Rocks and Leaves

We've had the most beautiful weather lately.  I guess it's made up for all the snow we had during Winter Extreme 2012.  The best part about the warm weather is that I've been able to let Austin roam free in the backyard.  He loves being outside.

He's been working on collecting rocks and leaves.

P.S. Don't these pictures look so bright and clear?  For my birthday (which I never blogged about, but it was last month), my mom gave me a nice Nikon camera.  I don't know how to use all of its cool features yet, but so far I absolutely LOVE it.  Thanks Mom.

Toddler Open Gym

The community center in Auburn opens the big basketball gym for two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Austin and I decided to check it out last Monday.  They put play mats down a lots of toys all throughout the gym.

Austin's favorite thing was the car and trailer.  He could only go backwards, but he cruised all over.

And his least favorite activity?  The bouncy house.  I forced him in because I thought for sure he'd like it, but no.  He made a beeline for the slide exit and had absolutely no interest in going in again.

To be honest, I wasn't as impressed with open gym time as I thought I would be.  I think it was such a big area that it was a little overwhelming for Austin.  He had a great time and I'm sure we'll visit again, but I don't think it will become part of our regular routine.

Saturday at the Zoo

We woke up last Saturday to a beautiful sunny day and nothing to do, so we decided to take a trip to the zoo.  Last summer we went to the Point Defiance Zoo, but this time we decided to drive up to Seattle and check out the Woodland Park Zoo.  We were excited to see how Austin would like it -- especially since he's been really into animals lately.  He loved it.

Unfortunately we didn't take many pictures.  We were too busy having a great time as a family.  Austin eagerly pointed out all the animals he could see (including the crows).  He would name the ones he recognized -- either by name or by sound (like "heehee hahaha" for monkey).  I think we'll be visiting the zoo quite often this summer.