The Three Amigos

I'm playing catch-up here. Indeed it is a little tricky to find time to write with a 2-month-old! Here the kids are, a few weeks ago, playing across the street. Noah likes to take me for rides on his pretend skate board, or his pretend boat. When he takes me for boat rides, he likes to sing "Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright" (or whatever that song is called!) by Bob Marley, since that's the song he heard when he was with his Daddy on the boat in St. Maarten.

These days, the kids are all about practising their balancing skills by walking along the edges of flower beds. They do this in front of people's houses too. I am just waiting for some home owner to yell at us about this, but so far no one seems able to deny these munchkins that simple pleasure.

It had been a while since they had gotten messy with finger paint, so they were all over this activity!

One nice spring day a few weeks ago when Dan was still on paternity leave, we all went to the High Park Zoo. This zoo was due to close down in June due to lack of funding, but Dan, who is on the board of directors to save the zoo, informs me that they have succeeded in raising enough funds to keep it open at least until the end of this year.

B. was so cute talking to the yaks pictured above. He introduced himself and Aidas to them. It was very sincere.

Afterwards we went to the Castle Playground. I wasn't sure how much would be accessible to them because of the fire that had ruined a good portion of it, but there was actually plenty for them to enjoy. And, the part that was ruined is scheduled to be rebuilt before the summer kicks off.

Here is daredevil B., attempting to climb up onto the playground through a tire. Noah and Aidas seem happy to let B. take the initiative at many physical feats. He is so skilled in this area that I think they figure, "If he can't do it, it definitely isn't worth it for us to even attempt it yet."

One day, B. and Aidas found a puddle in front of our building that was created not by the rain, but by the sprinklers running that morning. They've never met a puddle they didn't like! Noah was, as usual, singing.

Oscar came to the daycare one Friday. It was like he never left! He made himself right back at home. The big boys were all hanging around him, wanting to play with him. They must have missed him! Oscar was really interested in trying out the potties, like the big boys. You never know, maybe the big boys will inspire him to start early!

We have been broadening our horizons at Lithuania Park, by exploring other areas. The kids now enjoy climbing to the top of the huge hill and running down it, reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie" (usually complete with the fall, by one of them).

We have also discovered sewer grates. They are captivated by the sound of rushing water underneath!

On the way to and from Lithuania Park, the kids like to climb the hill (which they call a mountain), while I walk with Leila on the sidewalk. Then they look down at me and say that I look so small, or that they are the kings of the castle. It is nice to see the excitement in their eyes as they enjoy more freedom here and there. They are very good at following my direction when we are out, so I can trust them more with safety issues.

I love the three amigos. I'll have more on our adventures in the next post, which hopefully won't take so long this time!