Over the River & Through The Woods...

Or - "onto the plane and through the clouds"...we are visiting Nana this weekend in Hilton Head while Daddy and Papa and cousin D are at the Daytona 500. As usual, Jack was a good boy on the plane, even though we had to wake him up at 4am to leave for our very early flight! He has become a seasoned traveler. I'm not sure everyone appreciated the sound of his Thomas the Train book at 5:30 in the morning, but I'm pretty sure they liked it more than they would have a screaming toddler (yes, I've made peace with the fact he's a toddler - what choice do I have). So, we are having fun with Nana, Aunt Ashley, Uncle Eric and of course Lexi and Abbie. Jack had a "ball" - literally- at Lexi's soccer game yesterday. He had the best time carrying and kicking the ball around the empty field next to her game and kept Mommy busy following him around. The weather has been great in the 60's and it makes me anxious for Spring to come at home where we can get Jack outside to play and visit the zoo, etc. Too bad that will probably not be until April. I think we might have to ask the Easter Bunny for a soccer ball for Jack - I think he'd love it. Jack continues to love all of his books and of course his trucks. They are truly his favorite things. He will sit and "read" his books by himself and it's so cute to see that he actually does read some of them - he knows the words or animal sounds to say when he sees a particular page and definitely has established some of his favorite titles - "Moo, Ba, La La La" is one of his absolute favorites and he can practically read the entire book to you (before you ask, yes - we have alerted Harvard and they are holding a place for the year 2025). Yikes - that's scary. I don't really want to think about how old I'll be in 2025 - too weird. I really enjoy these days when we get to spend time together away from home - without schedules, deadlines and chores. It gives me a chance to really observe Jack's play and even though we spend time playing everyday - getting him out of his routine always makes me realize how much of an independent and capable little guy he is becoming. Sometimes in your own surroundings you get into a rut and don't let children explore as much as they do away from home and it can be an eye opener. Just another reminder to pay attention everyday b/c his little life is being shaped - a truly dauting responsibility but awesome opportunity. He's snoozing now - Jack still takes his morning nap around 9:30 which is a beautiful thing and definitely makes for a happier Jack (which makes for a happier Mommy). When he wakes up I think we'll take a walk to the swing set down by the pool - he'll really like that.