Springtime Fun

Days seem to go smoother if I keep Kimberly busy with appropriate activities...instead of the ones she likes to tackle, such as taking pens to the furniture, finger painting with yogurt in the living room, or climbing to new heights.

This week we cleaned out a cabinet in the kitchen and I discovered just how many paper bags I had shoved in there! (Yes, I did take my insulated totes to the store today... although insulation against the heat was admittedly my main motivation.) Ripping the paper bags open and coloring on the inside makes for great fun. Kimberly loves stepping on our pictures too... something about the crinkly noise paper bags make.

We often go for walks; Kimberly pushing her stroller & dolly while I push the "back-up" stroller.

Checking out leaves in the grass.

A little grossed out by the leaves in the grass :)

Note the hats on both babies as well as Kimberly's purse hanging on the stroller...just like mommy.

Helping Mommy

Have you read the children's book, We Help Mommy, illustrated by, Eloise Wilkin? The stories she illustrated have stayed in my memory as favorites. (Thankfully, there is a new hardcover collection out that is MUCH cheaper than buying the collectible Golden Book on Amazon)
Anyway, in the book, the two little children sweetly get up in the morning and assist their mother all day long with a short little pause to go play with their friends. As a mother, I do believe this may continue to be a favorite story of mine! :)
As one way to combat some of Kimberly's tantrums, I have started giving her "jobs" to help me with. It is proving to be a great distraction & useful in keeping her occupied since she is at the stage where it is a lot of fun (don't worry, I have no delusions that it will always be this way).
Drying dishes:

First she dried the back.

Then the front.

What a funny expression on her face!!

Time to put it away!

One day last week she finished wiping something off & took the towel to the garbage...such a normal stage for kids, but so funny to watch how serious they are while doing it!

Next lesson... teaching her to fold the towels she is so good at pulling out of the drawer? :)