Keeping Busy

One week we dealt with an awful heat wave that made it hard to be outside for more than a few minutes, and the other so cool some we were wearing jackets at the park in the morning!!!  We had our bases covered though with lots of inside and outside things to do!

During the heat wave we were among many of the Cincinnati folks enjoying the Aquarium.  We were lucky we went very early and beat most of the crowd.  However there was a no stroller policy and I was worried that Whit would baulk at walking the entire time -- she tends to love her stroller.  She was great though and actually ran through the entire thing haha maybe thats another reason why we beat the crowds!:)  

Whit has also been very attached to her pacifiers and we thought it was past due to start getting rid of these things.  So instead of doing it all at one, we made the rule that paci's stay in her bed only.  It was tough for a few days, as she reallllly relied on them to soothe her when she was upset and for long car rides, but a few days in and she was over it completely.  We made an incentive chart and her gift choice was princess dress up clothes!  We were lucky to receive this during the heat wave and loved playing with all the different dresses and accessories!

We also tried out a new play place called Ozo.  It is in Montgomery, not far from our house and seemed like a nice cool alternative to the park.   Its basically one open room that is just like a preschool classroom.  It has dramatic play (grocery store and kitchen), blocks, chalk boards and magnets, slides, bikes, puzzles and more!  Its $7 to get in, which I think is a little steep but Whitney seemed to enjoy herself.  I think it is a great concept and is fun when it isn't too crowded.  We will probably visit again because she liked it:)

Crazy that the next week was so nice that we just had to be outside enjoying it!  I am surprised to see that even some kids and moms at the parks had jackets on.  I thought it was a little extreme but you know me and my hot flash self, so that would never enter my mind haha:)

We went to pine hill with friends but got there a little early so Whit could feed the ducks.  There are so many there and I like it because she is separated by the dock, sometimes those ducks gets a little too close for comfort!!  She found it particularly funny when she would throw a rather large piece in the water and she got to watch the ducks fight over it!  

It was even cool enough one day for my to take Whit to the pool.  I would never usually take her alone because I cannot be in the sun but it was such a nice day and her friend was going so I decided to try it.  She is really independent with her puddle jumper and did well in the pool with Lizzie's nana and cousin.  They really didnt have to do anything since I was watching her like a hawk, but it was nice to have someone in there with her just in case.  

We also decided to take GG to Parky's Farm.  We have been trying to go with friends for awhile and it is either raining or tooo hot to be out there with the animals.  So we decided since it was going to be so cool that we could take advantage and go.  GG loved it and so did Whit.  Although the animals weren't too energetic it was fun to be there and see it all.  Whitney got to ride a pony for the first time and she loved it.  She was so brave and seemed so happy.  I didnt even go in the gate with her and she carried on a conversation with girl in charge about princesses:)  Such a fun day !