It's all about the outdoors

The fall is so beautiful in Virginia.  

We could not possibly visit the playground more often.

Beck had his first adventure with the sand and water table out back.  

It did not take him long to figure out the binky I strategically placed in his 

mouth was only getting in the way of the real fun.

Things change so quickly around here.  Beck has turned into quite the toddler-busy as can be and into everything.  He absolutely PANICS when I start to clean up toys.  He frantically comes around and dishevels whatever I am tidying.  He tries to repeat many things we say, such as scarecrow ("cah-coh"), Beck ("beh"), black ("bleh"), and backpack ("bah-pah").  Plus he says "mama," "dada," "more," and "baba."  He grunts and points at so many things, and wants whatever you are eating.    

Ramsey apparently has some opinions, and some have necessarily been incorporated into our lives.  Who knew I was so bossy?  Well, Ramsey did, for sure.  Her opinions are pretty reasonable-she wants to choose when she uses the bathroom, when she eats, and how quickly she has to leave the house.  I think I can work with that, but only after a couple of weeks of adjustment.  She asks to pet dogs lately, and also allows me to pet Blue Doggie, her beloved stuffed animal & faithful friend.  We really enjoy each other's company, as she is so grown up these days and is a great communicator.  Today, she crawled out of her crib for the first time.  I'm surprised it has taken her this long to do it because she is such a great climber, but I think she has really enjoyed her crib.  We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings us.  I guess I'll have to break down and take one side off! 

I have recently reduced my caseload, which makes life so much more reasonable.  I am trying to find outlets that do not include EEO Complainants-easier said than done.  I haven't been reading as much I would like, so there's a new goal.  Plus, that new yoga video is already starting to get dusty!  I taught a lesson last Sunday at church, and as usual got a little choked up, but it was good.  I really enjoy teaching, even though I get so nervous and silly sometimes.   

Matt is juggling the demands of family, professional, and church life with a new ease these days.  On a typical day we take him to and from the Metro, and he always gets a couple of extra kisses from Ramsey and giggles from Beck as he gets out of the car to start his commute.  We sometimes bring him his protein shake when we pick him up, just to make sure he's in a good mood for that short time between picking him up and the kids going to bed.  He's a trooper!  He has recently been on a healthy food kick (for months now), and it is a great influence on our family (read: ME), but man, where are the M&Ms when I need them?  Blogging makes me hungry.