Blackberries and Singing

My memory lane for blackberries.  I remember picking these as a child.  It was hot in Alabama when they were ripe and ready for picking.  We would wear jeans and long-sleeved flannel shirts and  head out for berries.  I liked to pick them but would not eat them for anything.  Mawmaw would "put some up" for the winter and make blackberries cobbler.

Lately - Taft and I have been walking in the evenings.  Well - I walk and Taft rides, and most nights we are joined by Jamie and the Meseke children.  Taft's BFF CJ's is a member of this family.  On a walk this week, we noticed that the empty, wooded lots in my neighborhood are covered with blackberry vines.  Lots are ready to pick.  We picked a few as we went and snacked.  CJ and Sami loved them, Taft not so much.  So last night, Taft and I went out for a walk, and he walked too, almost a mile in fact, around the neighborhood searching for berries.  I was not dressed for the occasion and did not wear gloves, my hands are pretty sad today. 

Taft learned to pick ones close to him and to stay away from the vines after one attacked him.  I told him that it just thought he was sweet and needed a taste.  He thought he was a big boy.  He continued to walk and to pick.  We talked to a few neighbors and he got to pet a few dogs.  He even got to pick some flowers.  A real favorite for him. 

On our walk home, he decided that he wanted to sing.  We sang "10 Little Monkeys" about ten times.  It is his favorite of the moment, and also got in a few ABC's.  He also wanted to count everything.  He is really learning a lot these days and I must say that I think he is very smart.  He notices things that I don't and points them out.  I love to see things through his eyes.

After we were home, we washed out berries.  We got about 6 cups without really trying and there are lots of them out there.  Taft even ate a few.  After his bath, he was out for the count.  Maybe walking is a great way to get him in bed on time. 

The Alligator Farm

Today we went to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine with our friend the Meseke family.  Taft will always tell me that CJ is his best friend and he loves getting to see him.  We started with lunch at Sonny's  I am thinking that after four adults and four children ages four and under, the waitress was very happy to see us go.  The boys enjoyed their hot dogs, green beans, mac-n-cheese, and fries.  Taft was very happy to sit beside CJ. 
Our original plan was to go to Blue Springs State Park to see the manatee.  But - when I checked yesterday, there were only four left in the run.  They come to the springs in the winter and then as it gets warmer, they swim back out.  They are usually gone by March.  We just thought about a trip there too late in the season.  We will plan on going next year.
The boys were able to look at all the gators, turtles, tortoises, birds, monkeys, and snakes.  Taft was worried on our way in that the alligators would eat him.  It took a little while to convince him it would be okay.  Taft was also very excited to get a two seat stroller when we made our way in.  That way, he was able to ride with CJ. 

These two are so funny together.  When they first saw each other today, all you heard was, "Taft!!", "CJ!!", even Brandt got in on the action.  It seems that he really likes Taft too and vice versa.  Sweet Sami was just happy hanging out in her stroller taking everything in.
A lot of the pictures that I was able to get are of the boys backs.  It seemed that they were always watching something and would not turn around for pictures.  It's okay.  They have pretty cute backs.

After strolling around for some time, we took the kids to the Kid Zone.  They have a little play area with picnic tables.  Jamie and I got the kids animal crackers and juice for them to have a little snack.  All three loved the turtles!  We even had a few upsetting moments where all three wanted to ride at the same time.

We had a great time and even found a way to make that two seat stroller work for three.  I am pretty sure that this photo will be posted at the entrance to show people what not to do.

Taft's New Bed

 Yesterday started out pretty great for Taft.  He woke up, ate breakfast, had a bath, and then was on his way to see CJ.  On the way, we stopped to pick up his new bed.

Taft arrived at Let's Play and had a great time playing with CJ, Brandt, Sami, and the other party guests.  They have a huge indoor play area with climbing, slides, a zip line, baby zone, little house, and even a play kitchen.  He loved it all.  Taft and I even had a great time climbing up to the top with CJ for the slide.  They had a ball!  The party itself was great too.  Pizza and cake for the kids and parents.  Taft loved Brandt's Thomas cake.  He is still talking about how the blue icing turned his finger blue.

By the time the party was over, Taft was SO ready for a nap.  He was asleep soon after we left the parking lot.  He stayed asleep when we arrived home and I took off his shoes to put him in bed.  It was the perfect to put together his new toddler bed.  Shane slept too, of course I like to put things together alone.  When Taft woke up we showed him the bed and told him that it is just like the bed Caillou sleeps in.  He loves it!  I was afraid that he would be upset to see us move the crib out but he seemed fine with it.  He was ready to move on and be a big boy!