CitiParks Roving Art Cart in Friendship!

Today the Art Cart came to Friendship. We had our playgroup meet up there instead of at the playground. It was a fun change. Koen was excited to go because he really looked forward to painting again.


He probably spent almost a half an hour painting his picture. It's basically a big blob of color mixed together. Last time he was really careful about not mixing the paint and rinsing and drying the brush between uses. Today, he was much more carefree in his technique. Not to mention that we have a Curious George book that talks about painting and mixing the colors to make new colors. He even said to Miss Meaghan once, "See, you put these together and it makes black."

After the painting (which he took a step farther this time and also used his hands to mush it around on the paper), we had to wash his hands. While we were at the water buckets (which really grosses me out anyways since there is no disinfectant or soap used and everyone there was using it) he was slowly trying to get the paint off his hands and a small group of kids came around to wash their hands. They were not very kind and they knocked him over by mistake, but they definitely were not apologetic to him afterwards. So, he was wet, dripping with paint, crying, rubbing his eyes and just so surprised and upset. My heart went out to him. But I was also not sure how to comfort him since Tavin was strapped to the front of me in the BabyBjorn and I didn't want him to get paint on him and then in his mouth. So, he was difficult to comfort and then after I got him somewhat cleaned up with wipes and calmed down, he threw a little fit, I don't know why, I guess just because he's 3. Finally, we got ourselves together enough to move on and check out what else was available. They had sidewalk chalk, face/body painting (I'm not particularly fond of it and definitely knew he wouldn't be patient enough to wait in line), clay and then finally, mosaic! Koen was hesitant, but eventually warmed up to the artist and the idea of helping put together this big puzzle. We were probably there "helping" the artist for 20 minutes or so.

Koen did very well. He definitely preferred doing the big pieces on the fresh glue rather than placing the small pieces in the existing holes and spaces, but I was impressed by his patience and concentration. The mosiac will actually be hung somewhere in or on a building in the city along with all the others made this summer at the Art Cart. It was so pretty. I loved it. Maybe we should make one for our playroom. =)

Visit with Miles (and Claire and Miss Deborah)

Yesterday we had Miss Deborah and Baby Claire and most importantly, Koen's friend, Miles to visit. The boys played around each other most of the morning while we were outside, playing with trucks and toys and jumping in the pool. They did get a kick out of splashing in the pool together for a little bit.
Koen was an emotional basket case as he was catching up on rest and getting back into the swing of things here at home after the fun few days at Nana & PopPop's. At first when I told him that Miles was coming over he said, "I don't want anyone to come today, I want to just be you, me and Tavin." After they left he said, "I did like having Miles over, Mommy. Good idea. See Mommy, you have good ideas sometimes." Thanks a lot!

Morning with Tavin

Tavin and I are really having fun with this alone time, but it is almost eerily quiet around here without Koen, my little chatterbox! I really can't wait for he and Doug to get home (probably around 1pm).

While Tavin and I hung around the house playing this morning I took a little amateur photo shoot of my sweet little man. He was a good sport, but definitely did not like the tummy time pictures, so he just turned me off and sucked his thumb.

Here's a quick picture of the happy adventurers from yesterday. PopPop sent me this picture this morning. I can't wait to see and hear more about their fun time all together!

My Sweet Day With Tavin

Tavin and I have missed Koen, but it has also been fun to experience a day to focus just on our relationship and what we want to do!

Tavin slept great through the night and into the morning until about 7:45-8am, which is his norm now (yay!). After he ate (and ate and ate, eating seems to take up most of his day now that he is eating lots of solids), we headed out with Tavin in the BabyBjorn to run an errand at the bank. When we got home, Tavin played in his exersaucer in the playroom while Mommy dusted...how fun!

Tavin took an awesome morning nap which he hasn't done in days, so that was great and unexpected. I got a lot of work done which was a plus. Once Tavin woke up and then ate and ate and ate again, we headed out in the carriage for the library. I had requested a bunch of books for Koen that were in and we also had some returns to take back. It was fun to just have a light infant in the single stroller instead of pushing Koen who is 30+ pounds in the double stroller! On the way home, I had to transfer Tavin into the BabyBjorn to keep him awake. He was a little monkey trying to grab the carriage handlebars with his feet/toes and his hands. If I thought he was falling asleep, all I had to do was tickle him on his legs or his armpits and he breaks out in huge smiles and sweet, contagious laughter...pure joy!

When we got back to the house, our neighbors were on their front porch. They are the sweetest couple, Ruth and Ceasar. They are in their 80's and are born and bred Pittsburgh. They are down to earth, speak their minds and are so kind to us and love our kids! It was fun to let them see Tavin for a little bit. He was all smiles for him of course. They think they are really bonding with him...precious!

Tavin took a 2 hour afternoon nap, which again surprised me, but I was more than happy for the downtime to get things done. When he woke up he ate his dinner (seriously, are you seeing a pattern here...all he does is eat and sleep it seems!). Then we went out for a walk again with Tavin in the BabyBjorn. I took him to Osceola Park so he could go on the baby swings. It was fun to do something just for him. Although, I have to say, a day with 3 walks in it honestly is a day with me in mind. I loved it!
I let Tavin take a super long bath sitting in the Bumbo which seems to be a new favorite for him (washing off the sweat, caked baby food and sunscreen is so refreshing!). Tavin was asleep by 7:05pm, hopefully for the next 12 and 1/2 to 13 hours. I always stay up later when Doug is away, so I've got to get to bed in case Tavin doesn't last that long. Goodnight!

Enjoy this video of Tavin...eating of course!

Adventures at PopPop Camp, Part III

I got a quick call this evening from my boys and they sounded great. Doug sounded tired and Koen sounded thrilled.

Here's a quick shot of Koen at dinner. Apparently, Koen ate a piece of BBQ chicken, 2 hot dogs, corn on the cob and some yellow peppers! Of course he's hungry after their busy day! Speaking of which, both Koen and Doug took a 3 hour long nap this afternoon!

Adventures at PopPop Camp, Part II

This day has been packed full of fun for these boys! Nana and PopPop are two very special people to host such a fun, full day for these little ones!

Here's a picture of Koen helping map out the rest of the hike...

After they finished the hike and some time in a creek, they headed for some ice cream. Yum! Look how tired Michael looks in the background!

According to Doug, everyone is napping now. Hopefully they all get some good rest this afternoon for the rest of their adventures!

Adventures at PopPop Camp, Part I

Koen and Doug got in to Nana & PopPop's last night around 10pm. Doug got Koen settled in their room on an air mattress on the floor (see picture to see how hilarious Koen is with having to set it up, complete with books all lined up like he does (oddly) at home).

Koen went to bed and then Doug got some dinner. Then Doug snuck into his room. Doug told me this morning that Koen popped his head up and said, "Hi Daddy, this is so much fun!" Then Koen went to sleep and slept all the way until 6:30am. Not bad for a new place and a bright room. Koen then came into bed with Doug to read books and snuggle. So sweet! I was definitely a little jealous at that part. =)

Doug's been keeping me updated with little quotes and pictures throughout the morning. Here's what I have so far. One adorable quote from Koen was to his cousin Michael who offered him part of his banana, "No thank you, Mikey, but you are a very nice cousin."

Playing in the tree fort in PopPop's backyard...

Visit to the Fish Farm where Koen said, "Wow, that one is as big as Tavin!"
On a hike...

Koen found out that Mikey likes to take funny face pictures too...
I can't believe all they've done this morning already. The kids are going to be exhausted, but I'm sure Nana, PopPop and Doug will be too!