These Boots are Made for Walking

Mikaela discovered Pepaw (Donna's grandfather)'s boots which sit on the hearth as part of the cowboy/Texas decor that is in our living room.  

Children's Museum

On Monday, June 25th, Graemma and I took Mikaela to the Children's Museum at Fair Park.  Mikaela was very timid and clingy at first but found some fun things to do and ended up having a good time, I think.  

working puzzles

raising balloons

reading weather books

watching a ball sorting contraption

 The Children's Museum is divided into various rooms: Town, Farm, Home/Backyard, & Water.  The Water room was a hit or should I say a splash?

 We ran into a friend of mine from work who was taking her son out for a day at the museum.  Here they are playing in the water room.

 After getting thoroughly wet, we took a break to change and then headed to the Farm.

showing me a potato

sorting vegetables

 Our last stop was the sand box.  I think sand and water were the favorites.  It doesn't take much to entertain a child, does it?

She was saying, "cheese" in this picture, but was too busy playing to actually look up.

Becoming a Fish

After a very unsuccessful venture with swim lessons, we went to the pool again today.  She doesn't like the rain forest area because of a vat that drops a lot of water periodically and it scares her.  However, she discovered today that her feet touch the bottom in the kiddie pool so she had a lot of fun with that.  We even got her to "blow bubbles" in the water a couple of times!  Then we went over to the larger pool to practice kicks and paddling.  At one point, she wanted to go on the other side of the rope.  We told her the only way to do that was to go under it (under water).  I demonstrated.  She decided she'd do it!  We were so impressed and surprised! Maybe she'll be a little fish after all...

Children's Aquarium

This past weekend, my friend and college roommate, Donna 2, came to visit for our annual Donnas' Musical Weekend.  On Friday we took Mikaela to the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park.  Mikaela was skiddish at times but we had a fun time.  

so ugly... but still one of God's creatures.

colorful fish

 There is a sting ray exhibit.  Donna 2 decided she'd like to feed them.  She had to hold little fish.  Gross!  Oh well, it was fun to watch.

Swim Lessons

The first two weeks of summer we enrolled Mikaela in the Parent & Tot class at our city pool.  This was the same class as last year, which she really enjoyed.  This year, however, it was a different story.  Being the beginning of June and the bizarre weather we had, the pool was often quite chilly and Mikaela is not a fan of that.  (Who can blame her?) She tried her best, but rarely lasted the entire 30 minute class.  Next year we'll know to do lessons in July or August.  

with her teacher

The "M" Nazi

For all you Seinfield lovers out there....

Today Mikaela was getting her M&Ms for a potty reward and while she was picking her color, Cocoa Bean stood nearby hoping for a handout.  Mikaela told her, "No M for you!"

The Power of Suggestion

Today Mike and I were hanging pictures in our upstairs room.  Mikaela was playing with toy cars while we worked.  Mike moved the step ladder to a particular spot in the room that was apparently in her way.  Pointing to another area of the room she said, "Daddy, you want to go over there."