A Mid-September Walk

This might seem a bit "mundane" - but it is a big part of the kids and my daily routine. Almost every day we take a 20-45 minute walk. It depends on the route (we have 2-3 favorites)and how many "stops" the 2 toddlers must make. (It also depends on if Mom hurries the kiddies home due to; as Ethan would say; "Baby pushes on Mom's bladder") :) Thought you might be interested in seeing what all a simple little walk entails for us. If not - feel free to scroll down to the next set of pics! :)


"Mailboxes" - This is a favorite for Ethan on our walks. First, there are diamonds on the stands. Second, sometimes there are TWO mailboxes and sometimes only ONE per stand. Thirdly (and most importantly), he likes to point out which mailboxes are broken or "fixed" (not broken). (There are several that have the front thumb/finger tab broken off)


Kaylin pointing out an "S" (She says "essss"). Her big brother got her started on this - it was a favorite walk past time when he was 18 months and he has now gotten Kaylin hooked. (There are "S", "W", and "P/L" stamped in the sidewalks for where utilities can be found.)


Ethan and on of the Fire Hydrants. This is one of his favorite things to spot on our walks. He categorizes them by how "red" they are. (Some are fading with pink - some have white on them - some are bright red...) On each walk we have a running total of how many we see. (usually 3-5)


Kaylin picking a dandelion. She is OBSESSED with picking dandelions. And not just the pretty yellow ones. The old dried up long stemmed ones (AKA: "tickle sticks" as the 3 of us sometimes chase/tickle each other with them) are also a favorite. At any given time on our walk both of her hands will be occupied by a dandelion of some form. (And then she still wants to pick more.) Needless to say, it is a good thing for her that Dandelions grow quickly, or our regular routes would have long ago been picked clean!


The kids from behind. Note Kaylin's "tickle stick" in-hand. Also note Ethan is the back pack bearer. It holds our water and house keys.


"Crinkle Rocks Path" - This is a little Utility access path that is fun to walk on because the rocks go "crunch crunch crunch" under our feet.


"Drink Break" - I have passed my love of water onto the children. (Of course, it could also be considered an obsession as it is a BIT ridiculous I feel the NEED to take water on a 1/2 hour excursion...)


"Water Drain" - The kids find them fascinating. If we happen to have any "tickle sticks" or dandelions in-hand (which undoubtedly we do) then we toss them in. It is also great joy if someone happens to be running sprinklers on our route - then there is a stream going into the water drain and we get to watch the dandelions FLOAT into the drain :)


The "Black Path" - Whenever we come across a black path in our subdivision, we run on it - as being demonstrated by Ethan in this picture :)


One last stop before Home - the Metal Plate. We like to stomp on it to make the "clang, clang" sound.


Back Home. Kaylin likes to play with the butterfly and little green frog ornaments while Ethan unlocks and opens the door. Yes, Ethan can now use the house key.