Beach Strolling

Alan and Jaden walking along Lake Erie at Beulah Beach camp. Yesterday we drove up to Beulah Beach so Mom Kropp could see where she and her family stayed after their return from Japanese prison camp during WWII. The same brick building they lived in still stands. We waded in the water, picknicked by the beach, saw the campgrounds and just enjoyed the day away together.

Toothy grin

Another rainy pj day picture! Jaden enjoys climbing up on to the couch and making himself comfortable, lying or sitting. He's learned that many objects, such as his drum, a pile of books and a small wicker chest we have sitting at the end of the couch, can double as a step making it possible for him to get where he wants to go.

Playing in PJs

Relaxing and playing in our pjs on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, Jaden seems to enjoy being in upside down positions like this one. Part of our nightly bedtime routine for many months included another upside down position. While reading books in my lap, Jaden would, sometimes unexpectedly, thrust himself backwards with his feet dipping his head back below my arm exposing his neck in order to lure daddy over for a few wet, noisy kisses on the neck. I wonder what upside down trick will be next!?

Exploration

Jaden loves to explore. He really likes to find a small space just big enough to fit himself into, like the space in our closet where our laundry basket goes or under the telephone stand. Unfortunately, my snap of Jaden waving "bye!" as he went off to explore beside our bed didn't turn out or I would have posted that. He enjoys waving "hi" and "bye", even to strangers in the grocery store. The "bye!" that he says sounds like a little southern. Maybe he picked up a southern drawl from his cousins in North Carolina!

Up close

Just a snap or two from our very ordinary day of play, housework and time with Daddy. Jaden cried twice today when Alan left. Jaden was also very excited to ride in Daddy's truck. He's become interested in trucks and tractors this past month or so, but still calls both, "Trucks" when he sees or hears them. This week he's been saying, "Wow! Truck!" when we pass a truck on the road. (I'm guessing little girls don't do that!)

Homefront

Just enjoying some time at home with each other, hanging out and snapping a few pics. We tend to do a lot of hanging out at home on Alan's day off.

Architect Al & Apprentice

Alan and Jaden building with megablocks. Alan enjoys creating and Jaden enjoys destroying...they make a good pair when it comes to playing with blocks! One recent development is that, although Jaden still thoroughly enjoys destroying block towers especially the skyscraper versions that Alan builds, he's now learning to put the blocks together too.

Reading with Grandpa B

Jaden and Grandpa reading on the couch together. Jaden identifies several of his favorite books by a sound in the book. Scuffy the Tugboat he calls "Toot! Toot!". Another book he calls, "Aaaachooo!" because of a sneezing bear at the story's conclusion. Jaden really enjoys his books. Jaden had lots of fun playing with Grandpa and Grandma B when they detoured through Ohio on their way to DC this past weekend.