First and Last Sledding Ride of the Winter Season

As those who experienced this past winter in Minnesota ... and are still here to talk about it yet because you haven't left ... you know how crazy the snow fall depths were.  They seemed never ending, but we can all finally say that green grass is growing and bulbs are blooming.  Didn't think that day would ever come this year and either did James.  When February rolled around we had good intentions to buy James a sled to get him outside and have some fun.  All local superstores at this point we're selling sand pails and shovels and swimsuits.  No sleds to be found.  Really - it's Minnesota?!?  Winter doesn't end until mid-April ... or in this year's case the end of April so it seems.

But luck have it we did end up finding a sled for James at the local hardware store just a few blocks away in early March, and luck have it as well ... it snowed again so we got to put it to use.

So this inaugural sledding adventure, also ended up being the last of the winter season at the Clark home.  James wasn't too sure about taking a ride in the sled, as noted by him barrel rolling out of the sled time and time again.  He preferred to just walk around and take in the sightlines of snowbanks and watching Mom and Dad shovel ... yet again.  We anticipate he'll enjoy sledding more next year if we take him on some hills.  He just recently is enjoying slides at the park.  Although we're thankful that the snow has finally given way to spring, we look forward to next winter so we can get James out on the hills for some adventures.  Happy spring!

Children's Museum, Take 2

We traveled to the Children's Museum to visit the current rotating exhibit "Lego Castle."  Of course Daddy was probably the most excited about checking it out, James enjoyed it as well, but was also excited to visit with his friend Reid again too!

Matt's friend Mark from grad school and his family met us there and we let the boys explore.  We did only manage to to visit the third floor this day, but that's why we have a membership - we can always go back!
                 

James once again had fun in Habitot and explored the slide with great enthusiasm and although he got a kick out of the Lego exhibit, he wasn't all too interested in the Legos, more so the book he found among the large foam Legos they had for the little people to play with.  James play with blocks?  Nope he'd rather read a book.  Which at this time, doesn't surprise us in the least.  The boys loves his books!

We had a great time with the Thurbush family visting the musem and then enjoying lunch together.  It was great to catch up and have the boys run off some cabin fever energy before afternoon naps!  We hope to visit the museum again soon.

James' Playhouse

James made a big purchase a few weeks ago - his first house (albeit construction materials)!   He's got his own car now, so why not a house?

Grandma and Grandpa Bragg ventured to Costco with their little contractor to pick out all the necessary materials.  James pushed the cart and chased others from the aisles so they could get the best selection. 

He can't wait for the ground to thaw so it can be put together and he can turn it into his clubhouse.  We have a feeling this may lead to numerous door openings and closings - much like his Cozy Coupe these days.  But if it keeps him busy - have at it!  James (and Mom and Dad) appreciate the sentiment and are quite certain this will be something that will be enjoyed for many years.

Look Mom ... All Clean!

James surprised us a week or so ago by fishing out a paper towel out of the garbage can in the kitchen and proceeded to let us know this by dashing into the living room and "dusting" the end tables.  It was pretty cute ... and to those who know Mommy well, it melted her heart.  That same week when picking him up from daycare one of his teacher's was handing damp paper towels to a few of the kids as they were helping "clean" the tables from their afternoon snack.  It would appear he's learning the tricks of the trade, and how to impress mom and dad at school!

Not more than a week later James insisted on pushing the Swiffer mop around the floors at home. He's done this several times now and gets quite a kick out of this these days. Mom is happy to have a little helper on hand and it's one less thing to do - and it keeps him busy for a few minutes, all the better!