especially when bounding the giant exercise ball Nicole keeps in her living room. Joey got to meet Baby Tano, and couldn't wait to hold him!

He really is so good with babies.

And I couldn't pass on this feet shot. I mean, look at how big his feet look next to Tano's! I can't believe how big Joey is. It goes by so fast.

CORRECTION: D'oh! Somehow the second and third sentences of the first paragraph were missing. I've added them back. Didn't mean to leave anyone out!

Cousin Time

Joey got to spend some time with his cousin Hannah today, and he loved every second of it. As usual, they both pretended to be shy for the first 15 minutes. Then they were inseparable.

They both loved playing with my cell phone.

And I did manage to get at least one good picture of the two of them.

But more importantly, Grandpa taught Joey how to Pogo.

Of course, Hannah couldn't wait to join the fun! (Yes, that's my cell phone Joey's still playing with. He loves that thing.)

Lazy Saturday Afternoon with Granpa

(Actually, we spent the whole morning cleaning house, so Joey and Grandpa are enjoying some well-deserved down time. Watching Wonder Pets, of course.)

Skater or Thug?

When we got home from school yesterday, Joey, of course, wanted to play in the backyard. After a good thirty minutes outside, and with cheeks like roses, we came back inside. Someone didn't want to take off their hat and gloves right away, though. We couldn't decide if he looked like a skater or a little thug. Post your vote in the comments. (At least he's smiling!)

On the Move

Someone said now that I have all this "free" time, I should be able to post pics of Joey more often. She said nothing about quality. This one was interesting, because as my extremely slow camera took it's time in actually snapping the shot, I tried moving the camera to keep up with the boy. This was the outcome. Pretty in focus, but that's about it. Well, this is what you get for today. Deal with it.

Where are You Going?

It was relatively nice yesterday, so we went to the park. It's the first time in a while that it wasn't raining or snowing or wet, and Joey couldn't wait to get on the equipment. He spent a good 10 minutes just at the steering wheel. Didn't even want to go down the sliding boards. (Although he had a ton of fun "pushing" Mommy down.)

It Fits!

This one is specifically for Aunt Shelley. Yes, the jacket fits. And I promise, he was way more excited than he looks to put it on. Once he realized there was a hood on it, he didn't want to take it off!

Enough with the Tractor Already!

We love our tractor. Our mom taking pictures of us on said tractor, not so much. This one is from our second or third time out. Still learning how to steer (can you see the crazy wheel marks in the background?!?), but at least we know how to make it go forward.

Bonus Footage: The Future's So Bright

While Joe was out grilling our chicken for dinner (yes, we decided to grill even though it was below freezing), Joey decided he had to go outside and see Daddy. And he had to wear his sunglasses. Even though it was black outside and my iPhone needed to use the flash. Typical two-year-old. At least he looks cool.

The First Tractor Ride

From our first go with the tractor. We still need to work on our steering.

Blog Interrupted

Given that I've been such a slacker the last week and a half when it comes to blogging, I had already scheduled the next three or so blogs to post. After tonight, I had to postpone the blogs and let you know what's going on. Right now.

Joey was not on his best behavior at school today, but he was doing pretty well once we got home. He helped me mix the oatmeal raisin cookie batter (he loves to use the beaters, and is actually quite good with them!), he ran the vacuum (of course), and he even helped wash the dishes. As I was finishing up in the kitchen, he was quietly playing in the living room. I should've known better. When I walked in to check on him, he had this smile on his face. I could see he had colored all over his arms, but I couldn't tell what he was really smiling about. Then he started pointing ...

OMG! And this wasn't with the washable markers. No. The washable dry erase markers are completely dried out. (Somebody left the caps off the markers. I'm not saying who.) So I had brought out the other dry erase markers. Never again.

I know he looks like he's being tortured in this picture, but when I got out the Magic Erasers, he actually asked if he could help me. He got bored with it eventually, but not until after we got most of it off the wall. Hopefully he learned his lesson. I'm not holding my breath.