35-37/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015'

35/52

36/52

37/52

We've been playing catch up just about everyday this past month.  The CSO season started with a bang and soon (in a few weeks!) we will be starting yet another recording project.  Time flies.  I've had to rely on a couple iPhone shots of the wee man these past few weeks.  38 and 39 soon to come.  

35 - shopping at Findlay as usual.  A few days ago Soren built Findlay building with blocks.  I can't express how much fun it is to take him there to shop.  The foods and smells he gets to experience each visit are a blast to witness.

6 - We hit up the Renaissance Festival.  This turkey leg eating shot should say it all.  Sword fights, Dungeons of Doom, Jousting and knighted with a wooden sword.  It was a blast!

37 - The S-man practicing balance on the bumble bee.  Working on his 'surfing skills' as he would put it.  

That's it for now!  Be on the look out for the next 2 weeks and an update on what is new around here!

Around Here - Instagram

Catching up as usual!  

Meet Snappy - who has just recently been replaced by a crocodile, now named Snappy.  Soren has developed the care taker skills.  Here snappy had to be wrapped in a blanket and carried all over the playground.  

Soren's school year started off with a bang!  We have a move to look forward to, several recording projects in the works, others in the bag and more to begin planning for.  The Cincinnati Symphony has arranged a fantastic season - beginning with this weekend Berlioz Symphony Fantastique - get your tix!  And so has the Pops  - beginning with their release of American Originals.  Work has begun on a fantastic piano recording with another planned in December.  I can't wait to share some more of that work - the pianist is AMAZING!

Little dare devil #kidsareawesome #motherhoodrules

"Little dare devil #kidsareawesome #motherhoodrules"

because going down the slide would just be too easy, we must climb up it - the outside of it. #givemomaheartattack

So work has our heads spinning but so does Soren's ever disappearing youth.  I know - a bit severe, but I am the mother of a 5 year old this year and I still can't seem to grasp it!  Being the Aunt of one last year (dear Avery - stop growing so fast!) was difficult enough.  This year has been riddled with trials (I hope to dive into more in another, more vulnerable post) and I feel like it has simply blown by.  Thankfully I get one last pre-k year with the wee man before it's bus rides and full day Kindergarten.

Lego Builder #allbyhimself #kidsareawesome #growsofast

"Lego Builder #allbyhimself #kidsareawesome #growsofast"

Shrimp prep #kidsareawesome #motherhoodrules #eatlocal #findlaymarket

"Shrimp prep #kidsareawesome #motherhoodrules #eatlocal #findlaymarket"

A couple videos of this ever growing kiddo.  Nothing like Lego construction and Shrimp prep. 

What's in the works ahead?  A move, new beginnings, soaking up the fall weather, Halloween costume construction, bday bashes, recordings and sneaking in some new recipes here and there.    Hello crazy life and welcome with open arms.

Mountain Biking: Strider Style

I can't say enough about the Strider!  Soren's been riding since 14 months and before his 4th birthday went straight from the Strider to his pedals - no training wheels.  His balance is incredible!

We've had a blast on paved trails, roads and side walks since on pedals, but the Strider continues to show it's charm.  Now -  on the trails.

Before hitting the trails on pedals, Soren has worked on balance and agility with the Strider.  A true crash test for a bike if I've ever seen one.  So far we've stuck to England-Idlewild in these parts.  They have an agility course at the Trailhead and now - a pump track.  Yep - dirt bumps, hills and banks for days.  To say Soren loves it is a gross understatement (pretty fun for adults too *wink).  For videos of these check out the Instagram feed to the right ☛

The Classic Strider now holds up to 60 pounds and they have sizes for all sorts of skill levels and ages.  Some even with brakes!  Soren's is one of the older models and will hold up to 50 pounds.  I believe this may be our last year with this frame (sad face - grow too fast).  But in all reality - he's rocked this monster for 3.5-4 years.  I'd say that was well worth the 90 dollar investment.

And helmets?!  Doesn't get in the saddle without one.  The bike may look meager and harmless, but kiddos can get cookin' on them.  Plus - no time like the present to enforce bike safety.

Soren even had a little butterfly visitor when stopping for a snack.  Yesterday we spotted grasshoppers, orb weavers, centipedes and inch worms!  Even more of a reason to get out on the trail with kiddos.  Riding with the babes is a blast!

Ault Park: Toads, Mushrooms and Orb Weavers; Oh My!

I can't say enough about the Ault Park trails.  They are great for running and perfect for discovery.  Anyone can enjoy these trails.

Soren and I hit them yesterday and had a blast.  He worked on reading the trail map and choosing direction.  We hiked around the entire park through the trails.  From Forest to Tree to Cliff to the Overlook - we hit them all (almost...)!  I wonder what he enjoys more - the discovery of bugs and vegetation

or the challenge of the trail.

It was a blast seeing him discover and become confident on the trail.  And it wasn't always easy!  He had plenty of mud slides and giant trees to climb over and through not to mention the sweet 'baby' toad that 'needed to be returned to the creek'.  Of course!

And the 'woah!'s over fungi, fallen trees, and sticks that make words in the dirt.

And the acorns, abandoned wasp nests and orb weaver webs....

It was a morning well spent.

Outside: with Kids

I know - seriously HOT outside.  So the timing of this post may not be the best, but important none the less.

I had an amazing surprise visit a couple days ago from a friend of mine and mother of an adorable toddling babe, that lets the wee one fall.  I should rephrase that.  Not epic crazy falls, but on her tush without reacting immediately or running to the rescue.  Fall - and climb, explore and do the things that she feels her little body is ready for.  My first response 'wow! look at her balance!  Kudos sweets!' and then to momma (be it I was much more reactionary, although I tried diligently not to be) 'kudos momma for letting her try and be'.  

She then sent me this fantastic article.  Great read and so inspiring.  Soren is no stranger to the outdoors.  Bug bites, bug hunting, camping, canoeing (of which we received TONS of backlash for), and now - my personal favorite, mountain biking.  He begs to go outside everyday no matter what the climate.  He walks barefoot through rocks and grass and will take any opportunity test his balance and jumping skills.  

His physical confidence is incredible to me.  

And there is so much to do in this fair City!  From Woodland Mound:

Sharon Woods:

Otto Armleder Park:

Canoe the Little Miami:

And those are just from last year.  This year, there's been Rock Climbing, Smale Park, Mountain Biking at Idlewild and fishing at Isabelle Park.  So much to do!  Get out and be active! (need incentive?  They will eat just about anything, sleep soundly and have stories for DAYS!)

And never discount what you can find in your own back yard!