Around Here

I'm so very behind on blogging. So much has been happening. Even today, I spent time in the city waiting for my friend, Laura and her son to finish the Chicago Marathon. I swear I got a runner's high just being around all these fit and happy runners. It was so amazing and I found myself congratulating random strangers. It was inspiring to say the least.

Also, inspiring is The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I have finally jumped on the bandwagon and am reading this book now. I have a tendency to keep things...forever. Living in a small house has made me really want to simplify. And living in a small house with a toddler has made me want to simplify even more. We have very little room these days with toys everywhere. And I'm always looking for ways to organize and make more space. De-clutter. I'm hoping this book will encourage me even further. I love the premise that you only keep items that spark joy. And I know I have way too many clothes in my closet that never get worn. Let's face it, I wear the same few clothes over and over which is just a small fraction of what I own. And then there are closets and corners where I shove things only to be forgotten forever. And boxes that make each move but never get unpacked. My biggest problem is finding the time to "tidy"...when my kiddo makes it to bed, I'm so tired, I seem to get little done. Wish me luck!

Here's what we've been doing for the past month and a half:

Climbing furniture. Every day. 

Eating like a lady. 

Visiting the goats at the zoo. 

Watching the parakeets. 

Our final splash pad of the season with our friend, Rose during our trip to the zoo. 

Chilling at the park with our friend. That's not our wagon (nor is it our friend's). That's not even Claudia's doll she's holding. Park dates always seem to make Claudia want everything that isn't hers. Other parents (and most kids) are so gracious and happy to share. Just part of the awkward every day experiences that make up parenthood. 

Waving at dogs as they walk by on the sidewalk. 

Claudia hugging her BFF at the petting zoo. 

After a period of being scared of the slide (I think it was too hot earlier in the summer), Claudia is in love with slides again. 

Hanging with Rose. 

Watching Elmo. Screen time was successfully avoided up until a few months ago and now Sesame Street is Claudia's guilty pleasure.